COURAGE

 I'm really not one for inspirational messages, but this was one I picked up at a thrift store as I was starting my journey as a writer. Plus, I really liked the picture. Who doesn't love a penguin? This image doesn't do it justice. The colors are deeper and richer than they appear here. 

It says: Courage is daring to take that first step, or a different path. It is the decision to place your dreams above your fears. 

At the time, I was hoping to quit my day job and write novels for a living. That never happened. Let's face it, making a living as a writer is near impossible unless you are Stephen King or Nora Roberts or a celebrity with a tell all book. There just aren't as many publishing houses offering new writer contracts with lucrative advances as there used to be. And being single, I depended on a steady income.

But, I still had the dream of writing and publishing a novel. And against all odds, I did.

 I recently found this picture after unpacking some boxes from my move. I immediately placed it on my desk. I want to write more novels, but somewhere along the line I lost my courage. Now is the time to reclaim it. 

Meet Wilson

 

Say hello to Wilson. He was my buddy during the first couple months of Covid-19 quarantine. 

He was one of my grandson's toys and as far as I know, he had no name. I gave him the name Wilson in honor of the Tom Hanks movie Castaway. Because, I certainly felt like I was lost on a desert island, adrift in a sea of unknowns. The most of which was, when is this going to end? Unfortunatly, we still don't know the answer to that. 

At first when work shut down, I was happy. Didn't have to go to work? Yippee. But as the first month dragged on, it became less of a vacation and more of a jail sentence. I missed my co-workers, (well some of them). I missed the structure of a schedule. 

So, Wilson and I went on a few field trips. We went to the park several times. I took him to the parking lot of my old hangout that was now closed. I showed him the house I grew up in and my elementary and high schools. Somehow getting out of the house, even while staying in my car helped. And, Wilson helped, as crazy as it sounds. He was there. He listened. He looked at me with his big eyes urging me to get out of my recliner and exercise. And, no I'm not crazy. My mother had me tested.

What have you done to make it through this trying time? I would love to know.

Until next week, stay safe and healthy.

WHAT'S NEXT??

 

I've been asking myself that question quite a lot lately.

Having recently retired, that question pops into my head on a daily basis as I try to figure out what direction my life needs to go now. Or, does it even need to go anywhere?

And then there is Covid-19. Man, has that changed things. The above picture reminds me of the toilet paper shortage that occurred at the beginning of this pandemic. Who could have believed people would hoard toilet paper. Blew my mind. 

I've also heard there is a big event coming up this fall. Some sort of an election? Just kidding. It's probably one of the most important elections in modern history. And when it's over, we will all be asking "What's next?"

As of right now, my 'next' is starting up this blog after a much too long absense, dedicating myself to working on my next novel, and reading more. All the while trying to avoid getting that damn virus so I can enjoy my retirement years. 

Until next week, stay safe friends.