Day 8 of 30 Day Challenges
The blog series in which I am completing my challenge from 30dayblogchallenge.com!
As well as a self-made challenge inspired by Abraham Hicks in which I self-soothe myself through negative emotion.
At the end of this 30 day journey I intend to be more fully on my life’s path, “all systems go.”
…and potentially back to both challenges soon
Yes, I am optimistic that the IT side will be sorted by tomorrow. Come to find out the issue was more likely on my end… had to point my DNS.
Oops. Lesson learned. Like that little toddler learning to walk, just me learning to blog. Self-soothe. It’s ok, Matthew. Just a stumble trip.
Also self-soothed myself earlier into a period of pure inspiration. Lemme ‘splain:
As I am still attempting to rub out the angry key mark on my car, I went out briefly during a break at work to tackle it. No good. It’s gotten maybe slightly better over all, but still very noticeable. Damn.
Started feeling that anger rising again towards the one who did it. Damn him. Makes me want to key his car back. But I won’t stoop to that level. That drops me down. Puts me back in the fight. More harm’s way. Likely get keyed back again, or worse. Who knows. Not worth it.
So I self-soothed. Recognized the anger for what it was. Blessed it. Released it. Wow, what a difference that makes. To let anger pass through you in five minutes or less. Not let it stew and boil over and piss you off for the rest of the day.
And I fell into a dream…
Clearing my head of the anger opened my system to receive rather than stew.
And it led me straight into a reverie of imagination and wonder.
As I worked with my last client of the day some musings came to me. Musings about a children’s book I was inspired to write weeks ago. Only the words didn’t seem quite right the first time, only the title and the theme.
So now the words began to reform and rewrite in my head as I allowed it. I had general fun with it at first. Just looking for words that rhymed with the sound of “y.” Sky, hi, bye, pie. That sort of thing.
Then I thought, hell, let me just play with the wording and the whole structure of the book.
I decided on eight to ten pages. It’s a children’s book after all. Maybe baby to young readers, but open to anyone who has an interest in good children’s lit. Parents included.
Short and sweet and to the point
So it didn’t need to be long as a written piece. It’s about the sentiment and the message mostly.
And the images. Of course, the illustration can be a game changer in a chilren’s book. I’ve read plenty of them with my two girls. Used to go weekly to the library with them and get about a dozen to take home.
Some are written well but have illustrations that are drab or altogether distracting. Some have great art but poor stories. Or odd rhyming schemes that don’t stay consistent. I’m picky… I won’t mention the bad ones. Ick.
Then the books I love most have great stories and art as well as bouncy rhyming schemes that are fun to read aloud. The classic ones we come to know and love over the years. The ones you can literally read with your baby ten times in a row if they love it that much… and not want to tear your eyes out!
So yea, I was looking for a good length, the best words, a good rhyming scheme and meter, and lovable art. That’s what’s I was keeping in mind as I rewrote the words to this kid’s book today.
Well, share the book, won’t you, Matthew?
No, I won’t tell you what it is! Please! This is an open forum. I may offer many words and writings here. But this book is special. You will see it in the stores and libraries when you see it, complete with art and bindings. Not on my blog.
Anyways, it feels like a gem. So I made sure to listen for the best words. And I laid it out in my head. And I recalled it a couple times. And I wrote it down as soon as I had my hands free to do so. Or rather, as soon as I could voice dictate it to my phone.
Sloppy as iPhone voice dictation can be, it is a tremendous tool for getting ideas down fast. Much easier and faster than my damn thumbs on that tiny phone keyboard.
Celebrating the small wins make big progress
I am happy. Oh wait, that’s the title of another kid’s book I am working on. Or close. The title is “I Am Joy.” But another gem I rank up there with the one I edited today. Good upbeat, inspiring themes for kids. I see simple, fun, cute, lovable illustrations for them. I see a series of similar works and much love. Pretty exciting actually.
I intend to submit them to publishers this year! Yea, making my first moves into that arena. When the art is done. I am confident that I can make something interesting for that part. I just got my Apple Pencil and Procreate in order to draw them out on my iPad. It’s just a matter of time.
Well, that’s the exciting progress for today. Actually feels like some good movement. Feels easier. Good momentum. Good vibes. And hey, my girlfriend finally got to read my blog and really likes it. Got my first fan I guess. Haha. Expected that one… (Love ya baby!)
And much love, universe. And to all my readers yet to come.
Blessings to you all,
Matthew