New Goals ~and~ Fireworks🇺🇸

Happy July, everyone! I hope you all had a safe and beautiful Independence Day. I do not celebrate like most by going out to see the fireworks or to a party. We (my boyfriend and I) stay at home to be there for our dogs. Personally, I wish they could get rid of the noise that accompanies the beautiful display of lights in the sky. Too many animals are lost each year because they are scared and run away or get spooked and go straight into the path of something dangerous, like a car, truck, larger prey animal, etc.

Then we have the humans who are also alarmed by the noise, such as veterans who were in war and have PTSD. Most are able to deal or fake it, but not all can. They may have residual effects long after the 4th is over. How about we come up with some silent fireworks and then play tame-ish type music to go with the beauty we are seeing?

Let’s also not forget the damage that fireworks do to the environment. Yes, fireworks affect the environment in several ways. For example, according to jtechconst.com, “Fireworks cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals, and smoke in the air for days. When ignited, these materials produce fine particles and gases that can contribute to air pollution.” Remember, you and your family are breathing in those particles, so there are also long-term health concern possibilities.

There are Eco-friendly fireworks that have a clean-burning nitrogen-based fuel, but those are rarely bought by most people. Even with those, there is still the loud sound taking us back to the animals (domestic and wild) and people with PTSD. There has got to be a better way. I say that about a lot of things; I just wish I knew how to do it.☹️

I would like to thank all those who made sure we, as a nation, are able to have an Independence Day. All the soldiers (male, female, animal, and fowl ~ yes, animals and birds were involved in war scenarios). Some gave their lives so that we are free to do as we like ~ such as celebrate in the open. So to them, I am grateful for my Independence.

Now for the Goals Group update… We added a new member, so there are now five of us. She is a good addition and is motivated, which will hopefully help get me more motivated. It kind of works that way sometimes; you need someone else to refresh your drive. Regardless of the reason, it does help.

For this quarter, I made a list of 20 goals, but being the wise chickie that I am, I chose only three for the group to hold me accountable for. Remember, set yourself up for success, not failure. With that, here are my goals for this new quarter:

Daily: 15 minutes of educational videos (Skillshare, Udemy, YouTube, etc.); 10 minutes of writing (this includes researching for one of my books); and 10 minutes of art (this includes researching for a project: images, styles, supplies, techniques, etc.)

Weekly: Publish one blog post

End of Quarter: Have three final art pieces ready for the display at the Smyrna Library in October; have booked or attended one book fair (craft fair, farmers market, etc.) to promote my books.

My charity for this quarter is: The Senior Dog Sanctuary

So now I have my work cut out for me, which is good. Maybe I’ll get my personal goal of having five or more books completed by the end of the year. I’m also going to be reorganizing the disaster I call an office and the living room, which has unintentionally turned into my art area. I have to get more organized and clear in the house (free of clutter) so I can clear my brain of clutter and become more focused. I have a long list of projects to do, and there is way too much clutter, physically and mentally, to get things done. I may also have to break down and find a place outside of the home to get more writing done. I do well at Starbucks, but that could get expensive. Love their summer drink with raspberry pearls. So, I’m looking for other locations. Suggestions are welcome, and if you have actual addresses of places, definitely let me know, and I will check them out.

I believe I will close out today as I have some drawing to do still. I have started that 30-day drawing challenge I mentioned last week, and they are posted on my Instagram site (creativelyunlimited). Oh, and starting tomorrow, my sweetie and I will be embarking on another round of the Bone Broth Diet. He will be going strictly by the diet, and since I can’t drink most of the broths, I will be doing a version of it. Let’s see how it goes this time. I have close to 35 pounds to drop for my health. I’d like to drop at least 15 before my birthday in mid-August. 🙏 Wish me luck! 🍀

Till next week, I wish you lots of Love, Laughter, Blessings, and Hugs! 🌻