Independence Day Memories

 July 4^th. Hotdogs and chips. Parades. Fireworks. Beach parties and backyard picnics. Good times always.

 Celebrating July 4^th involves that and much more for me.

 Watching fireworks from a hospital room is one. My second son, John, whom I’ve written about before in the December 2008 post “Remembering John,” was born a few days before the 4^th.  Those were the days when a birth meant five days’ stay in the hospital. So I watched the fireworks light up the sky above the Lake Michigan shoreline—from three stories up, holding my beautiful brown-haired baby boy in my arms. First time I ever saw fireworks from anything other than ground level.

 Since John is no longer with us and the holiday falls so close to his birthday, I especially grieve for him and remember him on every 4^th. Growing up, he so enjoyed the fireworks and the outdoor fun surrounding this holiday.

 Independence Day and fireworks also played a big part in another major memory I have.

 Maine, July 4^th.  I was sitting on a hillside overlooking the peaceful and scenic Boothbay Harbor. My husband and I were visiting my friend Stella over the holiday. We settled into our seats to watch the fireworks light up the harbor.

Boy did they!  Something went wrong and all the fireworks went off at one time. The noise threatened ear drums. We felt the shock waves while seated on the hill. In a cacophonous ninety seconds ablaze with myriad patterns and colors in the inky night sky, we watched the most awesome fireworks display I’ve ever seen.

More amazing and better? No one was injured or killed. A miracle, really. I still think of that spectacle every July 4^th.

 A third memory really involves several. A few years after my youngest son’s accident which left him very disabled, one of his nurses, a young man asked permission to do fireworks here so my son could enjoy them safely. We live on a lake and our neighbors agreed. So each Independence Day we host fireworks which our son organizes with great enthusiasm. Over the years his friends, nurses and their families have gathered along with our neighbors, their friends and families to watch the “fireworks” from our own yards.

What all these memories reinforce for me the link of love and friendship with a July 4^th celebration. Those are the greatest gifts we can give to another, especially when we are free and independent to do so. For a true friend, a life-long love, a family love nurtures independence within each other as well as a positive dependence for each other.

 I guess this is why I, for one, will always carry my memories and reflect upon them during this holiday time. It’s also why I write what I write the stories I do.  I see those themes come through with each book.

 Those are also the qualities I hope people will remember these qualities about when I no longer watch fireworks and celebrate Independence Day.

 Do you have a special memory tied into Independence Day?

An Alaskan Cabin

I’m revising a manuscript now which has my two main characters from Black Ribbon  Affair once again finding themselves in the midst of danger.

 Since they spend most of the book in Alaska, I’ve been going online daily and taking a look at the Anchorage Daily News.  They always have some of the greatest photos that give the flavor of the state. 

This week I came across a photo that appealed to me on so many levels.  It also reflects that distinctive attitude toward life that defines many who live in Alaska.

So, why did this photo appeal to me?

First, humor.  I laughed and still do every time I think of it.  I’ve gone back each day since to view it. 

 Second, I think about the old saying: between a rock and a hard place. This photo surely represents that.

Third, optimism. The fisherman who built that cabin and uses it reeks of a positive attitude.

 As a person and a writer, particularly a writer in the throes of revision, I need all three of those qualities. 

 Every day things happen that are unexpected.  Sometimes not especially good things, both in writing and life.  However, seeing the humor and getting a good laugh from the situation will always help solve the problem or find the new direction in life or with a revision. 

But often at times we are faced with problems and solutions which don’t have easy outcomes.  That old rock and a hard place element.  Maybe it means totally redoing a book that doesn’t work or setting it aside for a time.  Or in life, maybe it means learning to live your life with conditions that you can’t change for many reasons—an illness, a death, deepening economic woes, changing relationships, a weather disaster.  You know.  I’m sure you’ve all been there. 

Handling that kind of ongoing stress is best done with optimism and humor.  Whether in life or in writing or revising a book.  I know.  I’ve been there. In daily living and with books.  I love finding humor and optimism in places I least expect them.  That’s why I’ll never forget the photo of the cabin.

Any of you have something solid that keeps you going when that rock and a hard place lingers too long?

Bits & Pieces

Iris Survivors

These past few days have been crazy and far from usual.  Thursday afternoon I was working in my office when we lost power.  Fortunately, I’d backed up a few moments prior to that. Maybe 10 minutes passed and the power came on.  I reset all the clocks etc and booted up my computer to start work again.

