Been Awhile...

Well, over a year has gone by since my last post. Wow. Life took precedence for awhile. I've been living for a year now in Michigan, and I really love it here.

My first winter here was beautiful. I have my computer set up in front of a large window that faces the backyard, and during the winter I would watch the snow falling softly against the background of bare trees. My dry spirit was filled with peacefulness and well being; something that had been missing for a long time.

Spring was rainy, but it brought such beautiful flowers to this part of the country. I have noticed that the plants and flowers here are more varied and vibrant than down south. I think it is because the sun does not beat down on them mercilessly here. It is an unexpected bonus for me. :)

My book is coming along, slowly but surely. I sent my fourth draft to Writing Coach, Esther Hershenhorn. She gave me invaluable advice and guidance, and I am so happy that I took that important step. I am now deep into my Fifth draft, and am amazed at how it has evolved and grown from the original draft.

I have set a goal for myself to finish this draft, and perhaps send it off again by years end. This is a roomy and reasonable goal, and I feel that I can meet it with no problem.

PS. I can't seem to insert the link to a blog that Esther writes for, so if you are interested, just copy and paste the following to your browser:
http://www.teachingauthors.com/2009/04/how-i-became-teachingauthor.html

Winter Wordgrove Newsletter

It's my week to write the Wordgrove Newsletter. This weeks theme is Winter.
Here's an excerpt:

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Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again.
Bill Morgan, Jr.

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure
of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter.
Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show.
Andrew Wyeth

Of winter's lifeless world each tree
Now seems a perfect part;
Yet each one holds summer's secret
Deep down within its heart.
Charles G. Stater

Around the Grove -
Slim pickins here in Wordgrove. I hope this is because everyone is feverishly
working on their Wordgrove writing contest masterpiece. 'crickets' Hmmm.

Here's the pensive 'Winter Song' by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.
Although it is a bit melancholic,it still holds the promise of something strong and
enduring underneath. Dare I say, love?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67xr_KKPTHE

This song brings some thoughts with it. So, without trying to sound too sappy or Pollyannish, I want to remind you that love takes many forms, and its rich comforts are there for everyone.You included. Also, Winter can be brutal, but it is just a season. It doesn't last forever. Remember that! Cheers.
********

Ok, that's finished. Now I'm off to write something brilliant for the Sixth Annual Wordgrove Writing Contest. :)