Yesterday I celebrated what is referred to as a milestone birthday. Since I consider that reaching every new year is a milestone, I'm not sure I agree with the designation of that term. The day was, however, one I will always remember because of the myriad ways I received special attention.
To begin with, I am so grateful for the social media contacts that allowed me to receive dozens of congratulatory posts; friends, relatives, and contacts from around the world. I am a lucky woman to have those people in my life, who take the time to send well wishes and words of love. I even had phone calls from a couple of friends I don't get to speak with as often as I'd like, and that added to my joy.
My children, and theirs, contributed to my Happy Day with phone calls, gifts, etc., and my husband (the artist) made me a singularly wonderful card and a decorated cake. Last evening, he and our oldest, grandson, Alex, treated me to a dinner out at a special Italian restaurant near us. The attention from the two of them, as well as the restaurant staff, added to my overflow of happy moments.
I guess, in this busy, busy, busy society we call normal life these days, it means even more when you realize that others consider your special day a day to make sure you feel special. So, my milestone day served to remind me that I am more than lucky to have such people around me It also strengthens my resolve to work toward better days ahead this year, because I know I have all of them cheering me on.
I still subscribe to the quote, "To me, old age is always fifteen years older than I am", so I don't plan to ever quit celebrating - whether it's a milestone, or just another year. Having so many others celebrate with me, though, is what it's really all about. Thank you all.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Everything's New!
Wasn't sure just how to start this one. After all, it was May something when I last posted. Thought about explaining why I have done no real writing since then: not a blog, a short story, the beginnings of another novel - nothing.
But this past year hasn't been about me. It's been about the man I've known longer than anyone (except my parents); my beloved R.J., and he's the one who got priority over everything in 2014. Not to dwell on too much detail, but he suffered a severe concussion that prevented him working for over four months, then had two injuries and a virus that escalated his enforced leisure into a couple of additional months. I became caretaker, nurse, and person in charge of all things business and home. And his good health and well-being were all that mattered to me.
The good news is that he is now back to his old self, busy creating new projects, and encouraging me to resume my writing career. So, with a New Year in front of me, I decided it was time to explore my creative bent.
I'm starting with this blog because it's "already out there", so to speak. My plan is to post something here at least once a week. There will be a variety of subjects: old topics, new interests, some critiques, etc., even recommendations of good books I read. Of course, I will be keeping everyone apprised of my published writings. I've even decided to include photos, occasionally, to make the look of the blog more inviting.
Thanks to those of you who continued to check in here, and your searches will no longer be in vain, I can promise you. I'm eager to be back at my keyboard, and I have lots of ideas in my head. Please comment on my blogs - first of all so that I know that you're reading them, but, more importantly, so that I know what you most want to read about, and to learn from you how I'm doing.
These past months have made me much more grateful for all the wonderful avenues of my life, and I'm eager to explore new ways of appreciating them. That's the reason for this post title, and now it's time to begin.
But this past year hasn't been about me. It's been about the man I've known longer than anyone (except my parents); my beloved R.J., and he's the one who got priority over everything in 2014. Not to dwell on too much detail, but he suffered a severe concussion that prevented him working for over four months, then had two injuries and a virus that escalated his enforced leisure into a couple of additional months. I became caretaker, nurse, and person in charge of all things business and home. And his good health and well-being were all that mattered to me.
The good news is that he is now back to his old self, busy creating new projects, and encouraging me to resume my writing career. So, with a New Year in front of me, I decided it was time to explore my creative bent.
I'm starting with this blog because it's "already out there", so to speak. My plan is to post something here at least once a week. There will be a variety of subjects: old topics, new interests, some critiques, etc., even recommendations of good books I read. Of course, I will be keeping everyone apprised of my published writings. I've even decided to include photos, occasionally, to make the look of the blog more inviting.
Thanks to those of you who continued to check in here, and your searches will no longer be in vain, I can promise you. I'm eager to be back at my keyboard, and I have lots of ideas in my head. Please comment on my blogs - first of all so that I know that you're reading them, but, more importantly, so that I know what you most want to read about, and to learn from you how I'm doing.
These past months have made me much more grateful for all the wonderful avenues of my life, and I'm eager to explore new ways of appreciating them. That's the reason for this post title, and now it's time to begin.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
What's Going On?
