There’s a lot hidden under that smile…
It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged about my personal demons; about what it meant for me to become me. However, with today being the first day of spring, and rebirth, I had to step out of the shadows and present my newest revelation. (more…)
A Letter from Tina:
Dear Supportive Twisted World Friend, Family and Fan:
Have you missed my blog? Sometimes life interrupts our greatest of intentions, and although I enjoy putting my touch on my blogs, I’ve come to realize that the most important thing I can do, is continue to write my stories.
Yeah, I can’t call myself a writer, if I do not sit down in my seat and create story; I can’t be a writer if I never see the story to completion; and I am not writer when I refuse to show up to my desk to write.
These last few weeks have been difficult for me, and not wishing to explain too much from my private life, I’ve come to understand my limits and what I can truly accomplish. As such, I’m of the opinion that the best way to do this is to blog once per month.
I chose today because my soul needed to let you know why I’ve been so silent.
Writing darkness takes not only momentum, but also a toll on the psyche, and with life not always providing rays of light, I needed something to break that monotony. And I’ve done quite well through Fast Draft, as created by Candace Havens.
The purpose of Fast Draft is to write 20 pages a day, and although I don’t reach my goal each day, I’ve written more in the last 8 days than I have in the last 3 months. In fact, in one day, I wrote 10,000 words (my personal best).
I know I have a long way to go, and I’m happy for each you that are joining me on this journey. Last year, I planned to be published and I achieved that in 2012; and in 2013, I strive to continue my race.
So, if you’ve subscribed to my newsletter, please note that it is now quarterly, and my blog will now post only once per month.
For now, this schedule will work, as I continue to find a balance between day job, family responsibilities and my passion of writing.
My family is multicultural, and we love to celebrate the Christmas season with a little bit of Silesian tradition by eating white sausages, with a brown sauce made from honey cake and root beer. The sauce is called Schlesische Weihnachtssoße. It is served with sauerkraut and German bread. According to Wikipedia, “Silesia is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts in the Czech Republic, and Germany.”
According to my father-in-law, approximately 85% of those in the area (Silesia) would celebrate Christmas Eve by partaking in this traditional meal. Over the generations, it has become something that connects us – one meal eaten all over the world. It is a tradition passed down in my family from one generation to the next. It is a meal that was passed down from mother to daughter (and daughter-in-laws). I learned the tasty recipe and tradition from my mother-in- law and will pass it down in my family.
On Christmas Eve, we will partake and enjoy this delicious meal that is only prepared once a year. It is a tradition I look forward to each year, and always look back on with delight. I look forward to continuing the tradition yearly, continuing the tradition of the Christmas sauce. For me, it seems to be when we remember family even more – times of sitting together around the table and reminiscing about past days and times with each other. It doesn’t matter about the time or the separation with the family that we wished were present, for through that meal, we are all united.The power of tradition makes distance not seem as far. This season, when families are separated, the familiar traditions bring comfort, and is a time that we remember those who are unable to be present due to distance, but also remembering those that have passed away – celebrating them and remembering them. Although we are separated by oceans and time, it is during this tradition that we are able to be united, metaphorically around the same table, enjoying the bounty of our ancestors and enjoying what it means to be family!
With that in mind, may your holiday be wonderfully bright! Ich wünsche Euch allen ein frohes Fest!
What family traditions do you have for the holidays?
Tina’s Twisted Blog