Monday, May 6, 2013

A cup of possibilities!


Today is a day I've been looking forward to for quite a while now, and it's so meaningful to me personally I wanted to share it with all of you. After 25 years in journalism I decided to launch out on my own, and so today I begin my new life as a fulltime freelance editor, writer and blogger! Most of my blog readers would never have known anything is different in my life, but because I have so many local friends who read this blog as well, I thought it appropriate to let you know what I'm up to. There have been so many changes in print journalism in recent years, I took stock of where my writing career was headed and decided it was time to shake things up a bit. I may be a mild-mannered tea sipper on the outside, but I've got a longing for new challenges on the inside, and I'm always thinking about ways to create a bigger life for myself. Two truths I greatly believe in are: 1) A favorite verse from the Bible: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) and 2) From the movie "Thelma and Louise": "You get what you settle for." In a bit of fine and divine timing, I finished working my two-week notice on May 3, and I turned 49 on May 4. I have said for years that I would have a new career when I turn 50, and I can hardly wait to see what all I can get done in the next year!

Now I'm not really afraid of risk (if you wake up in the morning and get out of bed you're taking a risk, after all), but I had so many dear friends at the office that I was afraid of saying goodbye to them, so I tried to get most of the goodbyes in early. My fellow employees were (and are) some of the brightest, most hard-working, most loyal and most *fun* people I've ever known, and I am so glad I will still get to see many of them, in person as well as through regular visits on Facebook. My friend and co-worker Christy said she didn't believe me when I told her I was going to work on my books and other freelance writing projects. "No you're not," she said. "You're just going to drink tea all day and move your teacups around!" Now friends, if I could get paid for that, indeed that is precisely what I would do all day! But instead I will continue this blog (which has opened up some new doors for me), polish up that mystery novel I've been writing, work on the sequel to "Dainty Dining," do some writing and editing for others, and more. One new venture I'm looking forward to is that I have just joined the Clever Girls Collective (you'll note the blue badge at upper right), where I will be doing some paid blogging when the opportunity is right.

On this first Monday of my new writing life, I have so many new things I can and want to do, I am having to take a deep breath and remember I'm only one person. (You may be amused to hear that my husband has taken to calling me "Martha Stewart" and making regular references to "the empire.") For today, I think I'll just sip a nice cup of tea, organize my home office, do some writing, and lift my cup to a future filled with new possibilities! Wish me luck!

27 comments:

  1. How interesting!

    I've been following your blog from time to time. I teach English to 5th -7th graders in Norway. I've been reading "everything" i could find about Afternoon Tea recently to make the best tea party for the 7th graders.
    I tried to e-,ail you, but it was impossible from my puter.

    A Norwegian teacher/granny

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  2. Congratulations! How wonderful to start a new adventure.

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  3. How wonderful! I know you'll do a great job at your new career, hope it fills you with delight.

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  4. Wow, good for you!!!! When I left my teaching job after 25 years for another career my good friend said to me "Change is Good". I have always remembered that and she was right.

    I read your blog every day so I am glad that will continue. Best of Luck to you.

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  5. The possibilities are limitless! Kudos to you... Happy Birthday to you... best of luck to you!

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  6. Angela, this is a big step to go out on your own and I have to say I admire you for taking the plunge. I wish you luck and will offer support from the sidelines of visiting your blog.
    One of the things that was impressed upon us at our last garden writers meeting was to take advantage of the social media available. Would love to connect through Facebook which is connected to my blog.
    Judith

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  7. I am sure that you will be very successful !!!!! God's Speed on your new adventure !!!!

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  8. Best of luck! Change is often intimidating, but a person knows when the right time arrives! Can't wait to hear more about it.♥♫

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  9. Wishing you the best of luck on your new adventure.
    I am retiring and moving 100 miles south in a few months. I agree about leaving the friends at work. But you know when the time is right, and with love and support from friends and family it can be less intimidating.
    Enjoy your new "careers".

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  10. Perfect! You always have the right words to say!

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  11. Good for you!! Congrats on your new adventures!

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  12. very well stated!!! We will miss you!!! Christy thinks she is special now that she is quoted!!

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  13. Well...well you and I know the truth. Do not make me get Shanaynay on you... :) I miss you!!! :(

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  14. Angela, I am so thrilled and happy for you! Best wishes on this next adventure!!!!!

    PS: If you find a way to get paid to move tea cups around, would you please share with me? Grin.

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  15. I'm really excited for you, Angela! And happy birthday!!!

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  16. Terrific! You will do well in all your ventures.

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  17. One of my favorite verses. Knowing God is in control, keeps us calm and brings peace to our lives. Wishing you the best.

    Happy Birthday.

    Sandy

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  18. Congratulations and good luck on this exciting turning point! I'm looking forward to reading more of your adventures of doing what you love.

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  19. Angela, I am so proud of you for taking this steps to make your dream come true. You deserve the best. I appreciate all I learn through your blog and look forward to reading about your dreams as they manifest. Blessings

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  20. You go, girl!
    Overflow with that Romans 15:13 hope---
    B-)

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  21. Belated happy birthday and best of luck as you embark on a new chapter in your life!

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  22. Happy belated birthday! And congratulations on your new career

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  23. How thoroughly exciting! I am so excited for you, Angela. Risks are so worth it, especially when we also are approaching a milestone birthday. I know great things are in store for you. I wish you all the very best!

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  24. Go Angela! Good luck on your new adventure!

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  25. Dear Angela,
    Happy Birthday!!! It sounds like wishes are coming true for you. Good for you and best of luck with your new venture. You are making it happen and will do great.
    All the best, Ruthie

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  26. Hello Angela and a Happy Birthday and Congratulations to you! I look forward to keeping up with all your new projects and I know that much success is ahead. Thank goodness for all the social media outlets to keep us in touch. I wish you all the best, Always,
    Joanie

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  27. Congratulations, and best of luck in your new venture!

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