My Last Post, Here?

Sunset from North Van, BC (photo taken by me)

Dear Readers,

I am truly grateful to all of you who read and especially those of you who read AND comment on my blog posts.

When I first started this blog, it was to feature myself in terms of my to-be children's choir, inspired by Spirit quite a number of years ago (I am embarrassed to say).

Last July I was seriously considering that I would end this blog at the beginning of or early July of this year. One blogger I met early on through one blogging community can testify to that as I had chatted with her online about it.

It came to me today, spontaneously, when I awoke exhausted this morning, that now is the time. Below are some of the main reasons why (as there may be more that I am unaware of: only God/Spirit knows!).

But before I do share that, let me inform you that I so love and appreciate blogging. I LOVE writing, truly!

Over the past five years, I have given voice to subjects such as this choir-to-be in part, many ideas, a poem here and there, a few local and world events, as well as writing short stories as of late. However, it is now time for me to give voice to something else, something bigger than me.

I speak here of one of my missions which is in simplest terms to serve people. I can do that to a certain degree through my blog, though I feel drawn/called to write at least one book - hopefully three that I have in my heart, mind, and soul. All will require devoted time, energy, and resources.

My preference is also to focus on my life's purpose and this will require me to continue pursuing my two primary loves of singing and dancing. In part with that, I just joined a fab(ulous) rockin' choir that I have ever belonged to (having been in a variety over the years) and experienced/witnessed.

The energy created from a recent rehearsal was out-of-the-rental-hall-space huge! Words fail me at the enormity of love and joy that I felt, other than to say it was tremendous and powerful: I was "on Cloud 10" till about mid-morning the following day after my first rehearsal.

I also expect that I will take up drumming again as this came to me out-of-the-blue - one way how Spirit speaks to me - at a recent workshop on loves and life's purpose.

And I need to use not only my voice through singing and/or speaking, but also my hands whether writing, dancing, singing, and drumming as well as for hands-on/energy healing which has been put aside since just before my move in early spring.

I also need to settle into my new home, unpacking the last of my boxes, organizing, and reading all my beloved books on my bookshelf and walls.

Note that I have been very happy as of late, extremely enjoying my summer thus far being outside, listening to various bands, dancing, and singing in various choirs - two that are on a drop-in basis – so I am not making this decision in haste.

I would truly love to hear your sincere heart-felt comments - including those who are worldwide whom I never hear from - you can post anonymously if you wish - in how my blog may have affected you. If not, no worries as I can't please (or aim to please) everyone! ;)

And if any of you bloggers whom I am familiar with would like me to write an occasional guest blog post, I am open to that as (after all) I have many posts in draft form! Otherwise, I may keep them for the day I may return, possibly with another blog name and/or site.

Feel free to touch base with me those of you whom I know via Facebook preferably.

IF I consider doing the latter, I may possibly "go solo" as I did prior to joining a blogging community. Though I realize the pros to this, I also realize the amount of time and effort it takes to maintain the desired readings and commenting subsequently. Time will tell.

Whatever decision I make, know that in my heart I appreciate you all and thanks again for reading my posts and/or commenting. Those whose posts, comments, and faces I have become familiar with, know that you will be in my heart. A special thanks to you bloggers from BAR (Blog-A-Rhythm), especially Shailaja Vishwanath and others who have hosted it.

In the meantime, I wish this for you and for me indicated by the picture below. The first word is "live" by the way!

Sign on side of a food truck (photo by me)

I will see what awaits. In the meantime, I am volunteering for my favourite upcoming summer festival (Harmony Arts Festival, 25th anniversary) as well as at 55+ BC Games, hosted in my North Vancouver community.

Namaste, Elly

P.S. An afterword is coming...soon...stay tuned!

Smorgasbord Saturday: 4th Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Below is a review of my posts this past week which were a potpourri of topics - from blog titles to a social media challenge, to a different perspective on an inspired poem to my future blog, and TV and non-fiction bloggers: such a mishmash as usual! ;)

Monday's post, Favourite Headline/Blog Post Title? featured some of my favourite blog titles as I can't only choose one! Considering some of the comments I received, I think my readers and I were on the same page about that! ;) Check out some of these titles at http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/favourite-headlineblog-post-title.html

Tuesday's post, NaBloPoMo Social Media Challenge was an idea to revolve social media on the theme of kindness: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nablopomo-social-media-challenge.html

