Hope everyone enjoyed the extended holiday weekend. I am sure many of you managed to squeeze in a bit of writing between the hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad, beer, pop, chocolate chip cookies, ice-cream, and fireworks!
I was fortunate enough to enjoy an incredible brunch with a few new friends who are just amazing. They really made my weekend! Even in my middle age years, I am still able to make friends... how awesome is that?
Well, today is the first Wednesday of the month and most of us all know that it's time for another installment of the IWSG, the phenomenal global group formed my the incredible Alex J. Cavanaugh. If you'd like to join and vent your insecurities ... hop over there now and sign up.
I am thrilled how this group has grown in only a few short years. I remember so clearly when Alex mentioned he'd be starting this group and asked for us to post. It was a whirlwind and it still is today. Imagine venting once a month. Clearing out the cobwebs of our minds and receiving such heart felt advice and support from our fellow writers who are or have experienced the same ups and downs in their writing journeys. But it's not just about writing, it's about life, too.
As most of you know I have had a rough time for the past few months. I want to thank all of you for you cyber hugs, vibes, love, prayers, and your endless support. It means so much to me. I actually wrote my first piece in ages for the WEP and won the Encouragement award badge for INVISIBLE BRIDGES... If you have a chance to read it, scroll down to my previous post. It's a quick read.
Now on for a different kind of insecurity this month. First, I am THRILLED to say my offer was accepted for my new digs... After three months and over 150 showings, I found my next home. Yes, another LOFT in Printer's row. This time in the Franklin Building. Another historic printing house from 1916-1984. The building is classic Chicago Prairie style. Think Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rather small space (only 650 sq. ft.), BUT it has five 5x7 ft. windows streaming in SE light. That was the selling point for me.
I have another rehab, of course, but this one isn't nearly as bad as my last. I learned so much from the last one, so I know what NOT to do this time. LOl
SO now I have approx. one month to six weeks to pull this place together. The insecurities are running wild. Did I do the right thing? Will it be big enough? Will I plan the space correctly to accommodate all my needs.... just to name a few.
So life is at FULL SPEED ahead again whether I like it or not. All I can do is take each new challenge one day at a time...
I also want to say how much I enjoyed visiting everyone these last few weeks. It felt great to reconnect! I'll be dropping in on you throughout the day today, and hopefully on Friday.
Until then, stay SAFE and always BE AWARE of you surroundings...
59 comments:
Michael, that is awesome news on the new place! It is tiny, but you don't design interiors for nothing, right? You can make it happen.
I need to print and frame what you said about the IWSG. Thank you. That is why I started it (can you believe six years ago) and I wanted to it make a differnce.
Yes, we can make friends at any stage of life. I'm older than you and have needed to make new friends since my husband died. I've made some good ones. Congrats on your new home. Hope the rehab goes smoothly and it's what you want.
Congrats on your new pad! You know we'll want to see what it looks like when you've worked your magic on it.
This group gives all of us the support we need to continue forward.
I'm so happy for you, Michael!! The new place sounds amazing and after seeing what you accomplished in the past, I can only imagine this new apartment will be phenomenal!!!
Congratulations on your short story award!!!
New friends, new digs. What could be better? Enjoy.
I think your life could be made into a great novel! All those renovation projects on a time crunch. Sounds like an awesome premise. And congrats on the offer and the new journey. I just passed Frank Lloyd Wright's place in Spring Green yesterday.
Hi Michael, I am so happy for you that you found your new place. And I'm also very happy that you started writing. Will read over the weekend and get back to you. A tight hug and kisses.
I'm sure this new space will be exciting to see, Michael. You're such a talented designer. Can't wait to see your results.
Michael,
I have just taken the time to read through your IWSG posts. I can so relate to many of them and especially to the one about Melissa. I lost a dear sweet friend who was like a little sister to me, the day after Mother's Day.
I'm happy you found a new loft and extremely happy that it fits you and your personality. I read your poem, Invisible Bridges, and it touched my soul. Don't give up on your writing. Keep shopping that story that you wrote and while shopping it, write another one. It took John Gardner ten years to get published. Hang in there. I'm rooting for you.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G at Everything Must Change
Hope you enjoy your new home.
Another design challenge? I think you're up to it. Will you be sharing pictures this time? (I hope!) Actually, I sat down and wrote on Tuesday for several hours, which was WONDERFUL since I haven't taken much time for a while. Too many other things going on. Here's to pressing on!
Looks like somethings are turning around for you. Take care.
Anna from elements of emaginette
I am so glad your offer was accepted! Congrats!!
Congrats on the new digs. I know you'll make it lovely. Glad you're back to writing.
Take each day as it comes, great reminder indeed. Thanks and best wishes, and congrats!
