Slight Change to my Username and Other Random Factoids

Hey guys!  Just wanted to let you know that I've officially switched my username from "beast'sbelle" to just plain "beastsbelle", without the apostrophe (just in case anyone cares!).  The main reason for this change is that I'm really tired of being labeled as "beast&39;#sbelle" (or something along that line) on some blogs when I comment...it's rather annoying! ;)  It also keeps things simpler for me, because I have the username "beastsbelle" on several other sites, so now everything is the same.

In other news, I hope to get some actual blogging done sometime this weekend!  I was hoping to get to it today, but I've been focusing on getting my disaster area of a house ready for my middle daughter's birthday party next week!!  Blogging is much more fun than cleaning...which is pretty much why my house looks the way it does right now! :}

Let's see, I figured it was about time to give another weight-loss update as well.  The good news is that I lost about 15 pounds before Christmas!  The bad news is that I gained it all back after Christmas (my aunt's homemade fudge and gingerbread was the beginning of my downfall, not to mention that I had absolutely NO exercise in the month of January!).  I haven't given up, though.  I'm realizing that this weight thing is going to be like dishes and laundry...it's something I'll have to battle all my life.  I'm trying to shift my focus to being healthy rather than being a certain dress size.  Hopefully, that will make the task a little easier and less depressing. :}  You'd think you'd get to a point where you could ignore the pressures our society puts on us to have perfect bodies.  Perhaps I'll get to that point someday, but I'm definitely not there yet!  And by the way, I'm sorry if I've already said similar stuff before...I'm bad at unintentionally repeating myself...which I think I've already mentioned (see what I mean?). ;)

I have not forgotten my promised posts....they're coming soon, I promise! :}  I also have a few review posts in the works that should be fun.  Blogger was being stinky the other night and refused to upload my pics, otherwise I would have had a post ready for you today! :}

I would also appreciate your prayers.  I've had an idea for a series of books in my head for over 2 years now.  I've actually typed up close to half of the rough draft of the first book.  The story involves retelling of fairy tales, which as you may have noticed is suddenly very "in".  I was actually really worried when ABC's "Once Upon a Time" series aired, because there are some similarities to my story ideas there.  Thankfully, they're not identical...but my story idea was a lot more unique before "Once Upon a Time". :(

So here's my dilemma.  My original plan was to wait to try to publish anything until all three of my girls were in school (which would be August of 2013), but my idea is perfect for the current market.  Should I forget my original plan, or should I stick to my plan and not worry about the current trends?  I want to think very carefully before I make a decision.  I would hate to rush into trying to get my book published and then find I was in way over my head.

I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a precipice, with a raging river below me, wondering if I dare to dive in or not.  On the one hand, this story is very important to me.  I've sensed the Lord's direction throughout my project and felt it was something that could be useful and enjoyable to others.  The characters are as real to me as if they were truly flesh and blood.  I would love to see them come to life, to introduce them to the waiting world!

And yet, on the other hand, I'm plagued by doubts and fears.  What if it's not good enough?  What if everyone hates it?  What if I invest hours and hours of my time on something that's a big-time flop?  Worse still, what if I have a deadline to finish the stories and I just can't deliver?  What if I can't figure out those last few elusive plot holes?  What on earth could I have to offer that would be even slightly interesting to anyone?  What if everyone just thinks I'm copying everyone else? (I'm really good at living in my imagination...can you tell?) ;)

The other downside to going ahead with my project is that I would have to majorly slow down on my blogging.  I would still try to have at least a little update post up each week, but many of my photo stories and things would have to be fewer and farther between.  I love my blogging!!  I don't want to have to choose between the two, but at least for a time, I'd most likely have to.

I do so desire to follow the Lord's leading through this.  I don't want to jump out ahead of the game without consulting Him and trusting His guidance.  And yet, at the same time, I don't want to wait and hem and haw so long that I miss the boat.  Just pray that I will be able to make the right decision...for me, for my family, and for everyone.

Okay, enough thinking out loud!  I'd better stop before I bore all of you to death. ;)  Thanks for following this rambling, random post.  I'll be in touch soon!


P.S.  I almost forgot...tomorrow, 3 new Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls will be revealed on the Hearts For Hearts Facebook page! :D  I can't wait!!!