It’s been about a week since I’ve been out here. I’ve had a lot going on and blogging was lower on the priority list. The kids’ lessons are quickly drawing to a close (hooray), and yet I’m already planning for the 2013-2014 school year. I’m still plugging along with the raw thing, although I did get a bit tired of it this week. Honestly, I think I just need some more physical activity. The Husband and I both have been stressed and busy, and haven’t exercised like usual. I think I’ve got some pent up energy screaming to be let out. I’m hopeful that I can resume running at least this coming week.

Summer break is coming up and I’m rather excited about it. Several of our activities will take a hiatus, which is always nice. In the meantime though, I’m trying to stay focused on finishing them strong. Another think I’ve been working on is re-writing/editing one of my novels. I wrote the original draft in 2007, but haven’t taken the time to go back through it. I really want to get it “submission ready” because I’m tired of saying, “I want to be a writer.” So, I made a deal with my mom to have her read it as I ready each chapter. This is a huge deal for me as I haven’t let anyone read it yet. I did read most of it to my kids, but of course, they think everything I do is marvelous… well, almost everything – ha! After taking a writing course last year, I am really unhappy with the original version. It needs a major overhaul. I’m basically ripping it out to the studs. The framework seems ok, but the “skin”, not so much. I’ve written several novels over the years. The problem is, that once I finish one, I’m tired of it and ready to move on to another story. Editing isn’t the part I particularly enjoy. I much prefer the discovery of the story. I think much of the reason for this is that I’ve never made a habit of editing as I go. Jerry Jenkins says that he reviews the pages he wrote the previous day before starting on his page quota for that day. Oh how I wish I had done the same when writing this book. Of course, that’s rather difficult when you’re trying to write an entire novel in 30 days (NaNoWriMo). I’ve been told that a good writer is a good re-writer, so I’m finally working on that skill. So far, I’ve screamed at my computer screen, I’ve groaned, I’ve shut the thing off in frustration… and yet, I keep coming back to it. I really want to officially finish this one.

I’m one of those people who can pick up an accent when hanging around others. My audible voice will begin to change depending on who I’m talking to. Well, my writing voice is the same way. So, I must be careful what/who I read while writing. I’ve found that whoever I’m reading at the time often influences my voice, so I’d like a positive influence. I need to find a really good fiction book to read while I’m editing, one that has a writing style I find fascinating.

Now, as far as the raw thing, I really do feel that my focus is better since I’m no longer obsessed with food, calories, weight…etc. Perhaps that’s how I can even think of attempting a book edit at this seasons of my life when my schedule (and my kids’ schedules) are so crazy. The Husband and I went out with another couple recently too, it was so nice to visit with them and not be thinking about food. I ordered my favorite salad from Salsa Brava (yes, the one they make special for me), and didn’t give the meal another thought. So, that’s my update. Almost 110 days in, and I’m quite fine with eating raw.

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 7-23