Ubuntu Blog Hop, #Write Motivation, and Celebrate the Small Things

Michelle Wallace is celebrating her 3rd Blogaversy with the Ubuntu Bloghop!!!

What is ubuntu? "In Africa, there is a concept known as UBUNTU – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." – Nelson Mandela.

Michelle, in her wisdom and generosity, gave us a number of ways to take part in this wonderful blog hop.

Since I've been on "random" this year, I'm going to just put some random thoughts out there.

Have you ever noticed a boost in creativity when you are surrounded by other creative and busy people?

The blogsphere is filled with writers, teachers, filmmakers, indie and small press publishers, musicians, and all around creators. It's amazing. It's life-giving. It's inspiring.

I've noticed that when I give, I receive double-fold.
When I teach teens about writing, I gain new knowledge and perspective.
When I host a writer's workshop, my own writing is rejuvenated.
When I help my daughters with their dance, writing, and acting, I feel inspired.
When I help my husband with his video projects, I find myself amazed and thankful for this wonderful partner that God has given me.
When a friend asks me to proofread their novel, I become immersed in words in a new rhythm and a new way that helps me in the pacing of my own writing.
When I visit your blogs, I'm inspired, amazed, given new life and new knowledge.
When I read your books, I'm drawn into new worlds and inspired to create.
When I hear your music playlists, I'm inspired to dance, sing, daydream, and envision new places. 

I just realized that all may sound "braggy," because there's a lot of "I" in there. However, what I'm trying to say is that "I" am only at my best when I'm in the midst of others who create, and live life fully.

Thank you for being a part of my community, my Ubuntu.

And please visit Michelle and celebrate her blogaversary with her in Ubuntu!

#writemotivation and Celebrate the Small Things together (trying to post slightly shorter here)
I'm not going to list out my #writemotivation goals unless they fit in the Celebration this week. Next week, I'll give a full rundown.
1. Ubuntu!
2. A mention at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog for my poetry book, Light Reflections, on Monday.
3. An interview with Nutschell at Wednesday Writer's Workspace!
4. A letter to the editor published in my local paper: World Needs a Variety of Grain Options
5. Two tiny stories written and submitted to Nail Polish stories.
6. 4 miles walking, 6 miles biking, yoga, lots of lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.
7. Lots of snow in the mountains! (Unfortunately, my youngest severely sprained her wrist earlier this week so she and I stayed home from skiing).
8. Both of my daughters acted as "extras with lines" on a local web show set last weekend. The acting dream is still alive. :)
9. My oldest daughter choreographed a flash mob dance for a birthday party, and my husband produced the teaching video. (I am in the "second wave" back up dancers, and it made my dieting/health goals take on new purpose - nothing like seeing myself jiggling around on screen to do that - agh.)
10. Lots of great proofreading and content editing help came in and I revised chapters 1-14 of Champion in Flight again (mostly small things, with a half chapter change for chapter 1), and wrote a completely new chapter 14. Chapters 15-24 will hopefully not have as many problems.
11. Lots of prayers have been answered lately.
12. Meeting with my cover artist today! Looking forward to seeing the cover art for Champion in Flight.

Many thanks to all of you who are a part of my Ubuntu! And many thanks to Michelle and Viklit for hosting these wonderful hops!