Are you on fire?
This is a question I ask myself daily. Am I on fire with my kids? With my husband? With my housekeeping? Home schooling? Writing? Promotions? Community service?
I want to be.
Some days I feel completely burned out--like everything I've got is consumed. For the last couple years I've been mostly having those days. I know it's a result of health challenges around some especially crazy times...like the publishing of my debut novel, but I've also decided it's a choice.
The aim is to be on fire, right? We want to light the torches around us, to set people aflame, to inspire others.
Today I'm on fire. By choice. I can feel it all the way from my insomniatic toes and up.
I think we all have that choice. We may face times when we're discouraged or struggling, but you are the one who ultimately decides how you'll be.
And remember, fire is contagious. Share your flame. Light your corner of the world, and burn bright.
Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book?
Last week, Emilyann Girdner shared The Labyrinth Wall with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook!
Emilyann's game:
2. She met Drew Barrymore when she visited a friend at her Sony Pictures job in L.A. a couple years ago.
3. Her first language was Turkish.
And the lie is:
#2. Emilyann did visit her friend and get to see Adam Sandler in person, but no Drew. Unfortunately the spider bite is true, and she has the scar to prove it! And her father was in the Air Force, so she lived in Turkey until she was five years old.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:
As he evades a determined arson investigator, Manny, a
modern-day Scrooge, is visited by ghosts of the past, present, and future. He’s
forced to witness the fate of his inadvertent victims, including Abigail, the
scarred beauty who softens his heart. Manny must choose between turning around
his callous, self-centered attitude, or protecting his own skin at the expense
of anyone who gets in his way.
Julie Musil writes Young
Adult novels from her rural home in Southern California, where she lives with
her husband and three sons. She’s an obsessive reader who loves stories that
grab the heart and won’t let go. Her novel The Boy Who Loved
Fire is available now. For more
information, or to stop by and say "Hi," please visit Julie on her blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook.
1. This California
girl likes to be near the ocean, but won’t swim in it.
So, friendlies, which is the lie? Are you on fire? What has you burning today? Will you be back to share your heroes?
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| Source |
I want to be.
Some days I feel completely burned out--like everything I've got is consumed. For the last couple years I've been mostly having those days. I know it's a result of health challenges around some especially crazy times...like the publishing of my debut novel, but I've also decided it's a choice.
The aim is to be on fire, right? We want to light the torches around us, to set people aflame, to inspire others.
Today I'm on fire. By choice. I can feel it all the way from my insomniatic toes and up.
I think we all have that choice. We may face times when we're discouraged or struggling, but you are the one who ultimately decides how you'll be.
And remember, fire is contagious. Share your flame. Light your corner of the world, and burn bright.
Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book?
Last week, Emilyann Girdner shared The Labyrinth Wall with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook!
Emilyann's game:
1. A brown recluse spider bit her forehead and nearly killed Emilyann when she was three years old.
2. She met Drew Barrymore when she visited a friend at her Sony Pictures job in L.A. a couple years ago.
3. Her first language was Turkish.
And the lie is:
#2. Emilyann did visit her friend and get to see Adam Sandler in person, but no Drew. Unfortunately the spider bite is true, and she has the scar to prove it! And her father was in the Air Force, so she lived in Turkey until she was five years old.
Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:
Congrats!
Are you into fires? I'm a bit of a pyro, which is why Julie Musil's book title really grabbed me. (And yes, I am reading this one.) Since she's one of my amazing buddies, I invited her here to share with you:
Manny O’Donnell
revels in his status at the top of his high school food chain. He and his
friends party in the mountains on a blustery night, sharing
liquor and lame ghost stories around a campfire. The next morning, as a wild
fire rages in those same mountains, Manny experiences doubt. He was the last of
the drunken crew to leave the cave, and he’s uncertain if he extinguished the
flames. Within hours, he becomes the number one arson suspect.
Santa
Ana winds + matches = disaster. You’d think he would've learned that the first
time he started a fire.
And now, let me introduce you to the wonderful author:
You might run across Julie eating gooey mozzarella pizza with her family.
Julie gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for a chance to win The Boy Who Loved Fire (eBook). Awesome, right? You have until Tuesday, March 25, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on March 26.
TRUTH OR LIE
2. Julie met her hubby in
the snack line when she was in 7th grade.
3. At 5’ 3”, Julie the tallest girl in her family.
P.S. I'm hanging out at Emilyann's place. Get the scoop behind the cheese!
