Happy Trails

I've had this urge lately to go on a hike. Nothing crazy, but just to walk out in nature. I think there is something restorive about being outside, breathing fresh air (which isn't an easy thing to do in California), and getting away from the normal rhythm of life that has most of us cooped up inside some sort of building.

So instead of going out and finding a place to hike, I surfed the web instead (okay, I was actually looking for easy trails close to home) and found sites like this one that talks about the benefits of hiking. The list wasn't surprising. It improves cardio vascular performance, muscular strength, bone strength, helps you burn calories, etc. But I sort of believe the benefit goes beyond just the physical. Being outside and listening to bird calls or the sound of your feet crunching on leaves and twigs; watching clouds drift across the sky or the sun rise and set; feeling your own heart beating a little harder than it normally does makes us appreciate the beauty of nature and wonder of our amazing planet.

I found a blog of this guy who decided to hike everyday for a year. Supposedly he did it and still maintained his job and family. For me, I think I'll just resolve to go on a hike this weekend. I'm almost positive I'll return to my writing with renewed energy and desire to sit at my desk again, rather than staring out my window at the mountains and wishing I were out there instead.

Happy weekend!

Julia

Interviewed by The Latino Author

Stop by The Latino Author, a great website for writers. This week, I'm thrilled to be their guest author and an interview has been posted.

Have a fantastic week!

Julia

Time off for a writer

The end of my three weeks off comes to an end. Really, my children were the ones that got three weeks off from school. For me it was going to be a time to read and write mostly, but I had a long list of things I would do with them, things I would for myself, and lastly for my home.




Holiday shopping (check)
Put up Christmas decorations (check)
Take down Christmas decorations (check)
Holiday cooking (check)
Take kids to the movies (check)
Take kids swimming in Palm Springs (check)
Take kids to visit friends (check)
Take my daughter rollerblading (check)
Volunteer at the Aquarium of the Pacific with my daughter (check)
Go on a bike ride with my son (check)
Take the kids to Castle Park Amusement park (check)
Spend time with friends (check)
Read for fun (check)

Then things beging to fall apart
Clean out the garage (sort of check)
Write everyday (yes, but . . . does a sentence or two count?)
Finish my parital to get it to agent (sort of check)
Clean my office (never happens)
Update my website (...)
Organize my girl scout paperwork (...)


Well, the list goes on and it's too depressing to think about all the things I didn't get done. So, I begin my work week which always begins on a Friday for me feeling like I sort of wasted the last few weeks "off", but looking back I realize that for a work-a-holic like me I only feel like I've wasted time, because I didn't get a lot of chores done. And I'm realizing that I don't understand the concept of taking time off. I actually DID accomplish that goal and I had a great time with my kids and friends. And to be honest, I wouldn't trade any of that time for a clean garage or house.

Now, it's back to work. The best part of getting back into my office is being able to focus on my current novel and move it back up to the top of my priority list. I've got new productivity goals and a bit of catching up for all the things I didn't do, but I'm ready to tackle them all.

Hopefully, for me and you, the new year begins not with a list of resolutions, but a continuation of a plan that brings us closer to becoming the people we enjoy being.

Happy New Year to all,

Julia