Tag Archives: Inspiration

06.19.21
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Getting Personal #249: Sesame Street LEGO Ideas

The front of the box.

I knew I wanted this LEGO set when it was first announced. At the time, however, it was a lot of money, and I felt I didn’t absolutely need to have it.

However, I made a decision a few months ago to reward myself with it at the end of May. I’m so glad I did! I was pleasantly surprised that it shipped so quickly from the LEGO website. I bought it on in the middle of a week, and it arrived that weekend.

I documented the journey in stages. There were six sets of numbered bags in the box, and I figured I would stretch it out as long as I could. The entire set is 1,367 pieces.

The back of the box.

Part 1

The beginning was building the street and the base of 123 Sesame Street. Each part had a new Muppet mini-figure to build. Big Bird was first, my favorite.

I love the attention to detail. See the spiderweb?

Part 2

The second part was building Elmo and the first floor of 123 Sesame Street.

Do you see the back wall of Big Bird’s nest?

The bottom floor is Elmo’s room. I love how the windows look real and open!

Part 3

The third part was the second floor of 123 Sesame Street, and Ernie.

This part added the bathroom, with Rubber Duckie, and more to Big Bird’s nest.

Part 4

The fourth part included the roof of 123 Sesame Street, and Bert.

Bert and Ernie’s bedroom is done, too.

Part 5

The fifth part included Cookie Monster, Hooper’s Store, and the apartment above.

I love the details. The stickers really help illustrate the set!

Part 6

The final part was Oscar in his trash can, the garden, the fire escape, Big Bird’s nest, outside Hooper’s, and the Sesame Street signpost.

I can’t get over how much research was put into this LEGO Ideas set! It was well worth the money – About $130 total. The instruction book had fun photos and backstory on the designers and creators.

This will be proudly displayed in my office. It’s currently on the living room coffee table. I smile every time I walk in the room!

I really loved this set. Many of you know how much Sesame Street means to me!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

05.23.20
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Book Review #87: “Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear”

This was one of FIVE books that Al bought me for Christmas!

This book, along with Kristen Martin’s Soulflow (Review coming soon!), felt like divine guidance when I needed it most. I was in such a slump with blogging and writing until the beginning of May. Then, it felt like a switch was flipped in my head. I felt inspired again. And both these books were big contributors.

I’m planning to read more from Gilbert down the line. But, this book is just what I needed at this particular moment. It’s part memoir, part self-help, part inspiration.

Although not pleased with how choppy everything felt at the beginning, I liked how she structured the book. It was like listening to a wise friend or relative tell stories over the course of a summer afternoon. And there was something for me to remember or ponder over with every chapter. She placed good reminders in my hear and heart.

It’s hard to describe Big Magic! But I felt comforted the entire time. It was a breezy read, perfect as the weather here has gone up and down and sideways. Until yesterday, it felt like September!

As someone who has Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and struggle most days with imposter syndrome, this book allayed my fears. It’s shown me to stare my fear(s) straight in the face, and proclaim, “You don’t own me. You don’t control me. I do. So step aside and let me finish the work I was called to create. Thanks!”

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.03.19
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Tag #90: The NaNoWriMo Tag

Image Credit: The NaNoWriMo Blog

Here’s the link to the original post: NaNoWriMo 2019 and The NaNoWriMo Tag

1. How many times have you participated in NaNoWriMo? How many times have you won?

This will be my ninth NaNoWriMo. I have participated in five NaNoWriMo sessions in November (2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019). I have also participated in four Camp NaNoWriMo sessions (Twice in 2018 and twice in 2019).

2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Historically, I have been a pantser. This year, I started plotting the beginning of the novel.

3. What are the titles of the projects that you have attempted/completed for past NaNos?

2012: Experiences From Camp

2013: Specialton

2014: Discussion of Differences

Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2018: Continued draft of Experiences From Camp

Camp NaNoWriMo, July 2018: Continued draft of Experiences From Camp

2018: Tunnel Vision

Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2019: Continued draft of Specialton

Camp NaNoWriMo, July 2019: Continued draft of Discussion of Differences

2019: The Transformation House

4. What are you working on for NaNo this year?

I am writing a new novel about a woman, Angela Diaz, who decides to purchase a mansion, fix it up, and create a home for transgender people in the Midwest.

5. What is one tip that you’d give to someone else that is participating in NaNo?

I agree with what All Things Momma said: “Do not have any zero days. Even if you write only one sentence that day, that is so much better than having a big fat zero on your NaNo chart. Any progress forward is better than none.”