(Or should I say wedge?)
And lastly...
You may have noticed I like to blog about things that make you laugh, and things that make you think. (And hopefully some that make you want to read.) Last year we enjoyed an entire series about How to Find Happiness, so I decided to stick with the inspirational route and blog about:
TRUE HEROES
I'm going to introduce my personal heroes throughout history and life, and I invite you to share yours. (Please!) Let's get inspired by awesome people that make us want to become our ultimate selves!
Find the rest of the hop HERE.
So, friendlies, which is the lie? Are you on fire? What has you burning today? Will you be back to share your heroes?
I'll say the lie is #1. Yes Crystal it is a choice to be on fire and I'm glad you're saying yes and shining bright. Em and Julie, congrats on your books. Oh and crystal just to let you know I'm thinking doing a parody called Boneless. Guess what it's of?
ReplyDeleteSheena-kay, hmmm, interesting! Thanks for the guess!
DeleteThanks for responding Julie and Crystal I love your theme and can't wait for April.
DeleteA parody in honor of my book? That's epic. Can I write it with you?
DeleteI'm always on fire because I have to be to get things done . A choice and i think it's a good mental attitude. But sometimes i have to keep putting so many logs on the fire just to keep it smoking. It's not always easy :)
ReplyDeleteJuliette...I know how you feel. We have to be careful of burnout
DeleteYeah, but it's worth it in the end. Life with light and warmth VS life in the darkness and cold... Hm. =)
DeleteI don't feel on fire this week. I feel pretty burned out. In my head, I know one way to get some energy back is to exercise when I come home from school. The problem is mustering the energy to exercise!
ReplyDelete(Is it Friday yet?)
Dianne, that is THE hardest thing. When you've had a long day and feel like doing nothing...exercise is tough.
DeleteLOL. Dianne, maybe you need to bike home. ;) Kidding--you probably can't do that where you live, but here it would be epic. I mean, other than when it rained.
DeleteI say the lie is #2! And may your fire spread to all those around you my friend :)
ReplyDeleteOptimistic...thanks for the guess, and for stopping by!
DeleteLit up like a bonfire. Thanks, Keith.
DeleteI'm going to guess Julie's lie is #3. I'm not sure why, but it sounds like wishful thinking: to be the tallest!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had the courage to burn all my idle manuscripts and notes that are taking up too much space and will never see the light of day again.
I also wish I was burning with inspiration at the moment instead of being in this fog of lethargy.
Fanny, maybe there's a reason you haven't burned those old manuscripts! Maybe there's a spark in there somewhere :)
Delete=( You could use those manuscripts to get your fire going, eh? I actually read a post about that once, where someone wrote something completely satisfying, a whole 20,000 words, and then just deleted it all, because she could. Yikes! She said it was terribly freeing.
DeleteI think #1 in the lie. I don't like swimming in the ocean either. Too much sewage in there.
ReplyDeleteSusan, so funny! I forgot about the sewage :/
DeleteI guess it depends on the stretch of ocean... =)
Delete'Share your flame; light your corner.' I like that.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I like that too. I've heard that happiness is a choice. I think that's true.
DeleteWe're not here except to make a difference, eh?
DeleteI think the lie is #2.
ReplyDeleteI used to try to be "on fire" for everything, and quickly burned myself out. Now, I direct that energy and oomph to a handful of things and the rest, like housekeeping - I know, big surprise, right? - gets what's left of me. :)
Madeline, thanks for the guess. I think you have the perfect attitude. Do what you can with your priorities. The rest can wait.
DeleteLOL! Housekeeping is for the servants. (I wish.) I agree, you have to prioritize.
DeleteLove this post, Crystal! I too feel like I am burnt out. But you're right. It's a choice we make as to whether or not we are going to be "on fire". I choose today to be on fire! Thanks for inspiring me!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Julie has a great book! I'm gonna guess the lie is #2.
Kristin, we all definitely have burn out days. It's up to us to kick burnout to the curb and move forward.
DeleteBuilding a fire is a long process, and it doesn't start as a blaze. It's one of those things that grows as we feed it, and you have to start somewhere. I think the hardest part is getting it going. After that, the feeding is easy.
DeleteToday I am definitely feeling more burned out than on fire. I'll try to choose on fire tomorrow. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day! And Julie's book looks great!
I love that. It is a daily choice, isn't it?
