Staring Me In The Face

Winter is staring us in the face, folks. We've had our first frost here in North Carolina. Strange, how I'm looking forward to it. As much as I used to hate winter, I find myself looking forward to it every year now. Maybe that's because I no longer have to drive in it much. That's the worst part about winter for many of us. Uncovering your car under feet of snow, driving to work in the cold and slush, and then avoiding the crazies on the road who think they're invincible.

But from where I sit, in my cozy little house, I can enjoy the elements without leaving the warmth of my slippers and robe. Well, hey, we have to find a silver lining in this season somewhere.

I'm excited at the possibilities of publishing again. It's staring me in the face, as well. I'm ready for it. In fact, I'm anxious for a bit of great news ... that I just know is right around the corner.

So stay tuned, keep warm, and I'll be back with the details. Later.

Blessings to you and yours.

The Route Has Changed

Changes are inevitable in life. In yours and mine. What we wanted, even ten years ago, it changes. Even five years ago. There are blogs I've written, posted here back in 2005 and 2006 ... that I just read and laugh at. It's not that my heart's desire has changed dramatically, but our circumstances warrant change. We learn, so therefore, we change.

But the one constant in my life, other than my esteemed spouse, are my writing goals. The road to getting there has changed drastically. My ideas and opinions about the writing world and about writers in general have changed. I've crossed over a few bridges, and even burned a few. And yet, my dream is still intact.

I'll get there. I know it. The journey isn't over yet, it's just taking a different route.

Blessings to you and yours.

The Lesson of Giving

One thing I've learned in my life, is that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Michael and I are often approached, sitting in traffic, at fast-food restaurants, even in the Walmart parking lot. Folks, seemingly down-on-their-luck, asking for money. It's difficult to believe them, sometimes. Are they just panhandlers, drunks, too lazy to go out and get a job? What? What makes a person lose all sense of dignity and expect a hand-out? In a split second, I have to decide--do I believe them, and am I going to give them money I don't really have to give?

You want to know my answer?

You bet I am. It may be just a quarter. Or whatever is floating around in my cup holder. I've seen Michael open his wallet and hand over a few dollars. Neither of us expect to be applauded for this, or even blessed for it. It's the humane thing to do, and also ... it's not up to me to judge this person. He or she may very well take my few dollars and head to the nearest liquor store, or crack house. I have no idea what happens to it after it passes from my hand to theirs. Then again, it may just buy a carton of eggs or a half-gallon of milk for his kids. Who am I to make that determination?

Someone once told me, if you give someone a gift, don't expect a thing in return. Otherwise, it's not a gift. Although, in many cases, the borrower becomes slave to the lender. The overwhelming feeling of obligation is not a good feeling. And yet, in this economy, I see the potential of the haves either helping the have-nots, or hording it.

Should we just hand over our hard-earned money? No. That's not what I'm saying. But when the opportunity arises for you to help in time of need, are you there? Don't give away every dime, you've got a responsibility to your own family. But can you bake a cake for an elderly lady next door? Can you give a bag of food to a needy family down the street? How about going through your closet and giving away those clothes and shoes you never wear?

"I've worked hard for my money. I'll be damned if I'm giving it away to some lazy, low-life who won't get a job!"

That statement breaks my heart more than the sight of any beggar on the street.

I've learned how to be generous, because I've been on the receiving end. Big time. That is the biggest lesson I've learned in my lifetime. And I'm grateful for it.

Many, many wonderful blessings to you and yours.

Rocks

Sometimes I'm a rock. In the midst of crisis, I can hold my own and everybody else's. And then sometimes I'm an emotional mess. Weepy. Sounds hormonal, doesn't it?

Today I'm filled with anger. Not a rage, but a grate-on-my-nerve "get-out-of-my-way" feeling and I can't seem to shake it. I need to give myself permission to feel this way once in a while. Give myself permission to feel irritated. I need to throw a couple rocks.

One thing I've learned, is that "wantin' ain't gettin'." It just doesn't work that way. Even in a lifetime of hard-knocks. It doesn't matter how bad we want something, even if we've earned it--most of the time, we don't get what we want. And sometimes, we don't even get what we need.

So yes, I'd like to throw a couple rocks this morning. Unfortunately, I throw like a girl, and it wouldn't do anything but hurt my arm. But if I had a basket of them, I'd throw them. As fast and as hard as I could.

To quote a line from Forrest Gump, "Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks." That is certainly the case today.

Blessings to you and yours and me and mine. I sure could use one today.