My blog is becoming boring. I don't post nearly as many photographs as I used to, I've been stuck in my own version of what's-wrong-with-me?, and I'm fast forwarding through too many good people and good things.
Here's what's going on when I change perspective:
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1. I've just finished another precious Big Yellow weekend writing group. We meet twice a year, write, read aloud, sing, eat and socialize. I've begun a second novel, centered around four, perhaps six main characters, and centered around the theme of devotion and betrayal.
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2. It took me months, maybe even longer, to come up with the title for the story of Alex and Lily. This time I'm starting with a title: Mutiny On The Open Heart--and I love the sound of it!
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3. So far I've sold about fifty copies of 'The Light Stays On', it's prominently displayed in the window of my downtown bookstore, and I think there will be three magazine or newspaper book reviews in the next month or so. I've starting marketing and I'm meeting the nicest people along the way. It is quite an experience to accept myself as a "writer" and an "author". Yippee!
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4. My friends have rallied around me during the last few months. Sought me out, sent me love, given me advice, reminded me that all will be well. For much of my life, I don't think I really appreciated my friends, and it is wonderful to know how much they matter. My friends are a good bunch.
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5. On Friday JB and I will head to Seattle where we will see my beloved niece star in a play. She will finish graduate school this year in Drama and will be a card-carrying actress.
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6. Then we're off to LA, off to meet a special friend who paints like an angel, and then off again to Palm Desert for lounging by the pool, seeking out Mexican food, and no small matter--playing the slot machines late into the night.
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7. I haven't said much about my beloved daughter Jessica lately, so may I now announce that Mr. Ryan will have a baby brother before the tulips break through the ground.
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8. How is everybody doing with the worldwide financial mess? JB and I have lost more than I can count, and yet I'm not losing sleep over it. Maybe somehow I know what's really important, and our portfolio isn't it.
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9. I love my work. It is very hard and very sad work sometimes: children abandoned by their mothers, addicts digging their way back into respectability and hope, poverty choking opportunity in ways that drive me crazy.
But I seem to be able to do what's needed. The kids I have as clients really like me. I think they're surprised by that, and it tickles me to no end.
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10. I love Studio Lolo's art. I'm too rushed to create a link for her right now but you can find her through my comments. She has a light touch and a huge heart.
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11. Did you know that I am a writer? I am a writer! Finally, I know it's true.
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12. There. That's better, kj.
Before the tulips- that's great!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you are a writer. Don't forget it.
Boring, NOT! So There!
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like there is ALOT going on behind the blog scenes, maye youre just feeling stretched too thin at the moment, goodness knows theres never enough time - just food for thought.
The upcoming vacay sounds excellent! That ought to warm your bones and make a very nice change of pace, I hope you get the maximum enjoyment allowed by law for every moment of it. Perhaps you will return recharged physically and emotionally, fingers crossed!
And writing is hard work, and your work is hard work, little wonder you are wondering...be good to yourself, this storm will pass!
I'm so glad you had the writing group this weekend. It sounds like an awesome time and a great bunch of talented people all converging at the same time. To be a fly on the wall...!!
ReplyDelete"Mutiny on the open heart," I can't imagine what will take place and I can't wait to read about it!
yay for the book sales!! Of course you're an author. KJ...make it your mantra. "I'm an author, I'm an author. I'm a damn good author!"
I love your claim..."My friends are a good bunch." I just love that. I think it reminds me of home because it really gives me that kidney punch..oompf... I miss my old friends and my family back there.
I can't believe you'll be in Calif. So close yet so far, dammit!! Please give Ms. Val a big hug from me and enjoy yourself...BIG time!
Our work is similar KJ. Rewarding and painful. I'd show up every day for no money because I believe in what I do and I feel I make a difference. I know you'd do the same thing. Actually, we're already doing it ;)
I didn't expect to see a mention of me here. (blush) I'm glad you like my art. I'm very behind in creating fresh stuff but soon there will be new images. My spirit has been neglected in the art department. Soon to be remedied:)
And hey, how's that nasty bug that has taken up residence? Kick it OUT and tell it you have plans to travel, etc.! I'm just saying....life is waiting for you and the west coast is calling.
get well my friend!
xo
i know whats important and our protfolio isn't it.. Bingo!! I am putting some aside for upto a year of tumultous times, but beyond that, really, the portfolio isnt bothering us as much.
ReplyDeleteBlog not boring. nope.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about you the other day and thinking about how difficult it must be to NOT write about Lily and Alex - unless they can act as muses from beyond. How strange to develop someone and then have them not available. I may not be saying this correctly but I felt it must be hard.
Friends are the best. Old friends, new friends, close friends, just-made friends. When they rally round - things are much more bearable.
Your trip to the west coast sounds lovely - oh how I would love to spend some days in the desert sun. Hope you win a ton of money. Cause we're all gonna keep losing it for the next few years - and why lose sleep over it. If you're healthy, and can get by - that's quite an achievement these days.
Great news about a new baby - they are so delicious!
Lolo is the best. GREAT artist, and such a wonderful person - I'm so glad I "know" her. When she moves back to Rhode Island let's all go out for a drink!!!
Yes...you are a writer. You are.
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ReplyDeleteI think that the time of year has a lot to do with things KJ - I've been feeling a bit bogged down too.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you are coming up like the tulips and there will be a new grandchild for you soon.
Have fun on your holiday and enjoy!
cs, thank you for this and everything.
ReplyDeletelavender, my kindred friend, the vacay feels terrific. and spring in new england will thankfully follow. thanks for your well wishes. they are always appreciated.
lolo, wow, this is like getting a letter from you! not this time in california but next time somewhere. thank you for your friendship, lolo. it means alot.
hb, i love hearing from you. i just wish i could respond on your blog. can you send me an email perhaps?
mim,how incredibly observant you are with your comments about alex and lily. you are right. i carry the love they had for one another inside me every day, and probably always will. it is hard, and it is true. there's growth from it ahead for me: i know that much.
and mim, a drink in rhode island or somewhere in new england--YES!
miladysa, you too are a kindred soul. i think of you often. this weekend melissa and i talked about your grand event. i think we'll both be there!!! xo
Boring? Never!
ReplyDeleteAnd you go, girl! :) My list of favorite things that happened this weekend includes seeing YOUR book in the front window of a bookstore!
You have always been a writer (and a damn good one), so it's good to hear you say it loud and proud.
Now I see what you meant when you said Mim said we should get together! Absolutely, positively!! That will be awesome.
ReplyDeleteAnd I forgot to say congrats on a new baby for J,M and Mr. Ryan. Oh, and you!!
xo
melissa, even i admit that it was some trip to ride past that bookstore and see my book front and center in the window!! thanks for sharing the high with me. we are both writers, my dear friend.
ReplyDeletelo, i'll have cranberry juice with soda water and a splash of lime. :)
Oh pish it's not boring. I love these blogs that have writers (yes I said writers) who aren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves and share a little of their world with strangers.I envy your little holiday and hope you'll post some lovely photos of your journey. I'd love something like your writer's retreat not so much for the writing but for the bonding you seem to have. I'm with Lolo I'd love to be a fly on your wall.
ReplyDelete