2021 - The year that has gotten away.

 It's October 18. 

October.

18th.

Where has this year gone?

I mean sure. There have been struggles in the personal and family life that directly affect the productivity of the professional life, and I believe that family should always come first. But... OCTOBER? 18th?

Seems like this time last year I was full of hope and dreams and... ya.

We all know what 2020 and 2021 have been like. No matter who you are and where you live you have been affected. I pray you are safe.

Moving on.

I have found myself in a position where I can focus more on my pseudo-hobbies while still working at my place of employment. I am not teaching aside from homeschool my 16 yo at this point and am enjoying the ability to explore areas I have not in recent years.

My focus in my downtime is still writing. I have a project that involves lots of writing I am doing with my job and I am working on another non-fiction book. My next book has the tentative title "I Call Him Lord". The title is subject to change as the book comes to completion. It will be a full-length book and I pray I can get the bulk of it done in the next two months. I have researched off and on the last few years, so it is really a matter of pulling all the research together and putting it in the correct format.

Once I have that book finished, I have one fiction book that at this time looks to be a stand-alone book and then another that will head a series. Both of these are WIP that has been set on the shelf for now.

Hobby-wise, I have decided to see if I can get back into crochet. I used to crochet as a child and when arthritis grasped my hands as a teen I quit. Just like cross-stitch and embroidery. I would like to return to those as well. :) I also sketch and do photography. 

Professionally, I am working on my graphic design skills. I taught desktop publishing for a few years and I want to get back at the top of my game with it. (It also helps with marketing and self-publishing.)

So that's my update for now. 

Faith

P.S. Don't forget that Advent: A Journey of Preparation is available on Amazon!

Change is inevitable

I have been taking inventory the last few weeks. Not physical what I own inventory, but the kind of inventory where a person gains perspective.

November of 2008 I met a lady that was participating in NaNoWriMo. We had decided to meet at a quaint little shop and take a risk. Both of us were leery of other people, although she was already pursuing her dreams. We met because we were both determined to write a novel in 30 days. Through that meeting, a friendship was born. We aren't do everything together friends, but we both know we are there.

Anyhow, as we were talking and getting to know each other, I found out she was a nontraditional student and she was making her dreams happen. The more we talked and I shared my dreams with her, she started encouraging me to pursue my education that I had not had the support to do prior.

I found myself with her and my husband's encouragement apply to college in Spring 2009.

I was nervous as all beat out, but I did it. There have been ups and downs, moments that I wanted to quit even. But all because one person encouraged me, I chased my dream. It took me 9 semesters to get my BA. I stayed full time and raised my family at the same time. I even graduated with honors.

During the years as an undergraduate, I had other people pour into me that they were proud of me for going back to school and also for acknowledging the gifts I have. And now, I will be entering my second semester as a Masters candidate.

Big change from the shy country girl with low self-esteem back there in 2008.

Now, this semester I will be tackling another area I never saw myself doing. I will be a Graduate Assistant, working with one of the professors and preparing lessons and teaching lab.

All of this to say, do not limit yourself to your current situation.

Gotta bring in the bacon

Sometimes, a girl has to be frank.

I need to make some money quickly. I am willing to work for it, but I need to do this now.

I am a technical writer and a photographer. I am also able to write articles and creative writing. The gist? I need to get the word out and what I have been doing is not working. I am asking my readers for help.

This weekend, from today until Sunday at 11:59pm (central) I am willing to offer a photo package at $25 for 10-15 photos on CD in a 30 minute session. You do need to purchase before June 22, 2014 at 11:59p. You do not have to have your photoshoot this weekend. Once you purchase the package I will email you and set things up. If you want the shoot this week/weekend, email me Faith(at)FaithTilleyJohnson(dot)com. I will answer you as soon as possible. Or, you can call me at (615) 852-5352 and when prompted for a name answer. If I don't answer, please leave a message. I can also receive text messages at that number.

Not interested in photographs? Is there something I can write for you? I can write proposals, resumes, and more. I can also write articles for web content and magazines. If this interests you, please email me Faith(at)FaithTilleyJohnson(dot)com.


