Thinking of You...

When you lose someone close to you, what thoughts come to mind?  Perhaps it is regret or guilt over not keeping in touch.  In some cases, it may even be how things ended on a sour note last time you did talk.  Hopefully, there are plenty of good memories too.

Today's post is just a gentle reminder for you, and me too, to reach out and connect.  After all, with technology being so instant these days, and just about everyone being online either by email, Facebook, Twitter or some other network, or even text message...there's really no reason to not keep in touch.  Push aside any hesitancy...maybe you argued, maybe one of you owes the other money or some material item, maybe it's just been a really long time...whatever it is...push it aside.  Connect.  Now.

As you  read this, chances are at least one person came to mind.  Send them an email, a message, a card in the mail or even a good old-fashined hand-written letter.  Don't get caught up in the reasons why you lost touch...just say:

Hey, was thinking about you today. Just wanted to send you a note and let you know how much you mean to me and that you're on my mind.  Love, {Your Name}

After all, if YOU got a message like that, wouldn't it make your day?  We all want to know that we matter and that someone cares about us.  It's human nature.  So, whomever it was that popped in your mind, way up there near the first paragraph, reach out to them, RIGHT NOW.  You're online already.  Don't put it off until you get home from work or school.  Let them know right now. 

And yep, I sent out an email before typing out my thoughts here.  Sent it to my mom.  I just wanted her to know I was thinking about her and that I love her. 

Take the first step.  Don't carry regrets or ill feelings a moment further into your day...your week...your life.

And, I am not telling you what to do...I was just thinking ABOUT YOU TODAY!  ;)

Love & Blessings,

Joy

Almost Spring!

I confess, I have been anxiously waiting for Spring to come.  We are just a couple weeks away and I cannot wait.  There is much to do these days and more daylight and warmer temperatures helps SO much!

Photo from:  http://crazy-frankenstein.com

What do YOU have planned for this Spring?  Gardening?  Dieting/Exercise?  New wardrobe?  Tell me in the comments below.  Can't wait to hear what you have planned!


Keep warm and keep smiling!

~Joy~

Where Does The Time Go?

It is hard for me to believe it has been 3 months since I have posted anything on this blog.  I mean, it's not like I haven't been doing anything, so what is up with that?  :)

Okay, so what have I been doing since Hurricane Sandy?

Well, other than the usual stuff that goes on with 4 kids during the holidays and school year...I've been reading.  A LOT.

I started doing "gigs" on a site called Fiverr.com.  And, I really, really enjoyed it.  I was reading and reviewing other authors Kindle books and it took up a ton of time.  Yet, I learned a lot about a wide variety of things and found some inspiration for my own writing.  It was amazing.  Unfortunately, things kind of ended with all of that today.  It's just too hard to keep within the T&C of both Fiverr and Amazon/Kindle and deliver the work these authors need.  I was pissed...but, it is what it is.

As for my bracelets, I made a few new ones in time for Valentine's Day, but then ran out of supplies, so I don't think anyone will order them...knowing the shipping would take too long.  It's all good though.  They still came out very nice and I will be sure to post them on my Bracelets By Joy page soon.

Let's see..what else?

I've made a couple of AWESOME friends...one is Sam, the other is Eve.  They are both authors and we share ideas, stories, edit each other's writing.  I adore them both.  Want to know something cool?  I am in the US...one of my friends is in Europe, the other in Australia!  How about that?  Expanding my horizons without ever setting food outside of my house.  Although, I definitely would love to visit both places someday!

Hmmm... well, I've also taken a break from Facebook the past few weeks.  There is just so much distraction there and it really has caused me some "trouble" so for the time being I am lying low. 

I also wrote out some story drafts, but those are under wraps for now.

Oh and I am working on an affiliate marketing program.  It's the updated version of one I already generate income with and I hope the updates will be the blessing I've been praying for.

Okay...so that's about it for the moment.

Got questions?  Comments??  Just put in the comment box so I know you popped by.  Would love to hear from you.

XO

~Joy~

Hurricane Sandy Diary

To keep my self "sane" throughout the Hurricane Sandy ordeal, I kept a log, a diary, of each day as events unfolded.  I will type those messages here over the next few days.  It was about 5 days worth of thoughts, observations, concerns, etc. 


There is a donation button to the right of this blog, if you are inclined to help us.  I had no work so I have no paycheck this week.  Hubby has been struggling to find work and I imagine that is going to get much harder now.  The kids are home, which means the food has gone a bit faster than expected.  ANY help is greatly appreciated.

Love & Blessings,


Joy


MORE TO COME!!!

Hurricane Sandy: Take A Left at New Jersey

Well, I managed to get some sleep last night.  Not much, really.  I fell asleep after 3, inbetween gusts of wind creaking the trees in the yard.  Without school or work, I slept "in", waking up just before 9.  Somehow, I don't feel rested though.  I was relieved to get through the night, because as well all know, dangerous, evil things always happen in the dead of night.

I check for updates this morning, only to find that Hurricane Sandy must in fact want to check out the Jersey Shore.  Over those few hours I slept "she" make a left turn headed straight for the shore.  My stomach lurched when I saw that.  To think we would escape once again?  Naive at best.  Outside, it looks like no more than a windy storm.  We get them in the spring and in the fall, typically causing some minor problems, but never real serious.