Wednesday's post was entitled A New Angle on 'You' or is that 'Me?' ;) Yes, a wink is a part of the title and I love how this blog site now can understand or rather take my wink and possibly - sometimes? - heart-shaped symbols! Woohoo! ;) This post was a different take, a reverse, a mirror image of my inspired poem that came to me a number of years ago: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/a-new-angle-on-you-or-is-that-me.html

Thursday's post, Forecasting my Foggy Bloggy Future was an aim at predicting my future behaviour regarding blogging. I think I would need to look into a crystal ball to determine what fate lies ahead! ;) Read http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/forecasting-my-foggy-bloggy-future.html for some ideals that I have in mind. ;)

Friday's post TV and Non-fiction Bloggers is a take on being a cast member for a TV show, and possibly on bloggers who write non-fiction like I do! ;) OK, well I wanted to tie the latter in somehow! ;) See http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/tv-and-non-fiction-bloggers.html featuring some attractive men! ;)

Thank you again to all of you who read my posts and especially those who commented on my posts this past week.

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why?

P.S. Blogging friends, you may be interested in my post tomorrow ...

Smorgasbord Saturday: 3rd Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Below is a review of my posts this past week which were a potpourri of topics - from controversial kindness from strangers to being (naturally) funny - not! - to helping feed a child in India for one year and writing a book to favourite appliacnes.

Posts of the Controversial Kind! posted on Monday, November 17 answered the prompt question: "What is the most controversial thing you've ever written on your blog? What compelled you to write it?" - http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/posts-of-controversial-kind.html. Self-explanatory!

From the Kindness of Strangers on Tuesday, November 18th was a blog that began from, "Tell us about one time that you benefitted from the kindness of strangers." I loved this theme as I had three stories to share, though two were of me being a recipient of kindness. Can you get what the other one was? ;)

Wednesday, November 19th’s post was my idea of merging two blog prompts into one: I barely mentioned one only to go into another, thus the title: NaBloPoMo Prompt to Feed a Child: Universal Children's Day ;) - http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nablopomo-prompt-to-feed-child.html

The original prompt was actually as follows: "Are you the funny one in most groups? What kinds of things do you find funniest?" In one line: No, I tend to be serious, quiet, and contemplative generally; however, I do love to tease and have fun (though I have to feel comfortable/safe in order to do that). ;)

Books inside Me? on Thursday, November 20th was in answer to, "Do you have a book in you? Fact or fiction? Related to your blog or totally different?" (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/books-inside-me.html)

Appliances: My Favourite?! http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/appliance-my-favourite.html was written from this prompt, "What is the one appliance you can't live without?" Otherwise, if I wasn’t so lazy/tired that day, I might have blogged about something else! ;)

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why?

Thank you again to all of you who read my posts and especially those who commented on my posts this past week.

Smorgasbord Saturday: 2nd Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Monday’s post on Knowledge and Skills was interesting due to the wording of the prompt that day: "What knowledge do you have that others don't? Write a "how to" post about anything you've got skills for, small or large." I actually had a challenge answering that question, even though responses to my post were overwhelmingly in favour of me having tons of experience; perspective is a funny thing. Read more about it at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/knowledge-and-skills.html.

Tuesday’s post on The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month was my attempt at paying tribute, albeit a small one, to Remembrance Day. However, I actually think I answered the question incorrectly! - "If you could permanently get rid of one worry, what would it be?" What do you think: did I answer okay? - http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-11th-hour-of-11th-day-of-11th-month.html

Wednesday’s post on Writer’s Block: Not! was in answer to the prompt, "Have you ever had extended writer's block? How long did it last? What did you do to break out of it, and do you have tips for other bloggers?" which appeared as if I had it, but I hadn’t. Find out why at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/writers-block-not.html and let me know what you think.

Thursday’s post on Envy AND Kindness: What a Combo! was my aim at combining two prompts in one! One writing prompt from NaBloPoMo on a skill I admired in bloggers, "What is the one skill you see in other bloggers that you wish you had?" and World Kindness Day from Write Tribe Bloggers -
http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/envy-and-kindness-what-combo.html

Friday’s post on Aging Gracefully or Not: That is the Question! was an interesting theme from "Do you enjoy growing old or do you fight against it?" Perhaps because of the way I was feeling that day, for some reason or other, I only (managed to) focus on the negatives, hmmm... (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/aging-gracefully-or-not-that-is-question.html)

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why?

Thank you again to all of you who read my posts and especially those who commented on my posts this past week.