Or, if out of the kindness of your heart you would just like to make a donation, I will graciously accept.

I am trying to get my Master's Degree while making ends meet. My youngest son has medical issues (BenjisBrokenHeart.com)  and my husband has recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I would rather work for money instead of just taking it. To get a "normal" job right now it difficult since the kids are out of school. I am suppose to have something lined up once school starts. Everybody runs into hardship in their life and I am trying to make the best of it. If you have any questions, email me Faith(at)FaithTIlleyJohnson(dot)com.

Every writer needs an editor and a photographer a filter... hitting home for a minute

I am an individual with a creative streak that is a mile wide. I love to write, I love to photograph, I love to draw, I love to sing, and I love to decorate.

Sounds great, right? 

It is, except for with so many variations of creativity it can be quite distracting. The different pulls on my creativity can be so distracting that I may not put forth my best on any one area. That is when there is a problem.

I have become tied up in the berating myself here lately. See, I know I can do better when the conditions are right. The problem being that the conditions are not perfect and my full expectations are not met. I am distracted.

I have learned over the years how to control my quirks so that hardly anybody will notice them. Unfortunately, here lately I have been overwhelmed. The manifestation on my mind causes me to not be able to focus.

This lack of focus can be rather interesting. For the typical person, if they are unable to focus, they may forget their keys or a grocery list. For me, it is much different. When I lose my focus, I start with forgetting where I have placed things but then it gets worse. I get grouchy and moody, depending on what the causes of my lack of focus are. Then, when I know I have to step back and take some time off, I lose my filter. Not everybody understands that term. What is a filter?

In this instance, a filter is a gatekeeper or a channel that keeps the thinking before speaking in check. When the filter shuts down, I speak before I think but I also lose the ability to see where what I say can be received harshly. The basic social aspect of communication goes out the window.

Another side effect of my lack of focus is I become oddly sensitive. Say I was to say something that was harsh and the person I said it to complained about it to somebody else. This situation would wound me. The reason? Because when I am overwhelmed, I only allow certain people around me for more than pleasantries. This is because I expect those I allow in to understand me.

Man, I realize this looks like a rather selfish post. Sorry about that. I just feel the need to explain things. In order to do so, I have to talk about me. Anyhow, about writing and photography.

With my writing... my inner editor continually second-guesses what I write and I have been unable to complete a manuscript in two years. That takes a toll. Sure, I was making excuses, like having academic papers and research papers to write while working on various projects with church and school. (I am not saying these projects were not worth doing, they just took away from my desires.) I need to be able to focus. There is a story that has been evolving in my head for years and I need to get it written.

With my photography... I am eagerly waiting for the person that I can collaborate with and we can have an amazing photo shoot. Although I look forward to working with everybody. I feel the work I have done is lacking mostly because I am facing challenges that I knew would be there if I were to pursue photography as a career. I have been burned in a couple instances and regret the way things turned out. I am still taking pictures and want to enjoy working with individuals that want their portraits taken. I know I have the skill and ability; I need to work on my marketing.

Life in general. I have forgotten that I do not have to do it all. I also forgot whom I need to please and what it is that I am suppose to be doing. 

I am primarily a writer. I need a part time job with deadlines. I am pursuing my Masters and will be working (still waiting on confirmation) at the school this fall. I would love to have photo-sessions once or twice a month to boost an income. 

Have you ever gotten lost in the chaos around you? That is where I have been. We have had crazy personal stuff go on and instead of looking to the almighty Father; I have tried to fix it myself. This of course leads to being overwhelmed and stressed. (Which I am prone to anyway.) This however is not what God wants for us. 

God wants us to be happy. He wants us to have His strength. All we have to do is call out to Him.

Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. - Psalm 28:6-7 (NKJV)

Best Friend Farewell

One of the best things about being a child is the friendships that are made. Friendships that are amazing and bring a smile to your face, even on the bad days.

One of the saddest things about being a child is when those friendships require a farewell. That day when your best friend has to move away and your world, at least for that moment, has come crashing down.

