Posted in Amazon.com, authors, blogging, books, Fiction, goals, grammar, humor, Jansen Schmidt, laughter, On Common Ground, On Hallowed Ground, On Solid Ground, reading, romance, words, writers, writing, tagged big words, cover blurbs, dictionary, genre fiction, interesting, joy, joy of reading, Latin, Latin words, literary fiction, new book, pretentious, smart on February 15, 2021| 7 Comments »
I really enjoy reading. I’ve been reading almost my entire life and before I could read my mother read to me. I credit my mom for my love of books. I’ve always liked a good mystery, like Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Phyllis Whitney books as I got a little older. My taste in books has expanded over the years, especially since I started writing. I still have my favorite genres, but I sometimes challenge myself to read something beyond my normal literary go-to’s.
(more…)Posted in blogging, dogs, Family, goals, gratitude, humor, inspiration, Jansen Schmidt, laughter, love, On Common Ground, On Hallowed Ground, pets, positivity, resolutions, roses, travel, writing, tagged babies, baked bread, boating, boats, bread, canoes, comforting, flowers, fresh bread, giggles, happiness, joy, laughing, laughter, lilies, marinas, peaceful, puppies, sailboats, soothing, sunset, yachts on May 4, 2020| 12 Comments »
We all have those little things that make us smile no matter how bad our day is going. For me, without fail, when I’m feeling glum, I can think about, or look at, or touch, or smell, any of the things I’ve listed below and know that I will soon feel better. Even for just a few minutes. What are they? I’m glad you asked. As the song goes, these are a few of my favorite things: (more…)
Posted in blogging, Family, Holidays, humor, Jansen Schmidt, motivation, positivity, resolutions, social media, success, travel, vacation, writing, tagged Alex Gockel, art, artwork, coal, coal mining, color, gala, German artists, joy, karpe diem, masterpiece, New Orleans, painting, Park West Gallery, positive thoughts, positivity, promises, Ritz Carlton, seize the day, tar, VIP, Youtube on January 6, 2020| 8 Comments »
It’s 2020 ya’ll! Here we are in the first official week of January in a brand new decade. That should make you feel good. (Since this post went live, I have edited it, referring you to the first comment by Mr. Walker below. That said, I stand corrected – you are not welcome to a new decade.) But, at least the awkward teen years are behind us. Whew! It’s onward and upward from here. My hope is that each and every one of you finds the good in everything that life has to offer. Don’t sit around and wait for it to come to you – go out there and get it! As Roman poet, Horace, said? “Karpe Diem!!” Although he probably didn’t use the exclamation points. (more…)
Posted in Disney, Disney World, Disneyland, dogs, Family, Fiction, friends, goals, humor, inspiration, Jansen Schmidt, laughter, love, motivation, singing, travel, trivia, vacation, Walt Disney World, writing, tagged best friends, brave, death, Disney, emotions, friendship, Frozen, Genie, grieving, joy, life, life lessons, moods, Mowgli, Mushu, sadness, sidekicks, trivia, Walt Disney, Youtube on August 12, 2019| 7 Comments »
As you all should know by now, I’m sort of a Disney nut. I’d like to think of myself as a Disney aficionado but, whenever I attend any Disney trivia-type things I NEVER score well, so I guess that only makes me a Disney nut. But, I’m okay with that. (more…)
Posted in authors, Birthdays, blogging, Christmas, Family, Fiction, Holidays, humor, Jansen Schmidt, Paranormal, resolutions, writers, writing, tagged angels, art, Christmas angels, Christmas spirit, family, goodwill, holiday magic, joy, love, magic, peace, poetry, poets, Santa Claus, stars on December 25, 2017| 9 Comments »
I’m generally not a fan of poetry, but I appreciate the art and how so many people can express themselves poetically. Me, not so much. I’m one of those people who, if it doesn’t rhyme, I don’t get it. (more…)
Posted in acting, costumes, dancing, directing, Family, Fiction, friends, goals, humor, Jansen Schmidt, musical theater, theater, theatre, writing, tagged bad day, cheer up, choreography, dance party, dance teacher, dancers, joy, old movie video, old time dancing, tap dancing, Up Town Funk, wedding dancing on November 13, 2017| 8 Comments »
We all have bad days. It happens. Today is a bad day for me. I knew it was going to be. But, instead of dwelling on it, I’m making an effort to fill my day with as much joy as possible. Dancing brings me joy. Not MY dancing so much, although I do enjoy hoofing it occasionally. But watching really good dancers do their thing. That brings me joy. (more…)
Posted in blogging, Christmas, Family, friends, goals, Happy New Year, Holidays, Jansen Schmidt, love, moving, success, toys, words, writers, writing, tagged chaos, Christmas, gift giving, holidays, hope, joy, peace, weep on December 21, 2015| 12 Comments »
A lot has happened this year. My family felt the pangs of a cross-country move. My life changed significantly for the better. Terrorism, radicalism, school shootings, disrespect for authority, hit all time highs. Daily news reports made us weep.
If you’re still struggling with gift ideas amid all of this chaos, I offer the following suggestions:
Image courtesy Google Images.
Merry Christmas loyal followers and best wishes for a peaceful new year. May god bless you and keep you safe in the months to come. Be kind; to yourself and others.
Word of the Day: Remarque
Fun fact about me: If I could find the right picture, I’d get a tattoo.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, December 2015. Image courtesy Google Images.
Posted in authors, blogging, drinks, Fiction, friends, goals, grammar, humor, Jansen Schmidt, resolutions, romance, short story, words, writers, writing, tagged Be Inspired, creative well, inspiration, joy, nature, optimism, poems, poetry, Romance Writers of America, RWA, Tiffany Prochera, writing conference on July 28, 2014| 36 Comments »
Photo courtesy Google Images
As I arrive home from the annual national conference of Romance Writers of America, I am weary but bursting with joy. I have learned much from the huge variety of engaging workshops and have filled my creative tank to maximum capacity.
Photo courtesy Google Images
I am still high from riding the waves of excitement that swell throughout this event. There is an unexplainable joy that settles into my soul when I am among like-minded individuals all pursuing the same goal; people who understand the ups and downs of this business we call writing.
Photo courtesy Google Images
I am hung over with the giddiness that comes from meeting new friends and reconnecting with others I see less often. A plethora of social events provides many opportunities to hear amazing stories of people who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles on their way to success.
Photo courtesy Google Images
A rejuvenating optimism courses through my body and I return home inspired to dig a little deeper in order to achieve that next step on my journey.
Photo courtesy Google Images
Until next year, I shall endeavor to raise the bar on the quality of my work, my relationships and my life.
Photo courtesy Google Images
The following short poem, by Tiffany Prochera is an accurate reflection on my current state of mind. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
http://www.inspirational-poems.net/short-inspirational-poems/404-be-inspired
Photo courtesy Google Images
How about you dear readers – what inspires you? Where do you go, or what do you do when you need a little pick-me-up? Do conferences inspire you? Does nature inspire you? (Obviously it does me, ergo, the photos.)
Word of the Day: Winze
Fun fact about me: I love lighthouses.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, July 2014. Original poem by Tiffany Prochera. Photos courtesy Google Images.
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