Change - It's good even when it hurts.

Gosh, it's been thirteen months since I've updated my blog. Briefly, it's been one heck of a year. But I'm back on track and anticipate the coming year with the growth, challenges, and surprises it will bring. Our family dynamics have changed with the maturing of our three grandsons, and I am grateful for the love and joy they bring to our lives.

My writing has changed direction a bit, as I am focused on my first novel, as well as a fictional short story for an anthology which will be published sometime next year. But my first love is writing Memoir. Joining a critique group a few months ago has been challenging. It helps me see what I need to work on, throw out, and improve, but the reinforcement, encouragement, and camaraderie is invaluable. If you are a writer, I encourage you to join a writers' support group or critique group that fits your needs. We need to leave our solitary offices and meet regularly with other writers.

Have a wonderful fall and coming winter season  Talk to you soon. I promise. . .

Thankfulness is a State of Mind

Periods of relative peace, prosperity, and thankfulness can be fleeting. When I find myself in the "eye of the storm", where all is calm, I want to savor every moment. Thanksgiving is an official North American holiday set aside for us to gather with family and focus on our blessings. Tomorrow most of us will spend the day with loved ones and do just that.

Many will devote their energies to devouring turkey, potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie, and then watching football and perhaps falling asleep in an arm chair. I remember those days at Grandma's house - full from the year's best meal and me falling asleep in front of the t.v., or at the foot of my granddad as he smoked his pipe.

We didn't rise early the next morning to wait in line for Black Friday bargains. It was a simpler time, less materialistic in many ways.

Life is complicated this year for me, stressful on several fronts.

But I'll take a day off, maybe a whole weekend, to energize. That's what Granddad would advise. He witnessed plenty of tough times, but he was optimistic and tried to live in a Thankful state of mind.