DeleteWhat a gorgeous photo - and thank you for the beautiful, passionate, heartfelt words of wisdom. It IS important to be on fire - and important to give yourself plenty of fuel so you can be (that's the part I forget sometimes). I hope that whatever is happening for you eases up a little, health-wise. I'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the blurb from Julie's book!! I want to win! :) I'm going to go with #3 as the lie...
Aw, thanks Liz. You're so sweet. Speaking of fuel, here's a log of cheese for you. =)
DeleteIt's nice to meet Julie! Thanks, Crystal, for the introduction. Wish her all the best with her book. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for fire, I am feeling a bit burned out now, but taking steps to recharge and refresh. My friend and colleague, the late Nancy Plent (of Unschoolers Network in NJ) always cautioned about burning the candle at both ends. She used to say when you do so, you end up a cinder, and that's no good for you or your loved ones. I try to remember that before hitting full cinder status.
Have a great rest of the week! :)
Awesome thoughts, Karen. It's true--especially as homeschoolers, it's so easy to overdo. You have to find your balance, and it's a tenuous thing, being perched on this cliff trying not to teeter off one side.
DeleteThe first thing that popped into my mind was Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark. "Light 'em up! I'm on fire!!"
ReplyDeleteSometimes it gets tough to stay positive. But I keep the same thing in mind: it is a choice!
I say the lie is #2!
=) And that's why I write my posts. They're a reminder to myself as much as everyone else.
DeleteThe only problem with being on fire is that it consumes a lot of fuel. Somehow I need to find a way to keep a steady burn going, so I don't burn out. Which I do quite frequently. I get all excited about everything, work my booty off, see little results and just feel exhausted.
ReplyDeleteI'm going with her not loving to swim in the water. I'd fear it...being an Atlantic girl, I'm used to warmer waters with less sharks.
You definitely have to plan wisely when dealing with fire. It's a dangerous entity, but such an important and life-sustaining one. There has to be balance in all things, eh?
DeleteRachel--a little burnout forces us to rest. I hope you're well rested and fired up for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteLiz--thanks so much for the guess (and for the kind words)
Karen--good advice from a good friend. I have to remind myself to remain "there" for my family. Otherwise I get caught up in all the other fluff.
Loni--sometimes it's tough to stay positive, for sure. When I'm down, I think of others who are suffering from poor health or extreme financial crises. Always brings me to a place of gratitude.
Elizabeth--by Atlantic, you must mean southern, right? Warmer waters sound great. Although, yeah, sharks would be bad.
Hmm. I'm guessing the lie is #3.
ReplyDeleteI love fires--my favorite thing during the winter is to sit in front of the fireplace with a good book.
Mmm. Now that sounds heavenly.
DeleteI think 2 is the lie this time.
ReplyDeleteBurnout stinks. Recharging is good though.
Which is why I stock the cheese. =)
DeleteBut the fires! They hurts!
ReplyDeleteAnd is that... cheese I smell burning?
LOL. Well then get your hand out of the middle, silly.
Delete(We added a little cheese to get people's appetites roaring.)
I've been feeling pretty crispy with all that I'm attempting to do. Thanks for the reminder that many times we can choose.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting ethical premise for your book, Julie! :)
Mmm... Crispy cheese.... =)
DeleteI'll guess number one is the fib, but don't enter me into the drawing. I already read Julie's book... and LOVED it.
ReplyDeleteAs for being on fire, I dunno if I'm on fire or not, but some days I need a fire lit under my butt to get it out of this desk chair. (So maybe PARTS of me are on fire...)
Yay! (Of course you loved it.)
DeleteThere you go, a flaming finger, a burning leg... We'll take it!
Don't be on fire too much...don't want to burn out;) Beside, we don't expect others to be perfect, so we shouldn't expect that of ourselves. It's the effort that counts:)
ReplyDeleteIt's true, but I do expect myself to be perfect. Therein lies the problem. I guess we just have to know our personal limits and not push past them, and no two people's capacities are the same. =)
DeleteI'm not on fire, but publishing deadlines are lighting one under me whether I like it or not. LOL
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I can relate. I homeschooled a couple of mine for a few years. I loved many things about it, but it's all-or-nothing. That gets old after a while - never having a break. I don't know how you do it and write. Hats off to you!
*Waving at Julie*
I'm gonna guess #3 is the lie.
I hear you about the deadlines! (Actually, I am on fire about those.)
