Birthday Advice

 

 
Happy Monday! Today is the start of my birthday week. “Birthday Week”- Obscene, I know. I’ve never been big on gifts, so this year I’m asking for advice.  Your advice can be in regards to anything: love, health, careers, etc. Sky’s the limit! Please consider this your birthday gift to me! Submit below.

~Thankful 

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What Do You Do? #2

 
In my initial post, What Do You Do?, I shared my disappointment with the intention of this question. I noted that no one actually wants to know what you do (the list would be endless). What they want to know is how you make a living.

So, this is post #2 as I continue to ask readers, What Do You Do? I’m looking for the real answer.

NAME: Jayne

LOCATION: Washington, DC

WORK: Health Research

 


What do you do?

 

Above all else, I’m a Mother. I’m an Actor sometimes.

 

When did you realize you had an interest in acting?

 

My daughters were taking a theater class during summer break and I became the stage manager for the production.

 

What is your favorite part of performing?

 

Manifesting and developing a character from a script. It is so very therapeutic and creative.

 

Do you have a preference for theater, film or television? If so why?

 

I absolutely adore theater. Theater is alive and each performance is an opportunity to develop a character and showcase the depth of feeling and emotion.
 
 

What is your dream role?

 

 

Can you suggest a few resources for actors on in the DC Area?

 

There are several resources in DC:
     

  •  WIFV (Women in Film and Video)
  • MAUTH (Mid Atlantic Union Talent Hotline)
  •  Galvanize – Mission: To stimulate people into sudden activity; to provide a network for artists and others in the DC metropolitan area and beyond, specifically those of the African diaspora, in order to connect, support and encourage each other because “we are all far too beautiful to be so seen so little”
  • Brian Draganuk Connects
  • DC_Theatre (DC Theatre Connection)
  • A-ACT-DC (African-American Collective Theater)
 

 

    

 

Many things, daughters, family, the opportunity to travel and visit other cultures, and of course,  LIFE!

 
Thank you for sharing, Jayne! I hope you continue to find time for what you love.

Anyone who’d like to be a part of the next What Do You Do?, please contact, Thankfulforamillion@gmail.com.

~Thankful

Keeping Up With The (Digital) Joneses

 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, they’re all wonderful. How else would we be able to constantly connect and keep up to date with our friends as far back as grade school? No matter where we go, we can instantly stay in touch with loved ones all over the world.

Sign into Facebook and you’re inundated with updates like: “Andrew and Lisa are Engaged,” “I just purchased my first house,” “Check out my new ride,” and “On my way to Fiji!” People are certainly quick to share good news, and this is great. However, it’s important that we remember to congratulate people on their individual successes and not internalize others’ activities as an indicator of our deficiencies.

Recently, I spoke to someone who expressed that they were feeling a little anxious. A number of their friends were engaged, or moving on to new jobs and they were starting to feel as though they were falling behind. Let it be noted, that the person referenced is working hard towards his or her own goals. Nonetheless, they aren’t immune to slipping into a game of timeline comparison. “Well, he’s 24 and just got engaged. So, I should be ready to do the same, right?” Not at all.

It’s easy to look at one person’s life and relate it to your own. I’ve done it myself. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of someone’s vacation photos and think, “Why am I in this office? I need a vacation.” Whenever I have moments like these, I try to remind myself why I’ve chosen to do what I’m doing for that moment. Because, a solid ‘why’ can erase every bit of my self-doubt.

Now, while there’s the danger of falling victim to endless comparison, there is an upside. My friends and I always talk about “Stepping our games up.” And, this isn’t so much about measuring our own successes against our peers; it’s about allowing our peers to help elevate our progress. Seeing others thrive and achieve serves as inspiration rather than a litmus test.

So, if you’re happy with the direction you’re headed, stay on the path. If you think it’s time to switch gears, make a change. And, remember to congratulate people on their decisions and successes, but don’t compare.

