A grey day, one in a line of many. My husband sits across from me furiously typing away. This is how my house is at times, three of us sitting in a room, laptops open, all in our own little worlds. My head spins with many things, there are many projects in the works, many opportunities presenting themselves. This is how it happens with me, a few weeks of quiet, followed by several things showing up all at once. Decisions must be made about what direction to head in.
I start by working on the introduction for the new book and find just getting to the writing a challenge. By this I mean the act of just sitting in front of the computer and putting down anything. It’s not so much that I am blocked but rather scared. The introduction is probably the most important part and this is where I find myself questioning my writing abilities. It’s o.k. this comes up from time to time and I work through it. You see it is not necessary that I find a way to convince myself that I AM a good writer, that I am capable. The only thing needed right now is that I get something down. A few words. Because then I will be taken by a thought and sent on a little journey and before I know it four pages are done. Starting is the key.
A year before my mom died we spent a lot of time in palliative care (she suffered from a brain tumour that was slowly taking her life). My mom had a roommate named Joan who I grew to love. Joan had lung cancer that had metastasized to her brain causing her thought processes to be limited. Like my mom she had lost many things (memory, some speech, emotions, etc), but she had somehow managed to maintain her sense of humor. On most days Joan was just out of it, and so I would speak to her and not expect much of a response. But this one day I was busy with my feeding duties and Joan called to me from across the room. “Hey, can you do me a favour?” she yelled in a booming voice. “What is it Joan?” I replied, fork suspended in midair. Her sudden burst of energy had caught me off guard, I look at her with a mixture of surprise and confusion. “Can you come over here and KICK MY ASS?”
I have never forgotten Joan, she taught me to keep a sense of humour during the hard times. And that there are moments when you just need to ask for someone’s boot up your backside. Which is what I need right now. Any takers?
Posted by kerismith at January 10, 2005 10:05 AMThe reason I am making a comment is the link to this said ( The Canker sores that made a home in my mouth )
I received this e-mail
Well, I must tell you you were right. It worked, and just like all the
other testimonials said it does. My eleven year old daughter applied it to
a HUGE mouth sore (didn't even mind the taste), and much to her delight
found that it didn't really sting that much. She came back and was able to
eat dinner (she hadn't eaten much for days!). The sore was closed over by
the next day! A couple of days ago my son developed 2 sores and we applied
it to them. We were a little nervous at first because after applying it, we
realized that it was a bee product and he is allergic to bee stings. But no
reaction, and his sores were gone by the next day. We are so happy to have
discovered this product! After many years of trying everything on the shelf
and suffering through much discomfort, we now know we've got an effective
remedy. The fact that it is all natural makes it even better! Thank you
for your product and your kind words of encouragement.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Malcham
Canker-Rid ® easy to order, ship same day
Please do your self a big favor and order Canker-Rid ®. You can order
at www.Canker-Rid.com or call 662-781-0542 . I feel sure you will be agreeing with many thousands of others who tried Canker-Rid ®. There is no prescription or none-prescription that will work, except for one, and that is Canker-Rid ®. We talk to hundreds of people every week and 99% of them tell us the same story. Doctors can not tell you what causes canker sores
(some guess), also called mouth ulcers and mouth sores. Some doctors will prescribe something just to make you feel better about getting a prescription. You, like just about everyone else have doubt because, everything you tried did not work. Canker-Rid ® works, Canker-Rid ® works wonderfully.
You will be so glad you ordered Canker-Rid ®. You can expect great results. Test for sensitivity by first applying one (1) drop to only one (1) sore to observe for any adverse reaction.
Our Canker-Rid ® will sells itself. Below are some e-mails we have received from customers. They are real e-mail from real people, they are not made up.
After you have used our Canker-Rid ® you will want to ask your pharmacist to carry Canker-Rid ®.
Thank you,
Tim Durham Sr.
Durham's Bee Farm
www.Canker-Rid.com
Please read these testimonials about our " Durham's Canker-Rid ® ". These are real letters from real people. There is nothing, NOTHING, by prescription or non-prescription that will come even close to Canker-Rid ®.
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Dear Sirs,
Having taken some time to test the effects of your Canker-rid formula, I write to offer my thanks and congratulations to you all! It really is a most amazing product, having been a perennial sufferer of mouth ulcers for almost all of my life, I was beginning to think there would be no solution.