For those of you who read this blog, I'm sure you've been wondering, "What's going on with the book?" In my last post (Feb. 28th), I stated that the book was "days away from being published". That was true - from my standpoint.
The delay has been caused by my extremely talented husband, the man who is designing the cover for my book. After a five-year stretch, due to this never-ending recession, his art business had been "in the dregs" - hardly any business. We are both pleased to report that he is finally seeing change for the better. He is currently working on a large project, covering several months, with more work promised, plus he has contracts for other work on tap.
I'm happy to see him back doing what he loves, and, needless to say, the financial turnaround is appreciated as well. That being said, it brings me to my dilemma: my book cover has taken a back seat for the moment.
I fully understand and accept the delay, but I've been remiss not to pass this information on to those of you who continue to stick with me, as I make this journey to see my novel in print.
My husband is scheduling the artwork on my cover for summer completion, so if that commitment can be believed, the book will be for sale by early fall.
My next blog, talking about something other than my novel, will be posted long before then.
The delay has been caused by my extremely talented husband, the man who is designing the cover for my book. After a five-year stretch, due to this never-ending recession, his art business had been "in the dregs" - hardly any business. We are both pleased to report that he is finally seeing change for the better. He is currently working on a large project, covering several months, with more work promised, plus he has contracts for other work on tap.
I'm happy to see him back doing what he loves, and, needless to say, the financial turnaround is appreciated as well. That being said, it brings me to my dilemma: my book cover has taken a back seat for the moment.
I fully understand and accept the delay, but I've been remiss not to pass this information on to those of you who continue to stick with me, as I make this journey to see my novel in print.
My husband is scheduling the artwork on my cover for summer completion, so if that commitment can be believed, the book will be for sale by early fall.
My next blog, talking about something other than my novel, will be posted long before then.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Distractions - Diversions or Annoyances?
There are so many distractions today: cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, texting, XBox, Netflix, etc., and that is just the electronic ones. The "old school" includes chores, friends, social commitments, loved ones, pets, travel - well, you know them and this could go on ad infinitum.
Bottom line: it is so easy for me to get caught up reading funny and informative Facebook posts, checking and responding to emails, talking to family on the phone, creating new recipes for dinner, playing with the dog, watching a DVR television show or a movie I've recorded, getting lost in a new book - again the list is endless. No matter what the diversion, it annoys me when I check the clock and realize that my "work time" has been cut in half.
My novel is days away from being ready for a publisher. Yet, I still have continuity checks to do, and I want to read the manuscript through once more for any glaring typos or omissions. It's the boring part of being a writer, but I'm still committed to it, so the last two days when obligations and distractions kept me away from my work, I get cranky about "the world" that continually invades my creativity.
I write the above not as an excuse, but more as a warning to all writers (or anyone with a work agenda, really!): focus and commitment are even harder today than they were earlier on in my writing career. Be warned, be vigilant, and prioritize!
Bottom line: it is so easy for me to get caught up reading funny and informative Facebook posts, checking and responding to emails, talking to family on the phone, creating new recipes for dinner, playing with the dog, watching a DVR television show or a movie I've recorded, getting lost in a new book - again the list is endless. No matter what the diversion, it annoys me when I check the clock and realize that my "work time" has been cut in half.
My novel is days away from being ready for a publisher. Yet, I still have continuity checks to do, and I want to read the manuscript through once more for any glaring typos or omissions. It's the boring part of being a writer, but I'm still committed to it, so the last two days when obligations and distractions kept me away from my work, I get cranky about "the world" that continually invades my creativity.
I write the above not as an excuse, but more as a warning to all writers (or anyone with a work agenda, really!): focus and commitment are even harder today than they were earlier on in my writing career. Be warned, be vigilant, and prioritize!
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Best Way To Renew
Short but sweet today; I'm in the final stages of editing and putting the artwork of the novel together. More on that next week.
My husband and I just finished acting in a play (four-week run), we've both been busy, busy, busy with other creative projects, and we've gone through lots of stress recently because of this lingering financial debacle in our country.
Bottom line is that we need some time away from all the commitments and routine for a few days, and best friends - a few hours drive away - are providing just what we need. So, the housesitter and our dog are here to see to the domestic issues and we are off later today for a long weekend.