~Thankful

I hope you’re all enjoying the start of June!

A Little Daily Inspiration: Nikki Goddard, Co-Owner of The Barrel Room SF

 

Step 1: Figure out what you want to do. Step 2: Do that thing. Simple, right? Not quite. Thankfully, Nikki Goddard had the first step covered. Wine was her thing. Next was figuring out how to create a profession she loved. Like many of us, she started on the ground floor, soaking in as much information as possible. She became a student of her craft. It’s true what they say, that luck favors the prepared. Nikki was in a fortuitous position when the opportunity to run her own Wine Bar came about. Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center district, The Barrel Room is a cozy and quiet retreat for lovers of unique wines. At only 26 years old, Nikki runs the bar with two friends, Sarah and Carolyn. Their partnership has turned out perfectly.

I’m not a wine expert myself, but I’ve visited The Barrel Room and could tell that her customers truly appreciated her talent. I overheard one man say, “Why didn’t we come here for dinner? I’ve never had wine served by someone who’s so knowledgeable!” And, even with my very limited knowledge, I’d have to agree.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, want to check out a gem in San Francisco, or simply want to hear about a new wine for your next dinner party, check out my interview with Nikki below. Here’s a little inspiration from someone who took a chance and ventured out on her own.

 

 

Q&A

 

What were your aspirations out of college? Did you intend to have your own wine bar? 

 
After college, I knew I wanted to work in the wine industry but I wasn’t quite sure in which direction I wanted to go. I got a job at a winery tasting room because it allowed me to view the industry from many angles at once–sales, marketing, hospitality and production. I quickly learned that my passion was helping people to become more comfortable talking about and enjoying wine, and teaching them how to identify the wines they liked best. I tried a few different types of jobs before ending up at a wine bar and realizing that was where I felt most comfortable. I knew I wanted to some day have my own bar, but I thought it would take many more years for that to happen–and then the opportunity to open The Barrel Room basically fell into my lap.

 

Were there huge barriers for entry into the wine business?

 
We had a very unique situation. We took over a space that had been operating as a wine bar for many years, and we already had a good relationship with the landlords. The red tape involved in getting a wine and beer license is astounding, but our particular circumstances allowed us to cut out a few steps and shorten the time before we were legally able to open. We never could have said “let’s open a wine bar” and looked for a new location. I can’t imagine starting from scratch. To apply for a beverage license, you need to have already signed a lease, but you may have to wait up to a year or more after that before being approved for the license. We would have spent all of our opening budget on rent before we could even think about opening.

 

How has your partnership with Sarah and Carolyn eased your venture?

 
It has been invaluable having people I trust to share the workload with. We all have our own strengths and we work together and play off of each other very well. I couldn’t have done any of this without them. Luckily, we all have very similar ideas of what makes a wine good (even though we might differ in what we each actually want to drink on a given day), so we typically do not argue too much about which wines to add to our list.

 

What has been your greatest challenge and reward in starting The Barrel Room?

 
Honestly, the greatest challenge was coming up with a name! I never expected that every single wine-related name I could imagine would already be taken (even if it wasn’t in use). And since the name is the first impression many people get of the business, it’s obviously very important. Also, applying for our wine and beer license was an incredibly stressful experience, but we were very lucky to get through it quickly.

The greatest reward is definitely the fact that I can come into work every day, truly enjoy myself, and feel completely fulfilled. I love what I do, and I don’t think I could really ask for anything more.

 

How has your day-to-day professional operation changed now that you’re your own boss?

 
My days are much longer! I still spend about the same amount of time actually working in the bar, but we spend most weekdays tasting wines that we are considering adding to our list. Also, now I have to think about things like when we are running low on supplies, what to do when a chair breaks, or whether the paint job needs some patching up.

 

Will you open other locations?

