I love this. A validation posse. Before I got into writing seriously I might never have truly understood what this would mean and how important it is as a writer. As for what I do on this site, my validation posse has been those individuals that my writing has somehow touched their life and for those who have left comments to let me know how those words did touch their lives. But writing Mari's book and also my fiction writing. To have just the right posse is more important than I ever could … [Read more...]
19 Years Today
It's hard to believe that nineteen years ago today my husband, Keith, and I went to the justice of the peace with our friends Tina Davis, Michael Brooks and his wife Courtney. They watched us as we took our vows and became husband and wife that day. The last nineteen years have been fraught with ups, down and one tragedy. Most marriages would have ended by now, probably ten times over. But each and every time we have persevered through it all. Do I or Keith take credit for this? No. It is … [Read more...]
Day 17: Love Thy Reader
This put a smile on my face. For anyone who has taken the time to read something I've written, it's almost like they are a friend who I'm opening my heart and thoughts to. Both the lighthearted and funny kind to the heart-wrenching and agonizing kind. This website has become a part of me, just like Mari was while on this earth and continues to be while in heaven. For some people things they may read may just be words to them. But they are so much more to me. They are a part of my soul. No, … [Read more...]
Day 16: Exploding Typewriters, Smoking Computers
I think all of us at some point while plugging away in our computers wish the darn thing would self combust. We either can't figure the darn thing out or it just isn't working like it's supposed to. We would just love to take a sledgehammer to it as it would feel so good to put the darn thing in its place. If you are interested you can get cash for your used laptop by selling it online through a buyback program. Anyone who knows me knows how much of a technology person I am. And learning new … [Read more...]
Day 15: People in a Jam
It seems like there is always someone we know who is in a jam. Sometimes it might be minor, like their cell phone died and they need to make a call. Other times it might be something worse. However, no matter where we look you can find someone in a jam. How many times in our own lives does this happen? Are you the type of person that no matter what kind of jam you find yourself in you keep it to yourself? Or are you the type that no matter how small the problem (jam) you always ask for help. … [Read more...]
Day 14: Waiting for Pizza
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pizza? For me it's a pizza with Canadian bacon (and not ham :) ) and pineapple with extra cheese, and easy in the sauce. Of course double the pineapple while were at it. I can almost taste the pizza in my mouth already. The key here, no matter whether you have a frozen pizza, you pick up a fresh one at the felling or have one delivered to your home, you still have to wait. Man, that waiting can be agonizing sometimes, but boy are … [Read more...]
Day 13: The Matanuska Valley and Other Diversions
When I first saw the heading "The Matanuska Valley and Other Diversions," I was like "what the heck could this be about. Then I read the short exert. I had to laugh. I think one word can sum it up best: Procrastination. I don't think there is a person on this earth who hasn't procrastinated at some point in their life. Now grant it, there are some who have made it an art form with how great they do this. And others rarely ever do. God has made each and every one of us so different. We each … [Read more...]
Day 12: Patience
Let me just say that of all the gifts God has bestowed upon me, patience is not one of them. I might be good at things like scrapbooking, crocheting, cross stitching, computers, and even writing. But I have such a low threshold for being patient. Don't get me wrong, man do I wish it was better. I have come to accept this lack of quality as it is. It is something I have to work on on a day in and day out basis. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with Mari. It was June 12, 1999, only … [Read more...]
Day 11: Racing Hearts and Churning Stomachs
I think in life there are so many things that can make our hearts begin to race rapidly and our stomachs to do flip-flops all over the place. A new job. The first day of a new school year. Going on a first date. Or even standing up in front of a room of people getting ready to talk. And the list goes on. Nervous energy can either root us to the ground stopping any forward momentum or it can propel us forward giving us the courage we need. Sharing our writing with others is much in the same … [Read more...]
Day 10: Working Out
When I first glanced at the topic I thought about how I've been trying to work out on a daily basis by walking anywhere from a half hour to as long as 2 1/2 to 3 hours each day. It seems like most people who haven't worked out in a while dread starting a new exercise routine. When you first start out the body tends to become sore from the new way it's being used. But once you've gone a few times the body becomes accustomed to this and you actually begin to love how you feel after a … [Read more...]