Hello, friends! I’m happy to be back with another catch-up post. Summer is always busy for me as the schedules are all askew. That’s a great word, isn’t it? Anyway, I’m happy you’ve joined me!
I never know exactly what I’m going to say when I sit down to write these posts. Don’t you just love those cacti blooms? At our home in Coleman, Texas, we had so many different varieties of cacti planted throughout the property. Their blooms are such a stark contrast to the treacherous stickers that protect the plant. I’ve gotten a bit too close many times, and it’s hard to get the stickers out once they embed themselves. Sometimes it takes days for them to work their way to the surface.
With school over for the summer, my schedule is helter-skelter. This past week I spent a lot of time with the granddaughters, and then my youngest grandson got to spend the night with me on Thursday. We played so many games, and I have to confess that he beat me at almost all of them, although I did let him win a time or two. 🙂 My oldest granddaughter is in a dance competition, so she is spending countless hours at the dance studio, leaving her younger sister to fend for herself. I love that they get involved in activities like this. It teaches them discipline and teamwork.
This coming week, I will be house and dog sitting while they take a week away for a mini-vacation. The last time I took care of the dogs, the male half-grown pup bruised my arms, so this time I’ll be more careful. He’s not to be trusted. 🙂
And life goes on.
On the writing front, I am SOO close to having a completed cover for A Bold Bargain! The manuscript has been through one round of edits and we are working on the second round. Editing is such a tedious process. I am not a fan. I’d rather be creating. But without editing, the work would not be polished or print-ready. So, it’s a necessary evil. This book will publish 8-11-25. Why wait so long? I will be gone most of the month of July and I don’t want to release a book, then immediately be out of pocket. Here’s a ‘hint’ at the cover! It still needs some work, but it’s getting there.
I will be posting my May book reviews soon. I don’t have nearly as many as I did last month. 🙂 In fact, Goodreads tells me I am two books behind schedule to meet my yearly challenge. I don’t pay a lot of attention to that. I read what I want when I want. But I do have some great books to share later this week!
The A/C has stopped working in my car. So, it’s going to be a juggling act to come up with the funds to fix it. But it gets really hot in Texas, so I don’t see any option except to figure it out. My car is a 2015 Honda CRV, but it’s been great and still has a lot of life left in it. Things happen and we figure out how to fix them. It’s part of the dance. I try not to let any of the minor obstacles steal my peace. None of it is worth it. I am not a worrier. I look for solutions instead of fretting over the problem.
Someone asked me the other day, if I still practice daily meditation. The answer is definitely ‘yes’ but things have shifted somewhat. Instead of sitting for thirty minutes or an hour in a typical meditation or prayer position (although I do that also), it’s become more of a constant state of existence. My goal each day is to live in mindfulness, be grateful for all the wonderful blessings, and don’t stress over things that are temporary. Everything always works out one way or another. I love beginning and ending my day in gratitude. There is so much turmoil, pain and suffering in the world, so it’s not hard to find things to thankful for. Have you found something that works for you? Let’s all share. We learn from each other and can find inspiration in each other.
I love this bit of wisdom from Charlie Brown.
The Tarot card for this week has a great message!
The Queen of Cups is a nurturing feminine energy. She is also a fierce protector. She can represent a person or it can symbolize the energetic presence of intense emotions in your life. It’s also a great reminder to nurture ourselves. Self-love is often the hardest thing for any of us to give. As is indicated by the flowing water, this card also reminds us to pay attention to our intuition. It’s possible that emotions will be running high this week. Don’t let them sweep you away or deter you from your goals. Keep everything in balance. Steady as she goes!
That’s it from me for today. Even though I’ll be away from home for the week, I’ll have my laptop with me, so I can stay caught up.
I wish each of you a productive week ahead!
Hi Jan, I am a person who stresses about the failures I see happening around me. The decline of my country due to corruption, greed, and mismanagement has been heading towards economic collapse for at least 15 years. I don’t like instability, but I am learning to accept it to find mental peace. I am also practicing mindfulness and learning the Buddhist philosophy for life. I also have a lot of uncertainty with the health of most of my family. May we both proceed in peace.
