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What I’ve Learned

Monday, June 28th, 2010
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MamaWriters is coming to an end—for now. This is my very last post here and, as in life, if something I love ends—like a relaxing vacation that ends too quickly, a good friend who moves out of state or a brilliant book that leaves me wanting more—I try to look on the positive side, savor the memories, and remember all that I’ve gained from the experience. All that I’ve learned.

You might be wondering what the heck I could’ve learned from a blog written by a bunch of moms who just happen to be tackling one of the most difficult and challenging careers on the planet. From home!

Well, lemme just tell ya:

-Take care of yourself. You’ve earned it.  http://mamawriters.com/2009/09/put-on-your-mask-and-take-a-deep-breath/

-Sex is not a dirty word. http://mamawriters.com/2009/04/what-is-s-e-x/

-Mamahood is unpredictable but rewarding.  http://mamawriters.com/2009/02/mama-drama/

-Love comes from the most unexpected places. http://mamawriters.com/2010/02/my-valentine/

-Children follow our lead. http://mamawriters.com/2009/03/what-do-we-teach-our-kids-when-we/

-Feeling guilty? You’re not alone. http://mamawriters.com/2009/02/guilt-mothers-hold-the-market/

-Treasure the milestones. http://mamawriters.com/2010/05/milestones/

-Help! We can’t do it all. http://mamawriters.com/2010/02/when-you-are-the-one-who-does-it-all/

-We most certainly can do it all. http://mamawriters.com/2009/10/finding-time-making-time/

-Sometimes humor is the best way to go. http://mamawriters.com/2009/02/no-problem-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-mama-writer/

-Life is messy but oh-so good. http://mamawriters.com/2010/06/endings-and-beginnings-the-call-and-last-post-on-mamawriters/

-Our voices are unique. http://mamawriters.com/2009/02/finding-your-voice/

-To plot or to pants it? Every writer is different.  http://mamawriters.com/2009/08/plotters-vs-pantsers/

-Enjoy being a mom. The moments are priceless. http://mamawriters.com/2010/04/im-now-that-kind-of-mom/

Yep, I’m savoring these lessons and SO many more. What did you learn from the MamaWriters? Any favorite posts?

Viola Estrella – A proud mama and romance writer

www.violaestrella.com

Categories : Finding Balance, Friendship, MamaHood, Memories, Viola Estrella
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So Worth It

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
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I’m writing this at 10pm the night before my post is due because I didn’t have the foresight to write it before one of the most exhausting weekends of my life. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. Or maybe I’m getting older and my mind/body/sanity just can’t take the sensory overload.

In all honesty, I have to admit I had a wonderful time being a chaperone for my youngest son’s 4th grade class. We traveled across the state to reach Mesa Verde National Park and visited the majestic cliff dwellings there. We hiked trails and climbed numerous ladders. We saw things that most people don’t get to see in their lifetimes. More importantly, my son and I had some quality time together. Although the bus ride was a long eight hours each way we had an experience we’ll never forget.

All in all, I’m happy I went. Of course I can say that now that we’re home and not on the crowded charter bus. Would I do it again? Hmm… I’m glad I don’t have to answer that until the next opportunity arises.

Here are a couple of pictures of the area. What do you think? Would you drive eight hours in a bus with forty children to see this?

Mesa Verde National Park – Cliff Palace

Pretty cool, huh? Not to mention the satisfaction of seeing my son’s smile light up over and over again. I’d say that, yeah, it was so worth it.

Viola

Viola Estrella, an award-nominated author and 2010 RITA® finalist, loves a story with humor, flawed characters, paranormal elements, and romance. She tries to include these aspects in all that she writes and loves every minute of it. When she’s not reading, writing, or watching her share of reality TV, she’s spending quality time with her husband and sons in their Colorado home.

To find out more, visit her website: www.violaestrella.com

Categories : MamaHood, Memories, Travel and writing, Uncategorized, Viola Estrella
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Date Night!

