Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- Z

Wow, is this really it, the last day of the Challenge? I'm sad but happy I participated in posting from A to Z along with a slew of other fabulous bloggers. Nice job, all! Pat yourself on the back. :D

With one last letter to blog about, I conclude with smiles brought to you by the letter Z; it stands for...

ZEN

• According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Zen is defined as: "a Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation."
• I also like how Urban Dictionary defines Zen: "One way to think of zen is this: a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts." It also continues with this definition: "Complete and absolute peace."

My zen-like focus is peace. Peace is something difficult for me to access. Why? My mind is flying around a 228mph and I am in such a rush that I fail to slow down and smell the flowers and take pleasure in the moment. I think this is a reason for why I enjoy the outdoors and traveling; I can slow down and relish in what really matters and the beauty of the world.

Julia finding her inner zen at a monastery in Xian, China.

Those moments of my life when I have felt a measure of peace have come in a variety of ways: while attending religious meetings, being in nature, before I go to bed when I can slow down my mind, and while praying. I smile in those moments where I can cast away my worries and focus on the now, the zen-like letting go of me and absorbing the refreshing feeling of revelation and/or peace.

Love it!

How do you feel zen/peace? Starting with the letter Z, what makes you smile?

Love you all. Thanks for stopping by my blog this month. I hope to continue building great relationships with y'all through our blogging/writing adventures. :)

Writing Jewels 

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- Y

Ack! Are we already to the letter Y? How has this month gone by at such a speedy pace? Well, as the saying goes: "Time flies while you're having fun."

My smiles today stem from...

YOUR SMILES

Yup, this is how I'm utilizing the letter Y with the word "Your". But it's true. I smile that we've all been having fun with this challenge (at least I have been) while writing quality posts from A to Z. I have enjoyed reading them and getting to know so many of you via your blogs.

But I also smile when good things happen to those I love, friends, or people I have met online through the writing community. I grin when writers get publishing deals or self-publish their works. I can't hold back giggles of happiness when I see a newly dating couple holding hands, or better yet, an older couple doing likewise. I can't keep myself from jumping for joy when someone tells me good news about landing that awesome job, they are getting married, or are having a baby. The list goes on and on, folks.

My smiles glisten wider on my face when others are happy. It bring me immense joy and I love it!

So, tell me something wonderful happening in your life right now. And starting with the letter Y, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- X

I'm stretching it here with my pick for the letter X, I know. But it makes more sense than saying xylophones make me smile when they really don't. Ok, if they are incorporated into a beautiful symphony piece then yes, they do.

Anyway, what makes me smile starting with the letter X (or has the letter X found in the word) is...

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

During the three and a half years I've been writing and progressing forward on my literary journey, I have met countless people who have impressed me this much: from the universe and back and then back and forth a trillion times squared. Yup. I have learned so much about my craft through these individuals and have gained amazing friendships as well. I can't express with words how grateful I am for having met them via writing conferences, blogging, and tweeting. You are my heroes/heroines.

For the sake of not having this post go on for pages and pages, I will spare you reading a truck load of names of wonderful people who I count as my angels of writing inspiration and encouragement. You know who you are. I send you hugs and a barrel of monkey's worth of love; they will be trained to clean your homes in order to give you more time to write. Hot dog, am I a nice little gal or what!

And do you know what? Even more extraordinary people have been flooding cyberspace because of the A to Z Challenge. I have enjoyed getting to know you all through your blog posts. I thank all that have spent time reading about my smiles.

谢谢, Gracias, ありがとう, Merci, תודה, Danke, Grazie, спасибо, Salamat, 감사합니다, Mahalo, شكرا , and THANK YOU!

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- W

December of 2009 brought about something that changed my life forever: I had an idea for a book. Just thinking about this turn of events brings tears to my eyes, but a smile to my face as well. That's when I learned of the joys of...

WRITING

Being a writer has given me more meaning to my life than I could ever have dreamed of, and my first book sprouted from a dream. Who'd have thunk? That dream will forever be ingrained upon my thoughts because it marked the commencement of a beautiful adventure. Of course, when I started writing that book, I had no plans of trying to get her published and I had no idea what I was doing. Let's just say I was 38.4 degrees below a novice.

Over time and deleting and adding a ton of words, I have learned a thing or two about how to write, about how to juggle life and words, and about the industry. It has not been an easy path, but one in which I feel blessed to have traveled and am still pushing forward through the hills, climbs, plateaus, and occasional valleys.