Beautiful cactus and Askew is a great word, I agree! Sorry about your car AC. Mine stopped working in my 2012 Subaru last summer, but all it needed was to be charged. Whew! I hope it’s a simple fix for your car, too. I love your covers, colors, and subjects on it. It really draws me. I agree with your quote. When I go down worry street, which is more often than I like, I refocus my mind in a meditative fashion.
You have been busy, Jan, and I’m excited for your book. The cover looks great! I agree with you about editing, but like you said, it’s a necessary evil. Sorry about the ac in your Honda, but I know you’ll figure it out. Our Honda Pilot is 19 years old. 🙂 It’s been such a great vehicle, perfect for my husband who needs more storage room for camping and motorcycling; it’s like a min suburban. But next year, we may replace it. We shall see. We also had a 2005 Honda CRV for 15 years before replacing it. So Cheers to Honda! On a side note, I love how you’re not a worrier. I wish I could say the same, but every time it starts, I focus on staying calm and moving forward. I love the Charlie Brown quote. Great post, and I wish you all the best with everything! 💞
Steady as she goes sounds like a great plan.
So happy to hear about your next book coming! Way to go! And so happy that you care about that editing step. It’s truly what takes a good book to greatness, in my humble opinion. Hope I can start this series soon. Finally hitting my TBR after about 10 years of letting it grow without making much of a dent.
Hi, Kristine!! Thank you for stopping by! I would be thrilled for you to read the Bargainer series! I totally agree about editing. Such a necessary step. Then it’s off to beta-readers. If you pick up any of the books I hope you enjoy them!
Reading about your activities with your grandchildren made me smile. I cannot wait for spending time with mine… when even the first one is only on the way… lol
Wow, the Queen of Cups hit me. Yes, I truly am a bit over-emotional since yesterday. I don’t why that happens, but, however, the card spoke to me.
Have a great week, Jan 💖
There is a lot of shifting going on in the universe, Erika, and that would account for the emotion. I know you will love indulging your grandchild! Thanks so much for stopping by!
The pleasure is mind, thank you for the inspiration you are spreading 💖
Congratulations on getting started with editing and almost having completed the cover for A Bold Bargain. It is great you get to spend time with your granddaughters and your youngest grandson. It is very nice to dog sit for them. That certainly helps a lot when you are going on vacation.
Thanks so much, Thomas. I wish I had your dog expertise when it comes to handling Ace. 😁
A/C is a must here in Texas. I hope the repairs are kind. Your kids are fortunate to have you watch their house and pets. I’m sure this means a lot to them. I remember when raising kids, how nice it was to get away for a little while. The cover peek is looking great.
Thanks so much, John. The kids’ house is like a resort so once I get all the chores done I plan to soak up some sun by the pool. 😀 I agree about the A/C. Definitely have to get it fixed.
I love the quote, Jan. Living in the moment is more inspiring than worrying, which doesn’t help in any way. Yes, editing woes are quite frustrating but that’s a part of life. Wishing you all the best on all the fronts. Take care with that aggressive dog!
I am so glad you enjoyed the quote, Balroop. You are so right about worry. Thank you so much for visiting!
It sounds like you have a wonderful summer planned, Jan. You are so blessed to have your grandkids near. I love your approach to life. I tend to be a worrier and need to learn to let things go that I can’t control. I should definitely get into a routine of meditation. Take care and have a lovely week!
Thanks for stopping by, Joy. I don’t like living here in this huge city but I do it so I can be close to all the grandkids. It’s a trade-off. I think often we do meditation and don’t realize that’s what we are doing. A walk in nature, sitting in prayer, creating some form art are all forms of disconnecting. I appreciate your comment!
I’m not sure why, but living in the moment and putting aside worries is harder than it should be for me, especially during sleep time. But I appreciate your reminder that this is a great goal to strive for, and how important self-care is. The A/C stopped working in our Toyota Matrix (2013) the other day. Turns out that there was a hole in the condenser, I think they said. It was fixed the same day, although not cheap.
