There is a Time and a Season For Everything

Wow - time flies!

As the middle of summer approaches, I realize how fast time seems to pass and even though minutes and days sometimes may seem to go by slowly, the weeks and the months flash by so quickly. In the blink of an eye, years are behind you and recent memories become nostalgic.

All the planning and anticipation of parties, weddings, travel, and life's daily activities only seem to come and go in such a tiny fraction of the emotional and mental time spent preparing for these events. I guess there is a time and season for everything.

While we are on our journey, we will encounter emotional battles, physical obstacles, mental stress, financial setbacks, and even spiritual struggles. This will happen several times during our lives. Somehow we pull through, no matter how much we stress or worry that we won't.

Things may seem hard in the moment. When the stress passes and we look back, we then can sense how much has been accomplished and how it all leads to where we are today at this very moment. Those struggles are always lessons. As human beings, distress and hard times are unavoidable. Time will pass and heal us and we will march on.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

We live in a world of change. Nothing stays the same. While there is a season for everything, I also think there is a season for everyone. Everyone that enters our lives has a season. People will come and go in our lives, some for only a moment, some for many years.

When I think of all who have come and gone, I realize how precious my life is and how relationships have impacted my heart. For some people whose season has ended, I mourn their loss and wonder how or if I could ever regain that relationship. For others, I see the significance of the role they had and I am grateful for the sad, but necessary ending.

I came upon an accident yesterday and I later learned the rider of the motorcycle involved in the wreck subsequently died. I felt pain in my heart, not only for his family's loss, but for the awareness of the abrupt ending that has potential to affect anyone of us. Without discrimination. At any moment in time. One minute he was on his way, thinking about his grocery list, or how he could get home quicker by going through a yellow light, and the next minute he was dying on the asphalt.

Life is precious. God has plans for each and everyone of us while we are here on earth. The difficulty is that we just do not know what the plan is or how and when it will end. We have to accept this. Remember, we are only on this planet for a season, so cherish the moments you have. Each and every one of them. Before you know it, time will pass you by.

Getting Back Into a Writing Groove After a Long Break

I am back! After not putting any thoughts or ideas down on paper for close to three weeks, I feel my writing has found a comfortable spot in the metaphorical backseat, waiting patiently for me to invite it back up front. Without putting in any sort of real effort lately, it may take some time to revive my skills and bring my writing abilities back into focus.

Being stagnant is something I am sure all writer's out there can relate. When you put the pencil down, or stop tapping thoughts onto the keyboard, your writing skills, well, they get rusty. Isn't this the case for everything - work, exercise, housework, a project, homework, and even love? Taking that first step can be the most difficult.

First, I want to thank all of my guest bloggers for keeping my blog running while I was traveling in a far away land. You are all a blessing! It meant a lot to me, and I hope it was beneficial for all of you as well. So, thank you!

Getting your writing groove back can be a challenge and the first attempts may not fare so well. It may take a few attempts, but once you find the rhythm that has been buried under dusty thoughts, you are golden. Right? So, how can you get your groove back?

I came up with some ideas on how to get back into writing after a long break.

• Simply start writing again. This may seem like I am insulting your intelligence by making such an obvious point. However, this truly works. It does not matter what you write, just get the creative thoughts going and worry about spelling and grammar later. Just get thoughts out of your mind and onto paper (or a computer screen).

• Read. This is another obvious suggestion and one that has been mentioned before. This is true as well though. I find reading writing that has a similar style as my own is even more helpful. Find inspiration in others.

• Allow quiet time. Having time alone with your thoughts can release the energy needed to begin writing. Devote time to yourself, your thoughts, and your spirit. As a Christian, I need quiet time with God and this allows my spirit to be free and peaceful. When you recharge your spirit, wonderful things can happen. Do not neglect this - ever!
  

• Do anything creative. After a break, the writing may not come back so easily. You may need to jolt the creative side (the right side that is) of the brain. Start by doing something creative - draw a picture, play an instrument, create a funny story in your mind, complete puzzles, etc.

