Giving Thanks

It is the day before the traditional family gathering to share the annual American dinner of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.  Being thankful for a bountiful life of good friends, good health, and the happiness life brings is also on my mind today.  Much has happened this year to be mindful of; the challenges and victories and festivities blend together toward building character and experience.  As per my usual outlook; optimism and hope team together in preparation for the start of the New Year.

E M B R A C E

Each year the change of the temperatures, the autumn colors on the tree leaves, and the decrease in daylight remind me another year is winding down. The holiday displays have been set up in the stores.  The television advertisements are airing the holiday sales and season.  The planning with family and friends to celebrate has begun.  The end of another year is approaching.  I like endings.  To me an end means a new beginning.  So much transpires in a year's time.  The family grows older and I grow wiser.  I have found myself using the word 'embrace' quite a bit this past week.  Embrace the future, the changes, and those you love closest to you.  God is in my life and all will be well.

Inspirations

There are some days when one needs a bit of an adjustment on an outlook or reinforcement of a situation.  On Sundays, I watch Joel Osteen - two if not three times!  It helps me regroup, reflect on the past week, and look forward to a new week.  Each Sunday, I feel I did not write as much as I had planned to do but, know that I manage to write every day and am proud of myself for doing so.  This morning, my son was getting ready for his job.  His company was acquired by another company  recently leaving many employees fearful of their future.  While discussing a recent company-wide meeting, his voice was calm, his spirits high, and he left me feeling relieved as I, too, was fearful of this corporate acquisition.  Both my son and a daughter work there.  I also realized not only am I inspired by Joel's weekly broadcast but, my son left me with additional inspiration through his youthful outlook as well.

Changes in Plans is Okay

Okay.  So, the plans you made six months ago for the betterment of your future may not have turned out exactly the way you had envisioned.  That is okay.  Each and every decision one makes is the best decision at the time it was made; otherwise, the decision would not have been made.  Relish in the success of the aspects of the decision or if that is not possible - learn from it.   A reminder from one person that has made plenty of memorable bad decisions:  there is always a silver lining in every cloud accompanied by a valuable lesson.  Bad decisions help make us both stronger and provide for better decisions for the future.  A side note:  you have probably made far more good decisions than bad.  Think about that.

Life Gives You Stories

The big family wedding day occurs.  The bride is gorgeous - the groom as handsome as ever.  The caterer times the guests tables perfectly.  The evening flows according to the meticulous planning of the event.  So many smiling faces beam toward me as I peruse the crowd, greet, and extend my gratitude for the presence of the many guests while happy feet dance to the tunes of the DJ couple.  And then, the party is over; the celebration lovingly lingers through the weekend.  As my reflection of the past couple of days encircles my brain today ("Happy" is the tune that greets me) I realize so many life stories had emerged from that beautiful day.  A few of those stories were rather tragic and still others brought tears of joy and laughter.  There will be many stories to tell in the future.

Family Bonds

My day started at 6:10 am.  It was Saturday.  The morning was spent horseback riding along the Patapsco River celebrating my daughter's 26th birthday with her brother and sister.  The two hour long ride ended, our knees were stiff, and our spirits uplifted.  The late afternoon was spent visiting extended family.  One of my brothers had passed at age 61.  Upon our return home, a family conference call brought other members of my family to discuss my aging mother. Biological and marital bonds bring together family - some are simplistic; some are quite complex.  Reflection of my day revealed there are family bonds that remain constant over time.  For that I am most grateful of their presence in my life.

Seize the Moment

I looked around my view this morning while working and writing.  The telltale remnants of my daughter's visit yesterday - a cigarette butt in the ashtray on the patio table - caused a moment of reflection.  The three little green resin monkeys sitting atop the ashtray were silent - they weren't saying.  I wondered if she found the same tranquility sitting alone yesterday as I do in my early mornings on the patio.  The thought lasted only a moment but, gave me warmth in my heart as I took in the same tranquil view of lush green lawn, flowering plants, and garden vegetables.

Having Faith

So, my beautiful daughter is having some financial issues.  Periodically, we all have to revert to a budget and/or gain some insight and control over our spending habits.  Money is much like faith.  Both have the potential to give you great rewards over time.  The more effort and time you make in the investment the greater your return.   Developing faith in yourself is foremost before you can truly reap the reward of success.

