New for 2007: HTML Newsletter Format!
In the spirit of new years, new beginnings, and all that wonderful stuff, I'm offering this month for the first time a web format for my newsletter. Change can be good (or so my daughter always reminds me), and thus you have EM's monthly missive in HTML format. Enjoy! And speaking of new things, in addition to my usual closing thought, I've peppered quotes throughout the newsletter. Two of my favorites are appropriate to the new year, so I'd like to start off with those. I'm not sure of the origin of the first one -- sorry about that -- but it helps remind me of the positive aspects of newness and change.
"The old order changeth, yielding place to the new...."
The second one I found very pithy; it helps point up endings and beginnings, and is also a great reality check.
"The world is round, and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning." -- Ivy Baker Priest
So with that in mind, let's read and explore...
If you have some feedback on how you feel about the above, feel free to e-mail me I'll be sure to respond - and with your permission, to include your comments in the next newsletter.
Media Update
Erica's Interview With Moira Shepard
On Dec. 18, I was Moira Shepard's guest on her astonishing internet radio program, 'MidLife Miracle.' The topic was 'MidLife Miracle - The Path of Self-Discovery. 'Moira Shepard interviewed me about surviving and overcoming life crises. We had a full hour to discuss my hints on how to confront and cope with such crises, and of course the discussion turned to a detailed exploration of the benefits of Journaling, which as you know is one of my all-time favorite occupations for both writers and non-writers. Moira was kind enough to send me an MP3 of the broadcast. If you'd like to listen, click here.
Feedback is welcome as always! (Many thanks to Fran Silverman for arranging this for me!)
Upcoming Interview With Jackie O'Neal
On Jan. 11, Rev. Jackie O'Neal http://nbbta.org/radio channel 18 and I will do a segment on Journaling, i.e. the therapeutic effects of writing, combined with a special 'Valentine's Day preview' - the exact subtopics of that last one are under wraps for now, but suffice to say we will get into romantic, and even steamy, topics for the 'day of love.' Stay tuned for specific details on how to listen to this lively and fun discussion.
Jackie says: 'Many people are in the midst of change and will want to be inspired by your life changing story-- maybe as a tie in to New year's resolutions and embracing and managing change. We can also tempt the audience with an invitation to the romantic/steamy Valentine's day programming in connection with your book.'
Jackie also hosts Giving Hearts, which features charitable endeavors, life changing experiences and inspiration to empower others. She is the Charity Editor for Bella Online, one of the largest women's sites in the world! You can sign up for her free newsletter here
For And About Writers
Another Message From The Heart
In keeping with our theme of newness and change, my dear friend and 'namesake' Erica Hidvegi has left me know about her exciting new article on the Lifestyle Choices website.
Erica Hidvegi, also known as enlightenedpsych2, has offered here a piece on self-improvement. According to Erica: 'Change is constant and running from it only creates more obstacles.'
So she chose to accept it, keeping it precious and nurturing her cognitive construct to act accordingly. Do take a 'new years' look at the article. I'm sure you'll gain some wonderful insight from it. Thanks to Erica for 'enlightening' us!
Wisdom from Sheri McConnell, President and Founder of NAWW (Nat'l Assoc, of Women Writers)
Sheri McConnell's message on Journaling, 'Journaling from the Heart,' in her recent newsletter edition was so inspiring I simply had to write her and let her know my thoughts. I was especially taken by her advocating affirmations, which I've utilized for years as a way of connecting with my 'higher self.'
She was kind enough to reply: 'Thank you so much! I am big into affirmations for future goals right now too. Sometimes a new affirmation will literally come true within hours… it is freaky!' Sheri also has an amazing blog, and as if this weren't enough, she also does Web Entrepreneur consulting. You can connect to her MP3, “10 Mindsets Web Entrepreneurs Must Have To Succeed,” here.
Questions? Visit her at http://www.asksherimcconnell.com/
A Word Of Thanks...
To my writer colleague, friend and neighbor Jenny Russell, for copying me on an email she sent to a friend of hers, in which she described me as 'an amazing woman' who is into Journaling. Thanks, Jenny, for making my day/week/month/year!
