A little different than usual...

Published: Mon, 08/17/15

Today I received a very sweet (and slightly panicky) email from a friend of mine.

She wrote (I'm summarizing)...

"Hi! You haven't updated your blog in quite a while. The last time that happened, it was because you broke your fibula. I hope you are OK!"

So, I guess that's my cue to come out of my hermitude and publish something new...? Ha!

To set the record straight: I am in perfect health, aside from a very irritating cold sore in my mouth. But all is well. No more broken bones. :)

I've been enjoying summer to the fullest, working through a hefty but super-fun load of client writing projects, training intensely (I've decided to participate in a Spartan Race this December... gulp!), sunbathing at the lake with Brandon, reading zillions of books, dancing my brains out at epic concerts, and, you know, enjoying the privilege of good health and the overwhelming glory of life.

I hope you've been doing lots of the same.

Today's newsletter is a quickie. A little different than usual.

Here is my latest blog post (just published today). It's silly and fun & might inspire you to get sweaty:

- How to choose a fitness program you will love… based on your favorite type of book.

Here is a list of my 10 favorite posts from the past year or so. Just in case you feel like poking around ye olde archives:

1. 10 slow and difficult steps to moderate success.

2. 100 questions to spark conversation & connection.

3. Don’t “write blog posts” or “launch products.” Create little miracles.

4. Fortunately, it is not required for happiness.

5. I wonder what kind of battle they are fighting today?

6. People want to help you.

7. Today is not over yet.

8. Trying is always worth it.

9. When you die you won’t care about emails.

10. Write from a full cup.

And lastly, here are a few pieces of miscellany:

- If you're looking for something good to read, here are 4 of my all-time favorite books.

- Awhile back, my site was selected as one of the 100 Best Sites for Solopreneurs. That's super cool and very flattering. Lots of great sites on the list if you're in the mood for a lengthy Internet adventure.

- I recently purchased a black dry erase board with neon colored markers. Life altering. Best $8 I ever spent!

- I think these quick tips on how to become a funnier writer — from professional humor writer Tina Neidlein — are very smart and charming.

- I really, really, REALLY want to be a 2016 Watermelon Queen. This is not a joke. I wrote a fervent letter to the Watermelon Board but I have yet to receive a response. If you, or someone you know, has the "inside scoop" on Watermelon Queen-nomination-related-processes, I will be forever in your debt if you can hook a sister up. I have been memorizing Watermelon nutrition facts and trivia and I am ready to represent my favorite fruit in a queenly fashion!

That's all for today!

Have a beautiful week.

Do wonderful, helpful, generous things & silly ones, too.

-Alex

PS. I could listen to this song five million times and never get tired of it. Ohhh Carly. Forever.