Humans are so petty

A quote from Thor.

I agree. We are. So many of us don't consider the big picture. We don't realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things. We are miniscule specks in the universe. Grains of sand on a beach.

That's why I love writing (and reading). I love researching and exploring new perspectives to share with others. My little life bubble is quite boring. Sure, I've had some funny and scary and heartwarming stories. But when I look beyond my corner of the world, I realize there is so much more out there! So many other ways to do things! Even my kids teach me new stuff in the kitchen (and they still learn from me too)

As I've gotten older and now that the kids are grown, I've become more adventurous. My attitude has shifted to "What have I got to lose?" Some of my accomplishments this past year... I took a helicopter ride, moved across the country (with a lot of whining), accepted a new job with crazy middle-schoolers and no lesson plans--making it up as I go! And I flew by myself to visit my sister (I am not a fan of flying.) As old as I am, I'm still having firsts and trying to overcome fears. I hope to do more in 2026.

As we share in this first Insecure Writers Support Group of the year, have you set any goals? Are they specific or general? I still have to sit and think about my specific goals. "Do more" is very broad! But my writing goals are on-going: Finish my two WIPs!

Sending positive vibes your way. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to!

Family Time

Fresh from a late Thanksgiving and dashing straight into Christmas Season! It's time for the December IWSG session. And I am excited to be one of the Hosts this month! My Co-hosts are: 

Liza  http://middlepassages-lcs.blogspot.com/

Ronel Janse van Vuuren http://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/

Pat Garcia  http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/

Natalie Aguirre  http://www.literaryrambles.com/

And the (optional) Question for December is: As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received? The absolute best gift I've gotten is my convertible dolly - my husband got it for me to cart around my book event paraphernalia & books. It's been a lifesaver! 

Looking forward to reading y'alls posts!

My post is about family. I love the Family Time and am looking forward to more!

I had a terrific visit with my one and only sister and her fantastic kids (and families) plus our folks--so nice to get together and see them all. The great thing about families is we can be ourselves. We tease each other and joke around, but we know it's all meant in fun and our family loves us, faults and all. And that's all in addition to the yummy cooking! But it's also nice to go back home to our own familiar surroundings and the way we do things. 

Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season and sharing lots of HUGS!!

Oh, and while I was out of town, my lovely writer friend Tyrean Martinson posted a fun podcast featuring moi! I was so flattered she asked and so excited to share it! Here's the LINK.

Stay warm and cozy!

Merry Christmas from Florida

Thankful for Sweet Surprises

Little things matter.

Big things, life changes, astounding news, accidents. All bring immediate reactions, usually as big as the event. But little things, big or small, also matter. One or two little annoyances are no big deal. Unfortunately, annoying little things usually line up and pile onto each other making a huge mass that can turn my mood sour as sure as one big bad event. It's commonly called, "one of those days."

Luckily, good little surprises can have the opposite effect. And just one sweet little thing can turn my day from terrible to terrific just like that. Does that make me a moody person? Yes. I admit it. I struggle with it all the time. Sometimes I wonder if that part of my brain has emotional amnesia. Guess I just need to keep at it. I'm also glad I easily forget the little annoyances once I get past them--going out to dinner with friends or playing with my dogs helps me get out of any funk!

So after a long, stressful week, I have some big awesome news! My first Florida event was FANTASTIC! Much better than I anticipated. I even sold out of Pop Travel! That means I won't be giving up on writing just yet, haha. And I'm looking forward to finding a spring event to try.

And here are a couple of fun little surprises I found at my school...

yes, that's a pineapple -- I didn't know that's how they grew either!

sand hill cranes -- mates for life & not afraid of people

Hope your November is Cool & Sunny

and full of little sweet surprises!

Happy Fall from Florida