More Projects. Because I'm Insane.

You know I'm stressed. I know I'm stressed. But for some reason I cannot stop adding things to my TO DO list. I can't stop the world long enough to catch up to the next great idea that someone suggests or pops into my head, and trust me- there's no way to PAUSE the ideas. Except this time, I'm taking you with me.

1- It's NaNoWriMo time once again, my lovelies! That's right- November is National Novel Writing Month, and just because last year I only made it to 3,000 words does not mean I can't try again. I have a story idea and outline in my head and two paragraphs written. It's scary and exciting and just everything I love about writing, because I'm pushing myself and just letting all The Voices create a story. This year I'd like to complete the 50,000-word challenge, but my own personal goal is 10,000 words. Are YOU up for it? If so add me as a writing buddy- my username is RaquelP.

2- I attended this panel discussion on the image of Women in the Media (featuring our very own, Ms. Eb the Celeb) last month and while listening to the women on the stage I got the volunteering bug again. I realized that, while I'm not yet the Dominican Oprah I'd like to be, I'm still doing well for myself considering the deck was stacked against me. Then I thought, "How many other little girls (and boys) in BedStuy are in my same predicament, but probably won't make it out of the 'hood?" Yeah... stay tuned for how I'm addressing that (don't want to jinx it!)

3- Remember Tuesday's "Letters I'll Never Send" and its predecessors here and here? Well, thanks to Ms. Smarty Jones and her big mouth, I decided that SHE and I are going to edit a collection of letters submitted by you to be posted online and hopefully published later on. They can be a letters to anyone alive or dead or mythical. It can be a letter to yourself or your mirror or your socks. And yes, it can be anonymous if that's what will make you more comfy. Point is, we want your letters, the ones you're too afraid to send, the ones that come from your heart. Trust me- it feels so goooooood to write it out. Email me for more info & submission guidelines at rpenzo@thejadednyer.net

4- This month I'm asking all of you to visit your local library and pick up a copy of Ana Menendez's short story collection "In Cuba I Was A German Shephard" for the November 30th episode of Monday Musings. I've already fallen in love with the title story, which won a Pushcart Prize by the way, and can't wait for you to love it, too. Feel free to volunteer to co-host with me, mmKay?

5- And last but not least... Christmas is like RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. Can you believe that mess? Well, it's true! And in the spirit of the holidays I've put myself in charge of planning the 2nd Annual NYC Blogging Ladies' Holiday Dinner. Last year was a smashing good time, and I'm going to make sure this year is just as great if not better. So SAVE THE DATE, bloggers (and the people who love us) DECEMBER 12th will be here before you know it! Annnnnnnd, for my dahlings in the DC area, keep DECEMBER 5th wide open because I'm invading your town for some debaucherous good times with Mari & all our blogging & Twitter pals!

*smooches...planning my way into an early grave*
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although in all honesty, I wouldn't know how to exist if I didn't have a million things to do at once