Being supportive, inspiring, and encouraging.

How many of us writers run into obstacles?

It is a rhetorical question of course, because we all do.

Life throws out those curve balls and we have to be able to adapt and deal with them as they come out of nowhere. We do this in life anyway. It is often frustrating as a writer to have to put what ever we are working on, on the back burner as we live go through what ever it was that took us from our writing and then to get to the point where we can bring it back up to the fire again.

If you are lucky enough to be able to make enough money from your writing to keep you living your dream, I applaud you. Most of us aspiring writers need to work other jobs/careers to pay the bills in order to write. I hope to one day be able to write for a living and make enough to live on full time. I know a lot of writers who have that exact same dream.

For those who have succeeded, I look to you as my role models. Hearing your stories about how you got to be where you are is not only inspirational, it is encouraging me to keep going.

As writers, we are all in this together and we must be able to compliment and give encouragement to each other.

We all have our strengths and our weaknesses. I know I certainly do and I'm constantly working and striving to improve to be the best that I can be, but to do this I need help with my weaknesses, so I can improve on my strengths.

I think it all intertwines together as we all try to reach our personal goals. We need to realize that we can't be the best at everything and we all need help along the way. No one can reach their goals alone.

We are a network, a living breathing organism that needs each other.

After all is said and done it isn't the other writers we are trying to impress, though having the respect of our fellow authors is nice. It is our fan-base, our readers that we are working for. They are the ones who are going to rate us on our work.

Working together, inspiring one another, and helping each other will help all involved.

I want to thank those who have taken the time to help me and encourage me. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today.

Thankful for those who have Honor & Conviction

People most of the time don't surprise me about how mean they can be. I've known and dealt with all kinds of people with different agendas, but I do stop and think about why people do what they do.

I believe there is something to be learned every-time something negative happens. It helps me to be more aware, so that maybe next time I can see it coming. I have to admit, that this time, I did not see this one coming, and it was a personal hateful attack actively trying to tear me down.

I won't elaborate on the details about this particular instance, but I do want to celebrate the good that came from it.

You never know who truly has your back until you are in a situation you truly can't control. It humbles me to know I have friends who step up and go to bat for me and are able to see things as they really are. I'm thankful they saw the truth of what was really happening. I want to thank those who spoke up when it mattered the most to me. THANK YOU!

I try to believe the best in people and try to give them all a fair chance, because not all people are evil and mean. I think we all tend to try to open up to do this, because we want others to give us the same chance. It is our faith that allows us to open up even if we are reluctant from past experiences.


I work with people, so I have the opportunity to teach everyday. I have also spent a life time of teaching my daughter that things work out most of the time. That there are those people who strive to do what is right even when it isn't comfortable to do so. I try to teach that we must always show by example how we expect to be treated. That when the opportunity arises we must stand up for what we believe and show conviction in our words and actions.

Have convictions, have honor and believe in God, because he will never steer you wrong. We are not be perfect, but if we go about our daily business with values, life can be a little easier.

I am thankful for those people who have the same standard, because when they rise up and help just because it is the right thing to do, they teach more than words ever could.

Our Trip to Alaska, oh what an experience.

When you are looking forward to going on vacation, the anticipation is just as exciting as the vacation itself.

My husband and I planned our vacation with my two sisters to go on an Alaskan cruise on the Princess Crown ship. MY sister's flew into Seattle from San Diego and we came in from Cedar City Utah to board the ship.

My husband, daughter and I have gone on a three day Disney cruise with a large group of friends years ago, but that is the extent of our experience on a cruise ship.

My husband decided to get us a pent house suite, the room was very nice and the balcony was awesome. My sister's came up to hang out and party and to just enjoy when we weren't walking around the ship enjoying live show's and a funny comedian. If you like to eat, which I know is everyone's pass time, there is food that tempts any palette.

We went to the steak and seafood house for a couple of very nice dinners, Russ enjoyed a fine filet Mignon, which he rates as the best one he's ever had, even though we have gone to a couple of top steak houses in the country on a few of our travels. My sister's and I over indulged on lobster. I have to tell you, I have never gotten full on lobster before, but I did on this trip every time we had it.

Russ set up the ultimate dining experience served by a butler and his assistant in our room. It was supposed to be on the balcony, but it was a little too cold out to take advantage of the views. We had fine wine, caviar, which I have to admit, I don't care for, but I'm sure was very good to those who love it. My sister Linda was in heaven with the sushi and specialty Hors D'Oeuvres they served. Next they served a green salad with candied walnuts, the dressing of our choice and a specialty cheese that topped it. Next was the main course. The Filet Mignon Russ ordered was huge and so tender you could practically cut it with a fork with a side of fresh cut vegetables cooked to perfection. Linda, Kathy and I had lobster and Ribeye steak. Oh, my gosh, it was huge and it fell apart as we cut into it. If that wasn't enough, we were then served a selection of specially made deserts for our meal. Each course was a piece of art as it was served. We may never get to experience something like that again, but it was an experience none of us will ever forget.

