Happy Monday, friends. It’s Valentine’s week and for me always a little bittersweet. But that’s okay. It is what it is. If you have a sweetheart, celebrate!
After several mid-seventy to eighty degree days, it’s now turned off cold and rainy. Those warm days were teasing us. Spring isn’t here yet.
I accomplished a dreaded task this past week—one I always hate doing. I got my income tax completed and filed. It’s always such a chore. The good news is that I am getting a small refund. I’ll take it!
My oldest granddaughter went straight from being in the Cinderella play last weekend to a UIL One-Act Play in her actual theater class. The teacher chose to do a play about the Radium Girls. You may remember this from history OR from reading Robbie Cheadle’s, “And The Grave Awaits.” I got to watch a preview of the play and it made me cry. The kids did a great job AND they placed third in the UIL competition, which is really good considering the number of schools participating. Here’s a picture of Sydney. She’s in the yellow dress and played the part of Pearl Payne.
The other thing that stands out from the week is a rare night out with my daughter and good friend, Charla. We went to hear one of my all-time favorite country music artists, Jamie Richards. He never disappoints. His wife, Stephanie, had requested a copy of “Flowers and Stone,” so I took it to her. I should have gotten a picture, but I’m horrible about that. Below is a photo of Jamie on stage and the second is a photo of my daughter (on the far left), Charla (middle) and me. It was wonderful to see so many people I know, plus it’s food for the soul to get to hear live music. On a side note, Jamie Richards helped me put Rick’s lyrics to music on “Forty Foot High.” It was a song Rick wrote, but never recorded and never set to music. Jamie did a great job. I’ll post the link below, if you are interested.
As far as my writing goes, I am doing the Texas Two-Step. Two steps forward and one back, but it’s all part of the process. Or, at least, that’s what I tell myself. Authors who outline say they never have this issue. I’ve tried and always have a general outline in mind, but I’ve never sat down and plotted out each scene. It simply doesn’t work for me. Therefore, I do the two-step. 🙂
I’ve started John Howell’s newest book “Detour on The Eternal Road” and loving it so far! And speaking of John, he’s my guest tomorrow, so please stop back by and help support him.
The Tarot Card for this week is the Knight of Cups.
Almost all of the knights in the tarot deck represent a quest of some sort. With cups being emotions, this card indicates a quest for emotional fulfillment. Check out the wings on his helmet and feet. Those are indicative of speed or a swiftness of motion. This card also represents creativity, romance, charm, imagination, and beauty. Sounds like some wonderful things to focus on in the week ahead. And isn’t it interesting that the word romance is used in connection to this card since it’s Valentine’s week?
I am hoping my sister won’t mind me stealing a quote from her newest WIP to share with you today for our inspiration. This is so profoundly true!
That’s it from me for now. I wish you a wonderful week ahead. We have a birthday to celebrate this week, so that’s always fun.
Hi Jan, a lovely update post. A play about the RAdium Girls sounds quite somber. Thank you for the shout out about my story. It is appreciated. You had a lovely evening out with your daughter and friend. Very nice for you all.
You are most welcome, Robbie. Your story about the Radium Girls really affected me and still lingers. The kids did a great job with the play. And yes, we had a great evening out listening to music. Thank you for stopping by!
My pleasure, Jan. It is a very sad story. It effected me to which is why I have written 2/3 of a novel about it. I haven’t finished for all the reasons we’ve discussed.
It’s wonderful that you got to see your granddaughter perform, Jan, and great that your husband wrote music being performed.
Thanks, Tim. It is such a pleasure to watch Sydney on stage. She just loves it. Yes, my late husband was a lifetime singer/songwriter but the song, “Forty Foot High” had never been recorded or even put to music, so it was super special that Jamie agreed to do it.
💖🙏
How exciting to be able to watch your granddaughter perform, Jan! Congrats on placing too 🙂 One of my favorite grandparent parts is to watch them in shows and performances, also as a parent too, but much more relaxaed as grandparent. I have tried to outline many times, but always ended up changing the story and then would have to rework the outline too. Became more work than helpful, although I do take notes so I know where I’m going and with who. Love the card for the week and your sister’s quote. xo
It is so different participating with the grandchildren than it was with my girls. Maybe it has something to do with the responsibility being shifted. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and adding your thoughts. So glad you enjoyed the post.
