A New Beginning… Again

A New Beginning… Again

We are all settled in our new location. As I write this I have the window open to the street out front so I can listen for my 7 year old who is playing with the kids across the street.

I’m taken back in time as I listen to them all play. They argue. They yell over each other. The ride their bikes up and down the street. They pretend to be on horses and want to name them.

I’m transported to my childhood. Playing with my next door neighbors. Running up and down the court until mother calls us in for the night. In high school we would play hide and seek after dark.

My 16 year old and her friends have taken up the baton of hide and seek in the neighborhood and I smile at the memories. Happy that she’s not too old to be a kid again.

My mom would lean out the door and whistle for us to come home. This usually began the Exodus of kids heading home for the evening to get ready for school again tomorrow, or to meet outside at such and such a time if it was summer.

For a moment tonight I’m a kid again. Running to knock on the door of Tanya & Tara seeing if they can join me and Andy as we play out at the man hole cover in the middle.

I’ve come fill circle and it is good.

This beautiful girl turns 19,
in a matter of weeks!
Keep On Keeping On

Keep On Keeping On

I’m still here. I’ve been querying my book, to no result. *sigh* It’s hard when you’ve poured your heart and soul into a work and no one wants to see it. I’m trying to keep my chin up while pressing on.

It’s interesting to me too. I’ve begun a few other projects all the while revising and rewriting my original. I get some started but then lose interest. That is until the one I’m currently working on. I’m very very excited about this one.

I’ve also been reading Stephen King’s book, On Writing, and I’ve felt things fall into place in my mind. I haven’t finished his book yet, hello ad/hd, but it kickstarted a desire in me that I haven’t felt since I began writing Giving Cheek last fall.

My life is about to be upended in a few short months as we move to a new state. I’m currently surrounded by boxes and empty cupboards and closets and a laundry list of things that have to be done before the truck comes.

So, I’m figuring out how to mesh the two together. How do I get my writing time in, my packing time, my daughter’s school time, my daughters activities? Something is going to have give at some point and it’s probably going to be the writing. It will be put on hold while life transitions to a new phase.

I’m really okay with that. My hope is that in the fall the girls will be back in school and I will have the quiet I need to dedicate myself to writing and editing and enjoying my new found love of writing. Because I do love it. I am excited about it and I haven’t been this excited in a long time.

So for now, we’ll just say, To Be Continued…

Taking a Break

Taking a Break

It’s three days until Christmas and I’m taking a much needed break. I’ve been at this for three months non-stop. I’m at the query stage as I await the edit. Most agents are closing up shop for the remainder of the year.

Instead I’m choosing to give my mind a break. I’m not even looking at the second in the series right now.

I’m choosing to focus on my girls and hubby as we celebrate Christmas and as we close out this crazy year.

We’re looking ahead to the coming year with optimism and enthusiasm.

There’s a lot in store for us this coming year. Hoping for a book deal. Our family will be moving this summer into early fall. Fingers crossed we’ll see the end of Covid.

I may or may not write anymore this year. I’ll have to see if something occurs to me.

We have been out enjoying the holiday lights in our area. It’s an enjoyable time where we’re in the car together and enjoying it.
I Am Able

I Am Able

I am able to give thanks this year for many things. I’m thankful for my girls. I’m thankful my family is healthy and my girls are learning every day in school. I’m thankful for the myriad of learning opportunities that engulfed all of us this year.

I’m thankful for you who read this. For taking the time to find out what I have to say. I have lots of stories, both funny and sad, and everything in between that I’ll share here in this space.

It’s been a year of personal growth for me. I’m not who I was in January and I’m curious to see what happens as 2020 closes and 2021 opens.

The holidays are here and, I for one, am looking forward to Santa coming. I will be peaking through the blinds on Christmas Eve scanning the night sky looking for Rudolph’s red nose.

Yes. She fell asleep this way.
Editing: Take Two

Editing: Take Two

Began my second round of editing yesterday. I’m trying to get it done while also juggling remote learning for my youngest as well as running to the ice rink for my oldest. Fixing lunch and running errands also fits in there as well. Did I mention I’m also running to answer the doorbell every few minutes because the playmate for the youngest keeps coming back asking if she can play yet.

I need to include this in a future novel. Ha! Until then I’ll just sit here and edit with my buddy, Boo.

What I’m seeing now as I write. She goes wherever I go. I love her so much.
These Nights Are Late

These Nights Are Late

Two nights in a row I’ve been up after midnight rewriting. With two girls at home during the day it’s tough to find the quiet to be able to think clearly. I love having them home but momma needs to figure something else out.

Is anyone else having challenges with their writing right now? How have you had to adjust?

Have I mentioned I’m a photographer also? I used to do it as a part time time job. I thoroughly enjoy it. You’ll see evidence of my work here. I try to add a bit every day.