DeleteI guess after home schooling for so long, it just feels normal? (Been doing this 10 years now.)
Somedays it's all I can do to stay awake, let alone on fire. You're right though, we have a choice and I need to be better at it.
ReplyDeleteYay! Here's to being awake. (If that's the best you can muster in a single day, I'll take it!)
DeleteI hate trying to figure this kind of thing out when I don't know the people. lol *pouts* I'll pass. But what a fun post.
ReplyDeleteNobody said you have to guess. You just get to meet an amazing person and book. Oh, and vicariously enjoy some cheese.
DeleteCrystal, thank you for the inspiring post! I want to be on fire and by choice too. I'm going through a similar stress induced health related issue because of my upcoming debut release. Can't wait for the months to pass when the anxiety decreases a bit. :)
ReplyDeleteBest,
Anna
(Should I tell her the stress doesn't decrease? Nah. She'll figure it out.)
DeleteI'm super stoked for you, Anna. Here's to amazing new adventures and jumping off the cliff!
I'm on fire right now--but not about writing. I guess you can't be on fire about everything at once, huh?
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Julie's book was out! I think she's taller than 5'3.
It's true. You have to choose the aspect that matters most at the moment.
DeleteA lot of life is a choice. Sometimes, though, I think I'm affected by the lack of sunlight in the winter. Slows me way down. Or should I say dims my fire? But it's springtime now, so I'm feeling all fiery again. :))
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm gonna say #1 is the lie. I live in Colorado and do not ski. So, yeah…#1.
Yay! See, this is why I live in Florida. Sunshine every day, except for maybe 5 days out of the year, and warm weather.
DeleteWhat?!?!? You don't skii? Heathen! ;)
I love the sound of Julie's book!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think no.#1 is the lie - just a guess!
And I agree with the fiery concept... be passionate about life and try to seize each moment whenever possible...
Mmm. Be passionate about life indeed. It's the best way to face each day, eh?
DeleteYou always come off as so bright and sparkly. Maybe you just can't see your flames anymore. But I get what you mean. Burned out I think is a common malaise and I'm tired from reading what you do. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Julie and her awesome book! I'm going to guess that #3 is the lie.
I sparkle? (Are you trying to tell me I'm a vampire?) LOL.
DeleteYou're a ray of sunshine yourself, Mary. Here's to lighting up the world!
Okay, first off, my guess is #2, just because :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I like the thought of being on fire as a choice. I do try to remember that. Though some days seem to conspire like a whole lot of water balloons!
Ooh! Water balloon war! Fire is sometimes too serious, you know?
DeleteJulie is AWESOME!!! And I really enjoyed her book - so good!!!! Don't enter me as I already have my copy :)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of choosing to be on fire - and agree it can be so hard some days - but you're right it is a choice!
Yay! I agree. Julie is pretty amazing.
DeleteI love your message... especially at this time in my life... it is true, we choose how we live or if we will be discouraged... a lot to think of...
ReplyDeleteCrystal, thank you for your comment on my blog... up until each day I get through without proper sleep.. I am amazed that I function on so little... believe me, I am not happy with it... I want to figure out a way to change it... Have a great rest of the week :)
I know what you mean about trying to change those sleep habits. It's so hard, especially once your mind and body adjust to them. I used to sit in bed just thinking, "You're not getting up because then your body will think it's okay, and IT'S NOT OKAY."
Delete#3 is the lie
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the great (and timely) post.
I'm in fire, darnnit! Even if I have to light that match myself and douse it in something flammable (not in that order, lol)
LOL! Yeah, that order could be...uh...interesting. Burn brightly, Lynda!
DeleteLove this post! I've been feeling a little worn-down lately myself. I feel like I'm stumbling towards the finish line instead of finishing solid. My finish line is the end of school (I'm a homeschooler too), when I'll have more time to write.
ReplyDeleteThe lies have me stumped, but I'll go with #1.
Here's to pressing forward and finishing the race!
DeleteI love that Crystal: "Light your corner of the world and burn bright!" Very inspiring :) Also congrats to Garrison and good luck to all on this week's guessing.
ReplyDeleteI'lll go with #1 is the lie, based only on gut feeling. So I could be totally off, lol.
LOL. Guts sometimes have strange influences, like cheese. =)
DeleteConnie, I also love reading by the fire! Must better than having my house surrounded by fire (true story).