 
Right now we are just focused on the one we have, but I think it would be fun to someday have a similar operation in another city, like Oakland (where I live), Portland, or Seattle. I don’t think there are currently a lot of cities where we could pull off serving so many of the quirky, obscure wines that we specialize in, but I hope to see that change soon! I can already see it starting to happen as the younger generation of drinkers becomes more comfortable with and excited about wine.

 

Do you have one piece of advice for those starting a new business?

 
Make sure you are doing something you really, really love. Once you start a business, you can never fully disconnect from work. There is no “clocking out”–work will be at least a little bit on your mind at all times.

 

Any suggestions for must try wines?

 
Right now, I am really excited about the wines of Corsica (the whites, reds and rosés are all great), which are currently being imported exclusively by Kermit Lynch. I also love wines made from  Mondeuse, a spicy red grape from Savoie (in the French Alps) and a light, aromatic grape called Poulsard from the nearby Jura region. Also, the reds of the Canary Islands are currently getting a lot of attention for a really good reason–they tend to have a very unique, perfumery, peppery aroma. Jose Pastor is the pioneering importer for that region.

 

 
Everything! I feel so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about how amazing all of it is. I had some less-than-great experiences on my way to where I am now, but it is so clear to me now, when I look back, that everything that happened, had to happen in order for me to get here. It’s really given me a new perspective when it feels like life isn’t going the way I want it to.

 

Thank you, Nikki! You’re further proof that your passion can become your profession.

Everyone, be sure to check out The Barrel Room in SF! Even if you don’t drink alcohol, they have lovely non-alcoholic options.

The Barrel Room SF Website: www.barrelroomsf.com

Follow on twitter: @barrelroomsf

Enjoy the weekend!

~Thankful

The Multi-Hyphenate

Producer-Writer-Director

Singer-Songwriter-Pianist

Financial Analyst – Sports Blogger – Television Personality

Interior Designer – Commercial Boater – Actress

Coach – Security Guard – Poet

No, I didn’t make-up any of these titles. I know someone who represents each of the preceding Multi-Hyphenates. Interestingly, I’ve met people for whom the idea of having more than one profession seems ridiculous. Our natural urge to categorize everyone and everything in our lives, doesn’t come easily when discussing people of multiple means. They want to know what happened to the Doctor, the Trader, the Executive. I’ve heard people from the East Coast attribute Multi-Hyphenate “ism” to the effects of West Coast living, as if to suggest that people on the more conservative coast can be easily defined. In fact, one person described above lives in Washington, DC.

Now, whether or not having more than one profession is linked to the increasing need for people to get their financial hustle on, or to advancing technology, which allows people to pursue multiple interests, there are certainly positive effects. First, I’d argue that this allows some to lead richer and more experienced lives. Second, and perhaps most importantly, I think it signals a psychological shift. People are realizing that they’re truly capable of anything. Of course, it’s important to become a student of your craft, but there’s no need to pigeon hole yourself.

A few days ago, I met a girls’ high school basketball coach. He also worked as a security guard. To hear him talk about his athletes, I could tell that he was passionate about seeing them succeed, both on and off the court. Our discussion revealed that he dabbled in poetry. He agreed to read some aloud. His work was really amazing. Each poem had a clear message and rhythm. I instinctively asked, “Were you an English major?” Coach laughed, “No. Girl, I didn’t go to college. I read a lot of poetry and soon, just started writing.” I was amazed, but was quick to remember, sometimes that’s all it takes, just start. Once he finished reading some selections, I suggested that he go to an open mic. His work was well written, and amongst the two of us, well delivered. To my dismay, he immediately questioned his talent. “Nah,” he said, ” I’m just a basketball coach and security guard. I don’t have any business at an open mic. I wouldn’t know what to do.” I couldn’t believe my ears. Of course, I fired back, “By my estimations, you’re a basketball coach – security guard – mentor – poet. I’m sure you’re much more, but we’ve only just met.”

