Hi, All,
HAPPY SPRING! Even though we are still getting snow in Chicago, signs of spring are popping up everywhere. The earth is coming alive once more. So this is THE PERFECT time to renew our own hopes and dreams.
For over a year I was searching for my place in Florida. I spent so much time and money researching potential homes in Tampa and Orlando, but sadly my efforts were all in vane...until now! I am finally under contract for the cutest little condo in Orlando. Only two miles from the gates of the most magical place on earth... Disney.
This winter was a very depressing and stressful one for me. I had hoped I would be away from Chicago because after the past two winters, I knew I couldn't handle another one. But I survived, but at a price. I had promised myself I would NEVER gain weight again. For over five years I kept my promise, that was until now. It didn't take long to put on thirty pounds. Yes, you have read correctly. As most of us know depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand. My anxieties of my entrapment in Chicago certainly got the best of me... but NOW... with Spring in the air, I am back on track, found my place, in Florida, and have lost ten of the thirty pounds I had put on... It takes a great deal of time and tenacity to make our lives run the course we want them to run. Remember this every time it gets hard and you want to give up.
As most of you know, I always take negatives and turn them into positives. And that is what we all need to do. The moment I focused on getting myself put back together, everything fell into place.
I have been working on my illustrations and created a new look for them. I am beginning to send them out along with SLOWLY getting back to writing. So for this month, I have my anxieties in check.
I know many of you are in the A-Z challenge and I have nothing but respect and admiration for you! I hope to get around a bit today and visit some of you. In between taking care of my six-month-old puppy, Hamlet... I can't believe I've had him for four months already. He has turned out to be my new BEST FRIEND... Here's a illustration I did of him in my new style. I'd love to know what you all think!
I hope you all can pop in on other members of the IWSG. It's nothing but INSPIRING...
Have a great day everyone!
HAPPY SPRING! Even though we are still getting snow in Chicago, signs of spring are popping up everywhere. The earth is coming alive once more. So this is THE PERFECT time to renew our own hopes and dreams.
For over a year I was searching for my place in Florida. I spent so much time and money researching potential homes in Tampa and Orlando, but sadly my efforts were all in vane...until now! I am finally under contract for the cutest little condo in Orlando. Only two miles from the gates of the most magical place on earth... Disney.
This winter was a very depressing and stressful one for me. I had hoped I would be away from Chicago because after the past two winters, I knew I couldn't handle another one. But I survived, but at a price. I had promised myself I would NEVER gain weight again. For over five years I kept my promise, that was until now. It didn't take long to put on thirty pounds. Yes, you have read correctly. As most of us know depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand. My anxieties of my entrapment in Chicago certainly got the best of me... but NOW... with Spring in the air, I am back on track, found my place, in Florida, and have lost ten of the thirty pounds I had put on... It takes a great deal of time and tenacity to make our lives run the course we want them to run. Remember this every time it gets hard and you want to give up.As most of you know, I always take negatives and turn them into positives. And that is what we all need to do. The moment I focused on getting myself put back together, everything fell into place.
I have been working on my illustrations and created a new look for them. I am beginning to send them out along with SLOWLY getting back to writing. So for this month, I have my anxieties in check.
I know many of you are in the A-Z challenge and I have nothing but respect and admiration for you! I hope to get around a bit today and visit some of you. In between taking care of my six-month-old puppy, Hamlet... I can't believe I've had him for four months already. He has turned out to be my new BEST FRIEND... Here's a illustration I did of him in my new style. I'd love to know what you all think!
I hope you all can pop in on other members of the IWSG. It's nothing but INSPIRING...
Have a great day everyone!
51 comments:
That's great you found a place! Wow, after all that work on your new one though...
You can take those thirty pounds off in no time. Make it so.
Congrats on your short story being published. I've lost a lot of weight--20 pounds I never thought I'd lose--since my husband died. I know what you mean about being committed to not gaining it back if possible. Glad you're on track for losing the unwanted pounds. Sometimes that's what we have to do--get back on track.
Sorry about the weight gain. Winter is evil.
Yay! for finding a place in Florida. Sounds like you're happy about it. Woot! And congrats on your short story being published. Very cool! Can't wait to read.
He's so adorable.
We were in Orlando recently. Living there would be interesting. I'd just want to go ride roller coasters all day.
I'm trimming off a couple extra inches right now, too. We can both do it.