At the end of the night, I LOVE writing. It is the strength I needed throughout these years. It is my calling in life (well, one of them). I will never quite until my stories are published.

I smile because I write. I smile because no matter how depressed or downtrodden I become, I still write. It's in my flesh, bones, blood, and spirit. And this summer is going to be filled with many new words created by my hand. The future is bright and my words will be like my sun, buoying me up by developing new worlds of wonder for others to enjoy! One day, indeed.

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- V

We are nearing the end of the Blogging From A to Z April Blogfest. Continuing forward, the things starting with the letter V that make me smile are...

VIDEOS

Last month, I shared for Alex J. Cavanaugh's Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest a bunch of videos I love. In order not to repeat that post, I'm going to tell you my favorite cartoons. I'm a kid at heart. The cartoons that make me smile are as follows:

Madagascar

Emperor's New Groove

Kung Fu Panda

Ice Age

Chicken Run

Up

Despicable Me

Bolt

Over the Hedge

The Incredibles

Toy Story

Oh, how I am smiling just thinking about all of these flippin' awesome movies.

What are some of your favorite cartoons videos? And let me know something starting with the letter V that makes you smile.

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- U

U is a special one for me. Without fail what (who) this letter stands for makes me smile. It stands for...

U2

Salt Lake City, Utah  May 24, 2011

Photo by Julia King 

Yup, my favorite band. Ever. Period. My U2 journey commenced when I was 15 and U2's Pop album was released. I attened the PopMart tour and since then I have seen them three more times. Lovely evenings for sure! Oh, how I smiled during those few precious hours listening to my Irish lads rockin' out on the stage. And yes, I spent time in Dublin, Ireland, and I saw all the U2 sites including Bono's house in Killney Bay. I even met his brother Norman Hewson. Coolness. Yes, I'm obsessed!

Yet, the story goes back farther than that... Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved music. It stems from my brother and sister listening to music during my formative years. Their musical favs were new-wave synth 80's all the way to alternative 90's tunes. As any good little sister, I followed in their footsteps. Listening to music has been a huge part of my life since then. In junior and high school, I pretty much was a radio junky. I won a bunch of radio contests and heard my voice on the air plenty of times; they should have paid me for all the air-time.

Because of my love of music, I totally love concerts! And I've been to more than I can count on my fingers and toes. Plus, my precious U2 concerts. Oh, sorry, I already mentioned that. Silly me. :D

Music is inspirational when I write. Gotta have me some music blaring in my ears to get me in the creative zone. :)

Are you a music fan? What are your favorite bands or types of music? Do you listen to music while writing? Starting with the letter U, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- T

Many things make me smile but the today's letter super-duper-with-sugar-and-the-kitchen-sink-on-top makes me smile. And big time. It is...

 

TRAVELING

 

I love being immersed in new cultures and seeing different places, especially if it requires taking a plane. Turbulence is a must at least a couple times while I'm in the air. Oh, just thinking about dropping in altitude makes me giggle. Yet, oddly enough, I don't like roller coasters so much. Go figure.

 

I've been all over the world and still have many a place to go! Before I kick the can (ugh, morbid, sorry), I plan on visiting every continent, even Antarctica. Yup, I'll play a game of tag with some penguins (I'll win, obviously) and most certainly wear bundles and bundles of warm clothing. Brrrr

 

Here's a list of places I've traveled to so far: Canada, U.S. (30 states), England (lived there), Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, China, and Taiwan (lived there).

 

My favorite place I have been to is the Cinque Terre in Italy. Sigh!

 

Do you like traveling? Where have you been to? Where's your favorite place to vacation? Starting with the letter T, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Sorry I didn't check out many blogs yesterday, especially those people that commented on my "Sleeping In" post. My laptops power charger kicked the can (this is twice in all of a month). I had to purchase a new one. The person that let me borrow hers couldn't get it to me until later on last night; therefore, blogging wasn't able to happen. Plus, I was feeling a bit sick yesterday. So, long story short, sorry dearest followers. I hope I can do better today. :)

 

PPS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

 

 

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- S

The letter S may be my favorite smile of them all for this challenge--Ok, just kidding, it's not but it is up there in the numbers.