• Jot ideas down. Just start writing ideas of all the things that entered your mind while on the writing hiatus. Even though you may have not been writing, thoughts were still bouncing around in your brain - I am sure! With the long rest, your writer's mind will be thrilled to release ideas and they will probably come out like a flood, even if in chaotic jumbles of words.
  

• Set goals. This really works (when I do it). If you create deadlines for yourself, you will have a better chance of getting back into the groove.
  

• Think of your readers. If you write publicly, you most likely have readers. Some have more readers than others. I think I have about 4 faithful readers. However, my small handful of regular readers are still important to me - whether you have 10 or 10,000, they are important and you want to hang onto them. If you stay away too long, they may stay away also.
  

• Give yourself time. Do not rush back into writing, you may have needed a break for a variety of reasons and it is best to begin again when - and only when - you are ready. Creativity can not be forced, only encouraged.

One important thing to remember is to not beat yourself up or feel guilty about taking a break. All writers do it. All writers need it. Most of the time, the break gives you a chance to regroup and gather thoughts. Even though those thoughts were not put on paper, they are still inside of you. A creative mind never really sleeps, it only rests its eyes.

Inspiration to Write is to Help Others Find Love

Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Bobbi Palmer. Bobbi is a Dating and Relationship Coach for Grown-up Women. Her expertise and gentle guidance helps thoughtful, accomplished women date like a grown-up: with confidence, compassion, awareness, and grace. Bobbi offers personalized and group coaching.

Writing isn't something new to me, but the meaning and fulfillment it brings is new. For 20+ years I wrote like a robotic madwoman; inspired only by the almighty dollar, the occasional “thanks for helping me learn!” from co-workers, and the less than occasional “good job” from bosses.

Now I write to change lives. My writing comes from the heart, and is informed by my hard-won life victories and my need to help women live happier lives. This writing allows me to give generously, and feeds my soul.

I was inspired to start writing my Women Dating Like Grown-ups blog and my How to Succeed in Your Search for Love eBook soon after deciding it was my life purpose to help women find love; first in themselves, then in the men they meet. The women I speak to are grown-up, accomplished, independent women of kindness and depth, who have been unable to find a truly meaningful relationship with that special man. Most of these smart women, who have had success in all other parts of their lives, just can't figure out how to be equally successful in finding their partner in life.

I was that woman. I was 47 when I met and married my husband. It took a long time to finally meet him, but I learned what I was doing wrong, shifted beliefs and behavior, and snagged the extraordinary man I will happily spend the rest of my life with.

A funny thing happened after I married Larry. I found that the story I had to tell – my sadness, frustration, anger at men and then myself, my determination to change, my personal development, and my ultimate joy – was a story that gave women hope and encouragement. You only need to hear “you’ve given me hope and now I won't give up looking” a few times before you realize that you have a gift to give. If I could help these amazing women in their journey to a completely fulfilled life with a loving partner, I had to have the courage to try.

Sometimes the writing is difficult. Sometimes I feel like I don't know what to say, don't know how to say it, and I wonder if anyone is listening. Then I hear from a client or friend that they are finally having fun dating, feeling confidence they never had, or committing to becoming the best woman they can to be to attract the best man for them.

That’s all the inspiration I need. I pick up my pen again.

You can reach Bobbi at bobbip@DateLikeaGrownUp.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session.

Online Writing Resources for Freelance Writers

Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Jodi Jill. She is the founder of the Ehow Writers Group and has a free ebook on How to Write for the Examiner.com.

As writers we want our creative energy to have some results. As a published author with books at the bookstore, I know how difficult it can be to find your ‘perfect outlet’ that provides results. I mean words need to have audience even if it is just a few eyeballs.

I write roughly 7,000 words a day. It could be articles, stories or even press releases, but I really strive to push myself and my words out. Yet, I ran into a problem a while ago…where do I put all these words? I could write books (which I have done extensively) or I could find a place that allowed me to be creative and push the edge a bit. That’s when I started looking online for writing possibilities.