Friday, May 7th, 2010
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A couple of weeks ago, the hubby and I saw the movie Date Night starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell. It was hilarious. I loved the clever, snappy one-liners and slapstick comedy. But it also reminded me of how difficult it is to go out on a date with your significant other when your lives are so full with work and kids. So I thought it would be fun to make a list of date ideas for the busy mamas out there. Sometimes it’s not easy to plan ahead so most of these can be scheduled last minute.

-The classic dinner and a movie

-Mystery dinner theater

-A comedy club

-Bowling (I know-not very romantic but it could be fun)

-Your local amusement park

-Karaoke night

-Playing pool at your local pub

-Dinner and dancing

-Wine tasting

-Bus ride to casino

-Catch a play at the theater

Mother’s Day is coming up. Maybe it’s time to try something new.

What about you? Any suggestions about date night?

Viola

www.violaestrella.com

Categories : Taking Care of Family, Viola Estrella
Comments (1)

Bottle of Hope

Friday, April 16th, 2010
Comments (26)

“Never say never, for if you live long enough, chances are you will not be able to abide by its restrictions. Never is a long, undependable time, and life is too full of rich possibilities to have restrictions placed upon it.” Gloria Swanson (US actress, 1899-1983) 

Inspiring quote, right? My good friend, Patrice, emailed this to me the day after I found out my book, Angel Vindicated, is a finalist in the RWA® RITA® contest for Best First Book, and it really resonated with me. 

I NEVER thought I’d actually final in this contest. I NEVER thought I’d see a small press/eBook final in this contest. But it happened and I realized that I’d carted around all that negative energy for nothing. Instead of allowing myself to hope and dream, I’d bottled up my chances and threw them out to sea. I didn’t even bother to watch the bottle disappear into the horizon. I closed my eyes and turned away. 

Thankfully that poor, neglected bottle came back with good news! Hello! 

I learned a lesson from this, and I gotta tell ya that I won’t be saying NEVER when I’m waiting for the winner to be announced at the conference in July. I’m going to shove myself outside my tiny, restricting box and say MAYBE. I’m going to accept that I’m entitled to the rich possibilities Ms. Swanson was speaking of, and I’m going to allow myself to hope—and, more importantly, to enjoy the journey.
Because that’s what life is about for a mama writer, right? Enjoying the journey. 

When was the last time you opened yourself up to the rich possibilities? Or restricted yourself from them?
Viola Estrella

www.violaestrella.com 

Angel Vindicated

 

 

 

Available in eBook and paperback from Cerridwen Press.

Also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.

Categories : Celebration, Viola Estrella, Worry and Insecurity, Writing and self-care
Comments (26)

Liiiivvve Like We’re Dying

Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Comments (6)

Yes, I admit it, I’m a Kris Allen fan. You know, the cutie who won last season’s American Idol. I love the type of music he sings and I adore his latest release “Live Like We’re Dying.” It’s a reminder for all of us to—you guessed it—live life to the fullest because you just never know when you’re going to breathe your last breath.

 

But what exactly does living life to the fullest entail? And is there one certain way to do it?

 

Personally, I think it depends on what’s most important to each individual. When I’m lying on my death bed, I honestly won’t care that I never bungee jumped or fell from an airplane. I won’t think twice about the fact that I wasn’t a surgeon or an actress or a gold-medal Olympian. Did I swim the Panama Canal? Who cares? Did I eat Indian cuisine? Meh, doesn’t matter.

 

Did I tell my family and friends that I love them enough? Wow, now that worries me.

 

In my writing career, did I push myself out of my comfort zone, or did I lay low and watch important opportunities pass me by? That’s an important question, I think.

 

As a mom, did I teach my kids right from wrong? Did I hug them enough? Did I show them that they’re special? Did I give them a reason to respect me and the life that I led? These are all questions that are significant to me and they’re definitely ways that I can and/or do live life to the fullest.

 

So what about you? How do you live your life like you’re dying?

 

Viola Estrella

 

www.violaestrella.com

Categories : Career And Family, Viola Estrella
Comments (6)
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