Maybe twenty minutes later, I’m well into my work and whammo, the power fades again and disappears for another 15 or 20 minutes.

 No, I don’t know why.  The skies were blue, the breeze gentle and no utility crews were working around here.  Weird…

 Later that night we got terrible storms, high winds, lots of lightning, and 3 inches of rain.  It stopped for  a few hours, long enough to clean up the debris and started in again.  Incredible lightening, huge hail, odd colored skies, and so much rain. At one point a weak tornado touched down about 10 miles away.  The winds took down power lines and many are still without power and have flooding issues to deal with.

Peaceful blue

 We are fortunate not to have any damage or serious flooding.  We’ll probably get a bumper crop of mosquitoes in a few days as water is standing in any low lying area and with the heat and humidity the storm left us, the puddles aren’t drying up fast.

But once again I can use my office and my computer without worry. I’m counting my blessings and feeling lucky to have to pick up only some small trees branches and bits of flowers ripped up by Mother Nature.

 Life contains surprises, just like a good book should.  I didn’t like having my routine broken these past two days, but it some ways it’s made life a bit more interesting.  Made me realize hidden elements about people I know just a bit or a lot.  This knowledge can also be useful in building characters for books or plots within those books.

Today is peaceful.  The sky is an incredible shade of deep blue.  A few puffy white clouds sometimes float by.  The lake is calm and a deeper blue than the sky.  Many boats, jet skies, kayakers and canoeists are enjoying the lake and the heat.  Once I have the patio back in order we plan to sit there and enjoy this first blast of summer.

 Sunday was Father’s Day.  A time for remembering our dads.  A time for remembering and honoring all dads.  To all those dads who are part of my life and memories of my past, thank you.

A Taste of Being Published

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had a few experiences new to me. 

Late one afternoon as I was taking a break from my writing tasks, my youngest sister arrived.  She’s been acting like a Big Sister to a teenager over the past several months.  The teen enjoys reading and my sister mentioned at different times what’s happening to me and my book as we both get closer to that magical month of October and PUBLICATION! 

Anyway, the young girl. Amanda, asked if she could meet me—a real live writer and my sister promised.  And they arrived at my home.

First thing the young girl noticed were a stack of bookmarks I had out on the dining room table. Be prepared always to give a few away when any visitors arrive.  I’ve even been known to hand them to delivery or repair people if the occasion arises.

We chatted together for a few moments.  The teen’s excitement re-energized me after a long day of writing.  When she asked if she could see where I write, I said “Of course,” and my sister led her away as she’s not been in my office either. 

Desk with Fireweed notes

I’ll never forget how excited Amanda was when she returned from my office.  When they left she asked for some extra bookmarks to give to her friends.  I felt honored.  In the eyes of a potential reader, I was a “real writer!” I had arrived with a potential readership.

More recently I was at a gathering of relatives and friends.  Several were there who I’ve not seen in a very long time.  All kept asking about my book and wanted bookmarks.  Too soon, I ran out of all those I’d brought with me.  (Note to self.  Always keep extra bookmarks in the car to resupply.)

Spring Sail

I really enjoyed the party and seeing people I’ve not seen in a while.  However, seeing their excitement at my news, their admiration of my bookmark, and the concept of my book really provoked me to get back into my office the next day and KEEP WRITING!

These are tiny experiences but new ones for me—and special because they have happened for the first time.  What about you?  Any of you have experiences related to your writing that have helped you realized all the angst and work are worth it?

Inspiration with Great Desserts

I found that and more at the Wisconsin Romance Writers of America (WisRWA) conference, held in Green Bay this past weekend. The hotel was too marvelous for words, the food was tasty, but I was so excited I found eating distracting.  The desserts were too scrumptious to resist. 

Sherrilyn Kenyon was the keynote speaker.  Her words brought tears to many of us and she spoke of never giving up, the toughness of the journey writers take, how a book that might be rejected for years becomes “golden” and a best seller in a different market and time.  I’ll never forget how Kenyon used Katherine Hepburn’s words as Eleanor of Aquataine to Peter O’Toole as King Henry II in Lion of Winter. 

Henry II: The day those stout hearts band together is the day that pigs get wings.
Eleanor: There’ll be pork in the treetops come morning. 

Sherrilyn’s message resonated with me as don’t give up even in the worst of times.  We all have worst of times as writers and as individuals in all the various roles we play. 