ReplyDeleteSouthpaw, burnout definitely stinks. Re-charging is awesome.
Andrew, bubbling crusty cheese=good. Burning cheese=bad.
Ava, "crispy" is a great word for how we feel when we do too much! Thanks for your kind words.
Susan, thanks SO much for picking up a copy of the book. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Mark, those are some wise words there. Thanks for the reminder!
Melissa, *waves* I'm SO impressed with home-schooling moms. I do 90% of my writing while my boys are at school. Hats off to moms who juggle it all.
S.P., it's a constant juggling act, isn't it? We just do our best!
Donna, I know what you mean! No worries :)
Anna, I sincerely hope you can take a moment and breathe deeply & enjoy your debut. Good luck!
Jennifer, fun guess! I'm keeping mum :)
L.G., I would go CRAZY without sunlight. I pout when we have two days of rain here in So Cal.
Michelle, thanks so much!
Mary, I agree. Crystal is definitely a bright light in the writing community! Thanks for the kind words and for the guess :)
Meradeth, water balloons! That's awesome. Thanks for the guess!
Jemi, you are an absolutely sweetheart. Thank you!
Launna, lack of sleep must be so difficult for you! Saying a prayer that you can get the zzz's that you need. Take care.
Lynda, "douse it in something flammable" that's so funny! Yep, sometimes I need a little lighter fluid myself.
Jenni, reaching the finish line is what matters, no matter how we get there. Hats off to another amazing home-schooler.
Emilyann, thanks so much for the guess!
I just put in gas firelogs. I love my fire. Great post. I already have my BOY WHO LOVED FIRE copy. It's FANTASTIC. Too true if you live out here in LA wildfire country. Congrats, Julie.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. I grew up in the desert, so I know what you mean about flammability and wild fires. They can be freaky.
DeleteAs a Leo, I'd like to think I'm always on fire. ^_^ But seriously, I'm on the editing slow burn now, taking a blowtorch to the novel and burning it down to a cleaner, better story. Bwa ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the slow burn. It builds the muscles better anyway.
DeleteGreat post...but I'm not much on fire...I'd say I'm flickering. Three days of migraine, Popa in hospital, brother, mom...I'm flickering and holding on, I'll try to burn brighter in the a.m.! :)
ReplyDelete=( One day at a time, Michelle. Sometimes that's all we can do.
DeleteLove your attitude. yes, spread the passion! And the spider bit was true. That will give me nightmares. And it's always nice meeting another Californian. Hi! I'm thinking the lie is number 1. I've been pulled under a few times courtesy of the Pacific and don't swim in oceans all that much any more.
ReplyDeleteI know! The spider bite thing was totally freaky, but you know the miraculous thing is that modern medicine can fight even the deadliest of circumstances.
DeleteJulie's book looks awesome! I'm impressed by your enthusiasm, especially in the face of health problems. I hope you conquer them, and I wish you the very best life has to offer. Sadly, I'm firmly on the burnt-out list and have been there for a looong time. The publishing biz is exhausting...
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is exhausting, which is why I blogged about fire. You know, you have to balance how you feed that flame, otherwise it can consume you.
DeleteI go through periods when the fire burns very bright, then it smoulders a bit and I have to put wood in to push it to burn brightly again. Right now it's smouldering, almost flickering unfortunately, but I've been here before and know what I need to do to get moving again. I just need to take a nap first.
ReplyDeleteSmoldering creates the best cooking conditions. =)
DeleteLeslie, you are a GEM! *mwah*
ReplyDeleteMason, that's my favorite part...the clean up and shining part. Good luck to you!
Remembering Grace, I'm so sorry to hear that :(
TBM, getting pulled under the ocean is terrifying!
Lexa, thanks for the kind words. Hopefully you're re-charging and will be on fire again soon :)
Damaria, a NAP! Yes. Sometimes that's all we need. Good luck.
Well I'm guessing one because I'm pretty sure the others are true… ;D Oh and AWESOME book btw, everyone!!
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Aren't I the luckiest schmuck ever to get to highlight these amazing reads?
DeleteI say the lie is number 2. (I wouldn't swim in the Pacific Ocean, either - too cold!) As far as being on fire, lately I've been feeling more burned out. I think I'm doing too many things. I think if I was doing less, I'd have more energy to let the fire burn!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely true. I'm constantly trimming back my reach. If you get to spread out, your flame will die.
