Archive for May, 2010

Many of the projects I work on are shorter term.  Most articles are usually assigned and completed within a month or less.  Occasionally one might be a couple of months in the works but seldom more than that.

However, other projects are longer term.  For a few months I have been working with a new Christian writer on his novel.  I’ve edited it for him and we’ve discussed his ideas and plans.  And we are almost completely finished.  In fact, with just a few minor edits, we will be finished.  And it’s bittersweet.

I’ve enjoyed reading the book a couple of times, even though I was working on it as I went.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know this person better.  I’ve been challenged and encouraged by him.  I’m guessing that we will keep in touch after the project finishes.  But, I find it’s a bittersweet ending.

I love the sense of accomplishment that comes at the end of a project.  Nothing is more satisfying.  I would honestly say this sense of accomplishment is even greater since this has been my first huge project since the birth of my daughter.  I have figured out how to work while still be a mom.

However, after working on a project for so long and having it end, it can be like saying goodbye to a friend.  I often feel that way with the end of reading a good book.  Currently I’m reading the last book in the “Legend of Drizzt” series, and I keep putting it off.  I don’t want it to be over.

While I won’t put my work off, I do feel a bit bittersweet about this large project winding down.  Yet, at the same time, I also look forward to a new pr0ject on the horizon that will challenge me in different ways!

I think I may have mentioned before that I’m not a huge fan of change.  And, yet, life changes.  Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

I was hit by this realization yet again this afternoon. I was washing baby stuff and having a bit of a pity party.  My line of thinking quickly went down the path of the past.  I started thinking that last year I didn’t have to interrupt my lunch to move someone from her bouncy seat to the floor because she was bored.  I didn’t have to scramble and try to unload the dishwasher before someone started fussing in her jumperoo.  I didn’t have to try to organize bags of breast milk in the freezer in the house and the chest freezer in the garage.  I didn’t have to wash baby dishes while listening to someone fuss because she was tired in her jumperoo and ready for her afternoon nap.  I didn’t have to try and hasten to get my work done during said nap time.  Last year, my baby was easy to take care of.  I was just starting to feel her move around in my belly.  Last year, I could have spent the afternoon in my office working.  Or even schedule time for a nap if I wanted.  This year, I would consider giving my right arm for a nap.

Then I finished the dishes and took her out of the jumperoo.  We headed to her rocker where I held her for a few moments before putting her down for the nap.  Last year I didn’t have a baby girl in my arms.  Last year I didn’t have a sweetheart snuggling into my neck.  Last year I didn’t have little fingers playing with the collar of my shirt.

It hit me once again that last year may have been easier, but it was nowhere near as good.  Balancing work and a baby may be a struggle.  And I may fall short some days, but the pay off is beyond worth it.

I’m not sure why I’ve taken so long to do this, but I have finally created a business page on Facebook for Written Creations.  I’ve been using Facebook for about two years now for a personal page to connect with friends and family.  I’ve enjoyed it, but I have resisted creating a business page.

Since I am in the habit of checking Facebook more than Twitter these days, I’m hoping that the Facebook page of Written Creations will be much more frequently updated.  My schedule has changed these last few months and I am paring down extras.  So, in an effort to be more collaborative and keep folks updated, I’m now switching primarily to Facebook for communicating rather than Twitter.  Ideally, I’d keep up with both, but I know my limits and what I can do while still being able to get my work accomplished for clients.

All that said, be sure to stop by and check out Written Creations on Facebook.  I can’t promise that it will make you rich or lose 20 pounds, but I can promise that your readership will be much appreciated!