A Writing Totem

Today I'd like to share a tip for all the writers out there who struggle to find the time to write every day.

I was watching the show "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and every so often he invites authors like Margaret Atwood, Ta-Nehisi Coates and Judy Blume to discuss their books.

One evening, CJ Hauser talked about the concept of a writing totem (hers is a little chicken figurine). She says that wherever you are, put the writing totem on a surface and it instantly becomes your writing table. So whether you're in your bedroom, at a coffee shop, or the office break room, the simple act of taking out a writing totem puts you "in the writing zone" and you can tune out your distractions and just write. 

I thought that was such a great idea!

Here is my very own writing totem. 

He tumbled out of the hood of my winter jacket one night. Earlier on the bus that day, I had noticed a little boy and his mama at the seat behind me. It must have been his toy and maybe he put it in my jacket for safe keeping. I feel so bad that I unknowingly left the bus with it! I would have returned it. Really, I would. But how? I hope it wasn't his favorite. I hope it didn't leave him with sleepless nights. I'm so sorry!

In honor of that little boy who lost his precious toy, I vow to use this action figure for a good cause -- to keep me focused whenever I write.

Now based on my research, this guy is professional wrestler Stephen Farrelly more commonly known as "Sheamus/Sheamus O' Shaunessy".

I think he makes a perfect coach and personal trainer, don't you agree?

He's so ripped.

And so chiseled. With flawless hair!

He'll give me fist bumps just for sitting down in front of the computer or when I make my outlines.

He'll give me a good shake (or a smack down) when I feel stuck, insecure or suffering from writer's block. 

He'll be a motivational speaker as I battle deadlines.

And when I finish a blog post, an article, a chapter, he'll be the first to give me a high five!

My victory will also be his victory!

He's now part of my writing essentials. I tuck him inside a pencil case together with my supplies. I stand him on any table. His presence anoints it as he declares, "Behold...your writing table." 

If you are looking for your own writing totem, here are some other options :

A small toy like a rubber ducky 

 Or a memorable travel souvenir (I got this from Brazil) 

Wherever you are, may a writing totem help turn your words from blah to TADA! 

Autumn Rituals

It's officially Autumn in the East Coast and with the arrival of the new season, old rituals are performed.

We go to a bonfire by the beach to celebrate the Harvest Moon. Beach. Bonfire. Full Moon. What's not to love?

There's a smaller bonfire where everyone is welcome to roast marshmallows for S'mores or as a topping for their hot cocoa.

We bring our own picnic in the form of a simple wine and cheese platter...TADA!

It's a fun community event! Some folks even bring instruments and sing the night away.

We hope this fire will keep us warm when the winter months arrive.

I've also started decorating my front door. This is a wreath that I made at a workshop in our local library. 

It's a grapevine wreath with Magnolia and Eucalyptus leaves. The bows are handmade from wired ribbon...TADA!  

In the summer, you'll hardly find me in the kitchen because it's too warm! But when the cooler weather arrives, I'm always in the mood to bake. These are peanut butter cookies.

Using Bartlett pears for these tarts...TADA!

And because it's pumpkin season, I make these breakfast muffins.

I also like to go on long drives to see the colorful leaves.

And attend a fall festival like "The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze".

And speaking of jack o' lanterns and pumpkins, maybe you'd like to try your hand at needle felting? This needle-felted peach is from my blog archives but it can easily become a pumpkin, too.  

Or why not acorns? The caps are real acorn cupules and the body is needle-felted...TADA!

These are some of my autumn rituals. I'm curious to know what are yours?

How to Make Your Own Candles

Hello there! I tried my hand at candle making and I must say, it was very satisfying!

The genesis of this project came about when the candle I had was almost empty.  I wanted to reuse the jar it came in. Maybe I could make my own candles instead of buying them? I've always wanted to learn anyway. 

Here's a little trick to get rid of the remaining wax and wick at the bottom of the jar:  put the jar in the freezer. After about 20 minutes take the the jar out and the wax will easily pop out...TADA!

Peel off the labels and clean the jar with soap and water. Now they look brand new! (As you can see, I've amassed a number of jars already).

We will also need some wicks and wax. I got these at the craft store.

I attached the wick to the base of the jar with a little hot glue. Then I wrapped the wick around a skewer/chopstick so that when the wax is poured later on, the wick remains centered. 

It's important to protect our work area so we don't leave any wax during and after the process. I used scrap paper and secured it with tape.

I wan't sure how many candles I would be able to make so I prepared several jars.  

Take the wax and chop it into smaller chunks or shavings. Use a knife and chopping board that's exclusively for crafting. Never use the same utensils for meal prep. Wax and food should not mix.  That would be blah. 

The smaller the chunks, the faster they will melt. 

Place the wax chunks in a heat-resistant container. I used this heat-proof measuring cup because it had a spout that will make it easier to pour. 

Attach a thermometer to the cup, keeping it in place with a bulldog clip. Make sure the tip of the thermometer is inside the wax. 

Find a medium-sized pot (it should be able to fit the heat-proof measuring cup) and fill it half-way with tap water. Put the measuring cup (containing the wax and thermometer) inside the pot. Turn on the heat (medium) and allow the water to boil.

The wax should be fully melted. Keep an eye on the thermometer and check your package instructions to know what temperature you need to reach before you can take the wax away from the heat. Mine said 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82.2 degrees Celsius).  

At this point, do not leave this project unattended even if the wax takes time to melt (it took about 30 minutes for me). 

 

Carefully remove the heat-proof measuring cup from the pot and let it rest on a trivet or pot holder. Carefully remove the thermometer and bulldog clip. At this point you can add scent (fragrance oil for candles). Stir well with a skewer or chopstick.

Allow the wax to cool to approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit (79.4 degrees Celsius). Use the thermometer to check. 

Place the jars on a flat, covered surface and slowly pour in the wax. Judge how full you want your jar to be. 

Allow the wax to cool overnight. Put them where the children and pets can't reach them. 

With scissors, trim the wick to 1/4 inch.

I was able to fill these two jars with a half pound of wax (half of the package).

Remember to label all materials "For crafts" and never use them when making meals. Store these in a separate cupboard so nobody at home accidentally uses them.  

And that is how I turned empty jars from blah to TADA! Woohoo!

Treasures from the Trash: A Leaning Shelf

Hello there! Today I'm going to show you a piece of free furniture. I found it in the trash/recycling room of our apartment building.

Are you ready?

It's a handsome leaning shelf. It was missing one level and some screws had to be tightened.  

I was there for a good 15 minutes assessing, questioning, "Should I take it?" If we had room in our apartment I would have, no questions asked. But I didn't.

Using some photos I found on the web, here are some ideas on how I would turn it from blah to TADA!

via Pinterest

I would make my very own urban jungalow and fill every inch with plants.

via Pinterest

Or I would reconfigure the leaning shelf to add a desk and chair to liven up a tight corner.

via Pinterest

I have a lot of books and a new shelf will give them a new home.  

via Pinterest

It'll look good in the bathroom, too, dressed up with toiletries and accessories.

via Pinterest

I can also remove the existing shelves and replace them with towel rods.

via Pinterest

Or I can use dowels and hang a few storage bins.

via Pinterest

I can turn the leaning shelf into a ladder for towels.

via Pinterest

Or use as a display stand for throws, quilts, and blankets.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to give your unused or broken furniture new life and turn them from blah to TADA!