SLEEPING IN

I have to get up relatively early (for me, that is) Monday - Friday (who doesn't though), so come Saturday and Sunday, I milk sleep for all it's worth. On Friday evening, I smile for the fact that I can turn off my alarm clock and sleep in until whenever, not just for one day but two. Hot Dog! I've been known to sleep in until 11AM sometimes. Yes, total waste of time, but ever so nice. Although, I do have obligations on Sunday mornings on occasion, but I still can still catch a few more winks than I do on weekdays.

I had a room mate that couldn't sleep past 6AM. I would die if my body said, "Ok, it's time to get up, Julia." And then sleep flooded away like a rushing river. Since I was a kid, I have just needed sleep. I was definitely not one of those crack of dawn type of kids. I let the 'rents sleep in. So nice of me, huh?

The funny thing is I am neither a morning person nor a night person. I just like sleep. :)

Well, my smiles are tipped off to sleep!

Do you like sleeping in? Are you a morning person, night person, or neither of them like me? What is the latest you've ever slept in? And starting with the letter S, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- R

With being a writer, the letter R will be pretty obvious.

READING

I love me some books. Falling into a maze of fiction lightens any day and brings a smile glittering across my face. Well, sometimes books make me cry, too. Examples: "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak and "These is My Words" by Nancy E. Turner.

I have read a ton of books and plan on reading a hefty load more--they are heavy, I assure you. With having moved 3 times in the last year and a half, I would know. And I'm moving again in just over a week from now.

So you know how yesterday I wrote about quirks? Here is another one about me... I am an extremely active reader. While being captivated by a story, I will talk, scream, growl, and giggle at the book. That's just how much I become twisted within the web of a book's story. It is as if I am really there, experiencing everything that the characters feel, touch, smell, taste, and see. I become the character and it is everything I can do to put the book down to go to sleep.

Reading is priceless, precious to me.

What is your favorite book? What kind of a reader are you? Do you have a favorite genre? Do you talk to a book while you read it? Please tell me I'm not alone. haha

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- Q

Today's letter is brought to you by the letter Q. It stands for...

QUIRKS

I dated a guy last year that had the most endearing quirks known to man. Here are a few:

• He kissed my hand at the doorstep and then bowed before leaving, totally Jane Austen style
• He drove a baby blue Vespa and adored it
• We went on a date to drive a Zamboni. Kickin' awesome
• His nick name was definitely quirky but it suited him well (I'm not going to tell you what it was, but it could sure scare you silly) Haha

Quirks make me smile because they aren't the norm; they are unique beyond measure. For instance, occasionally when I laugh, I snort. Yes, snort but not little snorts, it's like a pig ran into the room squealing type of snorts. This odd sound makes others laugh and me all the more.

Quirks make life funner (is that even a word) and livens up the moment.

What are some of your favorite quirks? Do you have a quirk that you'd like to share? Do you know anyone that has endearing quirks that you can't get enough of? Starting with the letter Q, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- P

Today's smiles are brought to you by the letter P; it stands for...

PUPPIES

I'm a dog ... er ... rather a person born in the year of the dog. Therefore, it's pretty much not a coincidence that I am madly in love with dogs. I smile sooooo big every time I see man's best friend. There's no form of language that can express how smitten I am with these furry, four-legged animals.

Growing up, my family had 4 dogs over the space of many years.

Dog #1: Sandy (don't remember the breed)--we got her from the neighbors' newborn puppy litter.

Dog #2: Sandy must have had a male dog friend visit her, because one day she had some pups. I was there for the birth, pretty crazy. We kept one of them--Cocoa (don't remember the breed). He disappeared, still have no idea what became of him.

Dog #3: Raggles (Poodle, Coker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel mix)--My brother picked him up from a family giving away puppies at a grocery store. If I remember correctly, he didn't ask my parents for permission. Oops. Raggles spent about 12 years with us before we had to put him down due to declining health.

Dog #4: Teddy (Maltese Toy Poodle) My mom brought him home after falling in love with him at the pet shop. Raggles and him got along well--best friends. I had many names for Teddy: Tedders, Theodore Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt, Spud (he put on some weight once and looked like a potato), and Spudders. The cute guy responded and came to all the names. He was with us for maybe 8 years but he fell prey to kidney failure. So sad.

Teddy and Raggles came running if they heard us grab frozen ice, frozen peas and carrots, and noodles. Still to this day when I'm at my parents' house and drop some ice on the floor, I expect to hear them scamper up the stairs to the kitchen to fight for the cubes.

