There are worse places to be....

Probably anyone who still looks here knows I'm in Hawaii.

But if you didn't know, I'm in Hawaii.

And that is the view from my balcony.

How does your garden grow? (Or, Why my neighborhood is awesome.)

Today I picked these:

Then I arranged to barter some tomatoes for these:

But the best part was that when I was heading out the door, the Young Men/Young Women (my church's local youth group) knocked on the door and asked to do some service as part of a service scavenger hunt.

So I gave them the tomatoes, they brought back the eggs. I hope they won.

Now, before the week is out, I shall make soup out of the tomatoes, and puree the peaches and raspberries for my mom to make into jam.

Gardens are freaking awesome, you guys.

(Also, there might be some salted caramel brownies on the horizon. Keep your fingers crossed, book club.)

In the meantime, I shall get cozied up in my jammies and knit while watching Tron. 

Yeah. I live a charmed life.

It's time to get my swim on!

So my friend Jenna is crazy motivated. She's a full-time mom, self-taught photographer, and earlier this year started a weight-loss challenge for her readers (which I started but sadly will not win). Recently she posted about how she's dealing with an injury that's preventing her from running, so she went swimming instead.

Sadly, I've never been a runner. Members of my family run, and I love the running culture, but since I grew up with broken barbie doll knees (and a lack of any sort of real motivation) prevented me from joining the club.

Aside: I'm not kidding when I say broken barbie doll knees. I have SEVERE hyperextension in both legs. Sure, it was a cool party trick growing up, but I've sprained my left knee twice, and it's never, EVER a cool thing when the doctor says "Whoa! I've never seen anything like that before!" Note to future doctors, even if you haven't seen that before, please, please lie.

But since I thought that part of the high school experience involved athletics (come to think of it, nearly all of my friends were on some team or another) I joined the swim team my sophomore year. Did I lose every race? Yep! Was I relegated to back stroke because my dives were embarrassing? I have my suspicions. But did I love it? Completely.

Here's the thing about swimming. It's a pain in the butt to get ready for. Squeezing into a swim suit, exfoliating, shaving and smoothing, running all over town trying to find a swim cap because you cut your hair at the end of last summer so it doesn't fit in a ponytail holder and you can't stand it when your hair gets caught in your goggles...all sorts of annoying.

But once I run through the necessary checklist, I could seriously go swimming three times a day; I love being in the water that much. And I'm not a social swimmer. Let's be honest, I don't want to be sued for blinding anyone. (If you think I'm exaggerating, well, my vitamin D deficiency isn't from lack of dairy intake.) No, I like to go when the pool isn't crowded and the only ones there are swimming laps.

Why do I bring this up? Well, today, I ran through the checklist, and come tomorrow morning, I will be in that water. Lately I've been motivated to be more active. I really don't know why now and not before, but regardless, it's swimming time!

It's like...magic.

I suppose the thing about reading a new book for the first time, or even an old book for the eightieth time, is the anticipation that maybe, just maybe, my life will never be the same by the time I’m finished. When it’s over, I’ll have new ideas, new perspective, new insights because of a stack of paper bound in plastic covered in black smudges.

If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is.

Playing with blocks

For Christmas, Mallory gave me a whole array of lovelies that perhaps I will tell you about sometime, and one of them was this beautiful mug. I love this mug. I drink out of it whenever possible, and I'm always bummed when it has to take its turn in the dishwasher. (But I'm grateful for dishwashers.)

Here's the thing. I love stories. I love hearing a well-told story almost as much as I love telling a well-told story. There's nothing quite like the feeling of spinning a yarn and weaving it around and through the audience. The craft of telling a story is something I like to think I've come by quite accidentally, but it's a skill I enjoy. No, where I feel I've lacked in the past is actually having a story to tell.