Don't be Afraid

Sometimes, I believe fear is the primary reason people do not excel in an endeavor.  I know I have.  Being fearful of someone or something - even success - can keep one from doing something exceptional.  I occasionally communicate with a relatively famous writer of the New York Times and other writings.  Her challenges are much like mine in that there are numerous deadlines. Allowing fear of meeting one of those deadlines or completion of a project is purely self-sabotage.  Stick with your primary plan, goal, and objectives.  The consistent singular thing in life is change - engaging fear will dictate how you survive those changes.

Summer Morning

This morning I sat outside enjoying the beautiful morning clicking away at my computer.  The bunnies were hopping, the birds were chirping their happy songs, and the roosters were announcing the start of a new summer morning.  I have to admit something to myself; my writing may just be a hobby.  Although my goal to publish has passed (several times now), I still enjoy the solitude and the wonderful surroundings I have been blessed with each and every day.  Make every day a good day - whether the sun is shining or not.

Famous Advice

I've been to several Random House Publishing's author book signings at the local community college.  The authors I have met spoke before an audience and engaged in a question and answer segment prior to the book signings.  Last Saturday, I drove an hour and fifteen minutes to Boonsboro, Maryland to meet Nora Roberts at a book signing expecting a similar experience.   There was no classroom or auditorium for questions and answers.  I did meet Nora, purchased several books that were personally autographed, and had an opportunity to speak with her for about five minutes before I was politely asked to leave by her assistant (in an effort to allow the rest of her fans to spend some time with the world renowned author) .  What am I saying; get some information about the situation/venue beforehand - know what the circumstances are and plan accordingly.  The bottom line; Nora enlightened me on my writing path and gave me well received advice.

Seek from Others

I feel it is vital to do research and seek the guidance of others.  Sometimes shadowing another person or meeting them to discuss your endeavors or having them critique your work can give invaluable results.  I decided to venture out of the sanctity of my family and city into another's.  Today, I will seek the guidance of a couple of famous authors to learn from them and share my work.  I have much to learn and everything to gain from this experience.

Inspiration

For me creativity is something that comes in waves.  I cannot control it.  Perhaps it is driven by the moon or gravity.  I understand some writers will force themselves to sit at a computer/typewriter for periods of time. The thought is to treat writing as you would any other job and the writing will become more of a habit.  Guess what; writing is not like any other job I have ever had.  I need inspiration i.e. music inspires me, the quiet side porch at my house, or back patio.  However, I willingly admit a commitment to a time of day or a certain amount of time has been helpful.

Time of Remembrance

There are times when we must begin anew or re-visit a situation in order to remember.  I had somewhat forgotten how beautiful and magnificent the birds are on the island of Aruba.  Two wild, green parrots flew overhead and greeted us upon our arrival.  We've seen an emerald green hummingbird, a falcon with what had to be a six-foot wingspan, and the beautiful 'Oriole' looking birds aka Venezuelan Troupial, some yellow canaries, and sparrows just today.  My mate also reminded me of the wild pink flamingos we saw on another visit.   This is what I'm writing about - a glorious island and wonderful memories - well, kind of....

Returning to the Original Scene

It was five years ago when I first set foot on Aruba's soil.  The tradewinds are blowing harder than that first visit.  The temperature is just as hot.  The average annual temperature is eighty-five degrees.  The island has a lot more vacationers now as evidenced today in the customs area.  It was filled with frustrated American tourists as they waited an hour to present their US passports. A new hotel has been built. The pace of the island remains the same - slow aka 'island time'.  I smile to myself \in remembrance of the memories of that first family vacation to Aruba, watching the Fourth of July fireworks from the balcony of the five-thousand square foot house, and the joy that will last my family a lifetime.

Diversity in Journal Writing

Through the lifespan, each decade, every relationship, and all experiences provide a wide range of topics to expand upon.  About twenty years ago I found myself in a precarious situation and met a counselor whom suggested I begin a journal.  The purpose of the journal was to write out my daily activities, feelings, and discuss them with her.  This concept was not just a good counseling tool but, is a method often used by writers.   Begin a journal - pick a topic or let your creative mind run freely. Do not focus on spelling or grammar - that will come much later.