Writing Online

It started slowly with my online writing. Perhaps too slowly as I was going at a snail’s pace all worried and way too cautious that someone might steal my work. Then one day I just pitched my online inhibitions to the wind and decided online writing was going to be my next positive experience as I was tiring of the worry (and I have yet to find anything but positivity writing online).

The idea of an online audience tends to be a huge relationship difference from the old way of books. We connect with our readership instantly and this association allows us to infiltrate our words in such a way we learn, hands on, how to really share an idea or story without pitching flowery wordage to readers. It also forces writers to think as more in bites. Sound bites. Commercial bites. Focused bites.

As an online writer I have found ways to grow into what I write and where I place it online. It tends to stagger when you just rely on one website so you find you need to have the all the websites posted with your work so you can make some money. Money is essential in this whole online experience. You really need to be making some cash to be a real writer as accolades are nice but don’t pay the bills.

Freelance Writing Websites

Now you may be wondering where do I put my writing online? Good question! Here are some of my solid websites:

eHow.com. This is a how-to site that focuses on a step by step process. You can how-to just about anything I suppose. As you write, you include photos and resources for your readers to do their projects and needs in everyday life. The topics range from golf swings to home improvement and everything in-between.

Bukisa.com. Another how-to site that also includes videos, audio and a huge overview of articles you can write for readership. This isn’t quite a structured as eHow, but has a strong global audience where a writer wouldn’t normally be exposed.

InfoBarrel.com. This is a website where you can write about darn near anything non-fiction. You will see this is a smaller site than the two listed above, but the quality of writing brings readers back again and again. Included in your writing pieces that can range from the traditional how-to to writings on reviews of restaurants is a signature about you and your work.

Examiner.com This is a website where you can write, on a regular basis a column local to your community. It is an extraordinary way to show appreciation to a local subject while still making money writing. I admit it has to be one of my favorite sites and I make good money posting here daily.

The idea of writing online is one of the most positive experiences I have ever encountered. It is something that can be tapered at your level of energy and really allows you to grow as a person as well as a writer. I encourage everyone to consider writing online to find their words all over the Internet and beyond. Don’t forget that one day those words online will be the mainstay of your life and bring home the house payment!

Jodi Jill lives in Los Angeles, California with her dog Tiger. You can reach her directly at Jodi@quitwhining.com

Use the Decluttering Method to Make Room for Your Creative Mind

Editor's Note: This guest post is written by Suzanne who maintains a blog at Taking Care Of You. Suzanne is a woman who finds fulfillment in raising a family, engaging in 1.5 careers and being the creative mind behind 2 blogs.

Julie's purpose is to inspire you to write and I do appreciate her faith that I can inspire you as well.

Recently, my blogs highlighted a decluttering method called the 27-17-7. This decluttering approach can benefit just about everyone.

Briefly, here is the regular 27-17-7 concept:
1) Go through your home and find 27 items that need to be thrown away. Repeat every day until there is no more to clear away.

2) Once you've cleared the home of the obvious trash, choose 17 items that you don't need, love, use or want and donate, sell or otherwise get to a home that is not yours! Do this every day "Until there is nothing left to donate...not even an extra pair of shoes."

3) The final step is to find 7 homeless items and return them to their home or designate a home for them. Again, repeating until your items are orderly.

Here is how the 27-17-7 method can work for the creative mind. It's been tailored to declutter your life from the outside-in, allowing you to create from the inside-out.

1) First, find 27 items of physical clutter in your work area that need your decluttering attention.

For example...
...Declutter your office supplies to only those that you need, want, use and love. The rest are clutter.
...Clear out the paper clutter, i.e. throw away invitations to events that have passed, work through the "to be filed" pile, etc.
...Remove all items that don't belong in this area. Putting them away is not part of this task, thankfully!
...Continue until there are no physical items cluttering your workspace.

