"The Corsage"

A Jack-of- all-trades is also a huge part of being a mom. Getting sucked into the idea that we have to do it all can be a slippery slope, because usually we're doing it all. Baking cookies with sprinkles, decorating ornate cupcakes, throwing a themed party, mending a tear in their favorite shirt is only scratching the surface of the job description for being a mom. Lucky for me I've always been crafty, which has saved our family tons of money. Having five children makes me always searching for a good deal and a cheaper way. However this time I didn't end up saving much money, but am able to personalize my daughter's prom corsage and boutonniere. (Next time around I'll have everything and will actually be saving money.)

Pausing for a moment from the writing as I demonstrate the step by step process of making corsages.

Step 1:

Get all the Stuff!

Floral wire, Floral tape, ribbon, wrislet, floral spays, tin snips, wire cutters, and flowers. (Corsage box & crinkled paper.)

Step 2:

Start making all the fillers.

I spray painted the beads black.

Wrapped a few flowers and ribbons with wire and floral tape.

Wrapping the flowers or ribbons with wire gives them the ability to be flexible and stand upright. The floral tape hides the wire and also will stick to it's self as it stretches.

Step 3:

Tape some together.

 I test out different accents together until I get the exact look I'm wanting. When I have them picked out I start wrapping the floral tape around the the two stems until they're completely covered. Cutting the end. Make sure there's an extra long stem. Cutting it shorter later if needed.

Another option for the filler. Considering that black roses cost around a hundred a dozen. I opted to use black silk flowers to be mixed in with the fresh mini white roses and mini carnations.

Step 4:

Make the bows.

I still struggle with these. My best advice, go to YouTube. Type in How to make a corsage bow. There are professionals that can explain it much better than I can even attempt to do. I constantly remind myself that the bows don't need to be perfect. I make 3-4 and pick the best one to go on top. the others get hidden behind flowers.

Step 5:

Start wrapping the fresh flowers.

I'm use mini white carnations, white roses, and daises. The carnations and daises where placed in blue water for a few days, giving it a striped effect.

First, I wrapped each flower with wire.

Then, I wrapped the wire with floral tape, covering the wire. This step gets repeated so much that by the end you feel like a pro.

Step 6:

Start clustering.
Taking the leaves, flowers, baby's breath, and accents. There's a little bit of playing with the design.  I used floral spray on the baby's breath for a light mist of color.

                       Play...

                      Play...

                    Play, until...

                        it's Perfect!

         Wrapping all of them together                     with floral tape.

          Step 7:

          Add a Bow or two.

Step 8:

Attaching it to the wrist band.

This was tricky for me, but it was fairly simple. Unwind the ribbon and  wrap it tightly around the base of the flowers. (Tie it with a knot.) The metal arms can be folded over around the flowers for extra strength.

  

Finished Product: 

They both turned out beautiful.

This project was lots of fun for me. It was a way for me to feel connected to my daughter at the same time feeling the gratitude I have for my mother teaching me.

Prepping For Prom

This week in our house is Prom. (It's kinda of late for the season.) We've been running around getting all the finishing touches done. Finding a tie to match her dress and of course a ribbon to match the tie.

So instead of the usually chaotic mom activities, my role will be a little different. I'll be playing the part of a florist this week. After several trips to Michael's, one to Safeway, to reserve some white roses, and a quick trip to Walmart (cause Michael's was closed) I think I'm ready to begin production. (crossing my fingers)

For some reason I thought it would be cheaper to make our own. I was wrong, but too late now. I have to keep reminding myself it will be personalized and won't look like she's growing an entire garden on her arm, like some of the ones I've seen. But I think it's all in my blood, which has been the only reason I feel like I can do this.

Growing up my mother was a wedding designer/coordinator. I can remember spending many long days at one church or another decorating everything from chairs, to tables, to hanging a humongous chandelier she was known for using.