Yay for the anthology! DUDE! Two miles from Disney? North or south? I'm 3 miles to the Northwest of the Magic Kingdom. (We go in the back way.)
Crystal Collier
Hi Michael - love your illustration ... and I'm sure Hamlet will get you out and about soon and you'll whip those pounds off .. the cold does not help. It's great you're still being creative and that new abode ... sounds an ideal location .. take care and all the best - cheers Hilary
This is SUCH good news, Michael, and I am so happy for you. Weight gained like that usually comes off fairly quickly too, so with your healthy lifestyle I'm sure you'll have the rest of that 30 lbs off in no time.
I don't blame you one bit for wanting to get out of Chicago. So happy that you found a place in Florida and that those few extra pounds are coming off. Looking into my crystal ball, I see sunny days in your future!
Ounce by ounce those 30 pounds will go if you just keep at it. Great news about the condo. Chicago will miss you.
Love the picture of Hamlet!! How adorable.
And I'm sorry you had another rough winter but how exciting that you found a place in Orlando. I hope everything comes together smoothly for you this time. Take care and happy spring!
Congrats on your new place and on losing the pounds. It's hard, but you can do it.
I understand so well about depression and anxiety. I hope you keep it under control. When my depression spikes, I can't write, and that makes it even worse. But we persevere, right? And your Hamlet is adorable. He alone should lick your depression away. Does he?
Love your post Michael, it's great to see you so happy and looking forward. Winter is usually a stressful time. It is hard to be cooped up and tied down by things like the weather that we can't control. Wishing you all the best with the weight loss, if you've lost ten, I've no doubt with this beautiful spring you'll lose that rest. I'm cheering you on, I too need to lose a few. Can't wait until this wailing wind is gone and the walking shoes go on! :)
Great artistry!
Kisses and hugs for Hamlet, and you too!
Hi, Karen, yes... I still have clientele in Chicago. The condo in Florida is just for the winter months and to take care of my clients in that state. I have put several clients on hold and I need to get there to work on their places.
Thanks Natalie... yes, it is hard, but I am committed.
Lol... Yes it is, Marcy!
Thanks Sheri!
Yes, it will. I always disliked Orlando until the past five years when it turned into such a lovely city... And I LOVE THEME PARKS. Lol
Cool, Crystal! Maybe we can grab a coffee sometime. I would love to meet you!
The complex is right by the Premium Outlet stores. Just north of 535.
Thanks Karen,
I hope so!
Thanks so much, Bish..
Thanks Roland, but I will be here all summer. The Florida condo is my winter escape. I'll only be there half the year. I still have clients in Chicago, so I need to be here, too.
Thanks Julie!
Thanks Renee! It is... I am an outdoorsy type of guy... I hate being indoors. So the cold, damp, windy weather is not my favorite. Spring in Chicago isn't pleasant. I almost dislike it as much as winter. Chicago blooms in July and is gorgeous until the end of October. So it is a short window of beauty.
I will. Thanks Alex. You know how tenacious I am.. Lol
He looks like our dog a malti-poo. Good doggie!
I’m exploring different types of dreams and their meanings.
E is for Epic Dreams
Stephen Tremp’s Breakthrough Blogs
You are so talented-Congrats! I am so happy you have a furry best friend. Hamlet is adorable~ I am happy you are turning the negative to a positive. Winters are harsh and dampen the best of spirits. I grew up in Maine and have lived in Alaska-twice. I don't recommend winter in the Land of the Midnight Sun. You are facing the music and I am proud of you~ So, many changes, but you are on the upside of life and doing, so well! Hugs to you and Hamlet~ I use to live in Orlando-I have never seen so many tour buses in all my life. enJOY-the weather there is amazing!
You are super talented, Michael, every time I read your introduction/words for another writer I am in awe of your talent.
Thirty pounds is a lot of weight. Glad you managed to lose 10 pounds, now 20 more to get rid of.
BTW...good luck for your picture book, agents are always eager to sign author-illustrators. So start writing and illustrating the book fast. And let me know as soon as you finish. I will critique it for you (not that I am an expert or something, but you will get another pair of eyes looking at it.)
Rachna Chhabria
Co-host IWSG
Rachna's Scriptorium
Love the sound of your "cutest little condo" and love the face of the "cutest little pooch" who goes by the name of Hamlet!
That's an awesome illustration!
