What I Would Try If I Knew I Couldn't Fail.

This is an interesting question that I've seen often but that I've given little attention. I'll try to focus on it now.

• I would sit in front of a black computer screen and let poems and stories flow out of me.
• I would put together a poetry volume and a book of short stories--and then try to publish them both.
• I would write a novel. 
• I would audition for regional theatre. 
• I'd set my annual reading goals to 100+ books.
• I'd fix my phone.
• I'd pare down my wardrobe perfectly for this season (as Mom calls it) in my life--not spring or summer but the present circumstances.
• I'd get Oliver into the pre-K or preschool program here.
• I'd fill my journals in two weeks like I used to (it takes a month or more now).
• I'd pare down my library perfectly. 
• I'd work on my quotation notebook--I'm so behind!
• I'd fly a little.
• I'd attempt any book that has intimidated me.
• I'd get a library to care for my journals after I die.

How to Sparkle More.

• Read more children's books.
• Read the color-coded fairy tale books (Andrew Lang).
• Read more science fiction and fantasy.
• Play with color in coloring books.
• Listen to soothing, inspiring music like Enya.
• Continue listening to showtunes and working it into the family's morning routine.
• Learn about shows after Bruce and I see them.
• Take medication--every time and at the right time.
• Hang up some snowflakes and make a glittery mess.
• Collect gifts for people throughout the year, so no special day catches me by surprise.
• Use my favorite peppermint marshmallow candle.
• Rather than saving something special, think of what a pity it would be if I never used the object. And use it!
• Look at old photos of Oliver. Watch for photos in which I look truly happy--even if I were sick or hurt at the time.
• Don't be lazy about eye makeup. Layer the sparkle.
• Pay attention to those who love me most and see it in their eyes. Carry that feeling.
• Always wear something that glimmers--it will remind me of who I want to be.

Sending Books.

Two years ago, I started sending my brother, James, a book on his January 1 birthday. I think the books will be important to him even if he doesn't read them. And in one case, Mom read the book first! I love that she couldn't resist it. I can think of it as the one book I want to contribute to his year. Ordering from Amazon Smile is so easy. I don't want to plan the books ahead--just go year to year.

I once sent a Francesca Lia Block book to my aunt. I wanted her to have the chance to like something that I loved so much.

When Josh was waiting for his medical discharge from the army, I was at a family reunion in Oregon. I went to a little bookstore and bought Billy Collins's Picnic, Lightning and sent it to him, hoping the words of his favorite poet would ease all he was facing.

I can't think of a package much more exciting than a book!

Tiny Interesting Choices.

--Randall Munrow

How much do these matter?

• Choosing a movie on Amazon to watch alone. It makes me feel independent, and it satisfies some of my curiosity about movies, especially scary ones.
• Choosing a new journal to begin. I have many to choose from. Spiral? Colorful or patterned pages? Colors and themes in the cover art? Weight and texture of pages? Size? It all reflects my mood and plans.
• Choosing a pen for the day. I at least keep the same color if the first pen doesn't work well. I choose based on my mood--color and effects like glitter or metallic--and on the journal (How sturdy are the pages?) I chose.
• Choosing a necklace to wear. I have a few beautiful, complex necklaces that Josh gave me for anniversaries, Mother's Day, birthdays, and such. I've bought several for myself, always like a gift. The one I choose is more about mood than about matching an outfit. Actually, I often choose the necklace and build an outfit around it. 
• Choosing the amount and tone of makeup. Lately, I'm likely to leave the house with only powder, mascara, and lip stain. In the past, I would almost never go out without full sparkling and colorful eyeshadow. Now, that's only on especially happy (or determined to be happy) days. Days of no makeup signal that I'm not feeling well at all. 

These all matter to me, and I think they reveal a lot about me. Other small, daily choices do this too. I should pay more attention not only to what the choices reveal but to how the choices can alter and uplift my days.

What I Can Do for Myself in 15 Minutes.

Free time sometimes comes in tiny pockets, and we have to use them for something more meaningful than staring into space or dozing off. As usual, I thought a list would help me.

• Read a chapter
• Paint my nails
• Put on creative eye makeup
• Color a picture in an adult coloring book
• Ask for a 15-minute massage
• Write a few pages in my journal
• Listen to 4 or 5 Broadway songs
• Look at the Tasha Tudor illustrations in A Little Princess
• Turn all my attention to ice water in a big bottle
• Select a specific color to search on Target's website. The cascades of purple or green are so soothing.
• Start looking at a magazine
• Clean up my nightstand and the books beside the bed
• Walk to get the mail
• Take a short bath, even in the middle of the day

Give me more ideas!

How to Catch up with Your GoodReads Goal.

As I'm writing this, I ought to be catching up with my own GoodReads goal. I'm 1 or 2 books behind now. If you don't have a goal or a GoodReads account, go there quickly! You can log in with your Facebook account.

• Add a variety of book lengths to your list. Don't read thick classics only.
• Read some children's books you missed. I bought a few Roald Dahl books. I don't expect them to take long, but I think they'll be fulfilling and help me catch up.
• Read of volumes of short stories (go for the thinner collections first!). The pre-packaged stories are perfect to digest over breakfast, during a break, and before bed.
• Read more poetry. Poetry books are usually quite slim, but they are more difficult to process than a lot of other books. Read it aloud. Read it to someone. Let your feelings understand if your thoughts do not. Gather up all your library has (ask for the poetry section), and dive in.
• Limit your book buying. This is no fun, but tell yourself that after you read two books you already have, you can buy one new (or new-to-you) book. Rewards may help you push toward your goal.

Seeking Enchantment.

--Tracy Knight MacDonald

This should be like a field trip. A hidden meadow, a picnic, butterfly nets.

I don't think enchantment is difficult to find; it's difficult to recognize, to accept, and to incorporate into one's life.

Of course, it's difference for everyone. But I can find enchantment in so many small ways.

• Tiny, sparkly earrings
• The Neverland T-shirt Josh gave me for Christmas
• Uncontrollable smiles from one of the people I adore most
• Wisteria dripping from trees
• The traincase (from Mom) that could hold anything...a mystery for now
• An unopened package of Mrs. Grossman stickers
• My dressed up reflection, which usually means I'm going to a show
• Any makeup that shimmers
• Oliver's two beloved stuffed dogs. The bond is just so precious.