This wild, crazy, compassionate, and adorable group of boys found themselves saying good bye to each other. They became friends out of compassion and continued that friendship with crazy and wild antics that young boys are so good at.



"A friend appreciates the good in you, overlooks the worst in you, and brings out the best in you." - Anonymous

What better way to have a reminder of the good times, than to have a few candid photos?

"A farewell is necessary before we can meet again, and meeting again after moments or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends." - Richard Bach

 In childhood, we tend to hope that the friends that have left us will return, perhaps one day we will meet again and pick up right where we left off.

Talking about video games and Nerf wars. Sharing mine craft videos and singing our favorite songs.

Running outside and pretending an epic battle is going on, enjoying just taking a swing. All and all, having a good laugh and happy memories.

"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." - Mahatma Gandhi 

I have watched the ebb and flow of this friendship for the last two years. Both of our families have been made better for the heart of these two boys. While we would love to be able to cherish the moments as they grow up together, we know that their place is elsewhere. We love you guys! And we will miss you. Be blessed as your family is whole once more.

New Year, New Adventure!

2014 brings about change for me. I will be entering the workforce for the first time in nine years. I will also be beginning the journey to get my master’s degree in Corporate Communications.

I also have a couple of projects that I hope to work on this year and possibly publish.

This does not mean that I will be ignoring my photography. I want to develop that aspect of my creative side also.

I anticipate delving into writing a lot more. I believe it will be more so the professional aspect. I am able to develop many professional documents and I hope to finally finish my novel that has been getting pushed back the last couple years.

I for one am excited about 2014 and cannot wait to get it under way!

We survived Icepocalypse!

But more importantly, you only have today and tomorrow to get in on the mini-photo session deal that is explained in this post. For examples of my work, you can see in this post.

And on to this post.

We survived the icepocalypse! Yes, even the neighbors cow Bessie. She was in the comfort of her barn before the ice came in. I just wanted to share the picture because she is quite photogenic. (Also note, I take pictures of more than just humans.)

I could be sharing the horrific damage done to our willow trees and the area around us, but I can not stomach looking at those pictures right now. Instead I want to focus on the beauty. The next two pictures are from our cherry tree at different stages of ice coverage during the weekend.

December 6th

The first night we weren't sure how bad the ice was going to be. I had lived through the ice storm of February '94 in the middle Tennessee area and my husband is from Ohio, so we knew it could get ugly fast. First thing I did was charge up my phone and camera.  (Not really, but I did have to be prepared.)

We hunkered down for the night. Friday I had an assignment due for a class that had to get turned in despite the weather. We turned up the hit and kept warm.

Saturday was a surprise. We had gotten ice Friday night but not as bad as it could have been. We mistakenly thought we had missed the worst of it.

December 7th

Most of the day on Saturday it was dry, cold but dry. We managed to get a few things done and took a few pictures. I managed to take one of my favorite in my front yard. (to the left) As the night neared it started raining, just a drizzle but enough to know what was to come was not going to be good. When the pastor called to cancel church, we knew it was going to be rough.

After having a movie night watching Red 2, we all went to bed not thinking about the on coming storm. (do you see what I did there, not unless you are a whovian.) Anyhow, what we woke up to was shocking. Apparently it was a freezing thunderstorm with high winds.

The Smaller of Our Willows

The trees were twisted and ripped apart. When I saw it my heart sunk. We moved to this house six years ago and had to nurse these willows back to health, to see them destroyed like this overnight guts you.

On top of that branches broke off of the bigger tree (Yes, bigger, like 50 foot tall.) and they landed on and around the kids swing-set/fort. We don't think there is any damage, but haven't been able to take care of the branches yet.


We do take heart in we are extremely blessed. the bigger willow stands above the house and none of the branches hit the house. We also did not lose power other than a few flickers here and there. As of the time I am writing this there are more than 3500 people in my county that have not had power since Sunday morning around 5 a.m.

We did find ourselves having to run to the store yesterday for milk and a couple other things, we were blessed that the store was stocked. We are blessed that I did not have to be on campus today since the kids were out of school. God is good!