We left Seattle and set sail to Juneau Alaska, it was cold and mostly foggy, but we had a wonderful time walking in and around the ship taking in all the views and the wonderful architecture of the ship. Everywhere you looked there was something beautiful, but none could take the focus off the real beauty, which is the great outdoors.

I sat for hours watching the sea for the Hump Back Whales, but only saw them from a distance as they blew water up on the surface. My sister Linda, was lucky and one time while she was out, she was looking down at the water, when a whale came up not far from from the ship and showed tail as it dove down deep.

Our next stop was Skagway Alaska. It was very cold and windy there. We visited all the shops and ate lunch in a small locally owned coffee and sandwich shop. I had a bowl of chilly that was to die for. Lisa, who owned Klondike Cafe was a gracious hostess, who was getting ready to close up in three days for the winter an go on to Arizona until the Alaskan winter was over. She said, there weren't a lot of people who who stayed, as everything pretty much closed down.

Our next stop was at Glacier Bay. Going into the bay was cold, but well worth the teeth chattering and bone chilling wind what cut through everything I wore. I stood at the front of the ship taking in all the beautiful views, that really is hard to explain in words. It's just something you have to experience and take in. It is something I will never forget.

There was a lot of glacier ice in the water as we came up on the magnificent glacier that groaned and cracked as pressure pushed it down from the mountains. We saw pieces of it falling into the bay. I have to admit, seeing the glacier really makes you think about the world we live in. It was dirtier than I expected, but remembering that these glaciers are carving out the landscape beneath the ice as it digs, scrapes, and carving out new landscapes, with ice as old as time, just boggles the mind. When you take the time to look at the layers of ice from it's oldest to the newest snow on tip, you will see the beautiful designs that resemble marble, with one of a kind sights that will never be seen again as the ice continues to make new landscapes.

Our next stop was at Jaw Drop Glacier, they call it that, because as you round the bend you'll see nature at it's best. This is the place where the North American Continent meets up with the Pacific Plate and pushes high into the air. The geological implications are breathtaking and wondrous, really making you think of wild Alaska at it's best and it's scariest. It makes you ponder life and how small we are and it humbles the soul, at least it did mine.

Sharing this experience with my husband and sister's meant more to me than anything else. Words weren't spoken, but a look of complete understanding was what was shared as we looked around. The other passengers had the same looks as they too looked around at the beauty.

The captain announced that we were very lucky to be able to enjoy the views without the torrential rains they have had most of the season, it was fitting to have such a beautiful experience on the last trip to Alaska for the season.

We then went on to Ketchekan Alaska. I woke up early, before the sun came out and went out onto the balcony and my breath caught as I looked down at the lights of the town. I looked out to the east and saw the glow of the sky beginning to illuminate the sky which was clear of no clouds. The reflection on the water, was comparable to gold dancing on the water with the pier and boats lining the inlet.

We were lucky to enjoy this wonderful place with sun shinning that day where it was actually warm, something that we were told doesn't happen much. We walked around the town, went shopping and ate at another locally owned cafe, where everything was made from scratch and was very good.

The last place we went to was Victoria, Canada. It was night when we got there, and we couldn't really see the area, but the lights and shops that lined the streets, gave off an an air of a quaint place with old beautiful buildings and spectacular architecture. The Parliament Building was outlined with lights, making the place come alive on the water front.

We got back to Seattle where we started our journey completely content with our memories and experiences. We want to go again someday to enjoy more of the excursions we did not go on during this trip.

I want to thank the ships, crew and room stewards that took care of us. Meeting people from all different walks of life and just about every country was just as much of an experience as the cruise itself, which made the trip take on different dynamics at every turn.

I'm thankful and humbled to be able to enjoy this time with my family.

Going on Vacation

Taking a break from the regular routine of life is essential for growth and piece of mind. If you ever feel like you get stuck in a rut, get away and do something totally different. You don't have to go to extreme lengths to do this. Find something you enjoy and spend the time to do it.

We decided to go on a cruise to Alaska when my sister's Kathy and Linda told us they were going. They were so excited when we said that we'd go too. The time we spent saving our money and planning has been like a vacation in itself.

We are now in Seattle and at noon we get to board the ship. Last night we spent time with our mom who treated us to dinner at Olive Garden. My little brother couldn't be there which was disappointing, but we'll meet up with him the next time we are in Seattle. We had so many laughs at dinner and the time we spent together will be remembered.