Deadlines

I can't think of one person that likes a deadline.  Perhaps the 'dead' is something we just can't find a positive meaning of.  I'm thinking about my first writing I started in August of 2009.  That means I have worked on writing this book for five years.  It is a lively writing - certainly not 'dead' by any standards.  There has been a positive response from all I have read it to.  Perhaps, I should view it's completion as reaching a goal of a 'finish-line' as opposed to the 'deadline' and the word 'finish' is more palatable to the grey matter of my brain.

Embellishing

"You have to learn to lie," - so said a wise man to me a few years ago.  Embellish he said. Expand on your writing by adding details to make your writing more palatable to your reader.  For instance:  The man and woman sat by one another.  An embellished version:  The dark-skinned man shifted his rotund body against his attractive, female companion.  The mental imagery created by each one of these statements is quite different. In the first statement - the mental imagery is impersonal.  In the second statement - the mental imagery becomes personal; romantic.  I am focusing on embellishing my writing of my Aruban vacation story.  The result:  the story is developing more than just characters and I am getting closer to my goal to publish my first book.

Focus On the Positive

I was communicating with my eldest today.  She is a remarkable young woman.  Her company merged with another company - her position will be eliminated - she's uncertain as to which career path she will follow next.  I suggested she write down her criteria for a desired job focusing on the positive and minimize the negative.  All tasks whether they are:  personal, job related, or writing a book are not necessarily fun.  The key:  focus on what you want and follow through to your well deserved success.

Review It - Again

So...I decided the murder project is a bit too dark for me right now.  This morning I realized the timing for this type of writing wasn't today.  I am in a positive and creative mode.  I am back to working on my first writing about a humorous family vacation.  A lot went wrong.  No one died in this book. My multi-faceted personality of many talents - as reflected in my writing topics - is a wonderful extension of my life.  And, when the time is right, I will revisit the darkness and embrace it.

Another Topic

I started a new job.  All is good.  I feel I have found a good business home and hope to add both value to my company and myself with our accomplishments.  My mind is clear - crystal.  And then it happened - again - I began writing on another topic.  This will be about a murder.  The plot - how one evil minded woman can destroy a distressed family.  I am surprised by this.  #1:  I never had any thought to write about murder and #2: I thought I was already focusing on several really good writing projects.

Taking Another Step

I decided to contact a publishing company today - one that has called and emailed me numerous times and I just did not feel confident enough to talk with them - at least until today. There was no written commitment to become fearful about.  I wasn't harassed for money.  I asked a few question; she gave me answers.  I spoke a little about myself and so did she.  I found out more about the publishing company and the process than I had hoped through a knowledgeable, intelligent woman.  Our conversation was just another step in the writing process.

A New Writing

I have decided to write about another topic.  Quite different than my others and somewhat dark.  It is about pathology of the mind -specifically psycho and sociopathic behaviors.  One in twenty five people in our society have it. You know one - I am sure.  They are a family member, a significant other/spouse, or a co-worker.  My writing is from a different perspective than most of those already published as it focuses on personal experience as opposed to professional observation and case studies.  Perhaps, I will have this and my other writings available for publishing by the time I am ninety three.

It is like Venus and Mars

I am sure you have heard or said this at some point in your life; mostly in regard to a personal relationship.  Just hours previous to this entry I discovered a major miscommunication had occurred about a new position.  I could assume:  one of us was hard-of-hearing, one of us did not take adequate notes, OR a true example of Venus and Mars had occurred.
Time or God will eventually realign the planets.  In the meantime, back to writing - I have much to do.
 

Mother's Day is May 12th
Today, I had the pleasure of taking my son's girlfriend out to her first Tea for her 21st birthday.  Introducing someone to a new experience is one I take great pride in; particularly if it involves that of another woman.  She is beautiful and intelligent.  Hopefully, she will design/illustrate my future publishings.
Tomorrow, the annual recognition for the woman that has given us life will be shared by many.  I started a tradition with my children several years ago.  We visit the same restaurant each year for brunch.  They love it - they start talking about it month's before Mother's Day.  And, they invite their significant partners to celebrate with us.  Enjoy sharing this most glorious day!

Been a long time...

OMG!  I cannot believe I have not entered a blog since 2012.  After some reflection, I realize almost at the same time I started blogging, my mind became cluttered and my creativity almost ceased to exist.  With my previous job behind me, the clutter reorganized, a new job will begin on May 19th.  My writing is on track and the 'B' is back!  I have done some writing in my 6+ areas of topic.  My OBFF (older best friend forever) just published her 1st book at 93+ years old...