Lost

It seems I have lost almost four months. I woke up this morning and it was April 21, which did not seem particularly strange... Until I started going through an email account that had gotten crazily out of control. I had let a writers' group membership lapse, having never seen the January email about dues. I was fortunate to be able to take care of that, and spent a chunk of my morning [sort of] scanning, then deleting thousands of emails.

Thinking back on the year, January seems close enough to touch. Where did all those days go? What did I do with the time?

Then I started rewrites of a Ladies of Legend novella, for release with Turquoise Morning Press. I don't even know when I last worked at writing. After some initial awkwardness, it felt great to be doing the work I love.

Day job and a needy cat, uproar of relocation and preparation for selling our home--everything has taken what is available of my energy. I wake up tired and my brain never really kicks into gear. At night I fall into bed, exhausted. I should probably be doing something differently.

One thing is this. I should be writing. I hope my stories bring joy to my readers, but I know they bring joy to me.

I hope you have something like that in your life. If so, hold onto it. Don't go for months without it. Life, as they say, is too short...

Magdalena

Beautiful

I hope you're having a beautiful holiday season. It has been particularly lovely here in Magdalenaville. We've attended a family wedding, several dinners with friends and co-workers. I start a new job in the "real world" with the new year, which is a huge blessing, even though it is sad to leave the part-time job I love so much.

Yesterday marked two years since my husband's diagnosis. The brain tumor has changed him, but has also changed me, our son, and everyone in our lives. We are stronger, I think, and more grateful for things we used to take for granted. I am surprised, looking back, at all the beautiful things that have happened in the past two years. Truly, in this season and throughout the year, the most meaningful gifts are not wrapped in colorful paper under a Christmas tree.

Have a beautiful Christmas!

Mags

So thankful

For family and friends, a job I enjoy, a place to live and enough money to pay the bills. For energy to do the tasks at hand, and wise counsel when I need it. For the circle of love that surrounds me and keeps me going.

Tomorrow, instead of Black Friday, I'm celebrating White Friday. I already had the dump truck rented before I read Miss Minimalist's post last night, but I love that she has named the day for us. Here in Magdalenaville, today is for celebrating our blessings, tomorrow is set aside for clearing out clutter, and making donation trips to Goodwill.

And then we can celebrate our blessings again. That's the great thing about "thanksgiving"--it's never out of season. Without doubt, it is my favorite holiday.

I hope yours is lovely.


Magdalena

Farewell to a gentle spirit

A friend and fellow author died this week. I have mentioned his work here before, but wanted to do so again.

Harold Dean Dixon published two volumes of poetry, written from his heart to yours.