do projects ever make you feel...grateful?

As I research information for a blog post for one of my clients, I realize I've got it pretty darn good. All my basic necessities are taken care of. I have a roof over my head. I have food on the table. I have a great husband and two awesome kids. Our home environment is safe. We love and respect each other. Sure, we get frustrated, irritated, and angry sometimes, but we find a healthy way to resolve our differences.

I've been learning about National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (observed in October) and the more I read, the more grateful I feel for my life. Some folks aren't so lucky. Some are involved in hurtful, abusive relationships and they--and their children--are suffering. It's a sad and potentially disastrous situation. And it needs to stop.

If you know of someone who needs help because of physical or verbal abuse, let them know that you are there to offer support. Here are a few resources to pass along:

Child Abuse Hotline
800.25.ABUSE
217.524.2606

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Family and Community Resource Center

Put yourself out there to help someone else. You'll be glad you did.

Lemme hear you say, "Waaaah!"

All word-type-people utter this from time to time, usually when staring at a blank page as writer's block takes hold of our minds. Those of us who work from home with small children, however, often experience it another way:


Child: "Waaah!"
Parent: "Shush, it's time for your nap."
Child: "Waah! No nap! No nap!"
Parent: (pleading) "C'mon, Sweetie...just lay your head down and rest. Mama/Daddy's got work to do."
Child" "Waaah! Don't care! Not tired!"
Parent: (along with child) "Waaaaaah!"

This post inspired by my here and now...I've got a list of projects to tackle and my two-year-old is calling from her crib. Sigh. (Or even better, "Waaah!")

So, how do you work-from-home types handle getting stuff done with kids in the mix?

sadly outdated, sorely missed?

I'm guessing this (semi-defunct) blog wasn't missed too much. I've done nothing to promote it (short of a link to my website) and I've not been very dedicated to it in general for an assortment of reasons. Does any of this matter? Not really. Because this blog is back! I've had an epiphany of sorts, a bit of inspiration, call-it-what-you-will...but I'm ready to hop on the blogging bandwagon once again. So...are you ready for this? Check back super soon for tips, info, and what-have-you in the wonderful world of writing.