Hello, everyone! Boy, do I have a lot to meander about today. Are you shocked?
Here in the south, fruit trees are starting to bud out. I think winter is over. We may have another cold spell but no more winter. Spring is a time of renewal and that is fitting for my newly designed website. While we are still working out some of the bugs, it’s pretty much done. I couldn’t be happier!
Honestly, I’m not even going to try and catch up on all the weeks I’ve been absent. It would be too much. February evaporated. It was like I blinked and suddenly it’s March.
I don’t often get to share things about my two younger grandsons, but a couple of weeks ago, I got to hear the youngest play a clarinet solo in front of a judge. He is so smart and an over-achiever, so the band teacher gave him a complicated piece to play. He aced it and I’m so proud of him. This is him looking up at his brother. Is that admiration? Perhaps. They are both wonderful humans.
Friday night we celebrated my oldest daughter’s 50th and boy was it a celebration. There were 41 people and it was a crowded bar venue with live music. It’s not my preferred kind of music, but I was entertained. The band was a Pearl Jam tribute group and they were really good. Really loud, but did an excellent job.
My oldest grandson is home from college for Spring Break, but he had a heck of a time getting here due to the stormy weather and flight issues. He rode the train from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Chicago, then boarded a flight there. Why? Because he can fly from Chicago for more than 50% less than from Grand Rapids. But things got delayed, planes diverted and he wound up spending the night in the airport in Oklahoma City. He made it into Dallas early Sunday morning, tired, but safe.
Dance competition season is still in full swing, and my granddaughter and her team have won some of the highest awards possible, which includes a scholarship to attend a dance academy in New York in July. 🙂 Who knows? Maybe I’ll get to tag along for that one.
I have finished the edits on Fringes, Heartstrings and Lyrics and will have it up for preorder this week! And, of course, I’ll share the link! I will be reaching out for help with launching this book soon.
Everything had to be put on hold while we worked on the website, but I’m back at it.
One thing I do want to share that occurred while I was out of cyber commission. Robbie Cheadle shared an interview AND book review on her blog and I hated that I couldn’t share that here, so in case you missed it, I’m sharing it now. Robbie is not only a talented author, but award-winning photographer, cake artist and wildlife advocate! I am in awe of all that she does. I am so grateful for her support! Here is the blog post, I’d love it if you’d visit: AUTHOR INTERVIEWS – MEET JAN SIKES
On a more somber note, my step-son, Palmer, is in serious condition with multiple health issues. It started with a simple stress test and the discovery of blocked arteries in the heart. It has since escalated into multiple problems and he has been transferred to a hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is Rick’s next to the youngest son and out of all of the kids, he is the one who really made an effort to get to know his dad after he returned home. Please keep Palmer in your thoughts and prayers.
Yesterday was the second writing workshop and I enjoyed it SO much. It’s pretty amazing to realize just how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve come on this journey. Feels like it’s been at warp speed, but slowing down a little at this point. I love sharing my knowledge and hard-earned wisdom with new writers. I hope they leave each workshop inspired.
This quote seems fitting for the times. Gotta keep suiting up and showing up!
The Tarot card that popped out today hits home with me, especially regarding the writing workshop.
The Three of Pentacles is all about sharing knowledge, ideas and perhaps wisdom. What is gained by learning things in life if we don’t share them with others? This card represents collaboration, teamwork and skill in action. It suggests that success comes from combining talents, listening to feedback, and working together toward a common vision. Wow! Isn’t that what we all do within our author communities, whether in person or online? I love this so much!
That’s all from me for today. I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for your patience and sticking with me throughout the re-construction!
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Hi Jan, I always enjoy reading about your family and their achievements and celebrations. I’m sorry to hear about Palmer’s health issues. Life is full of the unexpected, sadly. Thanks for sharing the post here and for being a great guest.