6. What was the inspiration for this novel? Do you remember when the inspiration hit you?

I listen to the StoryCorps podcast. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, they created a podcast series, and an initiative called “Stonewall Out Loud.” One of the episodes discussed a home for transgender people in Little Rock, Arkansas (“We’re Still Here”). I wanted to write a story that encompasses a modern version of this effort.

7. Read us the first sentence from your NaNo novel last year?

“No, no, no! Damn it!” Nicole smacked her hands against the steering wheel.

8. What do you plan to do with your manuscript after NaNo?

Like all my other novels, I will let this draft rest for a while. I might pick it up again during Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2020. It depends on how much progress I make this month.

9. Are you prepared for NaNo? Are you nervous?

I always get a little nervous. But, I’m ready to dive in.

Will you be participating in NaNoWriMo this November?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

08.17.19
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Blog Awards #27: The Inspiration Award

The Inspiration Award

Image Credit: Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table

Thank you so much, Kristian, for nominating me for The Inspiration Award!

Here’s the link to where I was nominated / recognized:

Here are several blogs I find inspiring, in no particular order. Please, go give them some love!

Also, if I recognized you here, please don’t feel obligated to participate if you don’t want to. This award is designed to share other bloggers and recognize them!

BeautyBeyondBones

  • She used to be anonymous, but not anymore! Caralyn speaks her heart. She shares fabulous, mouth-watering recipes. In addition, she offers a powerful, thought-provoking Christian perspective on nearly everything she writes about.

J.N. Cahill

  • We became friends on Facebook earlier this year, after I joined a group called The Book Drunkard. She’s a talented writer, loves reading, and her blog is really cool.

Didi Oviatt

  • Didi is my kind of woman! She’s smart as a whip, funny as hell, and an amazing mother! She posts the best WIP writing prompt challenges every month. Can’t wait to do the August one soon!

The Tony Burgess Blog

  • Tony’s a great guy, and an even better writer. His daily entries give me insight in his world in Tennessee, his thoughts about his family, faith, and more.

Charis Rae

  • Charis is such a sweetheart! She’s great at interviewing authors, reads a ton, and writes beautifully.

Destiny at Howling Libraries

  • Destiny is one cool chick! I love her book reviews so much.

Sara at The Bibliophagist

  • Sara is another one of my favorite book reviewers! She’s so sweet, too, taking the time to respond to every comment!

Which bloggers inspire you?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

06.09.19
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Commentary #90: “9-year-old boy raises nearly $80K to give bulletproof vests to police K-9s”

I stumbled upon this story on Facebook recently. Way to go, Brady!

Here’s the link to the post from my local news station:

In Ohio, the local news has been following Brady Snakovsky for nearly a year now. At that point, in November 2018, Brady had raised enough money to donate more than 50 vests to K-9s in nine states. That’s incredible!

Picture

Image Credit: Brady’s K-9 Fund

Bulletproof vests for police K-9s can cost more than $1,000. Brady got the idea when he and his mom were watching an episode of “Live PD,” where a K-9 did not have a bulletproof vest. With his mom’s help, Brady started a GoFundMe.

As of June 2, 2019, Brady has raised enough money to donate 85 vests. Currently, there’s a waiting list of 57 officers whose K-9s need the vests.

Now, Brady’s K-9 Fund is officially a non-profit organization.

The most recent dogs to be vested are K9 Mike, K9 Lemm, and K9 Hoss. They all serve with the MTA Police in New York City.

Other dogs have been vested in Ohio, Connecticut, California, and South Carolina.

I think Brady is an awesome kid! I’m so happy he was inspired to help these amazing dogs, his mom was willing to help him get started, and how his message has spread. Way to go, Brady!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

03.01.19
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Writing Prompt #199: Romantic Movies (Day 1)

I was inspired to do this challenge by Kristian! Kristian is the wonderful author of Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Here’s the link to Kristian’s first post:

Thanks, Kristian, for the inspiration!

Let’s get started!

Casablanca (1942)

Image result for casablanca poster

Confession: I didn’t see this movie in full until I was a junior in high school. As part of our history class, our teacher, Mrs. Cofield, showed it to all of her classes when we started studying World War II. And what a movie to show!

This is truly a classic film. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are fabulous on screen.

Based on a unproduced stage play called Everybody Comes to Rick’s, it had its world premiere in New York City on November 26, 1942. It exceeded expectations. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and went on to win Oscars for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture.

I love “As Time Goes By.” And the classic quotes!

Come back tomorrow for a new movie!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.17.18
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Getting Personal #151: “The Drain House, Drain, Oregon” (Reblogged)

Image Credit: Just Wunderlust

I love sharing inspiring posts from Just Wunderlust. The photos are incredible!