Now, on to knock out the rest of these finals and graduate.

P.S. Don't forget about the photo mini-sessions! The special is only available until tomorrow!

Where I want to be...

More than any other goal in my life. My utmost desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord.

While I do need to have an idea about my future, I should not worry about it. God will supply all my needs, and provide.

Goals: What to do with them.

All my life I have been told to set a goal and strive for it. Most of my life I have done so.

In the next six months I WILL be obtaining a goal that has alluded me for twenty years, and frankly? I am unsure of what to do with it. Please do not misunderstand me. I am excited, I cannot wait to pursue a career in writing, and my uncertainty comes in the execution. My major is Web and Print Journalism while my minor is Professional Writing, or perhaps more familiar Technical Writing. Just exactly what direction do I go in?

I have been told by several professors on this journey that I can write anything that is assigned and I can write it well. The thing is, in the professional world, academic writing is not really something that is paid for.

There is another potential uncertainty for me, and that is writing the novel that has been floating in my head for nearly a decade. See, it too is a goal to complete. I have worked on it here and there, but I have not dedicated enough time to it since starting college in 2009. For some reason being a full time mom and a full time college student makes it nearly impossible to also be a full time writer.

I am hopeful that as this last semester of college finishes out and the search for employment begins that my goals and talents align to a more clear path. As with most writers, I want to enjoy writing and if I have an audience that enjoys what I write that would be great. However, until I get to that point, I need a paying job.

Perhaps, some of my more hobby-like tendencies will be able to aid in the paying job aspects.

Smile! Paparazzi coming through

One of my classes this semester has been photojournalism, and let me say I have enjoyed it more than I ever thought I possibly could. I have fallen in love with telling stories with pictures. This is not that far of a stretch for me though, given the nature of my mind.

For my last assignment/volunteer photography job I shot the area 18 Special Olympics. And, no... I am not sharing those pictures here. I gave those pictures to area 18 and I will not distribute them. However, the Special Olympics for area 18 happened to be the same weekend that my oldest daughter's senior prom was. I was privileged to take her prom pictures.

Let's face it, using the Canon 5d Mark II has been enjoyable. And I would love to have a good camera for myself.

I am sure these are not the BEST prom pictures ever seen in the world, but I am happy with the job I was able to do. Having only used the camera I believe a total of three times and never using anything aside from a point and shoot prior.

But now I am addicted. I WANT a camera that will give me good pictures. That is where my budget starts screaming. I am looking at a Canon T3i with two lenses, the 18-55mm IS and the 55-250mm IS. Needless to say, it is not cheap. Too bad poor college students aren't tax deductible when they have families of their own.

I can always dream though and hopefully one day it will happen, because I really enjoy taking pictures. Who knows, I do graduate in December.

Insomnia and Writing, or not

Ever get a case of insomnia? No, not the awesome kind where you have brilliant novel writing ideas. Just the insomnia where you can not sleep for anything kind.

I believe part of the problem is there is giggling coming from the other room when there should be quiet breathing from children as they go back to school tomorrow. (Yes, they are still on winter break.)

Another part of the problem is I had a paper due tonight and drank two very strong cups of coffee earlier to get it done. (Yes, paper + coffee.) I believe it was written well. The paper was a movie review of Shattered Glass. I remember when the proverbial poop hit the fan with Stephen Glass back in 1998, so it was interested to watch the movie and write about it for Media Ethics.

I guess the insomnia is not really that bad. Afterall, I get to post here. Maybe I will make my rounds on the other blogs I participate with too. Unless the caffeine wears off and I drop.

Peace be with you.

When It All Gets Crazy

In the life of a college student, November can get quite nerve racking. Typically this is the time in the semester when deadlines for all the projects are approaching and midterm grades are being released. It can get rather overwhelming.

For myself it is not just about being a college student. I have a family, plus I am also involved in my church. So while it does get crazy and insane and very overwhelming, I love it.