You are so right, Robbie. Life is full of challenges. I am so grateful for hosting the interview and posting your review. I deeply appreciate it. Thank you for stopping by.
My pleasure, Jan.
Hey Jan, the website is lovely and so clean looking! You’ve inspired me to clean up my wordpress page. At the bottom of your page, I pressed the “Like this:” butto,n but it didn’t connect. Is this the usual Like button or something else?
Thank you, Paula. Happy to inspire. 🙂 Sometimes on WordPress sites, I have to refresh the page to get the Like button to work but don’t know why. I appreciate you visiting.
Prayers for Palmer. 💖🙏
Thank you, Tim.
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What a wonderful Monday, Jan! Celebrating your daughter’s 50th birthday is a blessing. We did that, last year. Having the grandson back from college is another blessing. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Tim. I appreciate your support.
My pleasure, Jan. 😍
Will be praying for Palmer. You site looks great, Jan
Thank you SO much, John.
I’m not getting your replies in my notifications. That is a change. I notice that when I log in to leave a comment, it uses Gravatar rather than WP. I’m going to go to Safari and see if the same thing happens.
Here I am on Safari. It used the Gravatar sign in so it won’t show up on my notifications
How strange. I don’t think anyone else has had this problem. I hope it’s an isolated incident.
Your new site looks beautiful. I agree, totally spring-like! Your daughter looks aweseome at 50! Big compliment! And the card hits the nail on the head. Of course, it does it worldwide but also in my little life, I need and have a lot of collaborations going. Have a great week, Jan!
Thank you for visiting, Erika. I’m so glad you like the site and this post. That card really spoke to me. I love collaborations!
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Your grandchildren certainly keep you busy. They are all doing so well, you must be proud. My daughter turned 50 last year. That is tough to believe we have daughters at that age!! Your new book looks amazing. Best of luck.
Thank you so much, Darlene. It’s sobering to have a fifty-year-old daughter, isn’t it? Still, I feel so blessed and I know you do, too. I love your smiles that show up in every photo! I appreciate you stopping by and glad the new book intrigues you.
Someone could write a book about their airport nightmare traveling experiences. Your new book sounds very different from your usual style. It must be a kick to try something a bit different.
That is so true, Pete. There could be a book in those experiences, or at least a short story. I love trying new things in writing. It really gets me excited and this collection of short stories is all over the map as far as genres. I’m excited to release it!
Your cover is soooo beautiful, Jan! Can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you so much, Kymber! I am getting excited to release it!
Websites are all consuming. No surprise February evaporated. Your daughter couldn’t be 50!! Yikes. Mine just hit 40. Ah we are aging.
I agree, Jacqui. Websites can be all-consuming. This one isn’t totally complete, but I can continue to tweak it here and there as I have time. My focus now is fully on releasing the new book. I know what you mean about aging. I don’t feel any different in my mind, but my body tells another story. Still, so grateful to be here!
Thank you so much for the story. Children grow up so fast.
They certainly do, Emma. Thank you for stopping by today!
I just read about long lines at the airport this morning, Jan. Glad your grandson finally made it home. Looking forward to your new release – beautiful cover!
Thank you so much, Teri. Yes, we were a little worried about him having to spend the night in the airport, but he’s a super friendly guy and made friends with the TSA people. 🙂 He was fine.
Busy, busy, but lots of good stuff and it looks like you’re in good shape to move forwards. Sorry about the travel mess. Spring break travel nightmares are their own special rite of passage. I’m glad he’s home safe.
That is so true, Dan. Rite of passage is a good way to describe it. But he’s all happy that he got a $1300 voucher to use on future flights. For a college student, that’s huge. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by today!
A very busy time on all fronts Jan and great to hear the new book is nearly ready… once it is on pre-order I will do a spotlight as soon as I can… look forward to reading. ♥♥
Sally, you are such a jewel! Yes. As soon as I have the pre-order link, I will send it to you. I appreciate you SO much!