Well, no longer. I choose now to make my writer's blocks my play things. I will build them in to great big towers, and maybe they'll fall. Or maybe they'll rise up into the most epic game of Jenga ever played. But whatever happens, I feel confident in the beginning of my story, and the first few chapters are really the stuff dreams are made of. I don't know how it will end, but I know where I want it to go. And the great thing about being the writer is that I have more of a say in my story's outcome than maybe I give myself credit for.

So here's to the hours and words, the weeks and chapters, and the years and volumes to come.

2011: An Active Life

When I was in high school, I regularly participated in student journalism competitions. Yes, there is such a thing as competitive journalism. One year in particular, at a local competition at Fresno State, I thought I wrote a killer feature article. To where I was convinced I was going to win. As I recall, it was about the Gandhi statue that lives on the campus.

I felt so good about things that a friend and I went speed bowling. I think that may have been the only time I ever broke 100, and I did so in under ten minutes. I'm a terrible bowler.

Imagine my surprise when they called out the top three finishers in features, and none of those names were mine. It turns out the judges' notes on my article said I used the passive voice too often, a big no-no in journalistic writing. Up until then, I had no idea what passive voice even was, let alone how to avoid it. But now I know.

Basically, in the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. In the passive voice, the subject just sits back and takes whatever the object throws at him. For example:

Active: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Passive: The lazy dog was jumped over by the quick brown fox. 

As an editor, when I get a manuscript written entirely in the passive voice, I kind of want to cry. Recasting passive sentences into the active voice is a tedious, time-consuming process that often seems never ending. But the end result is always worth the effort.

What does this have to do with my goals for 2011? Well, it turns out I live a pretty passive life. I know how to dream big, but I haven't figured out to how to work to make those dreams realities. So that's what I want to do this year. More examples:

• How often do I sit and watch TV, read blogs, or re-read books (passive) when I could be writing, creating, and sharing (active)?
• How often do I go to craft fairs/blogs/stores and say, "I could make that," (passive) when I should actually be making those things (active)?
• How often do I eat what someone else has cooked for me (passive) when I could be increasing my talents and passion for food by creating it myself (active)?
• How much extra time do I spend lying in bed (passive) when I could be spending that time exercising, studying the scriptures, or making a healthy breakfast (active)?
• How long have I been waiting to be loved (passive) instead of looking for the one who might be waiting for me to love him (active)?

So 2011 is the year I edit my time, recast some sentences, and basically just make my life read better. It'll be tricky and it'll likely be tedious, but I'm utterly confident the end result will be totally worth the effort.

Words

Good morning, Auntie Megan!

I woke up to a text from my sister that included this picture of my newest niece, Isabelle Elizabeth. Really cool girls have the middle name Elizabeth. She's been around for a week, and in less than two, I get to snuggle with her (and the rest of the world's coolest Small Children).

I can almost smell that baby smell.....

Success: Is it a matter of facing your fears or managing time better?

My friend Jenna tweeted something interesting today:

    Lately people are talking about "the fear" which keeps them from succeeding. Am I the only one who isn't afraid? I just need more discipline.
    I suspect it's because it's easier to sell out a workshop titled "face your fears" then it is to sell one titled "stop wasting time on crap."  
    If anyone wants to hold a workshop titled "Success through efficiency" and guarantee I will walk away more efficient, I'm so there.  

I like to consider myself creative. Whether it's cooking, baking, crafting, writing, or editing, I like to make things that didn't exist before, or change things into something new. There are certain endeavors that I'm not afraid of. If I mess up at crocheting, I can just unravel it. (There's a slogan for you: "Megan Welton--Unraveling since 1996!") If I screw something up in the kitchen, chances are I didn't screw it up enough not to want to eat it. If I make a pair of ugly earrings, no one has to see them.

But for one reason or another, I find that I have a terrible fear of writing. This is going to come as a shock to probably everyone I know, because I talk about writing all. the. time. I have a new idea for this story or that movie several times every day. But for some reason, when I sit down at the computer, or pick up a pen, nothing comes out, and I'm pretty sure it's because whatever I come up with isn't going to be as cool as it is in my head.

