Exciting News!

I have been working very hard at getting some of my writing published on real paper as opposed to web publishing, mostly because I really want my share of the money magazines pay! I have been doing a great deal of writing and researching magazines and their editors and querying them - I got my first assignment! I don't want to jynx myself by adding the magazine's name, article title or the money it'll be bringing to me, but as soon as it's accepted, I'll let you in on it.

Fibromyalgia hasn't been too much of a problem since the weather turned warmer and I can comfortably work a good part of the day, as long as take frequent breaks and almost daily naps. I have found that my new-found passion for writing and getting published has really helped distract me from the day-to-day pain; for the most part, I can push through it, but, as anyone with fibro or CPS knows, there are certainly days when that is impossible.

What is kind of crazy is that I write mostly about gardening and traveling when I should be working to spread knowledge and increase awareness of fibromyalgia. It's rare to see a magazine article that talks about all of the aspects of fibro--maybe it would take up too much of the magazine to list all of the symptoms and problems!

My 3 year old granddaughter from Miami is visiting for a couple of weeks and I have my 7 year old granddaughter here today as well. They are outside in the hot tub, which is about 10 feet from where I sit. From the sounds of things, I think they're enjoying themselves. They entertain each other so well that I hardly have to do a thing. I just wish they hadn't outgrown naps! I could use one right now.

Summer, finally!

Maine weather makes you appreciate two days of good weather in a row, and we've had several great days (except for today). Friday was warm, sunny and dry and Saturday was as perfect as days ever get in Maine. We went to the coast (Camden) for the day and I was able to kayak for a few minutes (Camden harbor from a kayak is just beautiful!), had a wonderful crab roll for lunch and then played 9 holes of golf at Northport (my score is my age--just for 9 holes!). My husband is so wonderful about understanding my limitations and just encourages me to do what I can do.

I am a bit lame today, but the memories were worth it.

Today is cool and rainy, so I am achy, but happy because my daughter and granddaughter are here for an extended visit from Miami. Nothing a quick soak in the hot tub won't fix.

I have been writing every day and am excited at some of the opportunities that have come my way--looks like 3 of my poems are going to be published--two in fairly well-known magazines! I am working towards my goal of writing about my travels, but I have discovered that I really need some "clips" to be taken seriously as a travel writer. I write about everywhere I go and try to come up with a different take on things. Hubby and I are going to take a month-long trip next August to Wyoming/Montana area fishing and golfing--hopefully I can generate some interest (and money!) writing about the experience.

As far as my Fibro is concerned, I have found that gardening has helped me a lot this year. I cannot rake, but I can pull weeks like crazy and it helps stretch out my neck and shoulders. I just have to realize that I can't do it for hours on end; a little here and a little there. My flower beds are really lovely this year. Ooh, I just discovered I can add pictures!!!

I would love to hear from anyone interested in sharing their fibro/gardening/writing experiences--please feel free to comment!

Thanks for stopping by!

Linda

A New Chapter

I can't believe how far I have come, technologically speaking. I have been working on my very own website! It's not ready to launch yet, and how I'm really not sure what I'm doing, but somehow I feel as though I am moving forward.

I have begun a writing job, writing articles for a website that sells newsletter content. Some of the topics I have to write on are SO boring! I had to write ten articles on a subject I knew nothing about--I sure know about it now! At least I am making a few bucks for my writing, which is going to go towards a new laptop, then towards paying off a credit card, and then to building an account for taking some of my granddaughters to Disney next fall.

This laptop is on its last legs, but I am getting some upgrades that will help me limp through until I can get a new one. I fell in love with one at Best Buy last week and I could have put it on meester master card, but I resisted, since I had made a pact with myself that I would buy one with writing earnings. I'm gonna do it, I am just so sure!!!

My fibro has been present, but I refuse to stop what I need to be doing to give into it. I was just dying to get out into the perennial beds and rake, and darn it, I did it! I hurt, but it's a good feeling to know that I did it.

Well, it's late (for me) and I gotta go to bed.
Thanks for visiting!
Linda

I've had enough !

It's April 15 (tax day, ugh!) and there is still snow in my yard. I don't mean a little--just outside my front door are banks 2 feet high! I shoveled and path (and I'm suffering for it!) to my little greenhouse today in hopes of spending some time in the warmth. I can lose many hours out there with my hands in the dirt. It's great therapy for me and I wish I could do it year round. Many years ago, I owned a commercial greenhouse. I had a full time job in a family business and would work all day, come home and fix dinner for hubby and 4 kids and then go to the greenhouse until midnight during April and May. I loved every minute of it, but had to eventually give it up when all the dust and mold spores brought on asthma and allergies.