2) Now it's time to rid yourself of 17 items of mental clutter. Repeat until satisfied.

There are two kinds of mental clutter. The first type are physical objects that we retain because of emotions like guilt, e.g., keeping books because we spent money on them (not because they add value to our life), using furniture because it was given to us and we feel we "have to", etc. The second type are our negative thoughts, such as being overwhelmed by our to-do-lists, thoughts of inadequacy, and on and on.

3) Finally, choose 7 writing assignments, projects, etc. where you are going to focus the positive, accomplished feelings that you've created by completing the 2 previous steps.

Did you find notes on an unfinished project that you are now inspired to complete? Are you ready to tackle a difficult task you've been procrastinating to boost your feelings of accomplishment to the next level? At the very least, does your space now inspire you itself?

Whether you choose to adopt the 27-17-7 method or create your own, decluttering your surroundings and mind will inspire you to write. As Julie said so well, "The key to all of this is to keep a positive attitude, keep the creative juices flowing, and KEEP WRITING!"

In addition to Taking Care Of You, where she inspires us all to grow our inner awareness and focus on taking care of ourselves, she can be found boosting motivation and providing encouragement over at 365 Days of Decluttering. You can follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/TCOYou.

Searching For Inspiration for Writing

Editors Note: This is a guest post by Giselle MacLean who is a wife, a mother, a writer, and works full-time in the financial industry.

I looked in the mirror this morning and took a deep breath and closed my eyes. It was time to relax.

For the past week I struggled with writing an article on what inspires me to write. You think it would be simple? Not this time. I started numerous paragraphs detailing how music, books, art and films help ignite my passion for writing. As I read each snippet I realized my words sounded hollow. Simply put I was not into writing the piece. All the excitement to showcase my work to a person I deeply respected fleeted. I was left felling confused and stressed.

Until today.

After ten seconds of deep breathing I opened my eyes. I focused on the basics. What was it about writing that I loved? I wrote in order to regain balance and clarity. What did I do to facilitate my writing? I believed in my ability.

I recently discovered a composer named Loren DiGiorgi. He wrote a piece entitled “Death of a Friend". The soft and alluring instrumental embraced my soul. I gained the aptitude to tune out the rest of the world. As a writer, you understand the value and necessity of this gift. No, the words to this post did not suddenly transcend from thought to paper, but my mindset allowed for a tangible process to develop.

I started to write down whatever words were in my head. I continued it for probably five minutes. This little exercise unclogged my creativity. I read over the words, and phrases that were written. New ideas sparked. From there, I decided to revisit a few short stories I had written. I viewed them with critical yet appreciating eyes. I started to edit and rewrite. I felt invigorated.

My advice to all writers if faced with writers block, smash through it. Writer’s block represents nothing more than the subconscious turning towards the negative perceptions from those who dismissed your talent. Writer’s write. If you love what you do, others will follow suite.

To learn more about Giselle, check out her blog. She believes we are all given a purpose in life and her purpose is to write.

After 38 Years I Learned I Didn’t Have to Wait for Others to Tell Me Yes

Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Phyllis Zimbler Miller. Phyllis started Miller Mosaic LLC and writes a blog on The Examiner.com. She is also the co-host of the BlogTalkRadio show Your Military Life.com. You can follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/ZimblerMiller.

From almost my first moments as a new Mrs. Lieutenant in the spring of 1970 -- right after the Ohio National Guard shot and killed four Kent State University students protesting the Vietnam War – I’ve wanted to tell the story of this incredible time period in my life and in the life of the nation.

Only six years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, I was thrown together with a diverse group of new officers’ wives – women who would never otherwise know each other let alone socialize together.

Yet for the first 20 years after this experience I told people about the story without writing it. Then two women optioned the story to make a movie. But they returned to me and said I had to write a book first because Hollywood people didn’t “get” the story.