Karin Tabke, our other featured speaker, talked about understanding when sometimes bad things  happen in our writing journey and even sometimes when good things do, it isn’t about us but about THE BUSINESS.  That’s also true in our personal lives. 

As Casey I went to the conference hoping to spread the word of my October release for Black Ribbon Affair.  I believe I got a start at that.  Authors Karen Tabke, Lyn Cote, Shari Anton, Barb Raffin, and Laura Iding especially gave me some excellent pointers.

WisRWA Chapter Service Award Recipients

 But the other side of me, Mary Jo or MJ as I refer to her, received special recognition for the service she’s given to WisRWA over the years.  Because the organization was celebrating its 25^th year in existence, two awards were given. Sandee Turriff was the other recipient.  She also was celebrating her first book release and did her first book signing at the conference.  She writes as Meg Hennessy. 

Another great part of a gathering like this is having time to connect with friends I don’t see often. One was Deb Maher who was my room mate and agreed late one night that sound I heard from outside was indeed a gunshot.

I was so happy to see my dear friend, Virginia McCullough, honored by our group as one of RWA’s Golden Heart finalists this year.  I hope I can tell you in late July that she’s won her category, Single Title, in that prestigious writing contest. 

Finally, I have to mention the tireless conference committee volunteers, Donna Kowalczyk, Stacey Netzel, Barb Raffin, Virginia Athey, and Lori Kriescher for the fantastic job they did.  I’ve come home ready to dive back into the creative pool and get back to writing.  :-) 

Yes, it was a great weekend. Lots to think about and more to do in the weeks ahead…and be thinking all year about those desserts.

Women at Lunch

I want to lunch, too!

We’ve all heard and, maybe sometimes used, the stereotype, “ladies who lunch.”

The phrase conjures up a certain type of person.  However, I’ve lunched with many different groups of women and, believe me, the ONLY commonality is eating lunch.  Such fodder for thought and for story lines… I should do it more often!   

This past week I had lunch with a group of women I taught with for many years.  Most of us were in different departments but we shared enough values we became more than colleagues but also friends.  I haven’t seen these women for a few months, some even longer but the group was large that day. 

The conversation around the table was so interesting because each of them have been exploring new areas of their creativity and personhood.  The seeds of that exploration may have been planted much earlier for some.  For others, their interests were sublimated to the rigor of work and raising families.  A few discovered their interest and talent in an area has just emerged. 

Within our group that day we had swimmers, golfers, a painter, a singer, a writer, a photographer, a jewelry maker.  All use their experience and their free time to make the world around them more interesting and lovely. They do so much more than lunch. 

They are traveling far and wide and reading just as extensively.  Some garden.  Most exercise to keep their bodies as fit as possible.  They are an invigorating, dynamic group.  These women slaughter that opening stereotype with a smile. 

And a bonus?  Well, the three sitting around me offered several suggestions for plots for future books.  Brainstorming at lunch anyone?

Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend.  

The time to remember and give thanks to all those in our Armed Forces who gave their lives for the best our country stands for.  They did that we might maintain our freedom. To keep us safe. To allow us to agree or not with government policies.

One of the most stirring, haunting memories I have of Washington D. C. was the beautiful spring day I walked the walk in front of the Viet Nam Memorial.  Cherry blossoms were abundant everywhere and their scent and the quiet, peaceful, reverent scene in no way reflected the horrors of the time and place those soldiers died. 

That was the war my generation fought.

World War II and Korea were the wars of my parents’ generation.

World War I my grandparents.

A younger generation fights yet another war in far distant battles.

As we remember those who’ve died in wars past, as we pray for those dying now and the grieving families they leave behind, remember always, this weekend isn’t about the beginning of summer, picnics and parades.  

We might not have any of this if we didn’t have those willing to serve and those families who wait for them to return.

I hold them all in my thoughts and prayers.

A long and winding path

Thursday was a red-letter day for me.

 Why?

 I don’t have to return to the spine surgeon who did two major surgeries on my spine 19 months ago.  Recovery has been very slow and often frustrating.  When the bone grafts were not filling in to make my spine whole again and keep me stable, I was told to limit my physical activities even more than I was already.

 Early on the pain of recovery was awful but not as teeth grinding as prior to surgery.  Since pain meds make me violently ill, I refused them and kept busy.  I found having goals each day and each week and some significant projects kept me focused on issues that brought me satisfaction and helped me to ignore the pain and worry that all the surgery might have been in vain.