Anyone who has suffered from the painful and debilitating effects of mouth ulcers will tell you they will try almost anything to find the "holy grail" for a solution. So with mixed feelings I ordered, and within 24 hours of applying Canker-rid to what was, a minefield of ulcers, they began to show a significant change in appearance and discomfort.
Some 6 months down the line and I very rarely now suffer mouth ulcers, and when I do I rush straight for the bottle! Your natural formula has without question liberated me in no small measure and I can't thank you enough.
My grateful thanks and best wishes to you in your continued success.
John Nieto
Oxford, England
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We tried your Canker-Rid (from my Sister) on my 13 year old Son. He said it worked like a miracle. He asked me to " please buy some, Mom". Karen Reinhard, Birmingham,AL 35211
Thank you so much for your Canker-Rid, my son used it once and had dramatic improvements. He had a sore the size of a dime, used this once, and the next day it was almost gone. He has a problem with the smell. He thinks it smells bad, but once he saw the results, he uses it daily. Thank you for helping him. I will recommend your product to anyone who suffers from canker sores.
Sincerely, Kim Thompson, Ohio
Thanks for sending the Canker-Rid so promptly. It really does work...I'm still in shock.
Carol Vincent Canton, OH 44708 .
Thank you soooo much. I have only used it for a day and I see a remarkable
difference this stuff is great. I will refer you to everyone I
know!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a great day!!
Shirley Briley sone to be Whittaker .
I called you a couple of weeks ago and skeptically ordered two bottles of Canker-Rid. I told you that I would write a testimonial letter if it worked but that I doubted that it would. I have been searching for help with my canker sores for over forty years.
Well, here is my testimonial letter. Not only was the pain gone in seconds but the coating that Canker-Rid provided did not wear off quickly. The sore was healed in two days! I had expected this sore to last at least another five days. Since then I have used it on two other emerging sores and they disappeared overnight!
Thank you for such a wonderful product. I have just placed an order for five more bottles. I am going to stash a bottle in every conceivable place that I frequent.
Sincerely,
Evan Padilla .
Comments: I have been suffering with canker sores for the past 6 years and I have used/tested just about everything that is there in the market and nothing worked. When I saw this site at first I was doubtful thinking here goes the 'scam' again.. But I decided to give it a try after reading testimonials. I ordered it on Friday when I was having 5 blisters in my mouth (couple on my tongue and others in different areas). It is extremely painful and most of you reading this know how tough it is..
I received the packet on Monday and I applied it right away...I was not aware that when you apply on the sore its little painful (I guess thats where the magic is; getting rid of the infection).
Immediately after application, the pain subsided however redness was there...It took me 2/3 days and walla!! all the sores were gone...TRULY UNBELIEVABLE!!
After trying so many products I hit the bulls eye this time. I wish I had run into this site earlier....
I would highly recommend canker-rid to anyone suffering from canker sores. -Sam, Minneaplis, MN
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This Fever blister is almost gone now after applying your Canker-Rid product to it for just one day.
I am amazed!!!
Scott Fredeman
Ocala, FL 34471
Your Powerful Canker-Rid one ounce goes a long ways ! Thanks ! A customer for life. Sue Ginnings, Rockford IL.
Comments: I just wanted to thank you for a product that did wonders for my canker sores. When I received this product I was on my 4rth day of my miserable pain, so I was anxious to try this as fast as I possibly could. I must say I am impressed because Im the kind of person that is very sceptical. The next two days my sore is gone. Thank you for your old fashioned customer service and the great product that is worth $100.00 a bottle. I will be a longtime customer from now on.. Jun Torres, Phoenix, AZ 85085
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Dear Mr. Durham,
I would like to tell you that your Canker-Rid that I ordered is one of the best products I have ever ordered. I used to have so many fever blisters and now as soon as one starts I put Canker-Rid on and its gone in just a little bit. I have passed the word around here and especially to my best friend who was in worse shape than I was sometimes getting some up to an inch long and in speaking to her yesterday she is doing great, using this at all times, she says she will always have it on hand. Anyways thanks again for a great product. Sincerely, Jovette Hebert, Decatur,TX
WELL, IT CAME. YOU SHOULD CHARGE $14.95 FOR THE FIRST BOTTLE AND $100 EACH FOR THE NEXT ONES!! WHAT AN AWESOME PRODUCT. I BEGAN USING IT ON FRIDAY ON 3 SORES ON MY TONGUE AND BY MONDAY THEY WERE HISTORY. THIS IS TUESDAY AND I HAVE NOT USED IT AT ALL TODAY BECAUSE THEY ARE GONE. THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH. MY LOVE TO THE BEES...
