I recently attended a first aid training at work. It had been a long time since I reviewed any kind of first aid information, and I've come to realize that it's always a good thing to get a refresher. There are a lot of things to consider and think about when trying to help people who might need first aid help, but our instructor was great and broke down some basic steps to check. He walked us through a list of things to consider, and a lot of different scenarios. At a certain point in the training, it got overwhelming, with so many factors and potential outcomes. I knew that we weren't training to be medical doctors in 4 hours, and no one was expecting us to do exams or make a diagnosis, but nonetheless, it felt heavy.

Much like a lot of things going on in the stratosphere, there is a lot going on, and it can sometimes feel pretty heavy if we take it all in. Then as he ended the session, Ed, our instructor, dropped a golden nugget of wisdom. He said:

It was a relief to simplify the situation, and I found this statement profound and applicable to a lot more than a first aid situation. Our breath is the most important thing to keep us physically alive, and we often take it for granted. Each day our bodies effortlessly breath - bringing in oxygen and processing it to ensure our entire system is working. I think that's just amazing, and wanted to capture the simple, yet profound thought for the day.

Just breathe.

I heard somewhere recently that we have until the middle of the month to say 'happy new year'! So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Regardless of that thought, I think that it's always good to count our blessings and share blessings at the start of a new year. Usually there's so much potential, hope, and optimism at the start of a new year, and in these uncertain times I find it even more important than ever to reach within and find things to be grateful and hopeful for.

I've started the year continuing the journey and jumping into to new opportunities with writing picture books. I joined the 12 x 12 challenge, which is essentially is a challenge to write 12 books in 12 months, with a built in community, resources, and various opportunities for feedback. I've been waiting to join since last March when I found out about it (registration closed in February). January is also Storystorm - which is a self-motivated and regulated challenge to come up with 30 picture book ideas in 30 days. Both of these endeavors are intimidating, exciting, and challenging, and I couldn't think of another way to start the year on this journey. 

​Here's to a fabulous year ahead!

How is it already late October? I know that time goes by in the blink of an eye, and that everyone is busy and life is full and fast. But each year, it gets harder and harder to reconcile the speed with which life evolves. Between work, family, friends, and general fun, the days have been full. I've also been excited to continue my writing journey through awesome facebook groups, courses, and various SCBWI opportunities. My critique group partners and I signed up for Oktoberfest - a writer's conference at Preservation Park in Oakland, a regional event of SCBWI. I learned a lot from the amazing faculty - from nuts and bolts discussions on the industry to inspiring narratives and pep talks about perseverance. I have to admit, that I felt a little star struck at times after seeing editors, authors, and agents who I've followed online. While this journey is full of ups and downs, and definitely a marathon, I'm truly excited to see how things unfold and so thankful to be on the path.

I recently took a Creativity for Well Being class at work, and am feeling excited and energized about the daily steps I’m taking in my journey.  The class started with some great reflective exercises, based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s book BIG MAGIC (which if you haven’t read, and you are interested in creativity, you MUST read). The class involved meditation - which was awesome and I need to do more of everyday - physical movements, writing exercises, and reflections

In the final class session this week, we had to create something that would be an expression of what we learned in the class. I wasn’t sure where to go with this - there were a lot of great tools and techniques I learned, but I wanted something else. I gave myself a moment to just doodle and draw, and then the words came to me: Trust your ideas, they are divine. I immediately felt that zing inside, and that was it. So, I share this message with everyone…. rather than focusing on ‘stop doubting’ or worry/wondering, it’s time to trust that the ideas we have are worthy, that we are worthy. 

Where has the time gone? It's mid-July and there is no time like the present to get away, even if that means going somewhere close to home. We recently went on a staycation to Monterey - and it was divine. We had lots of fun, but one of my favorite parts of our trip was our visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and my all-time favorite section: the jellyfish. What incredible creatures! They are mesmerizing, beautiful, and magical, to say the least. Their graceful and unique shapes show us that there are so many amazing mysteries in the world around us. We also watched the Mysteries of the Deep 15 minute presentation, and it was amazing what they shared. There are so many creatures that exist that we don't even know about under water. This is a reminder that the world is so much more complex and incredible than we even know. This trip was also a reminder to me that there are so many great things to see, do, experience if we just take the time to get out and explore.

In recent months, it has been increasingly important to find inspiration where ever we can.  From children's laughter, to a heartfelt note, to an incredible meal or a meaningful conversation... there are countless things that we can be both grateful for and inspired by.  

​This month, I was blessed to get the chance to see Hamilton.  I don't have much more to say than - wow. It was incredible, timely, and stunningly beautiful. Despite knowing 80% of the words to the entire soundtrack, I was blown away by the heart, performance, and artistry that this amazing musical showcased.  

I'm so grateful to have had the chance to see it, and am so inspired by Lin Manuel Miranda's genius mind that put it together.  And, I have the soundtrack to bring me back to the inspired and masterful performance and story.

This has, and will, be on repeat during my commute - for sure.

I LOVE that an important component of children's book writing is to read, regularly.  I already read regularly for bedtime and fun with the little one, but now I get to read for leisure and research.  Here are a few books that I recently picked up at some bookstores (aside from Where the Sidewalk Ends, that has been in my possession for over 20 years).  And, I didn't realize we already had a copy of Where the Wild Things Are.  These new books all popped out for me, and were both fun to read, and very informative in terms of structure, format, voice, and more.  I'm looking forward to continuing the research journey at the library, with the occasional purchase along the way.

​Happy reading!

It is the perfect time to start this blog as I am embarking on some new and uncharted territory out in the open.  In addition to my full time job, family, and other creative endeavors, for the past five years I've been secretly writing children's books.  Well, a handful of people knew, but now - anyone who visits will know, and hopefully soon more will too.

I took a huge step towards the realization of this creative passion, and attended my first ever writer's conference.  Last fall I joined SCBWI (the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators), and registered for the regional conference.  The 2017 Golden Gate Conference of SCBWI took place at Asilomar in Pacific Grove, March 3-5.  It was a phenomenal personal experience, and great conference.  I got a ton of new (and extremely useful) information, met some great new friends, and got some feedback on my work as well.  

The theme of the conference was "Find the Heart of Your Story" - which could not have been a better note to start on.  As a first-timer, I was quite nervous - not really knowing what to expect, but I found people to be very generous and kind, and again - so much great information.  I'm looking forward to re-start the journey and share the experience here!