That was a very important remark you made at the end Michael "always be aware of your surroundings". So many people are not aware and become vulnerable to thieves and muggers because of it. I am glad you found a new place to decorate and will look forward to the photos. I know it will be great, you do a wonderful job.
Glad to see you back to writing. Congrats on your new home.
Hi Michael,
My thoughtful friend, you epitomise that no matter the strains that come within your environment, you maintain that positive beacon of hope for it will always shine brights.
Well done on having your offer accepted, Michael. Stay strong within the interaction we all share.
In kindness and goodwill,
Gary
Congrats on the new home! Hope it's just want you need and I'm sure it'll soon be spectacular! :)
I'm honored Alex....I know. Thank you.
Thanks Karen.
Thank you so much, Natalie.
Thanks L. Diane... I certainly will post some pics in a few months, hopefully by October.
Thank you, Cathrina!
Not much, Bish. Thanks!
LOL... well it certainly would be interesting....But all of us have a life that is novel worthy. Thanks Jen.
Thanks Rachna. I hope you enjoy it... It has all the atmosphere that you love.
It means so much that Invisible Bridges has helped you with some of your pain. I won't give up writing, but I have put it on hold when life interrupts. Once I have my place done, I plan to write so much more. Thanks Pat!
Thank you, Tamara.
I hope so Crystal....Happy to hear you are writing again. Great!
Thanks. You too, Anna.
Thanks Chrys!
Thanks Susan....
Thanks! I really appreciate it.
Thank you, Jo! I can't wait to jump right it, but it will be a few months before I can. All the fun paperwork. LOl
Thanks Rasma!
Thank you so much, Gary.... Cheers.
Thanks Jemi!
Hooray for the new loft! I'm expecting a brunch invite to come and check it out :PP You do need Dezzy's seal of approval!
Congrats on the new place! I'm sure you'll be very happy there :)
Hi Michael - so glad you feel you're able to settle - good luck with all the plans. Life does go on rather fast ... but being able to mix and make friends wherever one is - makes life easier ... good for you - cheers Hilary
Your new place sounds great! We live on a small sailboat, so I know how challenging it can be to live in small spaces, but it's totally doable. Plus it helps you really figure out what's important when you downsize. Cheers - Ellen
Hooray and congrats on finding a new place (and in another cool building)--and on the writing.
Wonderful news on the new place!! I'm so happy for you and glad you had some happy news - you definitely deserve it!
Oh and congrats on the WEP win. Yay!!
so sorry for all you've been through lately, but you MADE IT THROUGH!
loved hearing your good news - new digs and new writing juices flowing!
keep at it! up and up!
Tara Tyler Talks
Congrats on your new place. I LOVE big windows!
I know how rough this last year has been for you and I'm so glad to see you in a new a great place. I can't wait to see what you do with the place and how much all these changes affect your writing! You've done wonders for me and my confidence this year, thank you! So while things weren't going your way, you still managed to left me and a few of your other friends up. That's a great gift! Thank you!!
You're moving in the right direction, Michael. Congrats on your new place and your 'new-found' writing momentum.
Congrats on your new place! This is exciting.
www.ficklemillennial.com
Congratulation on your new digs, dude! Now you can make it a reflection of what YOU want it to be. Nothing to be insecure about now, because you'd only be second guessing yourself. Just trust yourself, move forward with it, and have fun.
I want pics! Lots and lots of pics, before and after! I love seeing what you do with a place :)
Congrats on the new digs!
Congrats on finding the new pad. Glad the renovations won't be as much work as your last one (though you did a beautiful job). All that sunlight sounds like it will be a really great space! Best of luck with the prep work for your new project.
Awesome that you have been writing again. :)
~Jess
Michael, I'm sooooo happy for you - new place, new friends and a renewed zest for writing? Sounds like a win-win-win!
Onward and upward!
(((UBUNTU HUGS)))
Congrats!
Best of luck with your new place. :-)
Congratulations on your new space! I can't wait to see more before and after photos, I was so impressed with what you did with the last place!
Glad you found your new place, Michael! But sorry to hear about your struggles. :( Always hoping the best for you, and I'm not at all surprised you're still making friends. I'll never forget the two times we met! So glad we all started blogging together way back when. Just wanted to stop by to check in. <3 Hugs. Christy (Erica and Christy) I see now I'm logged in on the wrong account, but it's me just the same.
It has been ages since I checked in on you. Your new place must be filled with history. Hope the fix-up and settling is filled with great joy!
Congrats on the new place and the writing!
Alex is right: with your skill in interior design, you can and WILL make this happen. Life has been dark and hectic these last few weeks so forgive this late comment. :-)
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