By the time I’d written the first draft, the movie producers had moved on to other projects. And then followed years and years of learning how to go from being a journalist to a novelist while rewriting and rewriting the manuscript.

Something's Missing

I even paid a book consultant to tell me what was missing from the story because I kept getting favorable reactions from test readers with the note “something’s missing.” Every penny of that consultant’s fee was worth it because he figured out what was missing.

The main answer? A clear time line of events as each chapter is told from the POV of one of the four female protagonists.

Self-Publishing as an Option

In the closing months of 2007, my business partner urged me to consider self-publishing. But I envisioned self-publishing as those vanity press publications where you had to buy 5,000 copies of your book and store them in your garage – if you had a garage!

Turns out that the Internet has changed the publishing industry as much as it has changed the music industry. There are now print-on-demand (POD) publishers. You pay for your book to be published, but you only have to buy as many books as you want printed at any one time.

And if someone orders your book on Amazon, that one book is printed and shipped to the buyer, who probably won’t even know the book was self-published through a POD publisher.

My first epiphany

That was the moment of my first epiphany. I said to myself: “I’m too old to wait for someone to say yes to me. I’m going to say yes to myself right now.”

I contacted BookSurge, the POD arm of Amazon, and started working with the company to design the book cover the way I envisioned it.

Caution: In retrospect, if I hadn’t taken advertising design courses years and years ago at the then-Philadelphia College of Art and always been interested in how ads transmit their messages, I probably should have first consulted with a book cover designer before deciding on what I wanted my book cover to look like. A book’s cover is so very important. As it was, BookSurge designers did a very good job of coming up with what I wanted it to do – make a strong statement about the diversity of the four female protagonists.

My second epiphany

I could say the rest is history, but that’s not exactly true. At the same time I submitted my manuscript to BookSurge to start the three-month process, I submitted the book to the first Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition.

MRS. LIEUTENANT was named a semi-finalist, and we each got a page on Amazon with the beginning of our novel. Through an online conversation with other semi-finalists, I noticed that one author had a blog post on her page.

That was it – the second epiphany moment. I said: “I have to get this too.”

And I was off and running in a concerted effort to learn as much as possible about internet marketing, starting with launching the blog MrsLieutenant.blogspot.com.

Epiphanies led to results

What was the result of my ephinanies and concerted effort to learn internet marketing? I now have a company, MillerMosaicLLC.com, that helps book authors and others with internet marketing. I also have several blogs, including being a National Internet Business Examiner at examiner.com for which I’m now writing a month-long series about the steps before an information product launch, and I’m the co-host of the BlogTalkRadio show YourMilitaryLife.com.

On July 1st I’m launching a very reasonably priced membership program – the Miller Mosaic Internet Marketing Program – to share with others what I’ve learned in the past year of intense study.

The moral of this guest post: If you’re a book author and you believe that your manuscript is well-written and well-edited and that there’s a target market for it, then consider saying YES to yourself and look into self-publishing.

And if you need help in choosing a self-publisher, I recommend the book TOP SELF PUBLISHING FIRMS by Stacie Vander Pol, which I reviewed at her request for Amazon.

5 Reasons to Have Guest Posts on your Blog

There are times a blogger will post writing from other bloggers on their site, referred to as a guest blog or guest post. This is an option some bloggers have never considered, while others use it quite frequently. Ultimately, the manager of the blog makes a decision to supplement his or her own writing.

There are many reasons for this and guest posts can add value to your blog. One big reason a blogger may ask for guest posts is that he or she is going on vacation or is just overwhelmed with other things in life.

I am going to Croatia for two weeks on a mission trip and at first, I thought my blog would be neglected during this time. Then I considered asking for guest posts while I am gone to keep my blog going and my readers coming back. After thinking about it, it seemed like the perfect solution. Not only will my blog stay active, but there are some other rewards as well.

