Tag: contemplation

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Coffee and Contemplation: Writing Updates

I wanted to take the time to give all my readers a quick update on some of my projects. In the fiction realm, since I’ve been writing some smaller pieces to post on this blog I’m behind on finishing my novel. No surprise there. I still have about 15 chapters to write but I keep getting more ideas for short stories to include on this blog. I want more content that doesn’t involve searching for holidays to talk about. It’ll happen eventually. The important thing is I’m still writing and don’t plan on quitting. I’ll find my groove at some point.

Moving on, in the poetry realm, I have two small books (or chapbooks) that are ready to go. One of them is complete and all I need to do is choose a publish date and start taking steps. The other has a Halloween theme. I want to find an artist for illustrations and publish around September or October 2021. We’ll see how things go. I haven’t written any new poetry since I completed these projects. I plan to focus more on specific themes for my collections. I think readers of poetry will find more enjoyment from smaller books with more focused ideas.

With the nonfiction posts on this blog, I hope to find other things to write about beyond quirky holidays. I plan to keep the Wacky Wednesday segment with holidays because it is a bit fun to learn about what foods are celebrated. But I want to expand the ideas I share on this blog. I haven’t put much thought into it for now, but something will spark my interest and new content will arise. Will you keep reading for that long? I hope so. As always, I’m open to suggestions. Leave a comment or shoot me a message. I’m curious to see how long I can keep this thing going.

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Coffee and Contemplation: What Does the New Year Hold?

This is not a post about resolutions or any “new year, new me” nonsense. I prefer setting goals rather than resolutions. Goals are easier to attain and they are more flexible with the uncertainty of life. Goals can be adjusted and revised. There’s less pressure to achieve a goal as long as you’re working towards that goal. The accomplishment is still there. This is why people don’t follow through with resolutions. There’s too much pressure to sustain that resolution for the entire year. Making short-term achievable goals is more realistic than resolutions.

Many people try going to the gym for a new year’s resolution. After a few weeks, they stop going. I suggest you set a goal to eat healthier food and try to be more active. These goals are easier to achieve and you don’t have to focus on these things every single day. Goals are intended to start out small and gradually build. Maybe one year, going to the gym three times a week will be an achievable goal. But first you have to get yourself to that point. You can’t jump to the finish line. Life is never that easy.

I have a few goals of my own. These are things I’ve been working on over that past year and plan to continue. I’m saving money to one day get a down payment for my own house. It’ll be a couple years before I have enough saved so this is more of a long-term goal. I also plan to finish my novel this coming year. I have about 15 chapters left to write. That might seem like a lot, but I have 33 chapters finished. I’ve finished the majority making the finish more attainable. Those are just a couple of small things I’m preparing for the new year. What goals have you made? What does the new year hold for you?

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Coffee and Contemplation: National Violin Day

I have always had the ambition of learning to play the violin. One day, I intend to buy one and learn to play. It’s low on my list or priorities at the moment but the dream hasn’t died. It’s a versatile instrument and transcends multiple musical genres from classical to hip hop to rock. It makes some cool sounds too. My desire to learn this instrument may have come from my interest in Sherlock Holmes. I also have a love for music and want to learn more about creating it. I did take a beginning piano class once but never pursued it further.

The earliest fiddlers were believed to be Turkic and Mongolian horseman. They played two-string upright fiddles using horsehair strings and bows. Even today, the bows are still made with horsehair. I’m curious how they obtain the horsehair and if the horse gives their consent. Violins haven’t changed too much since the 16th century although now we have electric violins which make different sounds. One day I’ll have time to focus on my musical desires and endeavors but for now, I’ll stick with writing the words. Is there any instrument you’ve always wanted to learn? Or do you already play an instrument?