I’ve been thinking of Oregon a lot recently. Mainly because my best friend, Melissa, and another friend, Brittany, live there. But, I’m in awe of the beauty of the state. This photo is no exception.

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Seeing the mist and the trees behind this house makes me think of the story I wrote and illustrated in fifth grade. I called it “Electro Girl,” and I set it in the forests/mountains of Oregon. It’s definitely writing from my 10-year-old self, but seeing this photo makes me think of that story. Also, that story was recognized as a Young Authors book, and going to the ceremony and reception that year was where I got to know and love Melissa!

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The colors of the house make me smile, too. It looks like a doll’s house.

I did some research, and learned that Drain is located in Douglas County, in the southwestern part of the state. The last population count, in 2017, was 1,169. The town is named after town founder and politician Charles J. Drain. It’s a prominent example of Queen Anne style architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1978.

What do you see when you look at this photo? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Have a great week!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Just Wunderlust

The Drain House, Drain, Oregon

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11.08.18
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Getting Personal #147: “The winter is coming, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy” (Reblogged)

I love sharing Just Wunderlust’s photos often. No matter what photo it is, each one evokes emotion or some sort of connection. Sometimes, seeing these photos spark a daydream, or even a potential writing prompt.

Seeing this photo today made me think of several things, aside from the obvious, “Oh, wow, that’s absolutely gorgeous!”

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I started thinking of the road that leads to this area. The characters that live there, both real and fictional. It reminded me a little bit of Beauty and the Beast, but my imagination ran a little wild earlier today. I love it when that happens, especially when everyday life and the normal routine can become so repetitive and dull.

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The fog looks so ominous around the beautiful mountains, kissed by early snow.

What are their winters like?

Do tourists come?

Do the children enjoy the snow, the winter?

I’m sure it’s cold, but undoubtedly beautiful.

Italy is such a beautiful country, from what I’ve heard. I hope to be able to visit, someday.

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As the fall weather is finally starting to settle in, here in southeastern Virginia, I’m enjoying the crisp air, the changing of the leaves, and the coming holidays. We’ll blink and Thanksgiving will be here in a flash. But, I do love one good snow every year – It turns the whole world white and beautiful!

What’s your favorite season? Why do you love it?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Just Wunderlust

The winter is coming, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy

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06.23.18
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Commentary #76: “A Seasoned Author’s Tips On Handling Criticism!” (Reblogged)

Didi Oviatt is a published author, but also an awesome blogger. I wanted to share her recent post about handling criticism.

I really liked Didi’s analogy. So much so, that I bookmarked the post to save it for future reference.

Criticism is tough. I’m pretty sure many of us have been there a time or two, as bloggers, writers, and just putting ourselves out there. It’s the nature of what we do. But, Didi put this tough topic in the context of cooking and recipes, and it’s a wonderful way to think about it.

Thank you, Didi! You are one of many people who continue to inspire me.

Criticism Quote

Image Credit: BrainyQuote

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Didi Oviatt -Author

Sometimes I think of reviews and critique, be it negative or positive, as being suggestive ingredients of sorts for my next creation. Like my writing/books is actually a four course meal. I’ve shopped, prepped, marinated, mixed, chopped, fried, blended, and baked until I’m utterly exhausted. I feel like the food is as perfect as I can possibly get it and it’s time to be served.

The guests show up, ready to devour my masterpiece (or read the book per say), and here I am pacing the floors from the sidelines. I watch as some people slowly pick at it before actually giving it a taste. Some people dive right in without second thought. They’ll eat as much food as possible, as quickly as they can, until they’re ready to pop. Some let each bite swirl around in their mouths slavering the flavor.

And in the end, EVERYONE has something to…

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06.14.18
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Tag #59: Sage Advice From Ancient Times

Ancient Times

Image Credit: StatusMind.com

I found this really interesting tag from Kim. She writes at Over The Andes. Check out her blog! I think you’ll like it.

Here’s the link to Kim’s original post:

The Rules:

  • Choose the author or philosopher (it should be one from the Ancient Time). Don’t know anyone? Google it. It shouldn’t be so hard.
  • Choose 3 quotes of this author/philosopher. The country of origin – doesn’t matter (Egypt, Greece…Italy). Add any info or explanation if you like.
  • Share those quotes and nominate 3 to 6 people; Ops, that’s not obligatory.
  • The title for the post? Choose something cool.

My Choice

I chose Lao Tzu, the honorary title of Li Er, from ancient China. Lao Tzu means “Old Master.” As a saint or deity, he is known by multiple names (Lao Jun, Lao Dan). He is credited with founding Daoism.

Source: Lao Tzu Biography

Quotes

“Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”

Tag – You’re It!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