May #InkRipples – Change (#giveaway)


Back when we (Mary Waibel, Katie Carroll and I) started hatching this plan for a monthly, themed meme, Mary suggested the theme of change for the month of May. I think the woman is prophetic.

Writing is a tough business, but one of the toughest aspects of it for me is the isolation. I have a lot of really great online friends and want them to know how much they mean to me, however, hovering over this keyboard day in and day out and only hearing my own voice while the kids are at school and the husband is at work – well, yeah. Can you say stir crazy? So after four years of pounding this keyboard full time, I decided to get a part-time job. In retail. I haven’t worked retail since I was a young lass, but I was drawn to it now because of the opportunity to interact with people.

I craved the chance to say things like, “Hi, how’s your day going?” and receive a smile and response. Heck, even grimaces and complaints would be welcome. I longed for the funny little stories people share when you ask how they are. So, now after being completely in charge of my life and my schedule for a number of years, I’m at the mercy of a retail schedule. It will change every week. I won’t get a heck of a lot of notice of when I work. I might have to work weekends. I have to learn new things. Be nice when I’m really feeling crabby. But I won’t have to work a lot. I’ll be contributing more to the family finances. And I’ll be living life, so that I can write about it.

So this month’s theme is change. My life has changed. I’m now making change (yes, that is a cashiering pun.) And to celebrate that, I’ll give one randomly drawn commentor the change from my purse. At least enough to order a standard priced Kindle book. That’s right. Leave a comment on this post before May 25th, and if your name is chosen I’ll mail you some change. I’m thinking $3.99. Maybe as much as $5.00 if I’ve got one of those bills in my wallet. Heck, what have you got to loose?

What have you changed lately?

After you comment, hop on over to Mary's InkRipples post and Katie's InkRipples post. 

Ripples in the Inkwell is a themed meme hosted by Mary Waibel, Katie L. Carroll, and Kai Strand posting on the second Monday of every month. To participate compose your own post regarding the theme of the month, and link back to the three host blogs. Feel free to post whenever you want during the month, but be sure to include #inkripples when you promote so readers can find you. The idea is that we toss a word or idea into the inkwell and each post is a new ripple. There is no wrong interpretation. Themes and images and more information can be found here.

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 11, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Yay for our first posts! I hope this change gives you exactly what you need, Kai. With two little ones, change is happening every day at my house. One of them seems to always be reaching a new milestone. As for myself, I've been doing lots of in-person events this year, something I haven't done nearly as much of in the past. I'm finding it's a change for the good as I really feed off the energy of public speaking...who knew!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 11, 2015 at 8:01 AM

      I love public speaking for the same reason. It's a real adrenaline shot of inspiration. Enjoy those adorable boys while you've got them. The years blur past and you yearn for just one more chance to scoop them into your arms and hear their unabashed giggles.

      Delete
  2. UnknownMay 11, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    I second Katie's thoughts, Kai. I hope this change gives you the boost you need.

    As for being prophetic, I can't take credit for that. I just looked at May and thought about how it's a bridge month between spring and summer, and that led to changes. But, if you want to think I have super powers, that's cool! You could always cast me into a spot in an SVA spin-off :-)

    Thanks so much for joining in on this new venture!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 12, 2015 at 6:44 PM

      You totally have superpowers. You need a cape! :)

      Delete
  3. MeredithMay 16, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    Congrats on your new venture. Change is sometimes hard, cashiering or otherwise! I'm taking better care of myself. After years, finally went to the doctor for a check up. Now to the dentist. Just trying to catch up on things that have been put off for too long!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 16, 2015 at 9:50 PM

      Good for you, Meredith! It is so important to stay on top of our health instead of trying to catch up again. Trust me - it gets tougher with each passing year to 'bounce back.' Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  4. Beverly Stowe McClureMay 19, 2015 at 12:20 PM

    Sometimes change is good. I need a change, I know, but then I don't deal well with change. Like now, I'm having to change Internet providers and decisions are hard to make. I know, that's a little thing. (I just hung up from being on hold for 10 minutes.)
    You have the right idea, Kai. Have fun with your new job. Let it inspire you for your old job of writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 21, 2015 at 9:10 AM

      Changing things like providers can be more hassle than you care to take on. But it'll work out in the end. Good luck! Thanks for the encouragement. :)

      Delete

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