Woah, it's Feb!

Sorry for the late post, February snuck up on me. Like the cold snaps that keep sneaking further south than they should. Hope everyone is staying warm!

Going to share some fun pics from Xmas break for IWSG this month. I meant to put out a newsletter with pics, but time has been running away from me. So here are some highlights from our quick trip to Disney. Long story, short--my sister and her friend planned a trip so my son, his gf, and I joined them for a couple of days. So great to see my sis when I can!

Spotted the Mandalorian & Grogu!

Here we are at Guardians of the Galaxy ride
It is a rollercoaster, contrary to what people told me

I loved walking through Star Wars - so cool!

Now that things are back to normal, I joined a book club. I'm not big on those, but my friends are more about the excuse to get together and have a good time. Not sure how much we will discuss the book, which is fine with me because it was not great... We authors tend to be harsher on other writers, especially not so great ones who are published when I know so many better writers out there who should be! I will report back next time after I here the consensus before I tell you which book.

I also have a pretty packed Feb. Visitors just left, I'm going to see my son's opening weekend of baseball games (hope it warms up!), I was summoned for jury duty, and I hope to attend my first school tech competition with some of my kiddos. Moving right along! Needless to say, writing is buckled firmly in the backseat... but not forgotten!

I will leave you with this hilarious moment of a blue heron (?) at a drive-thru... 

It's not a great pic, but I had to capture the moment before it went away -- apparently, he hangs out there all day!

May your February be filled with lovely moments!

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