Didn’t have to look further than my own back yard for this week’s favorites. 

© Kipuxa | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

A new bookstore in the digital age. From the Salt Lake Tribune: Read more… PS. I’ll be doing my first book signing at this store on June 15th.

Characterization: Discovering the Inner Teen. From Harley Brooks: Read more…

To All Who Feel Guilty On Mother’s Day. From Jennifer Beckstrand: Read more…

Tip-Top Environment. From Jude Bown: Read more…

And a fun little vid to top off the week. Hat tip to Mike Finnegan: View here…

This week’s quote:
“Kindness is the noblest of weapon to conquer with.” – Unknown

 

There’s been a shift in energy. I’ve picked up on it for a while, but haven’t quite put my finger on the cause. Yesterday, part of the answer dropped in my In-Box, like a gift from the Social Media gods.

I’ve long been a fan of Steven Pressfield’s blog and he offered yet another reason to keep following. Here’s an excerpt that hit home:

“How have we had to change our minds and our ways of thinking about the world and about ourselves?

Shawn has a concept he calls 3PV. Third Party Validation. What he means is the mind-set in which one’s sense of emotional security and self-worth is dependent upon the opinions of others. In other words, we don’t go forward with any action unless we think other people will approve.”

Steven definitely hit a cord with this one. Does it really matter if my FB Fan Likes hit 100? 200? 1000? Everywhere I look, there’s a counter ticking off the number hits, the number likes, the number of reviews. Do I need any of those to validate who I am and how I’m doing?

I’d like to think not, but can’t deny it feels good…REALLY GOOD…when that counter keeps ticking up. Today, I’ll take a moment to validate myself. I only need my approval to make that next decision, the next choice that comes my way will be based on what I think, not someone else.

How about you? Are you ready to be a free-agent? Are you ready to “pick” yourself?

You can read Steven’s entire post here. Then you decide.

 

 

Linking to a little bit here and there this week. Enjoy! 

© Kipuxa | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

Spock vs. Spock. Hat tip to the Passive Guy from the The Passive Voice: View here…

On Rejection and Beyond. From Writer Unboxed: Read more…

This Week’s Quote:
“If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves.” – Thomas Edison

 

Sharing only one thing today.

© Kipuxa | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

The Last Bookshop”.

(This video is 20 minutes, but I dare you watch the first 3 minutes and not want to see how it ends.) Hat Tip to Steve Laube. Watch here…

This week’s quote:
“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve been nominated by fellow blogger, Mae Clair, for the Sunshine Award! This is a festive award that bloggers give to other bloggers “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” I’m humbled to be included among the ranks. Thank you, Mae, for this nomination! 

From the Pen of Mae Clair is one of my favorite blogs with her fun Mythical Monday posts to Author Spotlights. We hit the social media party about the same time and it’s been a treat to watch her publish with Lyrical Press and see the success of her debut novel, Weathering Rock. Stop by her blog and see what an entertaining writer she is and why she earned a Sunshine Award, too.

The rules of the Sunshine Award are as follows:

  1. Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post. (Thank you, Mae!)
  2. Answer the questions below
  3. Pass the award to 10-12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.

So, here are the questions:

Favorite color: Green

Favorite animal: Penguin (Hey, no one said it had to be domesticated)

Favorite number: 1234567890 (I think that about covers it)

Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Coke

Facebook or Twitter: Facebook

Your passion: Beyond my family, I’d say writing and reading, unless it’s NBA season

Giving or getting presents: Giving. I’m still learning to be a gracious recipient

Favorite flower: Bachelor Buttons

And now I’d like to nominate the following outstanding bloggers for this award:

Annie Adams
Jennifer Beckstrand
Jude Bown
L.L. Muir
Lisa Deon
Mary Martinez
Sandy Rowland
Tara Mills
Tiffinie Helmer