ChristalKitto

It looks like in 3 weeks will lose out on my premium, but that is okay. I have a job, family, a place to live and food on the table. Life goes on and there are more things to take my time and energy to worry about. I know I will miss some of the fun features but those are only frills and not the people I have met here and the knowledge I have gain. I want to thank Kari for the year of having a Premium Membership.

This month is a new beginning for me. At the beginning of the month I started a new job after not having one for 3 years. Its a whole new world compared to what I am use to but it feels good to be going to work and supporting my family. No sooner did I start working that my husband started a new business which I help with.

Like with all new changes something does get shorted. I had to chose and family and work gets most of my time. I still make an effort to write at least every week but I know its not near what I was doing before.

Even our family has grown. My daughter and granddaughter moved in on Easter and the next weekend we welcomed a new baby granddaughter.  

Still working at my year of challenges. Eating healthier, moving more and meditating. With all that has happen this month, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has  in store for me.  If you want to join me, just pick something you want to change and take that first step. Its amazing!

This month is seeing me losing my pride and finally asking for help. The job scene is tight but there is a ray of light. The only problem is if I get hired the first check will not be till near the end of the month and bills have to be paid.  Over Easter while most are celebrating and going to church, we were moving our daughter and granddaughter back home. They are one of the rays of light in our life. Looking into a child's face and knowing that she believes in you just because you are her Grandma makes you believe in the future.

But the month ahead will have these challenges but I never do things halfway. I am also adding to my list:  2 month long contest April Appreciation 2013 Frequently Asked Questions
Express your appreciation EVERY day in April
In an effort to open your heart this April, I challenge you all to photograph, scribe or art something you appreciate in your life every day this month.
Enjoy your life this April, take the time to "stop and smell the flowers" for one month. Everyone deserves a little tranquility in life; sometimes it's just a matter of looking for something to appreciate for beautiful moments to appear.
How to Enter
Create a new Folder titled, 'April Appreciation 2013' in your Gallery
Venture out into your surrounding world to find something you appreciateEx. Pet, Child, Spouse, Outdoor view, etc. (anything that brings you joy)
Express your appreciationIf you're a photographer, photograph it.
If you're a writer, write about it.
If you're an artist, artify it.
If you're not sure, find out--try them all. :he and Our First Contest: Brevity Is the Soul of LitNational Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) is set to begin on April 1; what better platform with which to launch our first contest! So without further ado, allow us to present: Brevity Is the Soul of Lit.
Prize List

Everyone always scrolls down to the prizes first anyway, so let's just get that out of the way. As more prizes are (hopefully) added, they will be highlighted.
Best in Show (overall winner)
3-month sub, courtesy of ikazon.
700 points, courtesy of inknalcohol, thorns, LadyLincoln, neurotype-on-discord and myself.
Inclusion in our Featured folder.
Critique, courtesy of isthisthingstillon.
Llama, courtesy of AzizrianDaoXrak.
Best of Breed (themed entry)
450 points, courtesy of inknalcohol, thorns, LadyLincoln, neurotype-on-discord and myself.
Inclusion in our Featured folder.
Llama  You should try either one or even both.  I am also collaborating with an artist to write a short story about one of her pieces, attempting to write something for ScreamPrompt #34 fav.me/d5zjetj and writing part 2 of Teddy Vamp story for Vampire: Darkside game on Facebook.

Everything for this year will be a part of my Year of Challenges. Up to date I have tried new forms of poetry, learned to meditate, lost 11 lbs, cut my hair short for the first time in over 20 years, and even explored other artistic avenues. Not bad for the first 3 months and can't wait to see what the last 9 months challenge me.

The main thing I do know is that I have grown stronger, calmer and my self esteem is on the path of growing. Come with me on this journey. The one thing I can promise is it won't be boring.