I'm so glad that you're managing your weight, Michael! It takes time and tenacity to keep our lives/goals on track...you're SO right. Giving up is the easy route.
But we hang in there...with the help and encouragement of friends!
Thank you for your friendship, the positivity that you dish out...and all that you do to make our lives better!
Writer In Transit
Your puppy is adorable. And yes when things go awry it always involves weight and or blood pressure. Mine drop in both areas. I really need to pay attention to those anthology calls. Miss them everytime.
I was going to ask about your beautifully remodeled apartment in Chicago, but I see you answered that above. I'm glad that you've found a winter home in Florida and that you are on track for getting yourself physically back to where you want to be!
I know what you mean about stress and weight gain. I've gained pounds every time my daughter was overseas. So glad you're getting your Florida dream but you really put in a lot of work where you live now. Love your pup.
Susan Says
It's funny because my anxieties seem to grow with spring (as flowers start to grow). Even if I'm not doing the Challenge, every April seems to be hectic. And May and June. July usually slows things down.
Your good news makes me so happy though. And you dog is cute!
Congratulations on your new home, the weight loss, and your story being accepted! I also love the drawing of your furry little friend.
I've gained and lost 20 pounds or more many times throughout life, so I know how hard it can be. It seems my body has finally matured into the size it wants to be at, but I still have the responsibility to not let myself get much bigger than a size 18.
That illustration is amazing! It's good to hear you two have become best buds.
SO happy for your news about the Florida condo. I want to see your Chicago one before you go! Not looking good in that department - as soon as I get back from New Orleans busy time at work kicks in. :(
Thanks Hilary,
It is... I can't wait to get there...
What a nice thing to say... thanks Bish!
Lol... at times, but in the beginning, he was partially the cause of it because he was having so many minor health issues.
Actually, Stephen, he is a West Highland Terrier (Westie).
Very sorry to hear you had such a rough winter. Winter can be so hard and I can only imagine how much harder it would be in a place like Chicago. Best to you for your future move. Very exciting. And I absolutely love your illustration. So beautiful. Best, Becca
Good for you! I'm glad you're out and about now - so good to see spring! I hope you keep moving forward! Keep that positive mojo going!! :)
That art work of your pup reminds me of silkscreen. It's something I tried in art school. It's very good, and I'm wondering if it's hand done or computer created. And the pup looks gorgeous. Good luck with losing the extra lbs, I have just started an exercise regimen too. I quit exercising when hubs became ill (heart attack) as I spent my time at the hospital. I've just reached a point now where I might be able to squeeze in a bit of 'me' time.
So happy that you found a place in Florida. I hope all goes well with the closing and that you have your last winter in the cold behind you.
I understand what you mean about depression and anxiety going hand in hand. It is somehow easy to gain wait and harder to lose weight. I am happy for you that you have lost 10 of the pounds you have gained. Awesome~
Love the picture of your pup!
~Jess
Turning those negatives into positives is crucial. May your spring bring a new light into your life.
I love the illustration of your darling 'best friend'. So cute. Yes, it's all turned out for you. Hope to see your Chicago loft or you Orlando pad one of these days. Cuba is next on the list, so it'll probably be Orlando! Saw several programs on Orlando in 'Fantasy Homes by the Sea.' Amazing!
Denise :-)
I'm sure you'll take the weight off, you sound very determined... I too lost a great deal of weight and then became injured in November which caused depression as I couldn't exercise. As you know that weight is easier coming back on. We both can get back on track again :-)
Congratulations on your new home, that's so exciting... the warm weather will be wonderful ... have a great week :-)
Yay! I'm thrilled that you found your home. Love the illustration. It looks so lively. :-)
Such a lovely illustration. And congratulations on the anthology! And on your new place (hope you'll have a Butterbeer or two for me)! And on losing 10 pounds! Gaining doesn't count if you have the motivation to lose it and get back on track, which you obviously do. Here's to spring -- and summer round the corner!
Hi Michael,
It only took me nearly a month to arrive at your blog. It's either I have a slow connection or I've been in hiding until that alphabet weirdness ended! :)
What an illustration. Well done on finding your home you can call, home.
Indeed, always see the positive in what may seem to be the most negative of situations.
You are a thoroughly decent chap. Keep smiling.
Gary :)
Definitely...but not until I have a car again. One died. One was wrecked. We're limping along here. You know how that goes, eh?
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