I tell you this to note that it's not only okay to give yourself a rest on a regular basis; it is life-saving. I know we will both come back with rested bodies, a fresher perspective, and more productive going ahead. Relaxing, fun times spent with people we love; doesn't get better than that, and I highly recommend this type of escape.
My husband and I just finished acting in a play (four-week run), we've both been busy, busy, busy with other creative projects, and we've gone through lots of stress recently because of this lingering financial debacle in our country.
Bottom line is that we need some time away from all the commitments and routine for a few days, and best friends - a few hours drive away - are providing just what we need. So, the housesitter and our dog are here to see to the domestic issues and we are off later today for a long weekend.
I tell you this to note that it's not only okay to give yourself a rest on a regular basis; it is life-saving. I know we will both come back with rested bodies, a fresher perspective, and more productive going ahead. Relaxing, fun times spent with people we love; doesn't get better than that, and I highly recommend this type of escape.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Back At It
If you look back at the post of November 1st of last year, I mention the publication of my first novel before the year 2013 was to end. Didn't happen that way - but it's going to be in print before the first spring flowers arrive IF things go according to plan.
That seems to be my problem of late, having "things go according to plan". I had planned to make an entry in here at least once a week, get my book published sooner, make daily entries in my journal again. Do you see a pattern? All these related to my writing.
Without going into too much boring detail, let's just say that, after allowing my theatre/family/friends life to eclipse my writing ambitions, some might say I got off track. Yes, in a way, but those other parts of my life just became the all-important ones for the past year or so, and I wanted it that way. The hard part, I discovered, is that once you purposely change your priorities, it gets much harder to "get back to it".
It isn't that I don't want to write anymore, or that I've run out of ideas, or have lost the desire to have my novel read by others. But, recently, I recalled my artist husband telling me about a period in his creative life when he quit painting for awhile to attend to other important issues in his life. He said he was stunned by how hard it was to get back to that easel.
Slowly but surely, the final edit on my book is happening, and I have begun to restructure my life to include all that I love - which will always include putting fingers to the keyboard. This post is another step toward making it back onto the creative road. Just wanted you to know.
That seems to be my problem of late, having "things go according to plan". I had planned to make an entry in here at least once a week, get my book published sooner, make daily entries in my journal again. Do you see a pattern? All these related to my writing.
Without going into too much boring detail, let's just say that, after allowing my theatre/family/friends life to eclipse my writing ambitions, some might say I got off track. Yes, in a way, but those other parts of my life just became the all-important ones for the past year or so, and I wanted it that way. The hard part, I discovered, is that once you purposely change your priorities, it gets much harder to "get back to it".
It isn't that I don't want to write anymore, or that I've run out of ideas, or have lost the desire to have my novel read by others. But, recently, I recalled my artist husband telling me about a period in his creative life when he quit painting for awhile to attend to other important issues in his life. He said he was stunned by how hard it was to get back to that easel.
Slowly but surely, the final edit on my book is happening, and I have begun to restructure my life to include all that I love - which will always include putting fingers to the keyboard. This post is another step toward making it back onto the creative road. Just wanted you to know.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
I've Found My Christmas Spirit
Happy to report, first of all, that both my husband and I are now healthy - and busy with all the myriad projects this Season brings. I'm happy to be back at the keyboard, and want to share three unique ways the Holiday spirit has been infused in me for this year.
The first is the result of our hosting a small group of people last Saturday night that had us up into the wee hours. We didn't mind the days we spent getting the house decorated, both inside and out, to prepare for this early December festivity because we both look forward to this magical time of year and all it allows us to share. We were rewarded with the best gifts of all; the fun, caring and respect of people whose love and friendships we cherish. As we were cleaning up in the early morning, we talked about all the special conversations we'd shared throughout the evening, the delicious foods brought to the buffet table, and, best of all, the camaraderie and laughter of all present that sparked our Christmas spirit.
Secondly, last night we both were onstage rehearsing for It's A Wonderful Life - The Radio Play with the Wheaton Drama theatre company. (I am playing Ma Bailey and R.J. is doing all the sound effects with fellow actor, Peter Lemongelli. Oh, yes, and our son is the director.) Even if you are a theatre veteran, not many have been involved in a production of a re-created radio show. It is set in the 1940's - we will be costumed appropriately and all the technical aspects are done so the audience is immersed in that period - which adds to the overall fun of being part of it. The most fun, though, is working with a group of experienced thespians and singers who know how to present a polished performance to an audience. Better still, these are special friends that can create a journey to opening night a memory in itself.
