Writing can be ...

Theraputic ... get your mind off of other things.

Emotional ... depending on the topic at hand.

Personal ... if you are willing to open your heart and soul.

Exciting ... if you aren't afraid to write the truth, or if you are writing fiction and creating the truth.

Writing is the opportunity to tell a story, share a message. Could be your own story. Could be that of someone else. Could be the creation of characters in your mind.

The project, "Jane", that I am currently working on ... so meaningful.

For me, writing is about the people and their stories. Each one different than the next, yet so many things relevant from one story to the next.

Opening statement for "Jane", the book I am currently writing:

PREFACE

It may take a traumatic experience or even a threat to one’s life or to that of a loved one to learn valuable life lessons. That’s what it took for teacher, Jane Byram, to learn the toughest lessons she has ever experienced. Those lessons began with what could be likened to a classroom of unsuspecting students who were just told to clear their desks for a pop quiz.

           
            Only Jane was told to clear her life – she had acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). 

                                                                     Stay tuned!! 

Impressed by tomorrow's leaders ...

Today was the Annual Youth Day in Springfield, hosted by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. Students from around the state, along with their chaperones from the electric cooperatives that serve them, visit Springfield with stops at the Capitol, Old State Capitol, Supreme Court and Presidential Museum. They get to meet with their Representatives and Senators, hear from Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and Secretary of State Jessie White. It's a great learning experience with opportunities to ask questions, hear new information, make their voices heard!

These students are the cream of the crop and are vying for a place on the AIEC Youth to Washington Tour, in addition to learning about the Capital City. These students are some of tomorrow's leaders ... looks like we will be in good hands!

If you haven't been to these Springfield entities, you really should take time. I think I am going to take my Dad to the Presidential Museum for his birthday in April. Shhhh ... don't tell : )

Blessings!
Lisa

Journey forward ...

Life is a journey, as you know. Mine is taking me into some exciting, new areas.

Writing - more regular blogging, beginning NOW, and working on the books, etc. Major deadline approaching quickly!!
Day job - Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives- taking on new and exciting programs and responsibilities - more business development! Love it ... excited to go to work every day!

PR with Purpose - redesign of website near completion. Mostly me now ... have to update content! Check it out, and watch the progression at www.prwithpurpose.net
Running/fitness - training for an April 27 5k (Blessed by Brenna ...  in Urbana Champaing) and a June 10 half-marathon (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training) - North Shore, Chicago
Health -  getting back into the swing of things on the eating healthy front
Relationships - trying to connect better with friends/family/God. Life is all about relationships, personally and professionally ... more intentional, real ... not just surface stuff!

So much going on - and it's all good, really!

What is new in your life? Give me a shout! Lrigoni@prwithpurpose.net or find me on FaceBook, Lisa Templeton Rigoni or Twitter @LisaRigoni or LinkedIn at Lisa Rigoni

Have a fantastic day!
Lisa