CANKER-RID IS A LIFE/MOUTH SAVER. MILLICENT MCDONALD RUSTON, LA.
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Canker-Rid saved my sanity. I have suffered from a progressively more serious and aggressive canker sore problem for about ten years. I make my living with my voice so any health problem that involves my mouth is very career threatening. About seven months ago I had a canker attack that left me, literally speechless. I had a sore on my tongue so large that I could no longer speak without slurring and experiencing extreme pain. I have purchased every over the counter salve, mouthwash, paste and boondoggle that is offered and nothing really works. Like most of you who have this problem your doctor could do nothing except to extract blood and tell you that tests show nothing to account for the problem. Anyway, I was very depressed and tired of the constant outbreaks. Sometimes it was one right after the other with no respite between attacks. By this time my mouth was so constantly inflamed that I could not eat anything without wondering if the burning was worth the chewing. I sat at the computer and once again began surfing the canker sore sites and somehow, and frankly I don't remember how, I found myself directed to Mr. Durham's Bee Products site where I read about Canker-Rid (Propolis). I called and mumbled my way through a conversation with Mr. Durham who told me I would finally find relief with his product. For me, just being offered hope at that point was enough. The product I ordered arrived in a few misery filled days and this is what happened. I put the Canker-rid on the huge sore about three times the first day. Next morning I could not really talk much but I could feel a huge difference in the pain. On day two I could begin to talk and by the end of five days it was over and almost gone. My canker problem is not gone but the sores never get past the beginning phase. I hit them with Canker-rid until the tiny start of a sore is gone and that is it. If you suffer with this, please know that I wrote this for you. The only thing standing between you and a canker free life is enough good luck to find this site and a few bucks. In short, it works.
Daniel S., Phoenix, AZ
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I was skeptical of your product at first. I have tried absolutely everything to help my canker sores, even earwax. Absolutely nothing helped. I got your product in the mail today, and just minutes after applying, I was finally able to eat Chinese food again! There's no horrible taste residue, and after the initial sting, the pain completely disappeared! I don't know how you did it, but this product has done what no other has been able to do for me. Daniel S., Mountlake Terrace, WA
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I was a little bit skepitcal at first if Canker-Rid would work for my canker sores, and I must say everything you stated about it on your website was right on. Now I am giving a bottle of Canker-Rid to both my father and brother who are also bothered by canker sores. It is wonderful to FINALLY find a product that not only eases the pain, but actually helps them heal much faster.
Thanks again. Robb H., Fairfield, CA
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Comments: I am so happy I tried your product for my canker sores. I've worn dentures for over 40 years and I somehow got a huge canker sore on my upper gums. It kept me up at night and I would cry because of no relief of anything else I've tried. It was so bad that I thought that there wasn't ANY cure. Not only did your Canker-Rid relieve the pain, it cured it within 3 days. I can actually chew again and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If at any time it tries to come back, I will use your Canker-Rid immediately and I know it will go away.