Smorgasbord Saturday: 1st Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo: Roberto Kaplan

This past week I started NaBloPoMo (short for National Blog Posting Month) on the first day of this month which was a Saturday, with a post on my new 100% vegan runners. It was National Vegan Month after all! ;) Entitled My New Runners are 100% Vegan! (I Kid You Not!) it featured my bright fuschia running shoes: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-new-runners-are-vegan-i-kid-you-not.html.

Sunday brought Post Halloween Photos... with the purposeful marching dots in the title in the hopes of enticing readers - hahahaha (witch's cackle) - to read the post of one of my favourite days, at least in terms of "dressing up!" (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/post-halloween-photos.html)

Monday's post should technically have been or could have been Saturday's post, November is National Novel Writing Month which is challenge to write a first draft of a novel within 30 days: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/november-is-national-novel-writing-month.html

Tuesday's post, Writing when Emotional? Not! spoke about a few matters relating to writing when emotional or not, and writer's block (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/writing-when-emotional-not.html).

I actually didn't think I had a blogging voice per se on Wednesday's post, My Blogging Voice http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-blogging-voice.html with a 'cheeky' picture to boot! ;) You blessed readers assured that I indeed did have a voice and a unique one at that! Thanks for your feedback! :)

Thursday's post initially was untitled as I was struggling with it, http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/todays-post-is-nablopomo-prompt-with.html, contemplating what would be most appropriate; sometimes I get titles intuitively, but not that day! I ended up with Me? Professional Blogger? And You? - you can let me know of a better one along the same lines if you wish - which spoke about the difference between a professional blogger and a hobbyist one. Me: definitely the latter, though who knows, that could change one day...never say "never!" ;)

Friday brought forth Vacation Spot: Not with some countries I have no interest whatsoever to explore and others I do as I am curious about them for different reasons which I mention, http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/vacation-spot-not.html.

Thank you to all my wonderful robust readers, faithful followers, and courageous commenters! Love you all!

P.S. Blogging friends, you may be interested in my post tomorrow ...

I am linking this to NaBloPoMo and Write Tribe Bloggers.

Writing when Emotional? Not!

Photos by Roberto Kaplan

On a Write Tribe blog prompt, "November Challenges and Motivation" right at the end of the post was a link to a non-fiction writer's blog, Ollin Morales. He posted "10 Tricks To Motivate Yourself To Write–Right NOW" on his blog, Courage to Create (http://ollinmorales.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/motivation-2/).

Point #7 especially appealed to me: Work Through Emotions (bolding below is mine for emphasis):

When we are highly emotional or under a lot stress these are the most challenging moments to get motivated to write. After all, if our boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t love us, or our parents are judging us, or our boss hates us, how can we possibly feel good enough about ourselves to do what we love to do?

Now, generally writers and other artists get their greatest inspiration from their pain and anguish, so in those cases making the art is easy. But that’s not the situation I’m talking about. I’m talking about when what you are planning to write either is not congruent with your emotions or the emotion acts as a wall to your creativity.

To work through these emotions, first write all of your emotions down. Just listen to what your mind is ranting about and write it all down, let it all out, everything. If you’re writing it on your laptop then as soon as you’re done, trash that document. If you wrote it on a piece of paper, throw that paper away or burn it if you’re into dramatic displays.

For the moment at least, you’ll wash away that emotion and you should be able to move forward with your work.

My apologies for this lengthy copying of (blog) text above; however (1) it is a late hour and I require a post today and (2) it encapsulates a blogger’s question and ensuing comments from supportive 'tribe' bloggers that inspired me to expand on this, today as she is planning to post an emotional piece tomorrow.

Writer's block is a common phenomenon and feeling particularly emotional can at times stifle creativity. It can also make for some rather incongruent writing in which you and most likely your readers will experience.

I believe I experienced this recently or at least I think I did! Since the beginning of this month, I feel like I have been feeling somewhat uninspired to write which is unusual. This could be attributed to physical pain which makes me emotional - grumpy and/or sad at times - and makes it challenging to focus at times. And I know there is one post recently that I wrote where I felt my heart wasn't into it and the emotions seemed lacking and incongruous to the post though I can't seem to find it.

Perhaps being a passionate, i.e., emotional person, Ollin’s blog post really appealed to me. However, do I heed his advice? I admit rarely, the odd time though not often enough. I say that because I stop myself, usually putting other things, namely work as a priority, and myself last. I do this often.