 Thursday was a day of many tests and that visit with the surgeon.  After reviewing all the tests, he grinned, something I had never seen him do. I was another success story for him, one he hadn’t been sure would happen.  Needless to say I was even happier.

 I can draw lessons from this event.  Persistence, determination, focusing on what I can change to deal with setbacks, and being patient with what I can’t exemplify these past two years.  Actually, I’ve used these skills in many areas of my life and have seen positive results.  However, it never hurts to have good lessons reinforced with current situations.

 My mother often told me when I was growing up that I had to learn patience. I hated the advice, but took her caution to heart. I certainly needed patience since my healing went so slowly and the simplest activities took longer than I thought they should. But I dug deep for patience during those months and focused on tasks I could get done. I accomplished them and I healed without worry or frustration.  And that damn need for patience gets reinforced, along with my mother’s long ago advice.

 So how does all this reflect on writing? 

Slow but determined finishes first

 Those of you who write know those answers.  Persistence, perseverance, determination, focusing on the next project, being patient with what you can’t control.  Waiting…So much of writing is waiting…

 Driving home on Thursday I thought about the journey I’ve made as a writer from queries, submissions, finally a contract, edits, researching PR options, putting together bookmarks and ads, and waiting for that all important release date. I’m focusing on other projects, being patient, and striving for another book contract.  That’s what writers do.  They work hard, remain persistent in spite of great odds, stay patient, and KEEP ON WRITING.

 Here’s to success for all of us who practice persistence, patience and clear focus. In writing and in our daily lives.

Last week dropped something unexpected into my usual hectic routine.  On Tuesday morning I threw in a load of laundry, got myself ready and headed off to the doctor’s office for part of the usual annual physical. 

 He sent me immediately to the hospital.  

 I didn’t get “sprung” till Saturday late afternoon.  I won’t bore you with the gory details, nor any of the usual hospital tales, though the memory of bare behind must surely be scaring/scarring more hospital personnel than I care to think about.  L Think shudders here…

 Anyway, the great part about getting home, besides of course being home, was finding a large, heavy package waiting for me.

 My dear hubby slit the tape open and I found…

 

MY FIRST BOOKMARKS!

 Holding them, I examined them like a new mother examines her baby’s toes and fingers.  My hands shaking I thought of all the hard labor I’ve endured and my hubby, too, (he puts up with me when I’m in writing mode, and well, to be honest, all the time), but we got this baby into the world.

 With lots of help.

 But the job isn’t done to truly launch this babe.  I can’t wait until I hold the actual book in my hands.  I imagine I’ll fall apart with joy.  My hands will shake even more.  I’ve waited a very long time for this to happen and each day brings the EVENT closer.

Meanwhile, care for bookmarks, anyone? 

Brenda Novak’s Auction Item

May 1^st was the start of Brenda Novak’s Charity Auction for Diabetes Research.  The bidding ends on May 31^st.

 A group of Wild Rose Press authors–including me , under the direction of Jeannie Ruesch, donated a KINDLE 2.  Another Wild Rose Press author, Hanna Rhys Barnes donated a gift certificate to Wild Rose Press to purchase e-books.  Such a deal!

This disease takes its toll on so many families.  For my extended family, my husband’s only sibling, a sister, died of this disease when she was 18.  So many of his relatives battle its ravages.  He’s fortunate that controlling his diet keeps his insulin levels in check.

 As some of you know, my youngest son is a vent-dependent quadriplegic who lives with us.  One of our steadiest nurses in helping us care for our son has struggled against this disease since childhood.  Now in his early 40’s he’s seeing some major issues.  Another nurse has family members with the disease.  I have two friends who have struggled with adult-onset diabetes and a brother also would fit in that category.  Even beloved family pets can struggle with this disease as my sister-in-law knows when twice a day she inject insulin into her Schnauzer.

Many strides have been made in fighting this disease and in helping those afflicted with it to cope with it. These strategies help them to live longer and healthier lives.  Charity auctions, such as Brenda Novak’s, aid in that battle.

 Please stop by the auction site.  Check out all the items up for bid.  I’m glad I put some of my PR funds into this cause.  When you click to check on the bidding site, be sure to scroll down to see all the Wild Rose Press authors who have so generously given to this cause.

Thanks.