I watched a new holiday movie today titled, Christmas Cottage.  It’s based on a true story highlighting Thomas Kinkade’s beginning as the Painter of Light.  I highly recommend this movie, it’s that fabulous.  What I loved about it is that it spoke to me as a writer.

I believe when you do something out of love, something shifts inside and settles into your soul.  A connection is made, and it reflects in what you do. This story made me laugh and cry, and most of all I felt blessed that we all have a creative spark inside of us. 

When asked what he’d been working on by his elderly mentor and neighbor, Thomas told him mostly expressionist.  His mentor said, “That will get you lost very quickly.”  He went on to tell him not to reduce art to something that’s about the artist.  And that art wasn’t about the artist, but about life…

Creative endeavors cross all lines, and touch people’s lives.  Writer’s touch people with words.  Artists gift people with beauty that we can absorb through our eyes.  A musician’s gift travels through sound, and we’re lifted by the experience.  Other artists take the form of mothers, who calm children with a gentle touch and smile. Some artists gift the world through medicine, and others comfort the elderly with a warm hand and conversation.  We’re all artists, and our canvas is life.

And that’s the grandest painting of all, don’t ya think?

My WIP was giving me some false starts, probably for a combination of reasons.  Suffice it to say, I spent the weekend cutting and trimming the first three chapters.  We’re talking cutting entire scenes here.  I’m smiling today, cause it’s exactly what was needed.  Who would’ve thought you could take chunks out, and it’d be seamless after? 

I’ve been lucky in the past.  Being in a creative bubble was total bliss some days.  I remember jumping off the cliff, and laughing as I fearlessly wrote past novels.  It was fun, and I connected to my characters.  What happened this time?  I hesitated on the jump and second-guessed myself and seriously, I thought I’d booted that critter to the hills for good.  So for now, I’ve kung-fooed the crap out of that bugger,  and its no longer welcome. 

I’m curious, does second-guessing sneak up on y’all too?      

One of my Magical Musings partner, Edie Ramer’s upcoming week as an American Title Finalist looks pretty full.  Today, she’ll be at Karin Tabke’s place chatting, and it’s Edie’s day to blog at the official American Title V blog, Love Conquers.  On Thursday, she’ll be at Spy’s blog, Spyscribbler, doing a Thursday Thirteen.  And Friday she’ll be guest blogging at Murder She Writes. 

Also, voting starts today, Nov 10-23, so be sure and check the finalists out and cast your vote. We’re all cheering you to victory, Edie!  This is a major accomplishment, and I wanted to spread the news! You can send a blank email to this addy, Votes@romantictimes.com with her title, Dead People, on the subject line.  Voting will continue for the next five months, and I’ll keep you posted on future voting dates as we move along. The winner will receive a publishing contract with Dorchester, so the prize is worth capturing.

Good luck, Edie!

I want to give a shout-out to DogHouse Computers for the terrific job they did on my laptop!  I’m happy to report my puter is virus-free, and my baby is healthy again.  I had some settings off, and basic clean-up was required. I know he did much more, but it’s all Greek to me.  It’s wonderful knowing I have tech-experts I can depend on too.  I plan on taking this puppy in for regular checks, since I did have a crash a year or so ago.  I’d had that particular laptop for several years, and not once had it checked out.  Bad me! I’m wiser now, still tech-challenged, but wiser.  As long as I have reliable people I can count on, I’m not worrying about my short-comings.  We can’t all be techies, and I’m just glad there’s qualified experts out there to go to.

While my laptop was gone, I wrote a new scene for my WIP.  Things are slowly starting to jell, and my focus is back.  I think the political campaign, and general news mania was taking it all.  I’m happy to report, I nabbed that bugger back again.  It’s mine!  

Well, I’m off to do a few chores and buckle down for some creativity. Hope your weekend is great, and that the Queen Muse kisses your noggin’ this week. 

Hey all, just wanted to let ya know that I’m experiencing some online challenges this week.  Have no clue what’s up, but there’s several blogs I can’t comment on and a couple of password related clubs I can’t enter.  Three of my mail services won’t work.  My daughter and I have spent megga hours this weekend trying to resolve it, but to no avail.  Looks like my “baby” is going to the puter doctor this week. 

Just know I’m reading your blogs, and if you don’t hear from me this week at your place, I’ll make up for it when things get fixed.  Luckily, my personal website and Magicals is two I can access.  I tried a couple Blogger sites last night, and it wouldn’t let me comment.  Very sad….  Are any of you having the same problem?

Oh, on a happy note be sure to vote tomorrow!  I’ll be up late watching the election returns, and hopeful it all goes smooth and well for all.  Hope all of you have a fabulous week, and that the communication divas don’t play havoc with your toys.  I hear it’s going around!