While some consider the Multi-Hyphenate scattered or unfocused, I consider them open and evolved. They’re able to fill more than one role successfully, perhaps leaving room to pursue Second, Third, and Fourth Loves. So, I say, take a hint from the Multi-Hyphenate. Stray away from the instinct to categorize. Recognize your potential. You can do much more thank you think.

~Thankful

A Little Daily Inspiration: Mike Flynn, Writer and Co-Founder of The Table Read Initiative

Good day! It’s wonderful. I’ve found that I don’t have to look far for a little motivation. Seriously, there are days when I either don’t want to do anything or feel completely overwhelmed by pending tasks. But the moment I take a second to admire and acknowledge the varying successes of people in my community, I’m immediately driven to change my attitude. My sluggishness and indifference are instantly replaced with positivity and hopefulness.

If you’re a creative writer, someone thinking about writing, or someone who finds inspiration in seeing people who are thankful to do what they love, read on. If not, well, look away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back in February, I had the opportunity to attend the first ever Table Read Initiative, organized by Mike Flynn, Lena Waithe and Codie Elaine Brooks. Today, I’m happy to bring you a little inspiration from TRI Co-founder, Mike Flynn (Detroit 1-8-7, Happy Town, Life on Mars). After graduating from San Diego State University, Flynn made the move to work as a professional writer, and has been on a steady climb as a television writer ever since.  The Table Read Initiative’s first reading featured Lenox Ave, Flynn’s incredibly ambitions, and if I do say so myself, entertaining, hour-long period drama. The pilot focuses on a diverse African American community during the Harlem Renaissance. Despite the fact that the project hasn’t been picked up, it currently has Dennis Haysbert attached and was responsible for landing Flynn his first staff writing gig.

Even with the success he’s had, Flynn continues to give back. He currently volunteers with Inside Out Writers (IOW), an organization that partners young writers, who’ve been in or are currently in juvenile detention, with working mentors.

Thankfully, I got the chance to ask Flynn about his struggles as a Hollywood writer, what inspires him, and for some advice for aspiring creative writers out there.

 

Q&A

How’d you get started writing?

 
Well if you want to get technical, I’ve always enjoyed hearing stories and telling them. I used to write in a journal as a kid and compose short stories out of sheer boredom. I had a lot of time to myself, but never imagined pursuing a profession out of it. But growing up, I would stay up after 9pm watching television shows with my mother and sister…adult shows like HBO’s “Dream On,” “The Larry Saunders Show,” “Beauty And The Beast,” “New York Undercover,” and the list goes on. I’d hear words and ask my mother what they meant, and she sent me to the dictionary. So I spent a lot of time reading that book among others. But what grabbed me were the storylines and things that characters would say. I loved characters like Sipowicz from “NYPD Blue” — we don’t get to see too many flawed characters like that anymore; people are too scared to venture into that realm. So I grew up wanting to tell stories and create characters that pushed the envelope; stuff that makes you sit back and think, “Wow, this writer really went there.” I carried that passion over into college. I majored in TV and Film Production and minored in English, began writing at 19 and haven’t stopped.

 

What’s your primary goal as a storyteller?

 
My primary goal is to entertain the viewer or reader. What would be my purpose if I didn’t? Some times novice writers get caught up in wanting to tell their “life story” that they think everyone wants to hear, but if nothing exciting or interesting happens, there isn’t any reason for calling yourself a writer. Entertain the people and they will return!

 

Where do you get the inspiration for your scripts?

I get inspiration from everywhere. I once got inspired to write a short story just by playing with my mom’s boyfriend’s dog. I asked her what type of dog he was: a Great Pyrenees — a big white dog that’ll intimidate anyone. I did some research on where these dogs came from (Pyrenees mountains in Europe). Then I thought about monsters and a psychiatrist for some reason. So I put the two together and wrote a short fiction piece about a psychiatrist who treats monsters at an institution before sending them back out into society, set within the Pyrenees mountain range. See how that came together? It was a fun write. But I also get inspired by photography, art, music, stupid things my friends do that makes me crack up, family and everyday people who I meet.

