Health Note: What I didn't have time to include in my last post was that on my Saturday walk at Usery mountain park, that was the first time IN YEARS I have felt true energy. If you've never experienced a constant state of fatigue, you can't possibly appreciate what this means, but I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it felt to experience a feeling of actual energy this weekend. I just praise the Lord for it and pray it will be the first of many such experiences.
Now on to the draining topic. 8-) A few years back I conceived a story idea for a stand alone novel--action adventure, team centered historical fiction.
Yet when I began writing it last month, I ended up building it into the story world of another lead character for whom I already have 3-4 novels in mind, the first of which I finished drafting in March.
Here's the problem though. I've run into a brick wall. At the time, I thought it was a good idea to incorporate this plot into my recurring character's story world. Now I'm not so sure. Not that it can't be done, but pulling this story into this character's story world means some limitations.
For example, I think the lead character of this plot would do better NOT to have a good friend or sidekick starting out, and my recurring character does. And the lead character for this plot needs different baggage than what the recurring character has.
Logically, this sounds like I should scrap what I've done so far and go back to my original plan. But I still wrestle with myself whether that's the right thing to do. After all, this plot fits nicely into the recurring character's timeline.
Do you ever find yourself in a corner like this with your novels? What do you do?
Monday, June 4, 2012
Saturday, June 2, 2012
A Mule Deer & God's Promises
Exercise Tip: If you have the means, hire a good trainer to help you get into shape. Their expertise and accountability will take you much farther than you can go on your own.
For the last decade I have felt like a prisoner trapped inside my own body. I could never emphasize enough how demoralizing, frustrating, and infuriating that has been. I live in one of the most beautiful states in the union, and haven't been able to enjoy it because physically, I wasn't up to it.
In February, I went to Usery, a mountain park operated by the city. I had Aztec (my dog) with me, so we didn't go on a trail, we simply walked the road that runs through the park at a slight incline. Two measily miles. It was so hard. I was so out of shape, and the next day I was so sore you'd think I'd nearly been beaten to death.
I was so disgusted with myself.
Fast forward to today. That demoralizing walk has never been far from mind. But I've spent the last 11 weeks working out, getting expert help from a trainer, and today I decided I was going to Usery again to test myself.
Today I walked that graded road with much more ease, finishing that two miles in the same time it takes me to walk level ground in the neighborhood. And guess what? It was the DOG who was dragging her tail on this morning's walk! 8-)
If the story stopped there, that would be enough. But even since I've been working out, I have deeply doubted my ability to return to a good fitness level. I'm 46 years old. Age and life takes it's toll on you, no matter what you do.
But I'm also a firm believer that God employs signs to speak to His people. Today as we walked, I saw a deer in that park. The first I have seen in 14 years. Quiet, confident, at peace with itself as it meandered through the desert shrubs. She even stopped to look back at me for several seconds. Not frightened. Not in a hurry. We were just having a moment. Then she wandered off.
I believe it was a symbol of promise from God.
Today is the first day I truly, fully believed it is possible for me to attain a fitness level that will allow me to live the kind of life I want to live.
I was so moved by the experience I bought an annual pass for the park, now fully confident I could get my money's worth. Then I came home, put the dog in her crate to rest, and hammered out 2 more miles around the neighborhood. 8-)
Being physically fit isn't about vanity. It's about LIVING and not just existing. It's about being capable of being a vessel God can use in the plan He has for me.
For the last decade I have felt like a prisoner trapped inside my own body. I could never emphasize enough how demoralizing, frustrating, and infuriating that has been. I live in one of the most beautiful states in the union, and haven't been able to enjoy it because physically, I wasn't up to it.
In February, I went to Usery, a mountain park operated by the city. I had Aztec (my dog) with me, so we didn't go on a trail, we simply walked the road that runs through the park at a slight incline. Two measily miles. It was so hard. I was so out of shape, and the next day I was so sore you'd think I'd nearly been beaten to death.
I was so disgusted with myself.
Fast forward to today. That demoralizing walk has never been far from mind. But I've spent the last 11 weeks working out, getting expert help from a trainer, and today I decided I was going to Usery again to test myself.
Today I walked that graded road with much more ease, finishing that two miles in the same time it takes me to walk level ground in the neighborhood. And guess what? It was the DOG who was dragging her tail on this morning's walk! 8-)
If the story stopped there, that would be enough. But even since I've been working out, I have deeply doubted my ability to return to a good fitness level. I'm 46 years old. Age and life takes it's toll on you, no matter what you do.
But I'm also a firm believer that God employs signs to speak to His people. Today as we walked, I saw a deer in that park. The first I have seen in 14 years. Quiet, confident, at peace with itself as it meandered through the desert shrubs. She even stopped to look back at me for several seconds. Not frightened. Not in a hurry. We were just having a moment. Then she wandered off.
I believe it was a symbol of promise from God.
Today is the first day I truly, fully believed it is possible for me to attain a fitness level that will allow me to live the kind of life I want to live.
I was so moved by the experience I bought an annual pass for the park, now fully confident I could get my money's worth. Then I came home, put the dog in her crate to rest, and hammered out 2 more miles around the neighborhood. 8-)
Being physically fit isn't about vanity. It's about LIVING and not just existing. It's about being capable of being a vessel God can use in the plan He has for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