Currently I am planning three essays for Expository Writing, a video script, a mini eBook and a Portfolio for Technical Report Writing and doing classwork for Astronomy with my college studies. At church, I have found myself involved with two friends coordinating a business expo for November 17th. Then of course family wise there is never a dull moment.

The gist of this post though is not to go on and on about how I have so much to do. The point is that with a well thought out plan it can all be done and still have time to sleep, provided you have not drank too much coffee.

The first thing I did was print out a schedule of due dates. That was scary in itself seeing in my face that a few things were due on the same day, but I would rather know that today instead of a week from now when they are expected to be turned in. The next thing I did was let my spouse know that this month was going to be crazy and I was going to need a LOT of homework time. In addition to homework time I am going to need some help with the expo too. So let's see... 1. Written Schedule.  2. ASK for HELP.

That leaves the 3.Implementation. Getting to everything and doing it. You know how long you need to put your best foot forward. Yes, life gets crazy but what matters is how you respond.

So Many Directions!

This school semester has me excited. I was very concerned that having three writing classes would drive me insane, and it still may by the time finals get here, but right now I am enjoying it.

Each class is very different from each other.

Technical Report Writing is focused on the ins and outs of writing reports and doing projects. The focus is become efficient at writing the reports that will be needed in a professional environment. The benefit of taking this class and the benefit of being a Professional Writing Minor is that regardless of what career I pursue, I will be able to write virtually any report that would be needed.

Expository Writing or as the professor is lovingly calling it Advanced Composition it is as it is called. This class is concentrating on the way we write an essay, specifically we are writing about the Shakespearean Sonnets to develop our writing skills further. I look forward to this as I love Shakespeare. I look forward to diving in to the essays.

Feature Writing is writing feature articles for a newspaper. My topic has leaned towards advocacy and congenital heart defects. Knowing my heart and passion on this I am excited to use the education to benefit the awareness of a topic I love.

The thing is, while all three classes seem to be going in different directions they are actually working together. Each class has something that can be used in the other. Thankfully at the moment the classes are working together instead of against each other.

Now if only the forth class would benefit the writing classes it would be perfection.

The Smell of New Books...

Ahhh. the smell of new books... the joy of brand new pencils and brand new erasers. Makes my heart skip a beat. (Seriously it does, I am quirky like that.)

I am beginning my fourth year of college Saturday. Technically it is my senior year, but due to hour classifications I just miss the requirement and I am classified as a junior. That is okay. I am perfectly fine with that aspect.

Little bit of writing going on?

This semester has me both overly excited and balled up into a tangled up mess with my schedule. I will be finished with all of my core classes after this semester. YA!! However, that means it is time to get down to the nitty gritty in my main classes. Which, because I am a Web & Print Journalism major with a Professional Writing minor you might guess that there could be a little bit of writing involved in the last three semesters of my college career. This makes me excited. Yet nervous.

In prior classes I have been able to dominate with my ability while not putting forth a whole lot of effort. I know this semester while REQUIRE me to work ahead of time and to put forth GREAT effort. It means I will need to study and that I will need to not procrastinate. Plus I need to not get caught up in my one core class that does not involve writing. While I do need to put forth effort, there is danger of me falling in love with it too much. My fourth class this semester is Astronomy, it has always been a fascination for me. 

So, for those interested. My schedule:

Online Classes this semester are...

Feature Writing (Half Semester)
Astronomy & Astronomy Lab

On Campus this semester are...

Technical Report Writing (M W F)
Expository Writing (M W F)

As I said, lots of writing. I know it will involve me doing lots of research too. As I said, I am excited and nervous. Plus the Tech Writing professor has an opportunity that sounds intriguing. I just can not wait to get the syllabus for the classes.

Have a good day!

Not Singing Your Own Praise

I ran across this scripture the other day. I feel led to share it merely for what it says.

Proverbs 27:2 HCSB - Let another praise you, and not your own mouth- a stranger, and not your own lips.

As a writer that is attempting to be independent, it is very easy to have egotistical thoughts and to praise myself. This can be a curse of social marketing your own brand. While the reason I found the scripture was not to keep myself grounded, it is why the Lord let me find it. I love how the Lord does that.