It is time for us to get ready. I plan on writing updates periodically to share on my blog about our time on the ship.

Have a great day.

Health and Writing. How Important is it? Read my story!!

I can only speak from experience, so I just want to share with you what I have gone through in the last year.

This next part is hard to say, but say it I will, because it is a part of who I am that made me who I am today.

Where do I start. I think it is suffice to say, that last year at this time, I physically felt, miserable, I couldn't sleep, I was tired all the time, I was depressed and I felt as if I had lost control of my life. My outlook was not what I had envisioned when I was younger and had my whole life in front of me. Bottom line, was that I did not like who I was and saw a dead end sitting metaphorically in front of me.

I went to the doctor for my annual exam and was told I was full fledged diabetes and needed to start on medication right away. I have to tell you that sent me into a tailspin and I went further into a depression I hadn't experienced in years. The doctors were concerned enough that they wanted me to do a sleep study. The diagnosis after two of them, was I had a serious case of sleep apnea.

The reflection I saw in the mirror wasn't just physical, I saw my whole life flash in front of me. Trying to figure out what brought me to this point in my life was moot. It didn't matter.

I went to a specialist and I was told that I did not have diabetes. But, if I kept on the way I was I soon would be. What a wake up call.

I had a choice. I could keep going like I was, or I could do something about it.

This was a defining moment for me.

I chose to take one day at a time. One day I made the decision to stop eating anything that was not good for me. It was hard at first, and I still struggle with it once in a while. I'd be lying if I said it didn't.

I stopped all fast food, I ate fresh fruits and vegetables four to five times a day. Along with a balanced diet of all things good for me. My portions were drastically smaller and I found that the way I chose to eat left me with more energy and I was never hungry. The exercise I do, helps clear my mind, gives me energy and gets me outside to enjoy the world around me.

I realized after a short time of doing this that I had an extra skip in my step, I smiled more. I started looking forward to doing more things in general and I had a better outlook of my future.

Now, a year later, here I am. I'm 50 pounds lighter, I look better, I have never felt better in my life, and I have a much clearer mind able to focus on more important issues, which makes every aspect of my life a lot more inspiring.

As a writer, I have discovered that when I feel better,I have more clarity, which in turn gives my writing a well needed pick me up. How can I write at my best when I don't feel my best?

This is just what I have put into action. I've known this my whole life, but now I'm living it.

I don't know where I'll be in another year, but I do know that if I keep up my current lifestyle I can't go wrong.

Now, I must get to writing, my characters are calling me and the story is awaiting.

Have a wonderful healthy day everyone.

Ever feel like you are talking in circles?

"I know ..."

"What do you know?"

"I know everything ... You can't tell me something I don't already know..."

"Great, but do you understand what you know?"

"Of course I understand what I know ..."

"I think not ..."

"Excuse me?"

"You might 'know' something, but understanding what you 'know' comes with time, patients and experience, and the willingness to learn from those who actually know."

"I know ..."

"Do you want to know what I know?"

"No!"

"To bad. You might think you 'know' everything, but the fact of the matter is, when you understand what you know, and learn to use it what you know, then you can prove what you know, by action. And my dear, action speaks louder than constantly saying, I know... with an attitude. By your actions, you don't know as much as you think you know."

"I know!"

~ By Tory Lynn ~

True Memories in a Fiction Setting

I was thinking about the fiction story that I just started. At this time I have named it, A New Beginning. The title may change as I get more inspiration when I get it plotted out completely.

I am going to include parts of my early pre-teen and teenage memories as part of the story line entwined in a fiction setting. I've spent the last few weeks thinking back to when my grandparents were alive and living on their ranch in Colorado.

My grandparents worked hard and overcame a lot of difficulties. We used to go horseback riding, shooting, and fishing. We sat out under the stars around a huge campfires listening to stories of tall tales and true stories of when my grandparents grew up.

It was a life time ago, but the few times I was able to get away from the nightmare of my real life, and visit those beloved people, it held great meaning for me. The wide open spaces and the peace I found gave me hope, and it healed a broken spirit I didn't realize I had until later in life when understanding came easier.

The problem for me though is that I've been a suburbanite for all of my adult life. Things that I used to know about how the ranch was ran, how crops were planted, and how jargon and terminology were used back then have been lost on me. The things I just knew from being around that environment have been lost or are elusive and just out of reach since I have been away from that life for so long.

I would love to go back in time to capture those moments. To hold the essence of those family members and thank them for making such a huge difference in my life. I am looking forward to doing some research, talking to people,and going through old photos, so that when I write this story there will bits and peaces immortalized.