 

What’s the most important part of your process?

 
To be honest? Sleep. Whenever I call myself going to bed, I twist and turn for about two hours because I can’t shut my brain off. I’m constantly reaching over to my phone to jot down ideas on the notepad app (thank you iPhone). I find that my best ideas come to me when I’m trying to nap or I just lay down. I’m an artist, so excuse my eccentricities. I know other people pace around the room, or go running, but I just lay on my back and let the ideas flow, man.

 

Passion project?

 
I have one, but it’s too ambitious. Period pieces always scare people, from what I hear…yet, they buy them every year. That’s a whole other discussion though. But I have come across a book that I feel, if the rights are available to adapt, will resonate with an audience. Whenever I get a chill down my back and it stays there for a couple seconds, I know I’m on to something. And this book gave me those chills.

 

T.V. vs Film: Do you have a preference? What elements make each of these appealing?

 
Film gets you the glory. TV gets you the respect. I love both but I prefer to work in television. People respect the writer on set of a TV show. They come to you for every question and I’m happy to offer an answer. You get to explore your characters more in TV, follow them week in and week out and find out what makes them tick…what makes them love and hate. I recently watched a character take a dark turn on an episode of “Scandal.” It was something that really opened up his character and set up more opportunities to see how his past life and actions may catch up to him. In film, you only get to stay with the characters for 2 hours (unless there’s a sequel), then you’re left wondering what happens next (if the movie is good). TV is gaining a reputation for having a film-like quality and is bringing the A-game. That’s why you see a lot more film actors coming to TV. I don’t blame them; it’s where the pimps rule.

 

What have been the most difficult and rewarding moments of your experience as a Hollywood writer?

 
The most rewarding moment was getting dressed up and going to the NAACP Image Awards for writing on a show that was nominated for Outstanding Drama (“Detroit 1-8-7”). It was a lot of fun talking to people about what you do and watching their eyes light up. Today, TV writer/producers are gaining more respect and notice, which is making this profession more and more attractive. I think the most difficult thing was finding my voice as a writer. I’m honestly still trying to hone in on it but I think I’m just about there. It’s very challenging to get your writing to stand out of a crowd of many other talented writers. It’s a hustle that requires discipline and diligence.

 

Any advice for writers looking to get their scripts in an agent or talent’s hands?

 
Keep writing. And write some more. Network with assistants, join tracking boards or industry-related organizations. Work for a successful writer or in a production office until you get that opportunity to work for a successful writer who can take you under his/her wing. Have a strong work ethic and swallow your pride. If you want to get your script into a talent’s hand, I’d suggest paying that fee on IMDB Pro. You can see an actor’s representation contact info and contact them. If you want to get it into an agent’s hands, well, you better have a friend who is a star client at X Agency who can vouch for you. That’s the honest truth. Unless you have the gift of gab and can find a way to be persistent without coming off as annoying, go the old fashion route and write agencies that accept query letters. The WGA has a list of agencies on their site that do just that.

 

 
I’m thankful that my mom never sheltered me or discouraged my imagination. It’s only grown from when I was a kid and has allowed me to do something that I love while making a living. So to that, I say, thank you, Vanessa Flynn.

 

Thank you, Mike! Can’t wait to see what you’re involved with next! Continued success to you.

I hope that jump-started any of you with an ‘inspiration’ block. Remember, inspiration can come from the most surprising places. Keep your eyes, ears, mind and heart open. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!

~Thankful 

Prior article about The Table Read Initiative: here

A Little Daily Inspiration: Freelance Lifestyle Writer, Amber Wilson of “Wilson’s Where To Guide”

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One beauty of technology is that you don’t have to wait to be hired, or for a large sum of money, to publish your work. If you want to be a director, start making shorts and distributing online via YouTube or Vimeo. If you’re a musician, your mixtape can be readily available for online download using Soundcloud or LiveMixtapes. And, well, if you’re a writer, you can start a blog. Given the economic shift, it’s clear that we are having to become increasingly entrepreneurial. Thankfully, emerging platforms support this shift.