In my life there have been times that I have been asked why I am not published already and my reaction is dependent on how I am feeling that specific day but it falls in one of two categories: a) elated, on top of the world, head swollen, egotistical, best darn writer this side of the moon. b) I STINK, I cannot write, I am horrible, etc, etc, etc.

Fact is neither of those two categories is correct. For the fact that I can write a sentence or even a paragraph with proper grammar and minimal mistakes, I would say verifies that I am at least a notch above horrible. (Yes, you can laugh, sneer, gag, whatever.) The other side of the coin is that there is always room for improvement, which proves the other category erroneous too.

Thus, we run into balance. Yin and Yan, black and white, yes and no, good and bad, balance. Also reminds me as a writer that in order to write, I have to read. That sounds like another post.

Finding the Way

 "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11(NKJV)

As my journey unfolds I tend to get overwhelmed or even distracted. I see friends that write that just in the last year wrote a novel and have begun the query process while I am in school and juggling motherhood. Then I see friends that have been writing for years and have yet to submit a single query. It can get very disheartening.

For me though, I know that my path involves getting my B.A. in writing. I have my suspicions as to why. God has this funny way of planning things out for us so that if we are in His will things work out pretty good. And I am not sharing this to be all righteous and holier than thou, its just that so many times things look hopeless and just as many times God has pulled me and my family through.

It is my belief that the Lord has me on this path that I am currently on to teach me the diligence and discipline that is needed to be a consistent writer. Does this mean I will be a best seller? Maybe. Does this mean I will get rich? I do not know. I do know is that the Lord will provide my needs.

See, ever since I was a child it has been my desire to be a writer. A published writer that is successful. God is providing me a way for that to happen and I am following that path. I believe this because the Lord gives us the desires of our heart.

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4 (KJV)

For me I have to not focus on what others are doing in relation to myself. I need to focus on what God is doing in me. I know it will take time. And that is okay. The first step is to start.

Waiting to Get There

For the last several months I have been telling myself to just wait until May, wait until May. Once we get to May the busy-ness of school will be behind us and then the focus of writing will be ahead.

Ya, right.

May has brought field trips, migraines, forgotten appointments and pure chaos. So I find myself waiting...

But in that wait I realize, there is nothing stopping me from writing. So what if it's not at a cute little coffee shop with my laptop with me looking important? There is nothing wrong with having my tablet (or paper and pencil) in the car with sweats on at whatever sport practice the kids have going on. (And that allows a free edit when I type it up!)

It doesn't have to be perfect when I write and I can get there now. Like right now while I'm waiting for the dog to get done at the vet.

The lesson learned? Don't wait.

How many opportunities pass us by because we are waiting for the "perfect" moment? There is no perfect moment. There will always be something than can get in the way if you let it.

Will Return...

I am taking a little break from the blog while the end of my fall semester approaches. My studies need to be concentrated on right now and I am sure you all understand.

It is Official, in case you missed it

Well, I have already said it, but then a friend wished me luck because I typically at this time of year am driven by word counts and a 30 day window. Unfortunately, I will NOT be participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writers Month) this year. I just do not have the time.

There is a part of me that wishes I were.

I am being focused though, I have to keep my grades in school up and I need to work on other things. I will not have a novel finished by the end of 2011, and I am okay with that.

I am working on a couple short stories. I do intend to release them as e-Books once they are ready. I have many plots swimming around in my mind that the muse likes to pull forward when I need to be studying... typically Latin, but I digress.

So it is official, I will not be doing NaNoWriMo. (I may play with some of the word sprints though.)

Organization

I have discovered that it does not matter how organized your desk or computer are, that you are not organized fully until you have a set schedule for yourself. This has been hard for me.

Sure, I am a college student but I am also a mom and a wife. There is a lot to juggle there.

My top priority has been getting my office set up. With my office set up, other things can fall into place. It will make it so that when I have 15-20 minutes free, I can sit down and write or research.

That is my two cents. I am praying that my schedule will work over the weekend so I can get a short finished and have a beta look it over.