One day, I will have a female Miniature Beagle named Elliot. Yes, I already have her name picked out. I just need my own house with a fenced in backyard and a doggy door and I'm set.

Are you a dog person? Cat person? Gerbil person? Tell me about your favorite pet? What Chinese zodiac animal are you (if you want to find out click here)? And starting with the letter P, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- O

Today's smiles are brought to you by something that truly brightens my spirits. The letter O stands for...

OUTDOORS

I was raised by a dad that enjoyed the outdoors more than anything. We went hiking and biking a bunch during the summer as well as road trips to see the beauties of Western United States. He taught me the importance of enjoying my surroundings to the full. It was not that difficult to do that since I grew up a mile away from the opening of a gorgeous canyon in Utah. His favorite mountain range, Mt. Timpanogos, just a 20 minute drive away from us. The Dadio is a photographer, too so nature is his canvas. He loves snapping photos of all things beautiful!

I've been backpacking many times. It's not easy and ya get rather stinky, but it's well worth the amazing scenery and calm from the sounds of rushing rivers, birds chirping, and each crunch of footsteps in the dirt. I've backpacked Zions National Park, Grand Canyon, and the Tetons, Yet, I've been able to do countless day hikes in Utah's mountains.

Here are some pics from my outdoor adventures:

Cinque Terre - Italy day hike

Grand Canyon

Great Wall of China - I'm in the pink shirt

 Dirty Dash - I can't say I smiled a lot cuz it was way cold.

I got really sweaty on my hike out of Zions. Odd that being sweaty makes me smile.

Zions East Rim

 Snowshoeing - Utah

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Have you been backpacking or hiking or snowshoeing? If so, where? Or are you more of a road trip kind of person to see the beauties of the world? Last but not least, starting with the letter O, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!



Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- N

Today's letter is N. I smile when I think about or rather eat...

NUTELLA

Mmmmmmm. *salivating*

Need I say more? Nope!

Do you like Nutella? I can finish a bottle off in, say, a week. Honest. I typically dip Nilla Waffers into the jar and munch, munch, munch until I finally realize I've eaten way too much, much, much. So, starting with the letter N, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- M

I don't smile about the following narrative, however I will get to what I do smile about in a paragraph, so hold tight. When I was 19 I had an accident that resulted in neck problems (totally freak bear mauling--note sarcasm). I moved to London a week later without the ability to seek out medical care. At age 22, as I stopped because of standstill traffic on the freeway, the "smart" guy behind me (probably was texting or some stupid thing like that) rear ended me going 75 mph. My car (well, dad's car--bless his heart), did a few 360's, hitting all the cars around me then stopped facing oncoming traffic. Talk about frightening. Needless to say, that exacerbated the pain a ton. When I was 27, another "intelligent" person rear ended me. I want to slap rear enders. Oh, that had double meaning there, you know what I meant though. haha

 

I suffer from neck all the way down my spine problems now. Super grrrr!

 

So, to the point: I smile big when I get a...

 

MASSAGE

 

You've heard of the five love languages, right? Well, my dominant love language is touch. I spoke this language before the said accidents, but it has intensified triple-fold. If someone even taps me on the shoulder, for the briefest of moments, I feel relief from pain. Let's put this in the context of getting a massage, just think of the euphoria I experience. A-freaking-mazing!

 

Although, I had one massage that made me literally whimper and moisture developed in my eyes. It hurt that bad and resulted in a nasty week long flu. But the knots dotting my neck down my back had to be worked out, even if it was like medieval torture. I'm serious! I'd have taken the box with spikes over that... Well, not really! Spooky!

 

For the most part, massages are heavenly for me. Sigh

 

I don't write all this to pull out the I-want-your-sympathy card; it just explains why massages make me smile. But I'm sure there are plenty of you out there that can empathize with me, unfortunately so. I feel your pain, friends. Let's start a club!

 

Anyway, do you like massages? Have you ever had a massage that made you cry? And starting with the letter M, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- L

I smile when I think of this emotion that starts with the letter L:

LOVE

It's video sharing time (Don't mind the Spanish subtitles, well, unless if you speak Spanish) ...

 

 

Moulin Rouge - Elephant Love Medley - Baz Luhrmann - 20th Century Fox

 

Doesn't this video just make you smile? I adore how it uses all sorts of love songs to form one masterful whole of a, well, love song. The song makes me smile because, yes, "love does make the world go round", it "lifts us up to where we belong", and "all you need is love."