How wonderful that your granddaughter is in a play about The Radium Girls. She is so talented but comes by that naturally. Like you, I don’t do much plotting so it takes me longer to write a book. This current one, in Ireland, is moving at a snail’s pace. I guess it will get done, when it gets done. xo
I so relate to the snail’s pace, Darlene. I feel like my story is barely moving but I stay after it. Thank you so much for the kind words. 💕
A terrific update on your world, Jan. Thanks for the mention and am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Always fun getting together with friends. Also it must be a thrill to see your granddaughter perform.
It is so much fun to watch Sydney perform. She puts her heart and soul into it. Looking forward to your visit tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by.
She must love it then.
Other than a bit of understandable Valentine’s wistfulness, Jan, it sounds like you had a good week with family and friends. How sweet that Jamie helped you put Rick’s lyrics to music. I enjoyed listening. Keep going on the book and I hope your week is full of successful questing. Great quote from your sister’s book. Hugs.
Thank you for your comment, Diana. It was a good week. You know, life just is what it is and it is up to us to make the best of the hand we’re dealt. I appreciate you stopping by and for the encouragement. Hugs!
And good for you for getting your taxes done! I did mine yesterday during the Superbowl.
Yay! It’s good to get it over and done!
I really love that quote! It makes so much sense!
I thought so, too, Kymber. Thank you so much for stopping by!
I always enjoy learning how a writer’s thought process works regarding their writing. I think the two-step is what makes the creative process fun. It’s like solving a riddle. I imagine seeing your grandaughter perform and doing what she loves must be magical.
That it was, Pete. I love watching her do what she is passionate about. It is always interesting to see how writers work and their methods. I think we are always learning from each other. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jan, I’m glad you liked that line from the book. It is very true. We can shape our futures the way we want with enough work. Hurrah for Sydney! That girl is so talented. I wish I had been there and also for your girl’s night out. It’s always more fun as a group. Jamie is truly an amazing artist. His voice really grabs me. It kind of has a little crack in it like Merle Haggard’s. Live life large, Sister. Much love.
Thank you for dropping by, sister. That line was so very true and I just had to share it. I agree about Sydney’s talent and she also has the passion to go with it. I really did enjoy getting to see Jamie. He is not only a super nice human, but a great singer and songwriter as well.
If I ever want a good laugh, Jan, I look back at the outline I had when I started writing. Somewhere along the line, my characters say, “No, that’s now how it happened.” The concert looked like a fun time for everyone. I’m glad you get to do things like that with your grandchildren. Enjoy John’s visit. I have my copy, and it is a wonderful book.
Your comment made me smile, Dan. The best laid plans of mice and men, right? I know outlining works for a lot of folks, it just doesn’t suit my personality or method of writing. Thanks so much for dropping by!
I had a lot to say about this post, and then I pushed ‘play’ on your husband’s song. What a voice, what a whine, it is perfect…
The voice on that track was not Rick, it was Jamie Richards. Rick wrote the lyrics but never recorded it and I never heard him sing it. Jamie put the music to it and recorded it. Glad you liked it!
I don’t even have a solid idea for my sixth book, Jan, so I get your frustration. Congrats to your granddaughter – sounds like you’ve got a talented thespian in the family! And yay for fun nights out with family and friends.
Thanks for dropping by, Teri. I appreciate your comment!
I suspect even hardcore outliners do two steps forward and one step back because characters get bossy and want to go left when you’ve planned for them to go right!
You are so right, Priscilla. Our characters can become annoyingly insistent at times, can’t they? 🙂 Thank you so much for visiting. Hope you have a fabulous week!
Great tarot reading, and I love the quote from your sister’s WIP ☺️
I did too, Jeanne. It really hit me as profound truth. Glad you enjoyed the tarot card. Thanks for visiting! Have a great week ahead!
Great tarot card for this week! I’m happy you had a lovely weekend, Jan!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you for stopping by, Yvette. So glad you enjoyed the tarot card.