And so by the time I have the time, say during a break to pour out my heart in written (or typed) words, the immediate emotional intensity and its accompanying thoughts and feelings are gone: vanished! Or liquefied at least. It seems hardly worthwhile after that to write. The emotional anguish, pain, intensity that I experienced now seems or is superfluous. (I didn’t think so except that word came to me intuitively right now as I’m typing this, so I trust that. And yes, it could work here actually!)

For example, there was a title that came to mind in an incident that made me get rather upset about two weeks ago, "Plastic Faces, Plastic Voices" or was it the reverse "Plastic Voices, Plastic Faces?" Though I really do wish I had expressed it, released the angst I felt at the time by writing about it (in the form of a poem, prose or otherwise), by the time I put me at the forefront to do so, it hardly mattered. In fact, I couldn’t even be bothered. I neither had the interest – not as much as it had waned – nor the time. And in a way, that was just as much or perhaps even more frustrating!

Do any of you experience this? If so, what do you do and/or how do you handle the situation? How do you (best) express your emotional pain/anger/angst/frustration?

I am linking this to NaBloPoMo and Write Tribe Bloggers.

November is National Novel Writing Month

A library shelf greeted me unexpectedly by surprise yesterday. The top shelf proudly displayed a sign, National Novel Writing Month with a beautifully designed page underneath that read, "Sharpen your nib and get creative - National Novel Writing Month."

The page (shown above) seemed to pop out at me so I browsed some of the many book titles on display. Two I ended up taking out, though one in particular jumped out at me: Writing for Children and Young Adults, a Self-Counsel Press writing series book by Dr. Marion Crook.

This book seemed to be a message to me as it reminded me of the 'career' card that I pulled from a small deck of 12 affirmation cards this morning. The cards were created by Anne Marie Evers, known as the 'affirmations lady.'

You may not believe in such things; however check the word 'synchronicity' as there were other indications through memory as well for me including an inspired story I wrote for young children.

Another, The True Secret of Writing: Connecting Life with Language written by Natalie Goldberg appealed to me as well as I had read her Writing Down the Bones book previously; it may have been a suggested reading during my expressive arts therapy program.

You can read a brief blurb about Natalie here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Goldberg
or here at http://nataliegoldberg.com/.

November is apparently a heavy-duty writing month - must be the weather whoever originated that idea ;) - and is actually known as "National Novel Writing Month." It features a 30-day online writing challenge of a 50,000 word novel. NaNoWriMo (http://nanowrimo.org/) for short started 15 years ago! See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Novel_Writing_Month for details.

Now, I do not consider myself a novelist at all, albeit in about Grade 4, the idea of a story came to mind of a young girl and boy on an adventure. I think the girl's name was Susan, and the boy's name David, my favourite male name. Wow! Did I already know that back then?!

These characters, rather kids as they had no established character yet were pretty lifeless because I got as far as either one or two sentences to possibly a short paragraph at most.

And since then, now in fact, I think what happened? Why did I stop? Why did I not continue the journey, their journey to see where these two children would go? Where would their travels take them? What mischief would they get into, what troubles (problems) and surprises would await them?

Why hadn’t I continued to put pen to paper – no everyday computer back then! - instead of abandoning them?

Now, all I think I have left inside me, at present anyway, is at least one short story for young children that was inspired by a children's program that I ran a number of years ago.

Do you have at least one novel or book inside you? Would you consider participating in such a challenge: why or why not?

Written in response to Write Tribe Pro Blogger: November Challenges and Motivation (http://writetribe.com/challenges-and-motivation/) and is linked to NaBloPoMo and UltraBlogChallenge.

Smorgasbord Saturday: 2nd Week of Ultra Blog Challenge

Photo I took of an artistically swirled latte

After this week, especially yesterday's post, I feel like I could use a break - a cup of coffee (espresso-type) drink or rather, a BIG cup of soothing Earl Grey Tea please!

This week was rather interesting with me discovering that it was World Suicide Prevention Day which I never heard of before. The following is a really great and simple, easy-to-read site with some startling facts and stats: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Suicide_Prevention_Day. This year the theme was "One World." Suicide Prevention Week was also this week.

My posts were as follows: Here’s a recap of my week’s posts starting with Monday, September 8th:

I had originally intended to title this post as "Mental Health Monday..." but it would have been too long a title and it was long enough already. I felt and wanted it to be part of this series that I had started after the death of Robin Williams, a beloved American actor and comedian.