When I was prepping for National Novel Writing Month one year, I came across an article about this very ailment. I haven't yet allowed myself to write crap. Instead, I do things that feel safe and secure, things that I'm really good at...like Twitter Stalking.

Thankfully, I've started editing, and I realize that not even the best author is perfect. Some people are closer than others, but for the most part, everyone needs a little help. And since I've had this behind-the-scenes look at publishing, I find myself obsessed with other scenes to get behind. I want to know what Inception was like as a screenplay or in storyboarding. I want to know what the other options were for the interior design of that restaurant. I want to know what that song sounded like when it was first written. What did Buzz Lightyear look like as concept art? Is my favorite piece of jewelry as "good" as the designer intended it to be?

I can't help but laugh as I write this, because everyone in my English 495 class is going to roll their eyes when they read this, but I think it really depends on how we define success. I always joke that if I were to sell a screenplay, I wouldn't ask for a lot. Just enough to get out of debt. I don't want fame or fortune. I wouldn't say no to financial security or anything, but really, I just want to like what I write or produce. And if other people want to like it too, well, there's plenty of room on this here bandwagon.

I want to know love like this some day...

Okay kids, I have exactly 3.2 seconds to go before I have to get back to work, but I had to share this video with you via Pop Candy. It's a video from StoryCorps.org that aired on PBS yesterday. I don't have time to explain what Story Corps is, so just go and look for yourself. Awesome concept.

Anyway, here's the video, and if you have a propensity for tearing up, grab your Kleenex now.


Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Seriously. This is what love is, people. Spread this like wildfire because if we could really get back to the real meaning of romance, we can change the world. Don't you agree?

That, and I want my heart to flutter when that special someone tells me to drink more water.

Spend Free 2010: 5 Day Update

It's been five days, and I've spent $25 on gas. And that's it. And considering that one of those five days was a truly and horrendously stressful Friday the 13th, when at the end all I wanted was a huge burger and fries from Carl's Jr., which I didn't get, I think I'm doing pretty darn well. (See, the best thing about setting goals and being accountable is that I'm so not above showering myself in accolades.)

It helps that I spent the weekend at home, where my lovely sister and brother-in-law treated me to breakfast at Ikea. I also spent ample time chasing small children around the house. You can't spend money when you're too busy being the tickle monster. 

And who needs a cheeseburger when your dad grills tri-tip and pork loin and then cooks you s'mores for dessert? No one, that's who.

This week will merely be a continuation of the stress from Friday. And since I'm nothing if not a stress spender/eat-outer, I expect the next few days to really test my metal. My biggest enemy? The road construction that forces me to drive by Walmart, Wendy's, Del Taco, Dairy Queen, IHOP, Quiznos, a delicious Chinese place, a delicious Thai place, a cafe, maybe a pizza place, and Cracker Barrel (although, I haven't actually eaten at Cracker Barrel since living here, so that's not much of a temptation) on my way to work. That is quite the gauntlet for a person who can readily justify taking five minutes and five bucks to get a quick meal so she can enjoy more of her lunch break.

Anyway, five days down and fifty-five to go!

Spend Free 2010

I've discovered something about my blogging habits: my blogging frequency is inversely proportional to my internal stress level. This means that the more stress I'm feeling in my life, the less I want to talk about it. You see, I want this blog to be less a space for ranting and more a place for sharing and uplifting. You would think this is because I want others to be happy, but rest assured, this is more for selfish reasons. You see, I think I'm the one who enjoys reading this blog the most, and when I go back and read it, I want to remember the really good things in life.

Some might consider this willful self-deception, but it isn't. One of the things I'm most grateful for is the ability to see the silver lining in pretty much any given situation. This isn't tooting my own horn; I just find it's a good way to live. And I'm not wholly responsible either; this ability is a direct result of my upbringing (thanks family!)