'From My Readers'
Holiday Hype
Last month I asked for feedback on the holidays, i.e.: 'I'd love to know what you all think about the subject of having to deal with Christmas earlier every year.' Many thanks to the following women who wrote in and spoke their minds!
Barbara J. Hamby wrote:
'In response to your mention of how early the media and merchants start on holiday hype (before Halloween this year), I am very disturbed by their greedy efforts. Not only does it water down the spirit to start so early, I think it's bad for kids. The kids who're going to get everything they want (that they don't already have) will think up huge lists for their doting parents. The kids who will get little or nothing have longer to be reminded that they are less fortunate. The whole idea of freely giving is damaged by the "gimme" mode so many kids learn too early.
Now in my second childhood, I need little and want less, so I can enjoy the holidays when they come around.'
And my dear friend Carolyn Howard-Johnson (not a month goes by, it would seem, without mention of something wonderful by or from her), offered the following about 'dealing' with the holidays:
'How about not at all. Or very nearly not at all. I have jury duty next week and a grandson visiting from duty in Iraq the next. So, maybe a wreath on the door but no cards, no tree. I just am not wonder woman. I'd rather have some time to spend with my loved ones than bake, you know??'
When I pointed out that baking cookies can be a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones (specifically daughters and granddaughters), Carolyn cheerfully accepted my pov as well.
Thank you, Barbara and Carolyn. Here's my question for this month: How do you deal with change?
Well, poorly, or as Carolyn would say, 'not at all'? Let's hear from you, my dear readers, about this new years-appropriate topic!
Wisdom From A 'Man Of Experience'
My friend Irv Paster had the following to share from his own newsletter, 'Paster's Potpourri', and kindly accepted my request to reprint it here. Irv, I might add, is a writer who's 97 years old, in a wheelchair, and living at Fredericka Manor, a retirement home in San Diego. He is one of the sharpest people I've ever had the pleasure of talking to. To me the following is a testament to the power of writing, Journaling, and 'Gratitude Awareness.' Many thanks to Irv for sharing his considerable wisdom!
Write It Down
I came across this the other day while exploring the subject of "Memory" on my computer:
AARP News -11/4/05 - Five Tools for Improving Your Memory - Having A Plan
"Sometimes the best way to remember something is not to have to remember it at all. If you can, write it down! The worst pen is still better than the best memory. Also, the simple act of writing something down helps engrave it in your memory, and having it written down will also boost your confidence. So when you write something down, you may find that you remember it perfectly, and never have to look at your note."
In addition to this, I find the following are useful:
1. I have a pen in every room in my apartment.
2. I have a pen on my person at all times.
3. I have a calendar on which I write appointments (medical, birthdays, lunch and other guests, etc.). If I run out of space, I can print an extra month on which to write.
4. When I see my doctor or other medical provider, I have written agendas for him and for me.
5. If I see an article or a written document which interests me, I reproduce it on my printer or print a reference to it.
6. I have a diary in which I record the events of the day and things I intend to remember.
7. Sometimes, a waiter greets me with a cheery "Good morning, Mr. Paster," or other salutation. I may not know his name. I get it, write it down, and the next time I see him, I remember it and return the courteous greeting with which he greets me.
8. Every day I make a list of things I have to do. Although I am retired, I "work" harder than in my previous life.
9. My computer makes it easier to "write it down." I find it easier to write, save, store, and discard messages and other data using my computer than to handwrite them.
10. I use my computer in writing drafts of My Potpourri.
There are many other occasions on which I write things down or print them. I don't want to burden my mind unnecessarily.
:) (EM)
Closing Thought(s)
As this is a brand-new year, I couldn't resist including a slew of quotes to get us all started. Some of them I adapted from NAWW's 'Women's Quote of the Day - 365 Days of Inspirational Power (thanks again to Sheri; subscribe to this wonderful tool at http://www.naww.org.)
'The job of the writer is to make revolution irresistible.'
- Toni Cade Bambara
'It's better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life.'
- Elizabeth Henry (I love this!)
'The woman who can create her own job is the one who will win fame and fortune.'
- Amelia Earhart
'Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.
- Sophia Loren
'The things we overcome in life really become our strengths."
- Ann Bancroft
Until next time.
Best regards,
Erica Miner
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Copyright 2005-2007 Erica Miner. All Rights Reserved
