I believe that the best advice about writing is to read. As Stephen King writes, ”If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” So often my written words are inspired by the words of others. Today and tomorrow the girls don’t have school. It’s the New Jersey Teacher’s Convention and these few days have become a traditional fall break for our school system. As a result, I’ve had a bit more time to sit still this morning and in doing so, I’ve had a bit more time to read. I started my reading with Lindsey’s gorgeous A Design So Vast  and as often happens at her site, I was directed to another piece of beautiful writing. I haven’t read Jeanette LeBlanc before but her piece Start with What you Know seems like a great place to have started.

So inspired by Lindsey and Jeanette, here goes.

Start with What You Know.

This is what I know.

I know that I need more sleep than the average person. I am not an early bird or a night owl. I so wish this wasn’t true but it is.

I know that I am more tired now than I have been since the girls were toddlers. I was physically tired then but so emotionally tired now.

I know that I need to exercise. More for my head than my body.

I know that I feel better when I eat less sugar than I want to. The way I felt on the day after Halloween was a good reminder.

I know that writing helps me feel better. When I am grumpy, I need to remember to write. I know that Caroline does the same thing and this makes me happy.

I know that the beach is my happy place.

I know that I carry all my stress in my shoulders. Especially my left one. I’ve done this for as long as I remember. I remember walking down the halls in high school rolling my shoulders to get the stress out.

I know that I don’t like large crowds or loud noises. This seems to be more and more true the older I get. My dad used to complain at restaurants all the time about the noise and I found it so embarrassing. I get it now.

I  know that I have to read a little bit every day. I know that when I finish one book I have to start another immediately because I always have to ‘have a book.’

I  know that I find wool itchy and that cashmere is much more comfortable. I know my wallet doesn’t like this but that it is true none the less.

I know that I can’t wear heels. The pain in my feet is just not worth the longer legs.

I know that I am becoming more introverted the older I get. I still love being around others and I think I could talk with people all day long but I also crave more alone time than I used to.

I know that the fall is my favorite time to take pictures. See above if you are wondering why.

And for now, that is all.