Try it. See how it feels.

Anyway, I think there's been such a blogging lull because for a teensy while there, I was losing my ability to see the silver lining, and that scared me a lot. But I'm feeling loads better, and I have a new resolution:

Welcome to Spend Free 2010.

For the next two months (minus a belated graduation road trip with Mallory), I'm not doing any frivolous spending. That's right: for the next two months, I'll be cooking everything I eat. And luckily, pretty soon my parents garden will start producing, and they're really good sharers.

I'll watch movies I already own. I'll read books from my collection (there's a lot I haven't read yet) or from the library. And I'll quit talking about writing books and screenplays and actually write them.

If I want a new shirt, I have material to sew it. If I want some new earrings, I'll make them. I have skeins and skeins of yarn, many crochet hooks, and a set of knitting needles I stole from my sister. I have lots of beautiful paper just waiting to be folded, cut, or otherwise manipulated into other beautiful things.

I don't plan on being reclusive (although a lot of social happenings in my area usually revolve around spending money). I do plan on being creative in how I spend my time with others. The most fun I have is when my friends and family get together and take actual time to prepare a meal. There's time for laughing and the food always tastes better.

What do I need from you? I have the world's greatest friends, and I love hanging out with you, but I'm going to ask you to not invite me to activities that require I spend money. I have a hard time saying no, and I don't want to offend anyone, so let's just avoid the situation altogether. If you want to pay my way, man up and ask me on a date.

So, there you have it. For the next two months, I'll spend money on groceries, gas, bills, and other actual necessities. Everything else is going straight to savings. I won't lie: it's going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done. Let's just say this is an experiment born of necessity, and I'm excited to see how it goes.

The theater, the theater. What's happened to the theater?

Once upon a time since like, January or something, I've been in two plays at the Springville Playhouse. It's been fun, but I'm pretty much exhausted. But still, there's something to be said for an activity in which I can have the worst day in the WORLD and after an hour dancing around in pretty dresses and awesome makeup, life just seems a little bit better.

The musical was called "Bells are Ringing" and it was set in the late 1950s. This means awesome clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

Also, I got to be in a parade :) Little girls waved at me like I was a princess. 

Oh, and there were the awesome bird-cage veil hats.

But alas, after a six month career, I shall be taking a small hiatus. It's time for some writing, some family time, and some other creative collaborations. Also? Baking.

She is another canyon lady...

Once upon a time (last weekend) I made this for my mama for Mother's Day. It's my favorite of a set of four note cards I illustrated.

Now, I'm no illustrator, at all at all.

But I kind of love this.

Unapology

But before I get to that, I do apologize for not updating since the Olympics.

Remember those "Thoughtful Thursdays" posts I did awhile back? Well, even though it's technically Friday, I'm back-dating this so it says "Thursday."

I was talking with some friends this evening. And sometime after eating homemade bread and homemade cheese, but before my really embarrassing "tired laugh," (some of you know the one) we had an interesting discussion about how easy it is to judge others and how awful it feels to be judged.

And while I'm often entirely guilty of this, I'm sad that we sometimes feel like we have to conform to others' views of what we should say, wear, enjoy, love, listen to, read, eat, and so forth. But, I also feel like I'm getting better shedding the guilt. I remember learning early on in elementary school what the word "unique" meant. I still think it's a pretty cool word. But even as a grownup, it's hard to remember that it's a pretty cool thing to be.

You see, I THRIVE on variety, as I think a lot of us do. I find beauty in a lot of different things. I love spending time with creative people who teach me about their way of viewing the world, thus broadening my own view.

As it happens, I unapologetically love a lot of things. I love beautiful prose. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite novel. I also enjoyed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I love Romantic poetry. I really enjoy reading Dan Brown novels. I've spent a lot of time reading Harry Potter. I used to sneak read Babysitter's Club books after "Lights Out." I had a deal with my dad that for every Earnest Hemingway novel I read, he'd buy me a Roswell High novel.