Today’s daily inspiration comes from lifestyle writer, Amber Wilson. Like many of us, she started out her career by attaining an internship. That internship segued into an actual job. And, once she honed her voice, she started her own blog, Wilson’s “Where To” Guide. Since the Spring of 2010, Wilson’s combined her love of writing with her love of good food, entertainment, and people. Wilson’s guide serves as a “Where To” for the entire Los Angeles Area. From Los Feliz to Hermosa Beach. So, for those of you who dare venture out of your neighborhood, whether that be downtown or the west side, check out her blog for suggestions. Wilson’s “Where To’s” are worth using a gallon or two of gas.

Thankfully, I got the chance to ask Amber about her struggles as a writer with a day-job, the rewards she’s reaped from taking a chance on her passion, and how best to use a sleep-free 24 hours in L.A.

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Q&A

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When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

In some sense, I’ve always been a writer, since I was a child writing poetry, song lyrics, short stories and even composing “grammar books” for my stuffed animals (yes, I really did that!). I’d say I’ve had a calling for writing since I was young, but I just didn’t look at it as anything more than something that I did.

In high school and college I toyed with the idea of writing professionally, but it wasn’t until after graduating college that I realized I wanted to seriously pursue writing. So, I secured an unpaid part-time internship with Saturday Night Magazine for several months. I ended up getting full-time work somewhere else, but I continued to work as the magazine’s Nightlife Editor. I did this for two years before launching Wilson’s “Where To” Guide ;in Spring 2010.

Recently, I’ve also dabbled in screenwriting, copy-editing and writing for clients. In the span of my career, I hope to have ventured out in as many different types of writing as possible. It takes time and it won’t all happen overnight, but it would be amazing to say that I’ve had a successful blog, a successful book, a successful screenplay, etc.

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What have been the most difficult and rewarding parts of following your passion?

The most difficult part of following my passion has been finding ample time to pursue it. In addition to writing, I still have a pretty demanding full-time work schedule and other obligations. Sometimes, after a long, intense day, it’s like, “Man, I’m tired!” and I end up crashing and falling asleep. I’m just that physically exhausted, and finding the mental energy to still write can be extremely difficult. But, I know I’m not alone; so many of us struggle to pack everything into 24 hours.

Right now, the most rewarding part would be when I complete a writing project (a blog post, a script, a magazine article, etc.). It can take a lot of work and time to get from one small concept that originates in my mind to the actual finished product that makes sense, that can be easily understood, and that can be actually enjoyable to read.

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How do you decide which venues to visit?

I get inspired from many different sources. My friends have extremely good taste, so they’re always full of ideas. I read a lot of restaurant and nightlife-related blogs, like, ;The Minty, Stomach Life and Treasure LA. I subscribe to weekly e-mails from online publications such as, ;944, Thrillist, and ;Daily Candy. I work with several PR agencies, including Wagstaff, Lawrence Moore & Associates and The Barry Group. I follow different restaurants, bloggers and magazines on Twitter.

And, since I’m a pretty friendly person, I tend to strike up conversations with strangers all the time and I’ll ask them where they hang out. Often times, they’ll give responses I’m not familiar with and consequently, I’ll have a new place to check out.

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Top “Where-To-Be Merry”?

There are way too many to pick just one! It all depends on what I’m looking for. For a view of the city, right now it’s Perch Los Angeles. For one of the best veggie burgers ever, it’s O! Burger. I could go on and on and on…

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If you only had 24 hours to enjoy life in Los Angeles, what would your itinerary look like?

Quite a challenging question, since Los Angeles has so many diverse neighborhoods that offer such distinct, yet amazing experiences! I couldn’t do nearly half of all that I’d want to do in 24 hours. But hey, I’d give it a shot on a gorgeous, cloud-free, sunny, spring Sunday with a good friend:

In the early morning, we’d take a hike at one of the mountain trails like Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park or the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook to watch the sunrise. Then we’d grab breakfast at a cute café in the Mid-City, Beverly Hills or West Hollywood areas.

