Making a Difference

When I first started taking writing really seriously I started looking for places online that would support my writing habit and found this really helpful and friendly place called "The NoteBored." I quickly made friends with the master of the site and after a couple of years she wanted to have a NoteBored getogether so I actually flew out of state to meet my online friends in person and had an amazing visit with them. I'm afraid I've been rather lax about staying in touch, but they are a group of people that will always have a home in my heart.

Anyway, while I was there, my friend's daughter quickly became a new friend and she wrote poems for all of us. I am hoping it is okay with her to post this poem here because it has meant the world to me. I keep it posted on my board next to my computer and read it every day for many reasons. One, it's beautiful. Two, in the short time she knew me she captured me pretty well I thought and she was only 13 or 14 at the time. Three, It gives me hope. I think you'll understand why when you read it. Without any further ado then, here is "Karen--Silverfoot" (that was my nick-name).

She is in the time of midnight. Where the silver moon shines

down on the dark earth.

Her fruit is a grape vine. Growing taller, longer, and

stronger.

Like the water shoes on the side of the beach, she gets sodden

through constant forces of waves in fury and stress. She is

intended for that and never gives up on the strength of the

wave.

Her song is "unwritten"

She is a crystal and has uniqueness for one to see right

through her and know she is a good person.

She is the roar of laughter

The time of the fantastical future.

the element of water.

She will hold a special place in our lives.

Thanks for making a difference in my life, Dea and Aly, and Tristi and Melinda, and Shari and Candace and Julie and Ali and Haley and Rachelle all the rest of you who comment and call when I need a friendly word. (Gotta love those run-on sentences) Just like this poem you make a diference in my life every time you enter it.

And Melinda? Don't faint. I posted three days in a row just for you. Hee Hee Hee

Quote of the Day: "It only takes one person to change your life – you."

~Ruth Casey

A Much Delayed Tag

My bestest friend tagged me clear back in November and I'm just now getting around to this. Sorry, Sis! Here it is now for what it's worth.

Eight Things on My Wish List:

1. A publishing contract
2. An agent
3. A castle tour through Europe
4. A Getaway Cruise with my hat sisters
5. A New York Times Bestselling book
6. Daughters
7. Sleep!
8. A housekeeper

Eight TV Shows I Like to Watch:

1. Sanctuary
2. The Ghost Whisperer
3. Fringe
4. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
5. Iron Chef America
6. All the CSI's
7. Criminal Minds
8. The 11th Hour

Eight Things That Happened Yesterday:

1. Brainstormed plot and characters with Shari
2. Went to see the psychologist
3. Went to the Chiropractor
4. Went to Critique Group
5. Got my car stuck in the snow
6. Visited with my friend Haley
7. Drank A LOT of Pepsi
8. Didn't get nearly enough sleep

Eight people I am tagging.

1. Anybody
2. and
3. Everybody
4. who
5. wants
6. to
7. join
8. in.

Quote of the Day: "Everething that doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. And later on you can use it in some story."

~Tapani Bagge

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

I've joined a yahoo group that deals specifically with the loss of mothers. I have been amazed at how much comfort and wisdom has come from the group. There have been several times when something has been said that I've pondered throughout the following days and weeks and it made me want to give something back.


I am a rather shy and private person by nature. I don't usually open myself up completely for the world to see, but the comfort I've gained from others' experiences had made me feel that I needed to start another blog completely devoted to the letters I write to Mom that have helped me so much in the healing process. I may even consider opening it up to a few others who write their own letters to their mothers on the other side. I just think it's a great way to offer comfort and support to those who are struggling through this.


Anyway, if you're interested in taking a peek, you can find Letters to Mom here. Have a fantabulous day and Happy Writing to you all!

Quote of the Day: "It's better to write about things you feel than about things you know about."

L P. Hartley

Letters to the Other Side

I finally went to see a psychologist who deals in grieving and she has made a profound difference in my life. She told me to keep the relationship alive with my mother. That particular phrasing hit me like nothing has since I lost Mom. I believe in an afterlife. I believe Mom's spirit is not far away and I've felt her close by on many occasions. The problem has always been that I couldn't really communicate with her. I talked to her on occasion but for some strange reason she didn't answer back and it frustrated me.

The doctor's solution? Write letters to my mom. It has changed my life.

I know that sounds rather dramatic, but when you've been living in a hole for five months, seeing the sunlight again is a rather dramatic thing. I've found hope again. When I write I can hear Mom's voice in my thoughts, perhaps the memories of conversations before or bits of knowing her so well I know how she would respond. It's as if I can finally have a conversation with her, even beyond the veil to eternity and it has begun to fill a bit of the hole her absence has caused. I'm not all the way back. I don't know if I ever will be, but I can write again. It started with the letters, and that has inspired me to start writing a new book, which in turn has brought me back to my blogs. Thank you for your patience, dear readers. I shall be more dedicated with my blogging and I promise you I shall not only blog, but I shall write stories like never before. Writing brings peace. Writing brings joy in a time filled only with sorrow. Writing has brought me full circle back to myself and knowing it is one of those things I just have to do.

Writing has brought me back home. One person short. A little more fragile. But a better person for the experience.

Quote of the Day: "The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium."

~Norbet Platt