Fortune Cookie Friday: I’m All Choked Up

My Fortune Cookie Friday column is one year old. My baby is growing up, and that makes me a little emotional. Excuse me if I get a little verklempt. At least I don’t have to worry about my post having tearstains, although, I might short out my keyboard.

For 52 weeks, I have been posting my musings of these silly little pieces of paper found in folded cookies. April 17, 2015 was the beginning of an experiment that brought me enlightenment, satisfaction, and probably 10 extra pounds.

It all started as more of a challenge for myself. Writers need to practice writing, even when they aren’t working on their latest book. Many organizations and writing websites suggest writing prompts to get the creative neural juices flowing. That’s how I used my fortunes. Well, that and I got the chance to talk about my work, my family, and me.

I honestly didn’t think I would be able to come up with something every single week. Oh, I had enough fortunes cookies, that’s for sure. I don’t know how much I ate, and I refuse to calculate it, but I had a steady supply of fortunes available for my posts. My challenge was a weekly schedule of writing, no matter what else I did, and I succeeded.

I was able to write while my kids were on summer break, with all of their interruptions and the backyard calling me. I got time in while I revamped my Otter Things website and created new products. I even wrote when my editor gave me her review of my book, and I sat and stared at the first blank page of my revisions – I’m still working on them.

The fortune says my emotional currents are flowing powerfully, but I shouldn’t let them take control. We all have times when our emotions get the best of us, be it joy, sadness, or anger. It’s good to release them, but in a controlled and positive manor. If we bottle them up, we run the risk of stress induce hypertension or an uncontrollable giggle loop.

I am proud of what I accomplished, but unlike Porky Pig, that’s not all, folks. I will continue my column, and writing about the fortunes. I’ll do my best to give my readers something poignant or inspirational to read. I’ll do my best to practice my creative writing skills. Most of all, I’ll do my best to scarf down those 107 calorie cookies without expanding two dress sizes. If so, my emotional currents will be more like a tsunami.