 

I love all the people in my life from family to friends. They make me smile because I love them and they love me back, often times unconditionally. You, my followers and fellow A to Zers, all are pretty darn smile-worthy, too!

 

So, what are your favorite love songs? Do you speak Spanish? How was the translation from English to Spanish for Elephant Love Medley? Starting with the letter L, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- K

On to the letter K, I smile because of...

KINGS

If you haven't noticed already, my last name is King. I really, really, really (with double fudge frosting and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups on top) love my last name. It is wicked cool. But more than loving my last name, I love my family.

I have a fantastic mom and dad who support me so much. My dad has probably read my books more times than anyone. Bless his heart for reading the rough versions. My mom is a sweet angel, one of the best people ever.

My siblings are truly the best--an older sister and an older brother. All three of us have names that start with J. Of course, my parents say they didn't do that on purpose. I beg to differ, though. Why? Well, my dad is an identical twin. His twins  two sons' names start with J. Go figure...

My siblings married fantastic spouses. And my brother and his wife have three hyper rugrat boys, a princess little girl, and a baby boy on the way next month. Life would be extremely dull without those little ones in my life.

I rather enjoyed living in London years ago, therefore, I love Kings--real Kings. And ya know what? According to some of the genealogy research my dad has undertaken, my family is related to an Italian King way back when. Pretty nifty! I want some gelato now. Nums

Are you a fan of royalty? Do you like your last name? Starting with the letter K, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- J

Hello again! It's letter J day in the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge. Gees, this has been fun so far. I've enjoyed coming up with so many posts since I typically only post once a week. Anyway, on to J....

JOKES

make me smile. That's a given, obviously. You have to be a moldy, dead plant on the side of the road on a murky Tuesday afternoon if jokes don't make you laugh. No, seriously.

I enjoy a good joke. But I mostly enjoy the random, dry jokes my brother offers sporadically during conversations. They are so sudden and not expected that I can't help but grin and LOL. Do you have a friend or family member who can pull a joke out of their head within seconds, and it follows the conversation so well it feels like it was scripted? Well, that's my brother for ya!

The funny thing about jokes is sometimes I won't get the joke until seconds or minutes after the punch-line has come and gone. Of course, I offer the customary laugh of which I figure everyone and their dog notices is truly not sincere. Often times, though, I'll just be honest and say, "Uh, I don't get it," which more often than not will cause the joke teller and other members of the group to laugh or stare at me with blank expressions as though I am a moldy, dead plant on the side of the road on a murky Tuesday afternoon.

Hey folks, at least I'm honest. I really just want to get the joke. I do get most jokes, and they sure make me smile.

I love British humour, especially that of "Mr. Bean" and "Keeping Up Appearances." Brilliant shows. :)

So tell me your favorite joke? Starting with the letter J, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- I

Today's letter has much to do with writing and is an exciting part of the story creation process. The thing that starts with the letter I that makes me smile is...

 

INSPIRATION

 

The moment where an idea for a story or a scene pops into your mind and you can't stop thinking about it! Oh, man, it is a brilliant feeling to have the idea formulate out of thin air without even thinking, "I want to come up with a really great idea for a book or scene." Like lightning, it shatters through your scull, twists, turns, and tantalizes you until you start typing it out on the computer.

 

My first book, FÉLICITÉ FOUND, came from a dream I had where one tiny part of it stayed with me for weeks on end. The intense part of the dream continued to wedge itself into my mind until I started writing it, or else I would have burst into a million pieces of Julia flesh. Icky!

 

My second book, BOUND (going to be a trilogy), came to me while I was watching "Darbie O'Gill and the Little People" an old school Irish film featuring Sean Connery. A part in the movie sparked my book's idea, I did a bunch of research, and then bodda bing bodda boom I was writing it out.

 

My third book, SPHERICAL, shattered my senses as I was attempting to fall asleep one fateful night. I ended up reading something and one word in it opened up this big ball of dystopian awesomeness. Weeks later, more of it formulated in my mind while I was exercising.

 

Just two nights ago, I came up with another idea for a future project while I was taking a shower. Let's just say a lot of the time ideas float into my mind with the steam of the hot shower water. Lots of time to think in there, ya know (well, if you take long showers like me).

 

Anyway, inspiration makes me smile and giggle and often times jump up and down screaming with joy emanating from my skin into the air around me.