Instead, the post became "Part 3: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman AKA Robin Williams" which was about the stigma of mental illness. I know and have known a number of people with mental health issues, primarily depression, but also PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), bipolar disorder, etc. They are still people, still humans, just like you and I!

Me and my love of the moon and stars at night prompted my second(?) posting on the sensational Supermoon, "Tantalizing Tuesday: Supermoon No. 5 in 2014" where I – with that beautiful photo I wish I took – wrote about the relationship to the Law of Attraction (LOA) which was another theme of mine this week in part, as well as a phenomena known as the "observer effect" which thrilled me when I first read it a few years ago.

My original "Word-less" Wednesday was transformed to "World Suicide Prevention Day & Suicide Prevention Week" as I had just discovered that they were the themes for that day and the week. I was astounded by some of the mind-blowing stats, sad to hear.

This with a photo I took which I absolutely love – the same is hanging at my workplace for now - touched ever so slightly on the three main criteria for suicide, then onto a brief story about my life on one of the factors, followed by a brief mention of two potential lifesaving supports (though one may not be apparent generally under certain circumstances).

I changed Thursday’s post title to "Self-Love: Suicide Prevention". This post was actually meant to be part 3 with Friday’s post as Part 2; however, I switched them around for some reason though can't recall now. (I'm sure I had a good reason though.) I spoke about why I wanted to die most of my life, until a certain point.

Friday’s post and title was changed as well. Instead of Part 3, I changed it to LOA: - short for Law of Attraction - Suicide, Homicide, and Me. This posting was relatively easy to write physically, but I was surprised, shocked even, that I still had emotion come up at the end after I posted it. I thought I had forgiven, dealt with the situation, and moved on with a clean slate. After all, it happened years ago!

I realized I didn’t add questions to Thursday's and Friday's Part 2 and 3 so added those before I post this one!

Again, thank you to my robust readers, faithful followers, and courageous commenters! Love you all! :) <3 (There may be better words to describe my readers and commenters, but that's what came to my mind immediately and I can't seem to think of any others. If you have better descriptors, let me know and I may consider changing it!) ;)

Smorgasbord Saturday: 1st Week of Ultra Blog Challenge

As per Kathy Hadley's email suggestion about Ultra Blog Challenge postings, I have come up with some of my own versions of themes for the day. They may change slightly per week and/or per per month; however, my intent is to post shorter blogs as much as possible:

(1) I understand how much time and effort it can take to read and/or comment on blogs (2) how much time and effort for me to read and/or research, write, download information/images/videos, and post blog postings (3) I prefer to be outside on especially nice days such as the bright sunny one today, and (4) have a life other than blogging, though don't get me wrong, I do enjoy it!

So here is a recap of my weeks posts (if I am interpreting this correctly):

Amusingly, I started the Ultra Blog Challenge on the wrong foot (though apparently not the only one), when I wrote about "Another Ultimate Blog Challenge" only to realize, though similar in name, it is slightly different. ;) I wrote about why I reconsidered another month of daily blogging and why perhaps you may choose to too!: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/an-ultra-blog-challenge.html

I met five new people that day - thank you for your comments - two whom I had met prior via the Ultimate Blog Challenge! ;)

And Tuesday, thinking it was Monday after a long weekend, was originally going to be "Mental Health Monday" as a theme in lieu of somewhere where I read 'health' was the theme for this month. I entitled it, "Part 2: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman Robin Williams": http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-2-aftermath-of-brilliant-comics.html. It is a slightly longer post (though not too long) with some facts about mental health and a fun-filled video featuring Bobby McFerrin and Robin Williams, the late beloved actor and comedian.

"Word-less" - a word I created (as I love inventing words) - Wednesday displays a photo I took last year with a very brief post, my shortest in fact: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/word-less-wednesday.htmlNo comments that day, thus far! ;)

On Thursday, the theme was "Talented Thursday" and I changed the title to end with, "Blogging AND...?!" which you will understand when you read it: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/talented-thursday-blogging-and.html. This was from my perspective as a blogger who is a singleton.

Last but not least, for "Frolicking Fun Friday: Painting with Fire," I wrote about something entertaining that I thought you might enjoy, albeit I couldn't seem to download the videos my friend took: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/frolicking-fun-friday-painting-with-fire.html

"Smorgasbord Saturday" is named as I am recapping my posts that span a variety of subjects.

