Random Acts of Kindness

Yesterday was a long work day.  By the time I finished writing and backing up x 6....I packed up my computer at 7 P.M. A lovely couple was sitting at the end of the bar and started talking with me. She began to tell me about having lost three family members in a year.

Unfortunately, I could identify explaining that I missed sharing manuscripts with my greatest critic/greatest fan; my mother.  I expressed that it is difficult to constantly motivate yourself based on your own opinion. 

We said our good-byes and I thought that was the end of the conversation.  It wasn't.  I was deep in thought and deep in typing when I felt the arms of a stranger wrap around me and say, "you're doing a great job...keep moving forward....you can do it.  I believe in you."

I turned around to find the sweet lady from the earlier conversation.  She smiled at me with such kindness, my eyes began to tear.

I hope I get another chance to thank her, but I told her I would pay it forward.  It was such a lovely gift.

Lemons to Lemonade....AGAIN!

I know that I speak about making lemonade from lemons....a lot.  That is because life has a way of throwing you a curve ball...when you least expect it. It is kind of exciting to start over again and again, but the truth is it is comforting to know what to expect like the warmth of an old sweater.

It seems as if I am being given the message to throw away all those comforting sweaters that keep me warm with past memories but are filled with rips, tears and holes.  I really do own one.  It is supposedly made of recycled plastic and it's extraordinarily lightweight and warm at the same time.  It is so fragile at this point, that washing it threatens its very existence!  A little spritz of perfume goes a long way and adds another few months to the life of this treasured garment. I feel safe and happy in that timeworn jacket.  If it could speak there would be volumes to tell....the tears....the joy...the worries and sorrows that this simple object (along with a good strong cup of tea) helped.

Guidance comes in hidden treasures in our life.  We just have to pay attention. Yesterday I bought a pocket guide to Spirit Animals  while taking a writing break.  This book suggests that if a particular wild creature appears in your life may times, it is a spirit guide trying to give you a message. With that in mind, as I was sipping my morning coffee this morning, a male robin flew onto the tree in front of my porch.  He was very boisterous and caused my four puppies to bark back at him.

He remained there, unafraid of the big hairy creatures facing him!  He just kept his face fixated in my direction for much longer than I expected was possible.  On a whim, and not sure if I actually believe the whole animal spirit guide thing...I looked up what it meant in my new book.

"You have a beautiful song inside you...do whatever it takes to share it with the world."

I would be honored and am hopeful that the song is my writing and that it will be received with the same love that I put into every word. What does that have to do with lemonade?  It's simply perspective.  It is lovely sentiment to think that a beautiful robin had a positive message for me this morning.  And if truth be told it's going to take a lot for me to throw out my favorite worn shirt...but if some spirit animal gives me the thumbs up on my old sweater....at least my heart is open to listen.  Hence....some fresh squeezed, sweet and tart lemonade. Partake....drink...of the fountain of life.  Smile when you think of that robin holding up his little thumb up (do robins have thumbs?) as you watch me discard my hole -y jacket while sipping sweet lemonade.

Energy Abounds

Is it me or does anybody feel the energy in the air? For the last three days everything looks brighter and cleaner and even more beautiful than usual.  It's a feeling of happiness that I have never experienced before.  Welcome it with open arms and view life with the presence it deserves.

Last night I had a dream about the book I am presently writing.  It was an epiphany of sorts giving me insight into a story that was perplexing me even though I am the one conceiving it.  I have heard other authors say that they had trouble with certain books and that they were the hardest that they had ever written and to date that hadn't happened...until now.

Time to begin....again. I'll keep you posted.

Cast Adrift

Have you ever wondered why things are so frustrating? It's a hot day at the Tiki Bar...Internet is working for everyone but me. I need to download a pic and I cannot even find it.  Words are not flowing as they usually do at the beach. Alas life is interesting as usual in my world; interesting and frustrating.

Tomorrow is another day! I am looking forward to it!

Passing Through Frustration

This has been a frustrating few weeks! Between a brief stay in the hospital and windows 8, my time has been otherwise occupied. It's crazy difficult to get back on track when you want to get off at the next station and play hooky.

Alas that is my job.  A writer has to write despite the party around you, despite the humidity that threatens the integrity of the computer screen, and despite the voice in my head that says that I should take a vacation day.

I am inspired to be present in this lovely beach haven but in a way that makes me part of the landscape...but everyone who is part of this colorful landscape is laying on red and white towels under a cabana sipping margaritas!

Cape May At It's Finest....

The beauty of nature is always evident in this beautiful sleepy seaside town; not so sleepy at the moment with the palm trees moving in the wind and the breeze blowing my hair as I write. This has been a frustrating start to my work in Cape May.  Windows 8 coupled with a brief hospital stay....word to the wise don't eat organic lettuce....has slowed me down almost to a stop.  Today however, is another beautiful day and the beginning of a new novel.

Mother's and their daughter's have intriguing relationships.  I am both a mother and a daughter and trying to see both sides without prejudice.... has been cathartic and challenging.  This story is one of becoming what you know...not becoming that which you know is correct.  Learned behavior vs. genetics which by the way does not have to be on opposite side of the tracks. 

As usual, I love what I am doing and cannot wait to get underway. 


Nature doesn't lie....beauty is abundant