Thanks. Rosie from Louisiana
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My order came today and just in time. I have never been so desperate with pain as I was. Now only hours later I feel much better. Your Canker-Rid is the only thing that really works for mouth ulcers.Thanks very much!! Earl. LYNDHURST, OH 44124
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Dear Mr. Durham,
I want to thank you so much for your phone call when you found out that the delivery method I selected was not available. As I told you on the phone I wanted to be able to get your Canker-Rid as soon as possible as we were going out of town that weekend. We received the your Canker-Rid in two days and my son started using it. He had several large mouth ulcers at that time and could not eat and could barely talk intelligible due to the largeness and pain of the ulcers. He immediately started using your Canker-Rid, it did burn and he had tears rolling down his face but he said within moments the pain was gone and he was able to eat. he has used it several times a day for the last three to four days and the ulcers are almost completely gone. You have made a believer out of me and you now have us as a life long customer. My son gets these ulcers all the time and this is the only thing that has took away the pain and healed them within just a few days. I think the reason it took a little longer is due to the fact that there were so many and they were so large, they had almost grouped together to form the biggest one I have seen; they are almost completely gone now. Thank you so much. You will be getting another order from us as soon as we start to run low. Again, thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Denise & Tony (my son) Merritt, Turkey,NC
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I went on the internet looking for something specifically for canker sores, you know how uncomfortable they can be and it is hard to eat swallow etc... I was searching sites and they would only talk about cold sore and I was specifically looking for canker sores since I had one and usually these are hard to treat for obvious reasons. Just when I thought all hope was lost I stumbled onto your website and read all of the reviews and ordered last week. When I got the package Monday I was very excited to try it... Keep in mind I was past the most painful stages of the canker sore but it was still a little painful. I ripped open the box and immediately went and put some on my canker sore. To my relief it stopped hurting right away. The next day it was half the size and today (Wednesday) it is gone. I think most things used for canker sores just wash off when applied and is the reason they don't work. I found out the hard way that Durham's Canker-Rid stays put for an extended period of time. The second morning I decided to use my finger for application of your Canker-Rid and it stayed there all day (thought some of you might want to know this without experiencing it yourself because it is kind of sticky). Hopefully I will not get another canker sore anytime soon but I am glad I have your product when I do get one, your Canker-Rid is wonderful!!! Thanks Kris Rosen Chicago, IL
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Comments: Mr. Durham, I received your Canker-Rid yesterday and began using it immediately. I have suffered with these now for 11 years and have been to doctors and specialists. I have had them now for the last 5 wks. and have at any given time at least 30 in my mouth and on my tongue. Your Canker-Rid is making a difference. My mouth does not feel like it is on fire. I appreciate receiving the order so quickly and also the personal touch. Again, thank you and I'm sure I'll be ordering again. Michele Kielkopf, N.Wales,PA.19455
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I have suffered from canker sores for about ten years and the last couple of years they have gotten worse. I make my living in part with my voice and about 5 weeks ago I had such a severe lesion on my tongue I could not talk. In desperation I searched for a product that would work and ordered your product just to see what would happen. I used it along with a steroid and it worked but I wanted to use it solo to see if it would heal on its own. Last week I had an outbreak of about three sores. I began using your product on them about three times per day. I have no idea how many applications are sufficient per day. Anyway, I did this for five days and the sores are gone. They never advanced past the initial beginning stages. Thank you again.
Dan Carlisle, New York
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Your product - Canker-Rid is GREAT!!!!! Canker sores have been
with we my whole life - this is the first product that takes the pain
away and heals the canker sore faster than any product I have tried.
I have told many people about your product and they have tried it.
Thank you for making my life better.
Carolyn A. Baranowski
Springfield, MA
Have a great day!
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Dear Mr. Durham,
I reordered your Canker-Rid again because I shared mine with my physician and
told him that this is the first product I've tried that consistently healed
my canker sores and quickly. Since I've had trouble with these sores for
years and tried most other products sold, I was delighted to find your Canker-Rid. My physician wants to order and recommend this product to others.
Thank you and happy holidays,
Martha Taylor
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Note: Before you read the next letter from a new customer, I need to explain this person was a doubting Thomas. I say that in a good way so you will know he doesn't believe until it is proved.
Tim Durham
I used your Canker-Rid on Monday night which was the tenth day of my cold sore. When I used your Canker-Rid the first time it seemed to flatten what was in there. But as I said in my previous e-mail the red background mark was still there. Since I sent you my last e-mail, I have spoken to a Nurse and she said this is normal, it is just a red mark left by the cold sore; just like after a spot. The skin is not broken and the cold sore has gone but because it has been broken and inflamed etc, it is normal that it would leave a mark, just like any injury would. I am still using your Canker-Rid only at night, but I don't think I need to use it where my cold sore was anymore. I used it last night also because I have a sore mouth, between the gum and cheek and it numbed it straight away. It is still sore today but not as much.
Sincerely, Denise Crawford
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Tim
I used your Canker-Rid on my mouth ulcers and they were gone in three days. And they were quite bad so hooray.
When I received and used your Canker-Rid on my cold sore, the cold sore was already on the tenth day, so it still wasn't fully closed up, but the next day after I applied your Canker-Rid, it was closed up. So yes it worked.
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Greetings,
Just want you to know I just placed my second order, for me to place a second order means that the product backs itself. This product is being distributed to family member and you will continue getting my business.