 

How are you inspired to write? Does inspiration make you smile? And starting with the letter I, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- H

We are to the letter H for this awesome blogging challenge. The thing that makes me smile that starts with the letter H is...

HUGS

Oh my gosh, I love hugs. What more can I say than a hug is so tender, so beautiful, it could break down any barrier. It draws two people close together in order to show, even just for a moment, friendship or all the way to intense love. I think this world might just be a better place if more embraces were offered and accepted.

Hershey's Hugs might be a nice alternative if you don't like giving people hugs. Just saying...

Here's me sending you all virtual hugs --> *OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO*

Are you a hugger? Would you rather receive or give out Hershey's Hugs candy? And starting with the letter H, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- G

First of all, thanks for all the birthday wishes last Saturday. The day was full of love and happy smiles because, well heck, it was totally all my day!

And the challenge continues. I'm drinking a ton of water and making sure I'm pacing myself so I don't burn out. Oh, this isn't a marathon, is it? I've been confused as to why I'm just sitting here typing instead of running and sweating really bad. Back to the real point of this post, now. We are to the letter G and I'm going to tell you what makes me smile beginning with this letter:

GUYS

Oh, guys, guys, guys how I love thy name and cute butts, too. haha I have yet to catch myself a hubs but by golly men are sure fun to look at, or to read about for that matter (coughs--Edward Cullen). You do make me cry sometimes, so shame, shame, shame on you!

These are my famous guy crushes: Bono from U2 and Lance Armstrong (I still think you rock and you should be given back your yellow jerseys).

And I'll be honest... I really like kissing. Guys, you make me swoon with your magic lips.

So, do you like kissing? No lying now (please keep this G-rated, get it? Letter G-rated). Who are your fictional or famous people crushes? Starting with the letter G, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- F

I'm glad that the letter F landed on today. Today is a day that comes only once every year. I endlessly smile on this particular day. Why? Because...

 

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!

 

Yup, I'm one year older and wiser too. I hit the big 31 today! By golly, I love birthdays! So, now you can wish me a Happy Birthday and send me lots of presents and a hot handsome hunk of a hubs. haha No, really.

 

Anyway, Happy and Birthday obviously don't start with the letter F and don't even have that letter gracing the words. Well, how does the letter F and my birthday relate.

 

Because the things that start with the letter F always make me smile, especially on my birthday. They are my FAMILY and FRIENDS.

 

I appreciate them all for their love, support, and putting up with me in all my random, quirky, often times loud, and silly ways. They listen. They love. They are my favorite.

 

So, my presents haven't appeared out of thin air yet. Come on guys, get with it! haha

 

I love my dear Dad, Mom, sister, brother-in-law, brother, sister-in-law, three nephews (one on the way), and my princess of a cute niece.

 

Seriously, guys, where are my presents. *stomps foot*

 

Well, it's on to you. Starting with the letter F, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- E

We are to the letter E. What does it stand for that makes me smile?

EXERCISING

Yes, yes, you may be thinking I'm absolutely mad. What kind of a sane person smiles while exercising. Ok, I'll admit, I don't smile while exercising (except if something funny happens in the Netflix show I'm watching, or in the book I'm reading). I rather dislike exercising, but it is a necessary evil (just like editing a manuscript. Ugh!).

To be honest, I would rather be doing anything else other than cardio and sweating up a storm while my heart is beating faster than a pandas on a blazing hot day. There's a story behind that somewhat odd comparison. Humor me for a second...
 

I did a study abroad to China while I was in college. We went to the largest Panda exploratory in the world where I was able to hold a red panda. By golly, that little guy's heart was thumping so fast in his chest that I thought it might pop right out onto the ground and dash away into the brush. See picture... Yes, that is a panda.

Ok, I'm through with my tangent. Back to the topic at hand. The part of exercising that makes me smile is when I'm done and I'm proud of myself for going. It is satisfying to accomplish 45 minutes of running, stair climbing, or elliptical and lifting some weights. And all those endorphins sure make for a happier Julia.

Exercising is good. It makes me smile. I'm blessed to have a semi-well functioning body that allows me to exert my body to do so. But I pretty much would rather be hiking. Oh, how I love nature.

 

Do you like exercising? Starting with the letter E, what makes you smile?

 

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- D

And we are on our way into the Blogging From A-Z April Challenge. Letter D, here we go. The thing that starts with the letter D that makes me smile is:

DRIVING

I love the speed as I shift from gear to gear, zooming down the highway. Driving through huge puddles makes me giggle wildly, a massive grin from ear to ear painted across my face.