DeleteI do love that feeling when I'm on writing something and it's going so well, I can't sleep! It's been a while--so many other demands on my time and all.
ReplyDelete=( Stephanie, I hope some of those other demands shrink away so you can become an insomniatic writing BEAST. =)
DeleteI have a heroine who wishes she could catch on fire so a certain hot firefighter would have to, uh, put it out. Does that count? ;)
ReplyDeleteI love stopping by here--you are always so inspiring. Those books sounds great!
LOL! Hot firefighter? Yup. We'll take it.
DeleteI think we al have days we are on fire. I find I get more done on those days because I just cannot sit still.
ReplyDeleteHm. I think I get more done on the days I can sit still. ;) (As in, rear in chair, fingers on keyboard.)
DeleteI am always on fire. But if I am not on fire, I know there is a problem with me.
ReplyDeleteI love that you're so aware. Way to be!
DeleteLisa, thank you thank you thank you <3
ReplyDeleteSherry, that's such a common issue for us, isn't it? We try to do too much and then we become frozen (to mix metaphors)
Stephanie, that truly is a great feeling. Write on!
Tara, my hubby is a firefighter! He's kind and a good dad. Now that's hot!
Lady Lilith, those days when we get lots done are the BEST. Today was not one of those days for me :/
Julie, that's a good thing, right? Sounds like you're darn productive.
Your attitude is always your choice. Why not be on fire?
ReplyDeleteI don't want to guess #1 as the lie, because I actually agree with that sentiment. (The ocean is cold and grimy.) So, I'm going to go with #3 (and half expect the lie to be #1).
Why not indeed. =) *raises a glass of flame*
DeleteWilly Dunne Wooters helps keep my fire blazing. He starts fairly mild arguments with me, and I find myself ardently supporting my cause. It's good for me.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
A challenge will always keep us burning, eh? Here's to the people who inspire out growth!
DeleteHey Crystal,
ReplyDeleteSuch a hot article! Your flame, a fiery beacon of inspiration. And, guess what? I'm Julie's latest starstruck fan. Of course, being such a great guy, I shall share this post.
All the best with this, Julie. And Crystal, here's a bit of fire so you can have a grilled cheese sandwich.
Gary :)
Aw! Thanks for sharing, Gary. You're the best--and I do believe I will have a grilled cheese.
DeleteI'll guess #1 is the lie. I've had pyrophobia since before I could remember, but I'm a little better about it these days. About a year and a half ago, I actually spotted a plastic tablecloth on fire at the student religious center during Simchat Torah, and prevented probably a much more serious fire by shouting loudly enough to bring it to people's attention. My rabbi's family had to redo the table after the fire damage, but it looks a lot prettier now, with a cut glass design.
ReplyDeleteWay to save the day, Carrie! You're a true hero. ;)
DeleteNice A to Z theme. I'll be visiting often.
ReplyDeleteWahoo! Looking forward to it, Vanessa.
DeleteI'm doing the rounds for the theme reveal and so far I'm very impressed. What an uplifting theme, I look forward to finding out about your heroes during April.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings
Thanks Tasha! I'm totally stoked about your vampires too! (As long as they don't sparkle.)
Deleteso much fire! it burns!
ReplyDeletebut i'm glad you have it and are passing it around!
love your theme - more inspiration!
have a great weekend!
Here, take a handful, eh? ;)
DeleteHeroes? That's a great theme. I can think of a bunch that I would include. I wish you luck with Z and I can't wait to read your posts.
ReplyDeleteLeanne Ross ( readfaced.wordpress.com & @LeanneRossRF )
Z was probably the easiest one. ;) (Now you're curious, aren't you?)
DeleteFire is very important, provided you're careful you don't get burned. One little candle can really change the world, but a smoldering ember can burn down a forest. Heroes help keep us balanced and make such a difference in our lives. I'm truly looking forward to your theme.
ReplyDeleteMJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches
Thanks, MJ. I'm looking forward to yours too!
DeleteTrue Heroes is a great theme idea! Looking forward to reading them :)
ReplyDeleteMy A to Z Reveal post here
Thanks, Steph. I'm super stoked about your memorable characters too.
DeleteTruth, truth, lie? That's my best guess! :) That is a great idea for a blog hop!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm particularly fond of the meme. =)
DeleteLove Julie!!!!! And love your thoughts about choosing to be on fire, Crystal. It's true. We have to make that decision for ourselves... how we choose to approach writing and life. :)
ReplyDeleteYuppers. It's all up to us. =)
DeleteWell, today I feel like banked embers, waiting for a strong wind. But I'm sure there's one coming.