Another talent she had was arranging flowers and making corsages. During all this hectic work she would take the time to show me how to make them along with her. I don't know if she was doing it to teach me or if she needed me to be helping, but I learned just by watching and sometimes making my own corsage from rejected ribbons and flowers pile.

So this week I wanted to have an extra blog post about the process of making my daughter's wrist corsage and her date's boutonniere. Hopefully they turn out well. (This time I can't cross my fingers, cause I have bows to make.) I'll have step by step photos of the progress as they're being made.

A Spark of Divine Fire

One of my favorite lines is from My fair Lady. When Professor Higgins realizes Eliza has left, not having her around any longer, hurts his feelings. He says, "Very well, let her go, I can do without her. I can do without anyone. I have my own soul! My own spark of divine fire!"

The reason I love this line so much is because I think sometimes it's forgotten while in the mud and muck of life we have the ability to pull ourselves out of what ever it is we've gotten into. It's about change and evolving into a better being.

I've watched and seem friends who keep repeating the past over and over again. So stuck in their own issues that they create one crisis to the next. Forgetting to take control of their life and run it the way they'd like it to be.

If you don't like your life or situation change it, the way you want it to be! It's that easy. The same way that crisis was created is the same way to get out.

Step by step, inch by inch, and line upon line. It's not going to change all at once, it takes time, patience, and persistence. But also a willingness to be open. If one thing doesn't work, try another, if that one doesn't work, think of another. I learned this from my fourth child.

He's unique and wired a different way. The parenting skills I learned from the others don't usually work with him. He needs different options, which result into different outcomes. Parenting a child like him has taught me to look at things in a different perspective. Seeing if that square peg can be changed, or completely getting rid of the round hole. Which ever the option is, making a list either mentally or physically of all the options can help. Asking friends and family what works for them? (Noting that you just want ideas- you don't have to actually do what they suggest.)

My son also taught me paying close attention to triggers can end a tantrum before it begins. Stopping it ahead of time before reaching that breaking point. I'm not endorsing giving them everything they desire, but distracting or guiding them (or ourselves) towards better solutions and options. Which then results in better outcomes. For better results, I learned I had to make a few changes in my own life, over what type of friends I was around.

I found that as I spent time with a certain friend that I was sucked into a negative and bitter attitude while being around her. We would start gossiping about others after we had nothing else to talk about. I'd walk away feeling so dark and icky that I'd bring it home and spread it out to my children. After this happening multiple times I realized I didn't want that type of balky atmosphere in my home.

If being a round a particular friend is exhausting; don't hang around them.  If that's not an option invite other friends to come along also. Another option is only allowing short visits with them and afterwards doing something that revitalizes you. Doing activities together that limit the interaction can also be a possibility.

My solution was limiting the time I spent with her. For those that think this was mean of me to do; I just wasn't strong enough to resist her venomous attitude and in return pass it out among those around me.  It could be considered a flaw in my character and to that I say- it's something I'm sure I'll get the another chance to work on. (cause if you mess up- life gives you multiple opportunities to get it right, and it keeps offering the opportunity until you succeed.)

I'd view my personality as a camelion. Being around positive people brings me to a better state. While negative ones tend to bring me to low places, I'd rather not be at. Finding the friends that build me up and keep me at a higher frequency of living are the friendships I've cherished most through out my life and continue to strive towards obtaining. Because everyone's spark of divine fire should be seen as it shines!

Is It OCD or Passion?

Being passionate about something is suppose to be a good thing right? But when passion consumes life is that OCD?(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) I'm not sure what it actually means and maybe I'm being a little over dramatic, but having a dream that drives me to work on constantly can be all consuming. Which bring up the question; where does that leave a person?

At this time I feel I have more questions than answers when it comes to my writing. I know the type of writing I like and enjoy, but at the same time I want to get my writing noticed. This may come as a shock to some, but writing is not all the same.

Writing an article verses writing a story is completely different. Writing a blog and pouring out your inner thoughts can make one feel exposed, While writing a document can feel restrictive. It's very individualized, but a lot of the time it all gets lumped together in one label - Writing.