We worked until late in the evening because we had to infuse all the technical aspects and background music with at-the-mike readings. That involved lots of stopping and re-doing, which can be tedious. But no one openly voiced irritation or grumbled about the hour. Instead, we laughed and kibitzed and made it through, and, as we drove home in the bone-chilling night, we were warmed by knowing we're a part of a talented something that adds to our Christmas mood.
Lastly, as I read Facebook posts this morning, there was one from my former Entertainment boss at Walt Disney World in which he shared videos of another unique moment from my past (1991). Watching these short films brought tears to my eyes, and lots of reminder images to my brain.
Each year, at the Florida Magic Kingdom, the Cast Members (as employees of Disney are tagged) would experience a special night just for them and their families. While they enjoyed this private party, management people would work in special capacities to allow the employees to have their Christmas fun in the Kingdom. Those of us in Entertainment spent that night sharing our talents. I went back into a character costume, and my boss and his co-working buddies, many of whom were celebrated musicians in their own right, became the Exec Band.
It's been almost twenty years since I left my Disney career, but those videos had me feeling like I was there again. Sadly, one of the members - also one of my Entertainment bosses - passed away this year, and that made my viewing even more touching. What struck me was how it evoked so many other recollections of what it meant to be a part of that Christmas fantasy world, and to create memories for others who took the Christmas spirit home with them because of those efforts.
With all three experiences captured within a week, how could I not be completely absorbed in this Season of Love, Joy and Peace? Especially when it all came to me as the result of so many friends.
The first is the result of our hosting a small group of people last Saturday night that had us up into the wee hours. We didn't mind the days we spent getting the house decorated, both inside and out, to prepare for this early December festivity because we both look forward to this magical time of year and all it allows us to share. We were rewarded with the best gifts of all; the fun, caring and respect of people whose love and friendships we cherish. As we were cleaning up in the early morning, we talked about all the special conversations we'd shared throughout the evening, the delicious foods brought to the buffet table, and, best of all, the camaraderie and laughter of all present that sparked our Christmas spirit.
Secondly, last night we both were onstage rehearsing for It's A Wonderful Life - The Radio Play with the Wheaton Drama theatre company. (I am playing Ma Bailey and R.J. is doing all the sound effects with fellow actor, Peter Lemongelli. Oh, yes, and our son is the director.) Even if you are a theatre veteran, not many have been involved in a production of a re-created radio show. It is set in the 1940's - we will be costumed appropriately and all the technical aspects are done so the audience is immersed in that period - which adds to the overall fun of being part of it. The most fun, though, is working with a group of experienced thespians and singers who know how to present a polished performance to an audience. Better still, these are special friends that can create a journey to opening night a memory in itself.
We worked until late in the evening because we had to infuse all the technical aspects and background music with at-the-mike readings. That involved lots of stopping and re-doing, which can be tedious. But no one openly voiced irritation or grumbled about the hour. Instead, we laughed and kibitzed and made it through, and, as we drove home in the bone-chilling night, we were warmed by knowing we're a part of a talented something that adds to our Christmas mood.
Lastly, as I read Facebook posts this morning, there was one from my former Entertainment boss at Walt Disney World in which he shared videos of another unique moment from my past (1991). Watching these short films brought tears to my eyes, and lots of reminder images to my brain.
Each year, at the Florida Magic Kingdom, the Cast Members (as employees of Disney are tagged) would experience a special night just for them and their families. While they enjoyed this private party, management people would work in special capacities to allow the employees to have their Christmas fun in the Kingdom. Those of us in Entertainment spent that night sharing our talents. I went back into a character costume, and my boss and his co-working buddies, many of whom were celebrated musicians in their own right, became the Exec Band.
It's been almost twenty years since I left my Disney career, but those videos had me feeling like I was there again. Sadly, one of the members - also one of my Entertainment bosses - passed away this year, and that made my viewing even more touching. What struck me was how it evoked so many other recollections of what it meant to be a part of that Christmas fantasy world, and to create memories for others who took the Christmas spirit home with them because of those efforts.
With all three experiences captured within a week, how could I not be completely absorbed in this Season of Love, Joy and Peace? Especially when it all came to me as the result of so many friends.
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