What do you do...

...to make yourself feel better?

Who is NP?

I have always loved writing.

That love was cultivated at MacMurray College, where I received a Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in creative writing.  While at MacMurray, I worked as a copyeditor, assistant editor, and editor-in-chief on the college newspaper staff.  I also worked on the staff of the campus literary magazine.

After college, I accepted a position in my alma mater's Admissions Office as an Admissions Counselor, but was promoted to Marketing Director shortly after, where I created various publications, both in print and online, to help recruit prospective students to the college.

My faith has always been important to me.  Though the way I practice my faith has changed over the years, it has always been there.  In college I converted to Roman Catholicism, and finally feel I've found a faith home in the Catholic Church.  Through my writing, I feel honored to be able to share my faith with others, if for no other reason than to offer a little encouragement, comfort, and love.

After marrying my college sweetheart and moving to Orlando, Florida, my passion for writing could no longer be contained as a hobby, and I began actively pursuing a freelance writing career.  I am now working full time as a freelance writer in Orlando.

Hiatus

Due to a lot of circumstances in my life, I've had to take a hiatus from this site. My apologies.  It will continue as soon as I'm able.

New Hair, New Person

I got my hair cut yesterday (quite short).  I'd been meaning to get it cut for a while and just hadn't, so I finally went to the salon and hed the stylist chop it off.  I love my new look.  It's easy to style, and though I'll need to get my hair cut more often, it's a better look for me.

While I was in the chair watching the stylist thin and texturize my hair (my hair is kind of thin, but there's a lot of it so it looks thick), I started feeling better as I watched the bits of brown float to the ground.  Getting my hair cut always lifts my spirits.  The new look makes me feel better about myself, and that good mood is projected onto others in my life.  It's a good way for me to pull myself out of a bad mood or a bout of depression.

Someday, I'll figure out how to get the feeling to last a little longer, too!

Will I See You at the Pole?

Celebrated every fourth Wednesday in September, usually at 7 a.m., See You at the Pole is an opportunity for students across the nation to gather at their schools and pray for whatever is in their hearts.  The event is completely student-led, and is not associated with any particular organization, nor do the students meet for a particular cause.  It's simply students praying.

When I was in high school, I was at See You at the Pole every year.  I didn't always pray aloud in the group, but I listened to the prayers that were being prayed aloud, prayed for those needs, and silently prayed my own prayer requests.

I ejoyed this time with fellow Christians.  We weren't trying to evangelize anyone who was there.  We weren't trying to convert anyone who wasn't there.  We just prayed with each other for whatever was in our hearts.  It was encouraging, my heart always felt lighter for the prayer, and I was able to fellowship with fellow Christian students in an informal setting.

I posted yesterday that prayer is an important part of my life, and See You at the Pole is an opportunity for students to start one day of the year with prayer.

I will be praying this morning that students who might be embarrassed about attending SYATP will find the strength to go to their school's flagpole, join hands with their sisters and brothers in Christ, and pray whatever is in their hearts.

In faith & love,

NP