Regards, Sam C. Brooklyn,NY
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November 02nd, 2002
Comments: Hi, I am just re-ordering for the third time and just wanted to let you know how very excellent your Canker-Rid is. Also the quality of service is excellent. I will be a customer for a long time to come.
Thanks, Patty Sayler, Garrison, SD
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Got my Canker-Rid and used it on my cold sore and already it WORKS. Thank you. Question: When you
say to use it for a sore throat by putting a few drops on the side that
hurts ( the way it stings on the cold sore ) Did you mean to place the drops
on the outside of the side of the neck or, try to swallow some????? Need
help with this. Thanks Paul Baker, Creedmoor, NC
( note: reply read ) Place 5 to 6 drops in back inside of throat reframing from food or drink for a short time. Applying before going to bed also is great, next morning, no sore throat., it works.
Comments: My name is Al Stallworth, CLVS and I want to share my miracle with people that have never tried your Canker-rid product .
You have done yourself an injustice. Here's my story:
I have been a bee pollen advocate / user for quite a few years, and know first hand of it's miraculous medicinal qualities. In the city of my home, the store where I get my vitamins and supplements, close it doors. I was left without a source for my bee pollen products. Almost in a panic, no worries I said to myself, I got to my trusted computer and began a search for bee pollen. I came up with quite a list for me to wade through. After a much painstaking search, I came across www.Canker-Rid.com , I went to the website, saw what I was looking for and immediately placed an order.
For whatever reason the internet was crazy that day. Little did I know I was to be blessed that day. Within minutes I received this phone call from a man that introduced himself as Tim Durham. We discussed what it was I was attempting to order. I confessed to him that I wanted to get the free shipping, my order did not quite qualify as was, he highly recommended his Canker-Rid. I had never been aware of this product, but having knowledge of bee products, I agreed to the addition.
I am a denture wearer and frequently suffer from painful canker sores which lasts from days sometimes to a week. During these painful days I cannot eat, inflammation becomes noticeable, and at times fever sets in. This for me. is a time of distress and sheer agony. After receiving my order, it wasn't long before this ugly condition surfaced once again. As I begin to treat it as usual, I remembered the voice of Mr. Durham, I hurriedly went to the medicine cabinet to retrieve my Canker-Rid. Followed the direction as was told to me. I applied the Canker-Rid onto a Q-tip swab, applied it directly to the affected area. To my surprise, the next morning it was as though I never had the problem at all. Not only was there no pain, but no swelling as well. I applied it again as a safety precaution and by the next day there was no sign of that canker at all. I never missed a meal or a day from work as before.
This my friends is an unsolicited testimonial, as I have suffered with this condition for well over three years. My doctor recommends, warm compresses, rinses and gargle with mouthwash. The pharmacist an even less effective treatment. I Thank God and Mr. Tim Durham for Canker-Rid , a remedy that truly works. I now keep a bottle of Canker-Rid on hand at all times. I even give it as gifts for those I know have similar conditions.
Al D. Stallworth, CLVS,
Bessemer, AL
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Hi Tim,
Thanks for enclosing Alonzo's testimononial. I had the same results on a fever blisterS on my lip. Stopped them dead in their tracks. I wanted to share this with you , but I didn't want to seem "crazy". I had a visit from my brother a few months ago who suffers from allergies. When he was here, he had a dry cough and a sore throat. I shared me Canker-Rid with him. He was relieved for days. I sent him a bottle down to Fla. and he is getting relief. Also, This order of Canker-Rid is going to a friend who has chronic throat irritation. I hope that it helps him. When my son was very young he suffered from from asthma related coughing spasms. Nothing would help. I did some research and tried bee propolis and it help stop it. I had told my Dr. and he was very supportive, didn't understand why it worked, but he agreed to continue using it. The product that I used was no where as pure and as potent as your Canker-Rid. So I thank you for a great product, great service. Lillian Watts
Oxford, PA
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Thank you. Your Canker-Rid, There is nothing I know of that is better for mouth ulcers. I plan to give one bottle to my ex wife. Earl Lyundhurst,OH
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Dear Tim,
I thought you and some of your customers would be interested in yet another
use for your Canker-Rid. In my household we have been using the
tincture for sore throats, minor abrasions, cuts and wounds. My fiancé had
a fungus underneath his toenails. We began applying a drop underneath the
toenail in the soft tissue area, and rubbed the upper surface of the nail
with a bit more. We have been doing this bi-weekly for about 3 months. On
one foot, the less affected one, the fungus is almost gone. On the other
foot that was more heavily affected by the fungus, any new growth of nail
has no fungus. All in all we are very pleased with the results of using the
propolis for the treatment of nail fungus. Your Canker-Rid is wonderful.
