National Novel Writing Month - NaNoWriMo

So, I started it tonight. I only have 1300-ish out of 50,000 words written so far, but I'm gonna do it.

This is going to be quite a struggle for me, as the topic I've chosen is my brother, Scott. A lot of the individual memories and information will be fiction because I can't remember anything anymore - getting old. :( But, the story is based on real life. It is based on my relationship with my brother, his relationship and addiction to food, and all of our struggles throughout the years.

I am thanking everyone in advance for your support and encouragement through this process. I know it is going to be a very emotional month for me, but the end goal is to get someone to see my story and help Scott. Otherwise, we will all lose him before too long, and I just can't bear to think of that.

There's a link here - on the left somewhere - if you would like to follow along with the story.

To Write a Book, Or Not...

Today is November 1st, 2009. This is the day that NaNoWriMo starts, and it's on my "32 Things" list. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Every November, for 30 days, people go crazy trying to write a book in one month. The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days or less. What this means is, every day, one participating in this event should write about 5-6 pages of a book each day.

I really want to accomplish this feat.

The trouble is, I don't have a story. A book needs to have a plot - a beginning, middle, and end. And some good stuff in between. I think it's supposed to be fictional, so I can't write about my own life. Plus, my life has a beginning, but I'm still in the middle, and how am I supposed to know how it's gonna end?

I actually attempted NaNoWriMo a couple years ago. I was in Newport, Oregon, living with my Mom for a few months, saving money and getting ready to move to Vegas. A strange and unfortunate condition took over my body for 6 solid weeks. As a result of a mis-diagnosis and mistreatment by the Newport Hospital Emergency doctors, I was covered in hives from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. It was a miserable experience. I never slept more than an hour and a half each day. I took between 10 and 80 pills a day to try and remedy my affliction. I was in constant, excruciating pain. My kidneys and liver were failing. And I was in a true state of delirium most of the time. So, I decided to write a book.

I think I got to about 12000 words or so, but it was mostly ramblings. But, it was one of the only happy things I can remember from that time. Hives and kidney failure weren't going to keep me down.

Now, I am in Vegas. My life, and body, are hive-free. I am experiencing lots of happy things. I am actually writing quite often. I'm much more prepared for NaNoWriMo this time around. But I still don't have a story.

I guess I better find one, 'cause time's a-waistin'.

Thank You!

I need to stop a moment to say "Thanks" to a few folks...

To L.B. at paradiseknitting.etsy.com for featuring me and my pumpkin bread in her blog, topetsyfinds.blogspot.com which highlights "Top Etsy Finds" she searches out. An altogether altruistic and sweet woman, she also was the first to donate to my "32 Things" fund. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To J.O. at joshark04.etsy.com for being my very first out-of-state pumpkin bread buyer! Wahoo! Thank you!

And to my Mom who is one of my #1 fans. Beside being a source of constant encouragement, support, and premier editing help, she has graciously ordered me up a vacuum-sealer and a Kitchenaid mixer for supreme pumpkin bread production efficiency!

Lastly, to my brother Scott, who is my other #1 fan. Also an encouraging force who has been supportive in many ways, including helping to pick out the perfect pumpkin bread mugshot.

To everyone else, from Facebook, Myspace, and beyond...I'm not for a moment forgetting how wonderful and supportive you all have been this week. It's truly amazing that only 6 days ago I started this blog and since then; a business (with profit already!), new friendships, and new hopes, and new dreams, and new purpose.

PUMPKIN BREAD - #3 on the "List"

Well, everyone, I did it!!

I just started my pumpkin bread business!!! It is #3 on my "32 Things" list, and I've done it! I have my bread for sale now on Etsy at jewelofthelion.etsy.com. Soooo excited!!

It's quite possibly the yummiest tasty treat EVER and I would love for you all to enjoy some, so get shoppin'! :)

Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement! This is just wonderful!

Prioritizing "32 Things"

I realize that in order to accomplish my "32 Things" list, I'm going to need to organize it a bit, so I've created three categories:

Lifestyle - #1, 2, 4, 6, 13, 24, 27

Adventure - #5, 10, 12, 16, 17, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32

Creative/Business - #3, 7, 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 30

Some of these things I'm supposed to do weekly, some monthly or bimonthly, and some don't really have a schedule. I'll update my blog frequently with any progress I'm making - so wish me luck!