I think it's okay that I like Gilmore Girls, Lost, Roswell, and Firefly. I also thoroughly enjoy Disney Channel and Nickelodeon programming--even though I don't have kids to watch it with. I think most of the shows are funny and smart, and I never have to worry about inappropriate content.

I love listening to Nickel Creek. Periodically you might find me at an intersection singing along to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the top of my lungs. I've seen *NSYNC, Sara Watkins, Iron & Wine, Counting Crows, Jimmy Eat World, Snow Patrol, Paramore, Panic at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional and others live. This summer alone, I plan on seeing She & Him, Punch Brothers, Jonas Brothers, and Hanson live.

I really love good food. I love cooking with whole, fresh ingredients, and I love new and interesting flavor combinations. Sushi is delicious. I both despise chain restaurants and love Wendy's.

I find George Clooney and Zac Efron very attractive.

I own clothes from both Anthropologie and Walmart.

I dream of being a mother, and I still dream of being a movie star.

I equally enjoy talking and listening, teaching and learning, laughing and crying. Especially during those rare and beautiful moments when all of these happen at once.

After all that, I'm not sure I'm laying down what I hoped you would pick up. I think what I want to say is that it's okay (and totally possible) to be hipster and teeny-bopper (Just don't tell the hipsters. And don't even try telling the teeny-boppers. They're too busy shrilling.) It's okay to be passionate about something, even if no one else is or even if everyone else is.

We should never feel the need to apologize for what we love, who we are, or the things we believe. The best thing about life is that we don't all have to like the same things in order to have good conversations with, or respect for, one another.

A/N: Edit and Republish Count: 3.

O Canada

I'm watching the Opening Ceremony (apparently it's just one ceremony) and I'm kind of loving it. Yes, the China Spectacular was amazing, there's no doubt about it, but I love how Canada is just...rocking being Canadian.

I kind of wish Bob Costas and Matt Lauer would quit talking about how the goal for the show is to be intimate and personal. Whatevs. Just let Canada be unapologetically Canadian.

Anyway, so far I think everything has been beautiful. If anything, it's helped me appreciate the Canadian treasures we enjoy here in the U.S.

• Nelly Fertado
• Bryan Adams
• Donald Southerland (just watch the second to last scene in Pride and Prejudice, and pretty much anything else he's been in).
• Sarah McLachlan
• Joni Mitchell

Mostly, I just love the Olympics. I love the excitement, and I love looking at the athletes' faces, especially the ones who are just in awe of being there. Also, I think the Georgian team was so brave for marching.

Anyway, here's to you Canada. Thanks for keeping our northern borders warm.

Farewell, my pretty tree.

I'll see you next Christmas.

Peace out, 2009!

So, just imagine that I finished the Best of 2009 series. I really meant to, but I wasn't super interested by the last few.

The moral to this story is that 2009 saw a lot of Bests and a lot of Worsts. I've learned a lot about life and challenge and everything, but I can't say I'm said to see the year go.

Here's to you, 2009, and the good times we had.

Stay tuned for the Resolution Recap and New Goals for 2010.

Right now, it's time to party with the fam.

Happy New Year!

Word or Phrase of 2009

2009 was "totally hipster."

Variations: "That's just the hipster way."

Christmas in a Cup! Or, Best Tea of 2009

Okay, before you call me out on quoting the delicious Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal, I'll have you know I have been referring to Celestial Seasoning's Bengal Spice this way long before I ever saw that movie, and rightly so. The ingredients consist of cinnamon, roasted chicory, roasted carob, natural spice and vanilla flavors with other natural flavors, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves and nutmeg.

I enjoy it hot, cold (iced soy Chai-esque latte, anyone?), and I hear it's excellent steeped in hot apple cider.

Trust me. It's the tops.