Thank you to my robust readers, faithful followers, and courageous commenters! Love you all! :) <3 (There may be better words to describe my readers and commenters, but that's what came to my mind immediately and I can't seem to think of any others. If you have better descriptors, let me know and I may consider changing it!) ;)

Half the Battle with Ultimate Blog Challenge

Photo of me a few years ago by Roberto Kaplan (those were my signature earrings!)

I realize posting every day this month, thus far, that half 'the battle' is deciding what topic to write about. And speaking of 'half' I am glad that this Ultimate Blog Challenge (UBC) is more than half over!

Please understand, I do enjoy writing, love to 'write' actually - I type 99.99% of the time - and blog. However, at this time, due to full-time work and other responsibilities including community volunteer work, it is a challenge for me to blog on a daily basis. (I'm sure I'm not the only one!)

And besides, I truly wish to be different and stand out, not be like everyone else (ok, maybe not everybody) in posting daily or almost daily.

Really, who has the time nowadays to read all these blog postings, in addition to books and other writings (magazines, articles, etc.) anyway? That is why my preference is to write, usually, biweekly. Depending on the number of weeks per month, that entails two postings, sometimes three. I throw in an extra posting occasionally on a whim, when the urge and/or inspiration strikes me to do so.

Even though my posts have varied extremely, bouncing around topics like a striked ping pong ball, I am still on track, at least in my mind. More often than not, I do my best to keep with the themes as stated on my blog home page that weave through my writing and questions: our essence (beingness), authenticity, self-expression, and gifts (talents) in the hopes of inspiring and/or empowering some of you from time to time.

Originally my blog's intent was to inform people, the general public (particularly in my community) about me as to who I am and what my alternative youth choir (what I used to term "co-creative children's and youth choir") was about. Read http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2010/07/call-to-action.html (Call to Action) and Why Me? Why this Choir? http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2010/07/why-me-why-this-choir.html.

The choir is an ongoing project for now. I expect to relaunch next year if all goes well, that is, according to 'plan.' Time will tell...

For those of you who blog or write (or type) daily, what challenges do you face? What do you do when you are blocked with your writing? What techniques/tools/tips do you use to ensure you have an abundance of material/ideas/inspiration/creativity to fuel you?

Writing Challenges

I am participating in a daily blog post challenge for the month of July. Why you may ask? To learn (tips about blogging and possibly more about technology) and to challenge myself (to write daily and to come up with creative and hopefully inspiring stories/shares). I am after all a writer, maybe not a professional one, though one at heart. Doesn't that count?!

As a writer, it was interesting to note that not only did I experience (at least) one writing challenge, but two! The first which I overcame a few days ago was that of dysgraphia. What is that you may ask?

From the National Center for Learning Disabilities, it is described in part as follows: "Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. This can result partly from: visual-spatial difficulties, trouble processing what the eye sees. Language processing difficulty: trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears." (http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/what-is-dysgraphia)

Take a look at the chart above which explains dysgraphia in mind mapping format and another similar (yet perhaps clearer) chart here: (http://tutoringduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dysgraphia-mind-map.jpg). (By the way, on a side note here, mind mapping is a really great tool to learn and use: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map.)

I experience messy handwriting at times, most times actually when I am writing notes fast, even when I use my own shorthand that I invented years ago either in high school or college, I believe the latter.

If you didn't know me, you might think my writing resembled that of a doctor writing a prescription note. You know how those used to look, right? Now they do it by computer for good reason. Of course, not all doctors have messy handwriting.

Quite often I experience number and letter dyslexia, especially when typing, by reversing two digits or letters. This is why I repeat numbers when I hear them, especially by phone.

Since I am an excellent speller and have no problems penning or typing thoughts on paper or computer, I believe dysgraphia manifests itself in me auditorily. In fact, as soon as I heard the words "auditory processing disorder" or APD for short years ago (without knowing what it was), I knew intuitively I experience(d) that.

However, my blog posting is not meant to define or confine me with labels. It is to raise awareness of possibilities that you or others you know might experience. Notice that I use the word "experience" rather than "have." There is a reason for that.

What learning/writing challenges might you or someone you know experience? What do you or they do to cope or compensate for it? Are you accepting of your challenges or do you resist them?

P.S. I decided to 'write' early this morning and to my astonishment - I thought for sure I kept saving my post - I had accidentally deleted most of my blog post. It was almost complete and now it is late evening. In hindsight, I think I had two similar blog posts accidentally open in draft form and I deleted the wrong one! Be forewarned in making the same error!)