After breakfast, it’s off to one of LA’s museums or local art galleries – perhaps The Getty Center, MOCA or LACMA. We’d spend an hour or so there before heading to Hollywood to hop on a tour bus and check out the city from a tourist’s perspective.

For lunch, we’re heading to one of the many restaurants in downtown Los Angeles. While we’re downtown, we’ll have to hit up the Fashion District for some bargain steals.

Then it’s time to head west towards the beach. Play volleyball, bike or just walk on the sand before stopping briefly at the Venice Drum Circle for a unique LA experience, and before eventually heading down to Dockweiler Beach to set up a bonfire and watch the sun dip down into the ocean for the night.

We’ll be famished by then, so we’d stop in a restaurant around Manhattan Beach Blvd. before grabbing drinks at one of the local bars nearby. We’d then head down to Hermosa Beach for some nightlife action.

We’d finish up the night in Hollywood, heading to a few of the clubs before then going to a late night spot, such as a hookah lounge or after-hours club. We’d then grab another bite to eat at a 24-hour diner.

This would all be followed by a very, very long nap the next day!

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Honestly, I’m thankful for so many things. But if I had to sum it all up, I’d say that I’m thankful for each and every new day that I’m blessed to experience. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and feeling the excitement and potential of what that new day can bring – perhaps a new writing opportunity or something as simple as a breathtaking sunset. Every single moment to enjoy this journey called life – through all of its ups and downs, rewards and challenges – is a true blessing I’m so grateful for!

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Thank you, Amber! As always, it’s an inspiration to see someone who’s actively pursuing their passion.

Be sure to check out her blog.

Wilson’s “Where To” Guide: ;http://www.wilsonswheretoguide.com/

Wilson’s “Where To” on Twitter: @WilsonsGuide

And, for those of you waiting for the opportunity to write, invent, sing, etc., wait no longer. The time to create is now!

~Thankful

TGIM

 
Thank goodness it’s Monday, get it? Okay, I’ve never heard anyone say that. I’ve only heard complaints about the end of the weekend. So, in lieu of complaining about the beginning of a new week, I’d like to share 3 things that I’m thankful for.

 
1. Second Chances

For everyone already skipping through their week and looking forward to Friday, consider the following. We’re all liable to mess up. At least in my case, I learn by trying. And, often, learn more from failing than succeeding. So, in order for me to even have an opportunity to use what I’ve learned, I need second chances. They don’t come along often, but I’m ready to take advantage when they do. I’d like to think of my Monday as a new opportunity. No matter what happened professionally or personally last week, Monday is my chance to try again.

 

2. Close Friends

You know that person you can call and vise versa, no matter the situation: You’re stressed at work, you’re worried about family, you have an exciting secret, you need advice, or you’re bored. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They’ve been as important to me as family. And, I’m very selective about who my close friends are, so they become a part of my family.

 

3. ‘Aha!’ Moments

People say that  ideas are a dime a dozen. That may be true, but an ‘Aha!’ moment is a must if you want to have a good idea. It’s that moment where you figure everything out, or at least something that’s been stumping you. It’s that moment when you come up with an idea so good that you have to write it down. Most of my ‘Aha!’ moments come right before I’m going to sleep. It could be because I’m finally clearing my mind. Whatever the case, I keep a box full of index cards in my bedside table. If I have an idea while I’m trying to get shut-eye, I turn over immediately to write it down.

 
I hope that you all are embracing your Monday and taking advantage of the fresh start! When the beginning of a week seems daunting, I just give thanks to important things in my life. Now it’s your turn! Click the link below to share, or share in the comments section. And, by the way, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. So, if you see a teacher, give thanks! Happy Monday!

~Thankful