Theresa T. Glendora,CA
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I appreciate your wisdom and devotion to your calling. It is evident in your workmanship and loyalty that you are the most respectable supplier in your industry. It's a pleasure to do business "with the little guys", when it is so obvious all the red tape we, as customers, would end up paying for with your competition. And theirs is the inferior product - Unclean? Old?
And yes, your prices are so very reasonable. Your website was 100% user-friendly.
Sincerely,
Lisa
Write now, worry later.
You can do it all.
Keep on truckin'
I believe in you.
Posted by: Donavan on January 12, 2005 02:26 AMi sympathize with what you are going through; i feel the same about many things in my life. fear and expectation easily mingle into a smothering force. i suspect you already know what you have to do, but...
you have to keep writing through this fear. like Joan, keep laughing and living through the hard parts. quiet your worries about good or bad: as good as it should be, as bad as you fear it to be.
write now; editing later. it doesn't matter if it doesn't make it into the the intro. it doesn't matter if it's awkward. put words on paper because you know that act itself--thoughts in print--is worth something. good luck. i'm cheering for you.
Posted by: lily on January 12, 2005 12:27 AMI find watching a movie, reading another book, or listening to records. It's also good to have a whole day off the computer and spend time with loved ones, puts you in a much better frame of mind.
My blog is up for most inspirational blog, so I thought I should say something.
I am writing a book about my memoirs as a heroine addict/sex worker that is dealing with emotional trauma from a young age whilst also enjoying life as a clean and healthy young girl.
Sometimes, it gets really heavy, but I always use music to tap into emotion, works a treat.
I love your blog, very nice words and pictures.
I want a playscene kit !
So cute!!!!!
Love
Heroinegirl
XXXX
Love this entry! Good inspiration :)
Posted by: Amanda on January 11, 2005 07:25 PMI can't believe you just wrote that! Just after I sat down at the desk (before getting on line) I read this button that my husband (who proclaims that he is a tidy person) has left sitting here on the desk. He's a big movie geek so it has a quote from fight club on it "I want you to hit me as hard as you can." Ya know, one of Brad Pitts famous lines. We all need our asses kicked once in a while. It makes us feel alive after its all through (wasn't that kind of the point about fight club? (oops dont talk about fight club!) ) Maybe Joan was being funny...maybe she really wanted her ass kicked. It sure takes a brave person to actually say "C'mon world! I want you to kick my ass because then I know what I'm up against and damn it! I'll know I'm alive!"
Posted by: moki on January 11, 2005 06:32 PMEvery time I need to write something and it doesn't get out, I drag myself out of the room/office and just walk around, see things around, take a good deep breath etc etc. I've learned that with a former boss: "when things ain't working, ain't no use slamming your head on the keyboard...you'll get a bloody headache and will have to replace the keyboard!"
Posted by: Anna C. on January 11, 2005 12:59 PMThere's a character in Baldur's Gate (a video game) whose battle cry is "Butt-Kicking for Goodness!" I have adopted it as my mantra - some days you need to be kicked; other days you can do the kick-starting for someone else. I have a board I post to where I offer butt-kicking for those who need it. So consider yourself kicked. ;)
A lovely and thought-provoking post, as usual.
Posted by: french toast girl on January 11, 2005 09:05 AMi can relate to this post. it made me smile even -as i have in the past (and no doubt in the future) asked for a kick on my arse to get going.
Posted by: azura on January 11, 2005 04:39 AMSeems to me, by reading over this entry, that you may have already written your introduction.
Posted by: Christine on January 11, 2005 04:37 AMoh please - I vote for shots of tequila! And shirtless stripper men! And girl scout cookies! That way you could kick *your own* ass! :)
Posted by: katherine on January 10, 2005 08:53 PMI have to say that, for me, too, writing the introduction last is the best way. Seriously, the book can change so much from first draft to last draft, I write the "core" and then the end and then the intro. Works like a charm.
Posted by: sarah on January 10, 2005 08:15 PMThink tsunami. It helps get problems into perspective.
