Comments on: A New Broom

by: Michelle

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 12:16:07 +0000

Juliet, there is nothing like grandchildren to keep one young. Being 33, I have a fair way to go, for now I will settle with the movies!! I managed to get your suggestion of “I Capture the Castle” however if your writing skills were not so fabulous, I would have put down the last book I have in your range and finished Dodie’s book by now. On another note, I re-read my last correspondence to you and I am horrified by my failure to spell whose correctly. Writing incorrect grammer to a writer is like sending a FEDEX package to the state owned post office!!!
Anyway have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to hear who touched your world as you do for so many readers. Over and Out

by: Juliet

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:10:23 +0000

Sally, I’m fascinated that weight-lifting proved a big part of the solution to your writing-related health problems. It’s often recommended for older people (50+) as part of an all-round exercise program.

by: Juliet

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:12:24 +0000

Joy and Michelle, thanks for your very kind comments on my books and your wise suggestions on the topic of health and wellbeing! My four year old granddaughter has made me a sticker chart for my health regimen, and has generously given me some of her stickers for my very own. I get a sticker a day if I eat sensibly and do some exercise over and above the standard dog walks. One month without missing a day earns me a trip to the movies.

Michelle, I might answer your question about whose writing inspires me and what books I can’t put down (and why) in my next monthly post for WU on Feb 7. Thanks for the suggestion!

by: Michelle

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:44:01 +0000

After reading the blogs, I thought to add that besides diet and exercise, taking time out to enjoy a short holiday as well as many moments of laughter can heal the body and spirit tremendously. Only last week did I read an interesting article in the Economist UK edition dated 5th January 2008 page 64 titled “How to Live Forever”
Michelle

by: Michelle

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:29:04 +0000

Juliet, I have read all your publications, in fact 4 of your books in just ten days after reading the Sevenwater Trilogy. Although my husband wonders what magic words you share to keep my up all night and glued to your pages, I have to say thank- you for creating such wonderous works and romantic tales. I eagerly await your up coming works and wish to know who’s writing inspires you, who’s books you cannot put down.- Many thanks

Michelle

by: Joy Winer

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:19:29 +0000

I love your books. They are so well-crafted, I can only imagine how many hours you spend in front of this beast. I’ve joined an elderwomen myspace-type group and spend increasing amounts of time sitting here chatting with women all over the world.
I’m also a budding photographer, digital, so again - here I am, day after day. My saving grace, at the ripe age of 64, is to continue yard work. We’re renting, and part of our lease is to maintain the one-acre tree-filled grass yard, so I see it as fulfilling an obligation and also as getting exercise - the big bonus for me is just being outside, though keeping my body in reasonable shape is also a plus.
Keep up the good work - and the good play!

by: Sally Odgers

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:51:11 +0000

I was born in 1957, and started writing seriously when I was 11. The result of pounding keyboards for years made itself felt in 2000, when my mild aches and pains bloomed all over the place. I spent a lot of time and money on treatments that worked not at all, the physiotherapist and doctor both said I’d just have to live with it… and my son suggested weight-lifting.
I took up weight-lifting. He’s a RAAFie, and taught me how to do it properly. I also took up walking, covering anything from 3 - 9 km a day, usually with dogs. The result is a 95% reduction of back and shoulder and arm pain, better muscle tone, a much bigger appetite, 5 extra kg and, alas, no change in the chronic pain in my hands.
On balance, I think it’s been a successful experiment. Isn’t it odd that people who suggest exercise as a weight-loss method conveniently forget to say you’ll come home STARVING? Fortunately, I was skinny to start with, so the extra kg is not too much of a burden.

by: Satima Flavell

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:43:55 +0000

Oh, Juliet, I feel guilty; oh so guilty, I feel guilty and silty and tight…Well, I don’t know about the last two, but reading about exercise certainly makes me feel guilty. However, I have found a new Yoga class which I know will get me fitter if I go regularly, so finances permitting I’ll do that, at least, since I don’t have any dogs and hate walking in any case:-)

And Lisa, I have downloaded that micro exercise program. Of course, all this could be part of the New Year Good Intentions syndrome but being nearly 90kg & having high BP and cholesterol I hope it isn’t. Let’s check in with each other next month and see how we’re all doing!

by: LJCohen

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:53:13 +0000

You’re welcome! If you are interested, here are links to some freeware programs that can help you keep track of breaks and schedule microbreaks. I’ve used oosiepause on my laptop and it’s slightly annoying, but helpful.

http://www.franzo.co.nz/oosie/

Timeout is a similar program for Mac, and while I’ve not used it, some of my patients have found it very useful. http://www.dejal.com/timeout/

Then there’s always the kitchen timer.

by: Therese Walsh

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:56:21 +0000

Thanks for a great post, Juliet. And thanks, LJ, for adding some good tips, too. I love the idea of microbreaks, and I’m definitely going to try the “look in the distance” tip; my eyes are forever weary.

astrothsknot, let us know if you want to delete your post in case you need to cover any “evidence.”

Cath, I think the holiday treats take a while to show up on the scale. That’s my excuse.

by: Cath

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:27:54 +0000

This was the first year in awhile where I made a few resolutions, both in a writing and health (physical and spiritual)capacity.

It’s January 3rd and I’ve already received three rejections. And I weigh two more pounds than I did two days ago.

What the heck?

by: Juliet

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:00:08 +0000

Lisa, thanks for the expert advice on micro breaks - I’ve incorporated them this morning. I’m working through the editorial report on my new novel this month, so will be spending hours at the computer.

Good point about sleep, Carina. I don’t usually have that particular problem, but people who need to juggle their writing with the demands of kids and partner, a day job, study and/or other commitments certainly need to remember how important it is to get good sleep.

by: astrothsknot

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:43:44 +0000

I’d love to deal with my stress, but apparently killing your children is illegal.

Damn.

by: Carina Araujo

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:40:05 +0000

I don’t believe in “New Year’s resolutions” either, but I vowed to myself that I’d reduce my caffeine intake from now on.

I’m pretty much like you, Juliet. But I don’t have dogs to walk (ahah) and instead take walks by myself each morning. Watching the sunrise in a beautiful park is wonderful.

This was a really interesting post. Though I’d add the importance of “sleep”. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I sacrifice my own sleep to get things done and after a few days of this, I feel awful.

Cheers from Portugal.

by: LJCohen

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:33:05 +0000

My ‘day job’ is as a physical therapist and I treat a lot of people with overuse injuries related to poor posture and computer use. While a break every hour is an excellent idea, there is some compelling research about the value of ‘micro breaks’, that is, a 5-10 second break every 15 minutes.

One way I incorporate this (both for my patients and for myself) is to take my hands off the keyboard/mouse and place them in my lap, palms up when I’m not actually typing or pointing. That helps break up the pattern of shoulder internal rotation and radial deviation at the wrist that can cause problems.

In addition, when I’m thinking, I shift my eyes away from the screen and focus on something in the far distance–looking out the window, for example. That has two advantages–it gives your eyes a rest, but also can relaxed weary neck muscles.

Good post on overall health. Thank you!

best,
lisa