I'd compare it to exercise. If running is the favorite activity, than being in a belly dancing class may not interest some. While for me taking a dance class is my preference when it comes to running or walking.

The joke around my house is when my children found an old report card of mine from high school. Looking through the list of grades they noticed a D on it. Shocked that I had gotten such a lousy grade they asked, "Mom, how do you get a D in P.E?" My reply was simple, "you don't show up."

P.E would have had to been my kryptonite, I hated attending and participating in these types of sports.

Dodge ball- the worst sport ever invented- throwing a ball as someones head with the intent of hitting them- seems brutal to me. Getting smacked in the head by a speeding rubber ball, doesn't appeal to me.

Touch Football- Always starts out innocent, until the boys decide to change it into tackle the girl to the ground, either with the idea of  hurting them or groping them. Can anyone say sexual harassment?

Square Dancing- Although it being dancing (a plus) I seemed to always be partnered up with the one guy in the class who didn't bath or shower and didn't know much about hygiene.

For me P.E was a wasted class. I would have much more preferred a Jazzercise class (we didn't have Zumba yet) or step aerobics, than any of the previously mentioned activities. I realize the purpose of P.E was to teach us to stay active, but trying to make us all athletes was a little extreme.

I feel everyone is born for a specific purpose that only they can bring. I spent my twenties finding all the things I didn't like and learned the hard way too. In my thirties I've learned to be gentle to myself and give it time to develop into something, before deciding if it's not for me. And what ever you choose to give  the best you have to offer.

 Opening our eyes to what is available and seeing how intricate our world really is can be a very vital part to our inner soul. Realizing that passion, to one person is viewed as obsessive to another is also part of the experience. It's all about perception and finding what works for each individual, and knowing, "I'm Okay."
   

Designing a Proposal

When I got serious about writing I thought all I had to do was write a book. My first half decent book was a huge learning experience. I made tons of mistakes, just about every single one the professionals say not to do.  After several rewrites and revisions I realized I needed to put it aside. As much as I would love to get it published, I feel it's just not good enough and I need to work on an other book that haunted me more.

ReGeneration started out as a short story, but as I wrote the characters seemed to come alive and I couldn't help, but want to hear from them. As I worked on each character, they seemed to develop into a friendship. I got sucked into their world. Instead of leaving it a short story I needed to write. I had to know more about them and as I did I started to love even the villains. (after all they're just misunderstood)

Rewriting the story over and over has made me wonder if I'll ever feel it's complete? As my writing has changed and evolved so has my understanding of the business aspect for it. By now it's well known that I'm a class junkie. I take a lot of classes about writing and I look forward to taking more in my future. My latest class was about rewrites, but it also offered a business perspective towards the end.   

My fellow class mates and I worked on; themes, plots, narration, dialog, punctuation, self editing, format, and options for publishing.When we got into the business aspect I realized I knew very little about marketing. This is where writing a proposal came into view for me.

A proposal is a business plan for a agent.  Let's say, you wrote a query letter and an agent say's send me a summary. Instead of just a summary, make them realize you have a grasp on what they're looking for. Give them your Marketing plan with it. Basically that's all a proposal is. Letting them know, "I'm marketable."

For fiction a book proposal is four parts. Summary, market plan, bio, and sample chapters.

Summary- Tell them the story you wrote in short form. Even the ending, don't leave any surprises, but keep in entertaining. From 3-5 pages. (it's best to keep it short.)

Marketing Plan- Help them out by showing them how you plan to get your book to people. Statistics and ideas for promoting it can help them see your perspective. 1-2 pages

Bio- Who are you? What do you do? Why did your write this book? If you won a writing award write it down. Try to keep it about 1 page.

Sample Chapters- Put the first 2 or 3 chapters in. About 50 pages worth.