ReplyDelete*blowing* Here you go! =)
DeleteHi, Crystal & Julie,
ReplyDeleteHope the book is doing well, Julie.
I'm guessing #3 is the lie.
Looking forward to hearing about Crystal's heroes.
Thanks, Joy! So great to see you here.
DeleteJulie! Your book sounds AWESOME! What a clever twist on a classic tale! I'm guessing #3 is a tall-tale:)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, your theme rocks! I see we're of the same mind where Heroes are concerned:) Mine wear actual capes, though:)
WriterlySam
resident bartender for A to Z Theme Reveal Party!
Yes! You take the imagined ones, I'll take the solid ones, and we've got the topic covered!
DeleteMy life has been lacking fire lately. I blame the day job. Crap keeps happening and it's really burnt me out. x_x
ReplyDeleteGreat theme for the challenge.
You know that crap burns, right? ;)
DeleteLooking forward to reading your posts about true heroes!
ReplyDeleteYvonne
Yay! Thanks, Yvonne.
DeleteI hope you're still on fire today. Sorry you've been dealing with some health issues, I hope those troubles are in the past.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a theme. I can't wait until April. :)
Julie, it's going to be epic, right? Looking forward to it.
DeleteWhat a wonderful, inspirpational theme! And here I was excpecting Cheeses from A to Z, heehee.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say Julie's lie is #3...
I'm with you on being on fire being a choice. Sometimes it takes a LOT of persuading ourselves to get there...and a heavy dose of grace.
LOL! Yes, I debated the theme of cheese, but I guess you have to know the motivator behind my cheese to understand why I didn't.
DeleteGreat idea for an A to Z theme. Best of luck. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, SD.
DeleteLove the A to Z theme. And I'm going to say the lie is #1
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa.
DeleteEveryone, thanks for stopping by, and for your guesses!
ReplyDeleteI agree...Crystal's A-Z theme is amazing. A great way to share inspiration.
*blushes*
DeleteI love your fire analogy! Better to burn bright than to sputter out and waste precious potential.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading your A to Z heroes! Great theme idea. :)
Thanks for sharing Julie's book! My guess would be #3 is the lie.
So true. We have to use our resources (energy) wisely. I'm way stoked about your thinking sideways theme.
DeleteAww that's sweet I think, to post about true heroes :D
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about them!
Sweet? Did we get some fruit in here to go with the cheese? I'm on board. =)
DeleteFantastic theme for the Challenge. And I love that you're burning bright! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHmm, the lie is #1.
Thanks, Christine. You're a pretty toasty flame yourself.
Deleteok first off 85 comments HOLY CRAP SAUCE AWESOME! Ok 2nd your theme immmm yes please! I love real life heroes it is always inspirational to read. you make me feel bad for going with movies and being super duper superficial haha. I can't wait to come back often if not every day! Teresa from FangirlNextDoor.com and Quackinoverdisney.com
ReplyDeleteYeah, there are a few more comments here than normal. You missed out on my laughing meme or you might not feel so bad. Stop back in next week. =)
DeleteI loved reading this post! I try to be on fire all the time, but sometimes- I am just the embers. :) I think it is important to keep our heroes in mind. It is always fun to lean about the people that inspire those I know- my heroes tend to be people close to me that have overcome obstacles. :) Can't wait to lean more about your heroes!
ReplyDeleteI think #3 is a lie.
Jess
I hear you, Jess. It's always a good idea to remember those who inspire us, and it's so easy to forget in this crazy, busy world.
DeleteSuch a great theme, Crystal! And I love the idea of choosing to be "on fire." I really need to figure out how to do that!
ReplyDeleteWhat? Your cartoons are totally on fire. Maybe you gave it all to them. =)
DeleteI got Emilyann's lie wrong, and I'm guessing #1 for Julie.
ReplyDeleteI'm sometimes on fire. It's better than having no spark.
I have Julie's book.
You definitely have to temper the flame to your different circumstances, eh? (These games can be super tricky, but you usually do guess them right.)
DeleteI loved your A-Z theme last year and this year sounds even better. Looking forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteSania @ Fragile Words
Yay! Thank you, Sania. Your mystery narrator is going to be a joy to meet, methinks.