Driving offers me valuable time to listen to audio books. I do love me an audio book. They make me laugh, smile, and sometimes even cry. Sigh

My Toyota Corolla, red and sporty with a sunroof, is my baby; her name is Razlyn. Come September I will own her completely. Yay for soon not having to pay a car bill. That makes driving all the better. And oh, how I will smile once I get the title for my car! I may even frame it. :)

Miss Raz takes me places: work, home, to family and friends places, to church, to the store, and speeding down the road. Yes, I have a led foot; although, I never go more than 10 miles over the speed limit. Gotta be on the cautious side.

I don't quite fancy traffic, especially with having to shift gears so much in stop and go situations, but otherwise I love driving. :)

Do you enjoy driving? Starting with the letter D, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

PS: Refer to the blurb on the very top of my blogs sidebar to know why I am posting about what makes me smile. Go forward and smile!

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- C

Due to the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge, I will not be participating in the Insecure Writer's Support Group today. I hope that all my fellow IWSG'ers are doing well. Keep up the good work. Never give up!
 

What makes me smile that starts with the letter C? I shall tell you...

 

CHOCOLATE

 

Yes, nummy, gooey, soft, white, bitter, sweet, dark, milky, melting delicious chocolate. I'm a registered chocoholic. Well, if there was such a thing, I'd be registered and packing some dangerous goodies in my pocket--oh, never mind, they'd melt that way. But, I may have to attend some CA meetings (Chocolates Anonymous).

 

My favorite chocolate-coma-inducing treats are as follows (not necessarily in this order):

 

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Kit Kats

Snickers

Cookies and Cream Hershey's Candy Bars

Andes Mints

Brownies

Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares 

 

Starting with the letter C, what makes you smile? Are you a chocoholic? And what are your favorite chocolaty or sweet treats? Or are you more of a fruit sweets fan?

 

Writing Jewels

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- B

Day two of the Blogging From A to Z Challenge brings me to something that makes me smile starting with the letter B; it stands for...

BABIES

What baby doesn't make someone smile (even if they sort of look like a troll for the first few days)? They coo, cuddle, purr, giggle, smell good (well, for the most part), and just make the world a happier place with their close-to-God innocence.

There's a new baby that is about to join the King Family Clan. He is due at the end of May to add another cute-a-licious child to my brother's family. He already has three rambunctious boys and a princess-super-cute little girl. This new boy will definitely give my little niece another manly presence in her life to protect her for life.

Here's the suspenseful part of this new baby coming into our lives: My brother and his family have decided to keep the name a secret until the baby is born. Talk about making Julia impatient. What makes this funny is the secretive nature of this babies name is all my five-year-old nephews idea. Yes, a five-year-old, but a cute one at that, is keeping me from knowing such an important detail about our new bundle of joy. I'll still love the all smiles little boy even though he is being a little stinker. haha

I can't wait to hold this little angel of a baby boy in my arms. He will definitely make me smile.

So, starting with the letter B, what makes you smile?

Writing Jewels

Smiling all the Way From A to Z -- A

I'm participating in the Blogging From A to Z Challenge. Here's the scoop: For the month of April, I am going to post something different from A-Z everyday, except for Sundays.

I thought long and hard about what I want my posts to focus on. My posts are going to be simple because 26 posts in one month is a lot, but a challenge I am willing to take. And I'm rather excited about joining forces with tons of great bloggers to make this challenge a huge success.

My posts are going to be about what makes me smile. I'd like you to comment about what makes you smile that coincides with the letter of the day, too. I figure writing is tough and if we can focus on the smiles, then this journey will be filled with letters full of happiness.

So today's letter, of course, is A.

It stands for ANIMALS.

Yes, simple but true. Whenever I take a look at an animal my face lights up with a grin. Animals are free from our mundane cares. They have simple lives--just eat, sleep, and poop. But what makes me smile the most about animals is how cute they can be. They can be fluffy, soft, rough, scraggly, among hundreds of other adjectives.

I like animals; although, some I wouldn't want to be alone in a room with. However, I have done a fair bit of back packing and have come across some really big bears on the trail. It's crazy to be so close to something so massive, wild and yet admire it for it's amazing cuteness.

Well, that's what makes me smile, letter A style.

What makes you smile that starts with the letter A?

Writing Jewels