One Fell Swoop ...

In one fell swoop, my life has changed. Didn't I say this a few months ago? Nevertheless, it is true. This afternoon I had the opportunity to listen to voice mail I received Thursday morning. Yes, I'm a tad behind. Hopefully, that gives you an indication of the kind of week this has been. It was graduation, my friends threw me a surprise going away party and I completed my last day of work at the school -- hence the going away party. Really, all those transitions were plenty for me to manage today. My goals were simple -- turn in what needed turning in, and avoid tears at all costs. Submitting my materials was easy. I've been ready. Since I'm not a crier, I didn't expect the tears to be an issue, and they weren't at work. It was when I finally returned home and checked the voice mail that I lost it.

Please, someone tell me how you respond to a message heralding an impending death? My friend, who has been ill, called and left a message to let me know she should be dead by Saturday. Tears sprung to my eyes as I realized that today is Saturday. She asked me to please check the obituaries so I would know when her service would be. I want to be there -- even if that means putting off my vacation for a couple days. It seems that the good people die young while the bastards of the world live on to make life as hellish as possible for the rest of us. What is important to note is that her life was not for naught. Without her influence, I would not be the lady I am. I would be less willing to embrace growth opportunities and still be steadily beating up myself for every mistake I make. I would not have had the courage to hold up my head through the loss of my job. I would have only been able to view this change as negative instead of seeing it as a chance to stretch my legs and skills in order to find something more suited to my passions and aptitudes. Via con Dios, Rose. Please rest in peace, free from pain and wrapped in love. Thank you for everything!

Glancing Around Corners ...

I'm counting down again -- not for anything flashy or significant in the writing world, but because I'm approaching a welcome transition.

Over my break for the holiday, I wrote. Perhaps not as much as I wanted to, but I was and am proud of what I accomplished. My dear friend Kay read what I produced and proclaimed it worthy. Why is it I return to my blogging when my characters have worked their way to the bedroom? Maybe I'm nervous and am seeking validation. Okay, let's be real; I'm a writer, so of course, I am seeking validation!

Those seventeen pages were some of the most challenging I've written to date. What's it like writing again after so long a break? It's like learning to ride a bike when you're 5, not touching a bicycle except for shifting it about in the garage to make space for junk, and then going for a five-mile ride at the ripe old age of 30. Not impossible by any means, but definitely a venture requiring effort.

In a wild moment Sunday, I decided to go to a local coffee shop and write. First, I went on a walk and played with some random doggies. Then I had to shower -- for the benefit of myself and all those fortunate to be downwind of me. Finally, I dressed in bright colors because they felt right. Off I went to the shop, ordered a coffee and a nutritious cupcake. The couch was empty, and I took it as a sign that I was meant to pause and spend time with my characters. They were naked -- right where I left them. Kinda makes me wonder if their action is really in suspense when I neglect them for months on end, or if I peeked in on them while they were unaware, would they be living their lives without me, waiting for me to catch up with their progress?