A strong gust blows every 30 seconds or so, rattling the house and giving an occasional flicker of lights.  Sadly, this is going to be the norm for the next 10-11 hours, with Sandy expected to make landfall sometime after 8pm.  Yep, Sandy is headed for us in the dead of night.  As much as I'd like to take a little night-time tonic, to help me sleep, the idea of being unalert when she arrives is discomforting as well.  And to think I was feeling "anxious" yesterday. 

It is a ghost town, as most stores are closed.  Employees of emergency services the only ones allowed on the roads.  Even though she hasn't arrived yet, Hurricane Sandy has already taken its toll on much of the shore, with areas flooding and historic places such as Atlantic City are losing its boardwalk.

Well, power dipped so headed off for now...

Stay Safe!

If you are local, check out news on Jersey Shore Hurricane News, a facebook page started last year for updates about Hurricane Irene.  Invaluable source!  http://www.facebook.com/#!/JerseyShoreHurricaneNews

Blessings!
Joy

Hurricane Sandy at the Jersey Shore

As Hurricane Sandy looms, friends and family have been forced to evacuate.  Our children will not be headed to school before Wednesday and now we just wait.

At just past Midnight, October 29, 2012 we listen to the endless streams of reports coming from neighboring states, and counties.  I live a few miles inland, and so will not need to evacuate.  However, many of our friends are in areas that are closer to the bays, rivers and Atlantic Ocean and they have been uprooted from their homes, not knowing what will happen next.

Local shelters have been set up throughout the state.  And, as we watching a live stream from the news channel, there is an eerie feeling as we see places like Grand Central Terminal, in New York shut down without a single soul present.  In our local area, major roadways, ones that typically are crowded will be silent this coming Monday morning.  Stores, schools, everything completely cut off until Hurricane Sandy unleashes her wrath on the area.

An ironic thought came to mind tonight... what if this was happening next week?  What if this was happening on Election Day?  What would that do to people?  Would it sway their thoughts?  Hmmm...

The winds bustle now.  On and off throughout the day and now into the night.  With each 30+ mile an hour gust of wind, my stomach flips, wondering if a crash will follow.  And, knowing that these "breezes" will weaken trees, power lines, structures... well before the true winds come... it is very unnerving. 

I am a person of Faith and know God is  in control.  But, I am human, and not having any control lets fear creep in and nudge at my faith.  Last year, Hurricane Irene was scary, but we were blessed in that we didn't lose power or suffer much damage except for downed foliage.  Am I foolish to hope that this time, despite the colorful maps pointing Sandy to our doorstep, we will make it through once again?

Yes, I have taken the time to tell people that I love them.  I am grateful for the opportunity to do so, when in most cases, those moments are not made available.  Friends since childhood, distance relatives, close relatives... even online friends who I've never met, but cherish them dearly.  There is no time like the present. 

Be safe my friends.  Pray for those in the path of Sandy. 

I Love You!  Thank You for being a part of my life.

When the tides recede, I will see you again.

<3

~Joy~

#njsandy

What's Cooking?

So I've been quiet here for a while.  And, you may (or may not) be wondering what I've been up to.  Anyway, whether you have been curious, or maybe you just see me floating around the social networks, I figured I'd share a little here today.

For one thing, I have had a lull in my bracelet making.  If you haven't seen my bracelets, just visit my blog HERE to see them.  I really, REALLY enjoy making them, but ran out of supplies so I've been quiet there.  I did have a P.R. company ask for a few pieces for a couple of their actresses and I am so honored and humbled...and SCARED!  Of what?  Well, of them not liking the pieces, for one.  But, I think I am scared that they will LOVE them and before I know it, people around the world will be ordering them.  The idea makes my stomach tumble even now.  Fear of success can be as damning as fear of failure.  So, I have yet to send them out, but by week's end, the jewelry will be on its way to Canada, where the P.R. firm is located.  I refuse to let fear rule me!

Moving on, I had to find a way to bring in a little extra cash, so I took on some "gigs" on Fiverr.  By far, my favorite "Gig" is reviewing Kindle books.  When I did a couple of books for one author, I was completely inspired!!  I started writing, typing and scratching away at notepaper.  I hadn't felt that energized in quite some time.  Before I knew it, just a few days later, I had a novella fleshed out.  I am still editing that one, but find myself already crafting another story.  Anyway, most of the books, so far have been fiction of one type or another.  It has really put me back in touch with my younger self; a girl that dreamt of true love's first kiss and happily ever afters.  I am reading a new book a day, either purchasing my own or review for a Gig and it has been thrilling!

Beyond that, we have the daily routine of getting the kids to school, walking the dog, getting the kids from school, homework and other day to day activities.  As the fall rolls forward, bringing us closer to winter, I look forward to the birthdays and holidays that are coming.  I feel things are turning around for us now and I am truly excited about it.

Oh and one more thing, I started a blog for my author persona, and woul love to have you come on by and visit (and subscribe/follow too!) just click HERE.  There I will share my musings and snippets of my work.  Please be sure to share, like, comment, follow and all that other good social "stuff".  Thanks! 

Blessings!

~Joy~