I gave birth to my second child on New Years Eve, and whenever the contractions were getting very intense and I started to feel sorry for myself, I thought of all those mothers who had lost their children in the tsunami and somehow, it gave me the courage and resolve to keep on going, keep on coping, keep on pushing!
Magnus was born at home, in a birthing pool, no drugs, just lots of love and determination...my biggest and best creation of 2004.
Posted by: Helen on January 10, 2005 06:53 PMLOL - that is so what I needed to hear today!
Posted by: Ali on January 10, 2005 06:13 PMWhy don't you go buy yourself a spanky new pen? I always feel much more motivated to write when I have a brilliantly smooth ink pen just waiting to be christened ;)
Leonie's FoolProof Way of Preparing For Anything (Exams, Job Interviews, Essays, Stuff That Needs To Be Done):
1. Go to Stationery shop
2. Ponder and wander around the pen section.
3. Make selection.
4. Go buy oneself a lovely coloured pad of paper.
5. Go home. Congratulate self on job well done.
6. Make pot of herbal tea.
7. Make shrine to new stationery, and drink tea in front of it.
By the end of the tea, you'll be positively ITCHING to write again ;)
tee hee hee :D
blessings on your writing journey!
Love and laughter,
Leonie
"bird by bird" my dear...said ms lamott
Posted by: fern on January 10, 2005 04:03 PMSometimes when my son has homework and he is just dragging around detouring the study desk restlessly procrastinating himself into a ball of wadded silly string I will send him outside for a few minutes, to ride his bike up and down the street, swing on the swingset or just RUN! No matter how cold or hot... It seems to have helped on a few occasions.
Now, get your rear outside and RUN!!!! Then come back and see what happens.
Maybe you will take a nap first :)
I am currently in need of a kick in the ass as well, and I found it in this amazing book I received over the holidays 'Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit' In it she says "My friend... confessed that he had a horrible time writing because he never knew the beginning. Then he figured out that the paper's beginning was not the same as beginning to write. So he just started writing...and trusted that he'd find the beginning eventually." She goes on to explain her own process of beginning "take a deep breath, stamp your foot, and shout 'BEGIN!' You never know where it will take you."
This book landed on my lap when I needed it most...like all good books do.
Keri I had the same problem with my book, most especially when it came to the introduction. I pracrastinated the introduction until I had finished writing the entire book. But then one night it just came out of me in one sitting with almost no revision and I couldn't figure out what all the fuss had been about.
Posted by: Gayla on January 10, 2005 02:12 PM"Writing from the Heart" by Nancy Slonim Aronie
(one of my faovrite books to kick me in the rear, when i first found it, i loved it so much that i sent a copy out to a friend across country, she was also pleasantly surprised. it's great for those "getting started" moments.)
Posted by: jenny vorwaller on January 10, 2005 02:03 PMThat is hilarious! Totally surprised me. Thanks for making me smile. :)
Posted by: penelope on January 10, 2005 01:21 PMWhat a gift to hear that one of the ones who often helps people (or kicks their ass figuratively) needs it too! Very symbiotic...so much of what all the events both micro and global, in my life lately have been telling me are the sillines of plans and structure. so maybe you need to change your "structure" a little bit and bring the lap top to a cafe, or at least a different part of the house or maybe don't even write it first on the computer, maybe long hand. or dictate it verbally and tape it, then transcribe it...usually what works for me is the timer thing and then to promise myself chocolate or a little gift to myself at the end ;) but you know all this already, I guess you should all know what we are all here for you!
Posted by: rachel on January 10, 2005 01:18 PMBWAHHHAHHHHA!!! Now that one took me by surprise. You know what, I'll kick yours if you kick mine. We all need a good shove once in a while.
You give me that boost just with your posts. You show that you struggle just like the rest of us. hang in there, you'll break through it just as you have before!!
I won't kick your ass either, but I will bring this entry to your attention:
http://storms.typepad.com/booklust/2004/12/happy_new_year_.html#comments
Posted by: patricias on January 10, 2005 12:23 PMWell, I don't really want to kick anyone's ass, but I will kindly look you in the eye and tell you this: Much of the time, inspiration happens after you start -- not before. Today, set a timer for 30 minutes and write whatever comes to mind. Repeat as necessary, and you will surprise yourself. You will get there. But you already knew this... ;-)
- Beth
Posted by: Beth on January 10, 2005 12:14 PM