Exposure to your Blog

By having other bloggers write a guest post, you will open up your blog to many other readers that follow your guest's blog or that blog's niche. In addition, with new material and new SEO keywords, you may gain new followers to your blog. Depending on the popularity of the guest blogger, you may bring in a whole new audience. By networking with other writers, you are giving your blog more exposure.

Establish Relationships with Other Bloggers

By asking others to write a post on your blog, it gives them exposure and a link back to their blog. This is a great way to establish relationships with other writers on the Internet. Building relationships with other bloggers further develops your reputation on the Internet and can be beneficial in the blogosphere. In the future, they may ask you to write a guest post for their blog. Building relationships and providing exposure for others is simply a nice thing to do for your fellow bloggers.

Meet Others in Your Niche

In addition to building relationships with others, you will connect with bloggers in your own niche. When you ask for guest blogs, try to keep the posts aligned with your blog's theme. I wouldn't just ask anyone to write a guest post. While searching for people to write guest posts, you will meet others that are in your niche. This can give you an idea of who else is blogging about your topic.

Gain a Different Perspective

There may come a point you are simply fresh out of ideas. It's true. It can happen. Or your readers may just be tired of reading your same old thoughts. Everyone has a different writing style and a different writing voice. The topics may be fresh and stimulate your mind for future writing. Gaining a different perspective can ignite the creative spot in your mind and help you get back into the writing groove.

Allow Yourself a Break

If you are busy with other life's plans, are going on a vacation, or just need some fresh inspiration, it may be nice to take a break from blogging for awhile. All writer's could use a break to recharge and come back with fresh ideas. Having guest posts can allow you to do that. So go ahead and take a break and return to post new perspectives on your blog. You will find it to be a rewarding experience!

This will be the first time I have had other bloggers submit posts on my site. I am very excited and I hope you all continue to read.

Using A Writing Prompt For Inspiration When Busy

Since I have been busy working many hours, my writing has been neglected. Writing has become an important part of my life and I feel a little bit off if I do not get the opportunity to write. Not having the time to write has caused a little stress much in the way I feel when I do not get to exercise.

But, I am not only depriving myself, but my readers as well. Therefore, I am going to warm up my cold, creative mind and use a writing prompt. This is from One Word. The word is lock.

Part of my mind is asleep. There is a lock on the door that leads inside and no one can open it up to awaken my thoughts. Not even me. While the left side has been working overtime, the right side has been resting far too long. It will take precious wasted time for the thoughts dwelling in the right wing to get moving again after being unprovoked for such an extended amount of time. How can I break the lock? I need to get inside. Wake up! Wake up!

This was a sixty second writing prompt just to get the creative flow moving again. One Word provides that opportunity by presenting just one word to write about. It may not be your best writing, but it wakes up that side of the brain.

I also think it can be a fun activity that produces raw, unedited thoughts. That kind of writing is a great way to jump in and shake up the ideas in your head. When you are busy and feel your writing has been neglected, this is an easy exercise to keep the creativity from fading too much.

I'd like to hear what others do when their writing just needs a cold jump start. Please leave your comments.

13 Ways to Find Inspiration During Stressful Times

Have you ever been so busy, stressed, overwhelmed, agitated or all of the above that just taking a moment to focus on - well anything - seems impossible?

Certain activities take more energy than others and mental processes can seem the most exhausting of all when you have a full plate. All you can do is hope to get through each day accomplishing even half of your goals!

Since the Fall, I feel my life has been going non-stop without a moment to breathe or enjoy the simple things. Stress has been my devoted companion, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

During this time, I have also been in school full time and my cognitive skills seem to be fried most of the day. Somehow, I try to find the ounce of energy that still endures in my mind to write. Writing actually relieves some of the stress, but finding inspiration when you are just plain exhausted can be difficult. Here is what I find works.

1. Just write. No matter how stressed or tired you are, start writing. You may be surprised at how alive writing makes you feel and how quickly inspiration is poured onto the paper or keyboard.
   