Of course this is all just suggestions, but realize that agents and publishers like it a certain way. (I think the word is orderly) Take this as a opportunity to move forward, even if they say, "thank you, but no-thank you." Every turn down(rejection) is a chance to learn and to become the better writer you already know you are, now you're job is to convince them.

The Top 10 Items You Need as a Writer

One of my favorite things is writing lists, especially a checklist. I enjoy being organized and structured, to a limit. As a mother there's only so much structure I'm able to stick with.  I think lists give me this opportunity, attempting to keep order in my life even though I can't seem to keep too much of it in my home. Or maybe it's because it gives me a chance to mark off each item and feel like I've accomplished some major goal I'd set out to do.  Which ever it is, I wanted to post a list to my blog. This is my checklist that every writer needs in order to be successful in their writing.

Top 10 Items Every Writer Needs

1. Computer
Most homes have at least one, but to tip the mark in your favor - I recommend a laptop. Moving to another room when the children are being noisy can help, or sitting outside on the deck can give you a change of atmosphere.

2. Desk
Having a designated spot to sit at can help begin to set up a schedule for writing.

3. Comfortable Chair
I can't stress this enough. After having a problem with my sciatica, I realized how important this really was. Spending the money on a big cushiony computer chair is well worth every penny.

4. Second Computer Screen 
When I first got serious about writing I didn't have a second screen. Flipping back and forth from one document to another or searching the internet for info, proved to be tedious. Now with a second screen viewing different documents like a character bio and the story doc at the same time have gotten a lot easier, especially with editing.

5. Designated Time
This was a huge help for me. Setting aside a specific time each day for writing really helped take my writing to a whole new level. Even if there are days when I only write 600 words down. I find it helpful to get into a routine and at least show up. (Also don't take phone calls during this time.) Some days I strike gold and some days I don't. How will I know which day it is if I don't show up?

6. Notebook
A small notebook that I carry with me at all times. When an idea hits, I have a notebook instead of a napkin to write it on; which helps keep me organized. Then on the days that I'm struggling to write a sentence,  I pull out the notebook and write about something I've jotted down. More of my scenes have come from spit second thoughts I just scribbled quickly in the notebook.

7. Dictionary
I use the free ones online. Mainly, because my typing is much faster than flipping through a book. Dictionary.com & Urban Dictionary.com

8. Thesaurus
Frankly using the same words over and over in my writing becomes droll. A Thesaurus can help breathe new life into a simple sentence. Thesaurus.com & freethesaurus.net are two versions I use.

9. ipod
I find music to help me set the tone. If there's a specific character who's hard to write about, playing the right kind of music can really help me focus on their personality. I even have playlists named after some of my characters.

10. An Idea
I've said this many times already, but it's truly something I live by. Daydream, think about an idea. If  Jack & Jill went up the hill, what was their motivation? Where they thirsty? Was it hot out? What if there was a hole in to bucket? Maybe Jack threw water on Jill and she actually pushed him or tripped him? Who knows, it could have been anything, but that's where it's up to you as the writer to fill in the blanks.

As a writer in reality all you need is an idea and a way to write it. If it's pen and paper or a new ipad 2, it doesn't really matter all that matters is that you write it down.

If there's something you can't live without when you write, post a comment and add to the list, maybe we could get the list to 15 things or even 20.

Laundry Sucks!

I don't know many mothers that enjoy cleaning and folding laundry, but I definitely have to agree with the title: Laundry Sucks!
The stuff is never ending to reappears faster than you can clean it and so in an attempt to make it manageable I dedicated a poem to it.

Laundry is...
a dirty word.
I find it,
completely absurd.

You wash and fold,
and clean some more.
Then find another,
pile on the floor.

The clothes that were;
once clean and pressed.
Sit on the side in a,
big sloppy mess.

Spraying the spots,
with Shout or Tide.
Hoping that none of them;
will sneak on by. 

Even lady Macbeth,
was plagued by spots.
Crazed by the guilt;
that a few of them brought.

Unless we go naked,
there's nothing to do.
But wash and fold;
every last load.