Thank you for visiting, Debra. Putting aside worries is not always easy. But it’s so freeing when we can accomplish it. Good to hear they fixed your A/C the same day. And heck, nothing is cheap these days. Have a good week!
I love what I can see of that cover. I’m not sure what needs fixin’!
The Honda Civic is definitely worth repairing. Mine is a 1997 version. I gave it to my daughter 10 years ago when I moved to Spain and she is still driving it! I am a bit of a worrier but I’m getting better. It is such a waste of time at the end of the day. Have a super week doggie sitting. xo
I agree with you, Darlene. The car is definitely worth fixing and I will do it for sure. Sometimes it’s hard not to worry but it never solves any problem. My mom taught me that. Thanks so much for stopping by!!!
Good for your mom. ❤️ My mom, bless her as she had so many good qualities, taught me to worry. And I may have passed it on to me daughter. We are a family of female worriers. Yup, my grandmother was a worrier too. A hard chain to break.
Great life philosophy, Jan. Take care of business looking for solutions instead of wasting time worrying. I’m still working on it. Though I don’t meditate, I do practice gratitude each day—so many blessings to be thankful about.
You say you don’t meditate, Pete, but prayer is also a form of meditation as is practicing gratitude. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and adding to the conversation!
Oh dear, Sister. That car A/C is a problem and I hope you find the answer to fixing it soon. You’ll have a very quiet week with everyone gone. Won’t it be nice? I am really loving the cover of A Bold Bargain! Jack is such an awesome character. I love how he’s maturing and figuring out his place in life. 🙂 And I love the card you drew for this week. It’ll be helpful to me I hope as I write the ending for this book. Love you, Sister.
Yay! I know getting to the end of a book is such a good feeling. You can do it this week, I’m sure!! And it’s a great story. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a great week ahead!
I love hearing your news, Jan! Good luck with the house and pup sitting. Wishing you lots of luck with your latest book.
Thank you SO much, Lizzie! I’m happy you stopped by!
Charlie Brown has some good advice, Jan. I hope the dog part of the combined sitting goes well, and I hope you get the A/C repaired. I’ve only been to Texas a few times, but always in summer, and I can’t imagine it without A/C. The cover is looking good. Good luck with the rest of that projects
Thank you, Dan. I loved Charlie Brown’s advice. I will get the A/C fixed. If not this week, then next. Glad you like the cover.
I couldn’t live without my A/C, Jan, and hope yours gets repaired soon – at minimal cost if possible! Really looking forward to A Bold Bargain. The Peanuts quote is perfect.
Yep. I’m with you on the A/C issue. If I don’t get it fixed this week, then next. I loved the Charlie Brown quote. 🙂
That Charlie Brown quote is so right!
Thank you, Esther. It really spoke to me. I’m happy you stopped by!
Yeah, having a/c in your car in TX is pretty darn necessary. I hope it’s an inexpensive fix. I’m excited to read A Bold Bargain in August!
I agree, Priscilla. I will definitely get it fixed, if not this week, then next. It’s going to cost, but doesn’t everything these days? I’m thrilled to release A Bold Bargain in August!! Thank you SO much!
Great post, Jan! My house a/c broke on Saturday. It’s a 20-year old unit, so I thought it was a goner for sure. Luckily, my mechanic was able to replace the motor, so my house was back to cool by Sunday afternoon. Like you, our Florida summers are not doable without a/c. I hope it isn’t too costly to fix your car’s a/c. I had a 2016 Honda CRV before I gave it to my son and bought me a Hyundai. Honda’s are excellent cars and will last forever as long as you take care of it. My dad’s 2006 Honda Ridgeline is still in great shape. Great tarot card! This is the last week of school for us, and I’m still in the middle of renovating my home, so the reminder to keep emotions in balance is much appreciated.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you for your comment, Yvette. How awesome the a/c in your home was fixable. My daughter just had to replace hers to the tune of $8,000. I agree about Hondas. They are built to last. My goal is to give this car to my grandson when I can get a new one. So glad the card resonated with you. Yes, you have been juggling a lot. Enjoy summer break!!
My dad’s goal was to give his truck to my son, but my son said it was just too big for him. Lol! So, he ended up giving it to my sister instead.