I've been incredibly busy writing. I write at Helium.com and just finished up a competition in which I won a whopping $36! It doesn't sound like much, but it represents a lot more to me--I'm a professional now! It also got me a writing job, writing articles for a company that provides newsletter articles to their clients. It doesn't pay a lot, but it will eventually buy me a new laptop, and I hope the credentials eventually lead to a agent or publisher taking me serious! I have written a novel and would love to see it published one day.

I had a flare last week but I was determined not to let it get to me. I rested when I could, kept "doped" up, watched what I ate and drank and kept busy. I like being recognized as a writer instead of a victim of fibro. The rest of the week is predicted to be warm and sunny, which helps me tremendously, physically and mentally. Go, snow, go! (Hey! A poem title!)

Would love to have some feedback--anyone out there???

Thanks for stopping by,
Linda

Bringing Fibro to Florida

Two more days and I have to go back home to the cold of Maine. I quickly acclimated to the warm climate here in Maimi and I am dreading being back to wearing a heavy coat and actual shoes and socks.

I've had two minor flares in the 2-1/2 weeks I've been here--I know the warmth really helps and I wish I could not have to deal with Maine winters, but that's not gonna happen for awhile. I wouldn't want to live here in the summer--too hot to take a breath in August and I can only take air conditioning just so long before it makes me achy. I used to work for an attorney who kept the office chilled enough to have a meat locker; to accomodate me he moved me into my own office and turned off the AC in just that room.

I was able to play four full rounds of golf since I've been here--not good golf, but golf nonetheless! There are two pools and a jacuzzi at the resort we were in; I don't know which one felt better, so I kept alternating...

I also got jubilant to receive an e-mail from a publishing house who wanted to publish my novel and a poem I wrote--only to find that it was a scam. Bummer. I'll keep writing and keep sending my work in--if it's meant to be I'll get a great deal and live happily ever after. (That was humor, folks)

I'm thinking that my granddaughter has the right idea--a nap. A nap is rarely a bad idea.

Thanks for tuning in!

Oh, my aching back!

Too much driving and too little sleep has left me with aches in my neck, shoulders and back today--thank God for Therma-heat pads!

It's been a very emotional week; my father-in-law, who is EXTREMELY dependant came home from the nursing home Thursday morning; a friend from Church passed away and his funeral was Thursday afternoon; Saturday we had a memorial service for my Dad who passed away last week; the house has been full of guests and it's been crazy. We are leaving Thursday for vacation, and are very anxious to get away for awhile (not to mention the Florida sunshine will be great!) The travel day will be a bit painful, but a good night's sleep should help. I'm very much looking forward to seeing my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.

I don't know if I'll get to post while I'm gone so there may be a three week hiatus. One thing I've learned about myself is that if I can't be writing, my mind will certainly be busy thinking about writing!

Thanks for tuning in!
Linda

Sleep, blessed sleep...

One of the biggest (okay, they're all big) problems in dealing with the Fibro cycle is getting enough quality sleep. I probably spend more time in my bed awake, hoping to sleep, tha anctually sleeping. I take Ambien CR, which helps me sleep through the night, but I find it difficult to get to sleep. Regular Ambien puts me out like a light, only to awaken a few hours later--and I do mean awake. If I don't take anything, I cannot turn my mind off. I saw it described as "monkey mind" today; pretty good description. All that awake time gives me plenty of time to think. I keep a small notebook on my nightstand so I can jot down a "to-do" or a plot idea (I'm a writer).

Most days I try to take a nap; I used to avoid napping, thinking it would prevent me from sleeping at night, but I find no difference. Most people who know me know better than to call from 1:30-3:30, which is when I nap. I have to wait until 1:30 unless Young and the Restless is really boring. Got to have my daily dose of Genoa City!

I'm leaving for vacation next week; I'll be gone three weeks, so I don't know if I'l be posting or not because I don't know when I'll have internet signal. The first two weeks, hubby and I will be soaking up sun in Ft. Lauderdale, then I'm spending a week with my daughter in Miami. She does a lot of writing and I should be able to get a connection there.

If you're interested in reading my articles, I can be found at: www.helium.com/show/399818. I am so excited that some of my articles are highly rated and I've earned 5 whole cents so far! As you know, I keep a positive outlook on everything--that 5 cents more than I had last week, AND I can say that my writing has actually made me some money! I also have a store at Cafepress with some very cool stuff. www.cafepress.com/plus_attitude Check it out!

Thanks again for stopping by!