Hello, friends. Here in the U.S. we are heading into a holiday weekend AND for all my grandkids, it’s the last week of school. There will be no Monday post next week as I will be in Lubbock visiting with my sister, Linda Broday!
It’s been another busy week around here.
Yesterday was Linda’s birthday. From now until August, she is four years older, then after my birthday we’re three years apart. I can’t imagine doing life without her. This photo of us says it all. She’s held my hand many times. I’m thankful to have her for my sister.
Friday night, I went with my daughter and a couple of friends to hear some live music. I had not heard of Blacktop Mojo, but I really enjoyed them as well as the opener band. They play quintessential rock.
I am so pleased with the reception everyone has given Fringes, Heartstrings, and Lyrics!
P.J. Gudka posted a review that brought me to tears. She is a new acquaintance, a wonderful poet and has a debut novel. Perfect, which I’ve read and reviewed. If you haven’t met her, head on over and take a look.
I’m happy to say all these reviews and mentions of Sydney’s poetry and her talent has her thinking about a YA romance she wants to write. 🙂 You never know. She may be the next family author.
She received an award through her Audio Video Productions Class last week. She worked on a film, Shattered, which is about the dangers of drinking and driving. I haven’t seen the video, but she loved working on it. Here she is with her award.
All the kiddos are SO ready for school to be over. I think the teachers are in agreement with that.
Remember how I have talked about getting a character name AND interview while in the shower? Well, I found this interesting article that explains it, if you are curious.
WHY DO YOU GET YOUR BEST IDEAS IN THE SHOWER?
On the writing front, I think maybe I have the first three chapters of my new Christmas novella straightened out. I added some new words this past week, finally!! Writing is such a give and take journey, especially when a character suddenly reveals something you hadn’t planned for.
With my new car I got a few months of Sirius XM radio for free, and love listening to the Chris Stapleton channel. It plays such a wide variety of music from classic country to R&B and rock. It’s my favorite! Anyway, in the song, “Starting Over” this line really stood out to me and made me think. Fear can be crippling. Self-doubt can take away all our initiative. When we can find ways to move past it, things open up in such a beautiful way. I had to share…
The tarot card for this week is one I love to see show up!
The message in this card is clear. We have more strength and courage than we realize. Sometimes it takes a hard situation in life for it to come out, but I firmly believe that whatever comes, we have what it takes to get through it. This card is encouraging and uplifting, and isn’t she beautiful? The lion, too!
Thank you for visiting. I’ll catch up when I return from my trip. Have a great week ahead, and if you’re in the U.S., a safe Memorial Day weekend!
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I hope you have a splendid time with Linda, Jan. Congratulations to Sydney on her achievements. I’m glad you got your story line resolved. I finished my new book and sent it off to the publisher on Sunday just before I started the new job.
Oh how wonderful, Robbie! Can’t wait to see your new book! Thank you for stopping by and for the good wishes!
Sounds like a great week. Have a great holiday visit.
Thank you, Craig!
It’s so nice that you acknowledge your sister’s birthday, Jan, great that you attended such good concert with family. Congratulations for that great review on your fabulous book by Pooja Gudka!
Thanks so much, Tim. I am glad you enjoyed today’s post.
My pleasure, Jan. 😍
Loved today’s read, Jan, It’s so good to see the young ones growing into the role planned for their lives. Whenever I hear a young American child being interviewed about whatever, they always seem so full of confidence and self belief. Have a lovely
celebration break. We too have a bank holiday this coming weekend, across the pond.
Thank you for visiting, Joy. I’m glad you enjoyed today’s post. I hadn’t given any thought to young American children’s dream being any different than the children in the UK. Enjoy your bank holiday!
Happy Birthday to you big sis, Jan. What a busy week this must have been. I am always surprised how early the school year ends in the US. Over here the school holidays start on the first Monday in July and last 6 weeks. I am happy for you that you have gotten such wonderful feedbacks and reviews on your book, Jan!
Thanks for the tarot card. In this I see similarities to my post too which is about determination. The card is truly beautiful and spreads a sense of clarity, and determination. I also believe that we only get what we are able to handle, even though it can take us to our limits.
Have a fantastic week, Jan!
Thank you for visiting, Erika. I haven’t made it to your blog yet, but I’m on the way. 🙂 I love out the messages keep overlapping. It is the Universe at work. Wow! The kiddos here would hate having to go to school another full month. It might cause a revolution.
LOL, I bet 😂once you are used to such long school holidays, I would not want to limit it either.
Sounds like a great week. All the best for this one, Jan.
Thanks so much, John!
I had a fabulous birthday, Sister. Ten of our family came to celebrate with me in that little French restaurant. I can’t wait for you and Irvin to get here. Can’t wait to hug you and talk and talk until we’re hoarse. Loved this new review of Fringes! Wow, she hit the nail on the head and encapsulated your short stories and poems in an excellent way! Loved the picture of Sydney. She is a very special girl and I hope she becomes an author in her own right because she has such a unique way of looking at the world. And let me just say Chris Stapleton is one of my favorite singers. Great quote and Strength card!
I’m so glad you had a wonderful birthday! I can’t wait to visit, too. It’s been too long. I agree about Pooja’s review. It really touched me. Sydney is such a creative soul. She has trouble functioning in the real world, but does great when it’s make-believe. 🙂 I 100% agree about Chris Stapleton. He could sing the phone book and it would be amazing. Glad you enjoyed the quote and card! Love you!! See you soon!
So the shower creativity is an alpha brain thing! I like the sound of the alpha brain state. Have fun on your visit with Linda!
I found that most interesting, Liz. Now I know why I get ideas in the shower. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for the fun wish!
You’re welcome, Jan!
Thank you for the mention, I was happy to share the review! And Sydney is so talented, I’m sure she could write an amazing novel if she decided to. Her poetry was really good.
My pleasure, Pooja! Thanks for visiting and for the encouragment for Sydney.
You’re most welcome!
What a wonderful post, full of news. I wish Sydney all the best with her writing. Have a lovely time with Linda ❤️
Thanks so much, Esther. I’m glad you stopped by and thanks for the good wishes!
What a full life you lead. Totally agree about the wonder of sisters.
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui. I am so thankful for Linda.
Congrats to Sydney! Good luck to her if she decides to write that novel.
I love that Chris Stapleton quote. We have to give ourselves permission to fail spectacularly, or we’ll never strive for grand things.
Thank you, Priscilla. I will definitely encourage Sydney to write the novel. We’ll see if she has enough persistence to stick with it. You are so right about giving ourselves permission to fail. It is in failings, we gain the insight and strength to strive for bigger things.