   
2. Read. If my mind is void of creative thought, I will read other people's creative thoughts and can find inspiration there. This can be blogs, articles, books, or quotes.
   
   
3. Go for a walk. Sometimes, it helps to just walk away from the computer, the Internet, work, chores, anything that can agitate stress or remind you of deadlines. It helps clear your mind to make room for creative inspiration.
   
   
4. Exercise. Step it up and exercise! Most of the time, I find that I am stressed because I have not worked out. Once I do, the clouds seem to dissipate in my head and inspiration becomes clear.
   
   
5. Talk to friends. I have participating in great conversations with people who just by talking have given me great inspiration and ideas to write about!
   
   
6. Prioritize. If there is an overflow of activities on your plate, it is likely you may just not get everything done. Take all your goals and figure out what can wait a day or two and start to prioritize.
   
   
7. Organize. Once you prioritize, organize. You will be surprised how much you can get done once you figure out what your goals are and organize your thoughts and agenda.
   
   
8. Keep a journal. During busy times, you may have a fleeting thought that can only be captured in that very moment. This is where a journal or a pad of paper can come in handy!
   
   
9. Relax. If I am really tense and agitated, there is no way any inspirational thought will seep out of my mind and help me to write anything productive.
   
   
10. Just think. Whether it is five minutes of free flow thought or meditation of some sort, relax and then let the thoughts rush through your mind.
    
    
11. Use creative prompts. I wrote a post a couple months back about writing prompts. Even if the idea is to just get the creative juices flowing, writing prompts may be the answer.
    
    
12. Look at art or photographs. Looking at visual art, like photographs or paintings, can also trigger the creative spot in your brain and produce spectacular inspiration.
    
    
13. Skip Twitter of Facebook. Stay off these sites for a day and focus on completing a writing assignment. Sometimes, social media can cause major time suckage!

I hope these tips help! Good luck and get out there and write!

Let's Not Forget Those on Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the start of summer and provides opportunities to gather with friends and family at barbecue's and beaches. For many, it is much needed three day weekend and the end of the school year.

But, let us not forgot the meaning of Memorial Day, let us not forget those that are currently fighting for our country who do not get three day weekends or much needed time off to celebrate with family and friends.

In, 1868, this day was dedicated to the fallen soldiers as flowers were placed on their graves at Arlington cemetery, some under the age of 21, who fought for the freedoms we cherish today.

Just a few years prior to this, Lincoln stood on the new dedicated cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and spoke these words:

… that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Some soldiers survived and came home and began new lives as citizens, but I am sure they never forgot.

Many families whose loved ones died in all the wars that followed will never forget.

Let's not forget the millions of brave Americans who have died in battle over the years - from the Civil War to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan - to protect others, our nation, and preserve our freedoms. The spouses, children, and parents who visit their graves each year will never forget.

Let's not forget the loved ones of those MIA who have not found the closure every human being needs in order to find peace and move on. How can these families ever forget?

Let's not forget the brave men and women who became POWs. Their strength, faith, and dedication kept them alive for weeks, months, or years in conditions many of us would find intolerable for one day. Those who survived will never forget.

Let's not forget the unselfish dedication troops from all services have given to make America the great country it is today. As they serve overseas with courage, honor, and duty, they will witness the death of fallen comrades who they will never forget.

Let's not forget those that dedicate their lives to protect those on our own soil - the firefighters and the policemen who risk their lives to safeguard our towns, cities, and states. Those that die in the line of duty will never be forgotten.

As you fire up the grill and prepare the hamburgers and hot dogs you will consume while laughing with your family and friends, just take a moment to remember all of those that have given their lives so you can enjoy all the three day weekends and holidays with your loved ones.

On this Memorial Day, let's take that time to honor and respect and NEVER forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

IT IS THE VETERAN

It is the
VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the
VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the
VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the
VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the
VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the
VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the
VETERAN who in life
salutes the Flag,

It is the
VETERAN who in death
serves under the Flag,

~ anonymous author