DeleteOoh, I like that theme! I don't think I could handle A to Z, but you'll be awesome!
ReplyDeleteTiana, I know! I mean, I had to coax you out of semi-blogging retirement, eh? (Kidding, kidding.) I'm glad to see your smiling face here. =)
DeleteI love your theme! I just did some acquisitions work for an anthology based on heroes, and some of the submissions were really fun and interesting. They definitely took the theme to some places I wouldn't have expected it. I look forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteN J Magas, speculative fiction author, participating in Blogging A-Z April Challenge.
How awesome--an entire anthology based on heroes. It's amazing how creative people can be, eh? --As is evidenced by all these amazing themes for the A to Z Challenge.
DeleteHey! Great theme. Show us your heroes. And again my hats off to Julie. She's on fire if anybody is.
ReplyDeleteSo true. It's nice to bask in the warmth.
DeleteInteresting theme. All the best..
ReplyDeleteGS at Moontime Tunes
Thanks, GS.
DeleteFire gives heat so I guess we are ok!
ReplyDeleteSounds great, by the way!
We're better than okay. We're epic. =)
DeleteGreat Theme, Crystal. Looking forward to reading about your heroes. You are always so upbeat in your writings, I can't think of you ever being burned-out. I like coming to your blog for a pick-me-up!
ReplyDeleteAw. Thanks, Cathrina. That makes my heart happy.
DeleteThis is a wonderful theme! I look forward to reading about your personal heroes and why they've become so. I'm really looking forward to the A-to-Z Challenge with you this year and I hope your health challenges, remain just that; challenges, and nothing more! Mary aka Viola Fury
ReplyDeletewww.homelesschroniclesintampa.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-to-z-challenge-theme-reveal-blogfest.html A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal BlogFest – Sign Up Now #atozchallenge #atozreveal
Woot, woot! *high five* Here's to a wonderful challenge!
DeleteI’m singed, feel headed for burnout, watched horrified as my own self signed up for more to do with A-Z! But, as you say: it is, but does it have to be? I recognize the remote possibility, that my instinct might be right, that there’s more strength to pull, more fuel for the fire, and this could be a healing thing! And I look forward to your true heroes : )
ReplyDeleteIt just might be what you need. Here's hoping you get exactly what you need out of the challenge--that it totally refuels you!
DeleteThank you so much! A little A to Z and some Manchego and I should be right : D
DeleteMiss A
On Fire? Definitely - Lit up, in Love with the Adventure of Living and Serving . . yeppers, it's been "crazy" here, too - But, I find All is Well . . . All is Amazing - and, there is still plenty for me to do . . . Sending You Love!
ReplyDeleteSending love right back! I miss you around here sometimes.
DeleteGreat theme, Crystal! I can't wait to read your posts. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie.
DeleteNow that's something I really need to consider! Personal heroes! How awesome!
ReplyDeleteJamie Dement (LadyJai)
My A to Z Challenge
Caring for my Veterna
Yay, Jamie! And what's with the new blog? (Or is it just a new design?) I was totally shocked--but it's nice looking.
DeleteTrue Heroes... now that needs some thought. Who truly is a hero? I'll be back to see who you choose - if I'm not burnt out by then ;)
ReplyDeleteHave fun on the challenge.
Jemima
#TeamDamyanti
Blogging from Alpha to Zulu in April
Oh my goodness, there were so many it was hard to limit it to just 26. It's one of those subjects that really sets your brain on fire.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful theme! Looking forward to reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly.
DeleteLove it. I hear you on the being so done in by life we feel like we have no fire left. I struggle with health, too, so I'm with you on that one as well. And you know you always have me at cheese.
ReplyDeleteLeaving you with some gorgonzola, cuz that's the mood I'm in, Gromet,
Tina @ Life is Good
A to Z Team @ Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2014
Mmm. Much thanks. I totally need your Gorgonzola to keep me going, Wallace. ;)
DeleteI want to be on fire - you make it sound so much fun. Knowing my luck, someone would spot me and throw water all over me :-/
ReplyDeleteOoh! Ever better. Water war! *running for the hose*
DeleteLight your corner of the world, and burn bright - Love this! I think I need it taped up on my computer screen. =)
ReplyDeleteOaky, I'll pray for fire. I sure need it! I'm looking forward to reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
I was hoping number 1 was a lie, that sounds terrible!
ReplyDelete