The header pic today is my actual view from the home office in Gretna, Nebraska. It’s been snowing all night, and snow all day expected. How wonderful! Yes, I don’t have to go out in it, but for many years, I did. Before that were the glorious times at home with the kids when we could go play in the snow multiple times throughout the day. Each time we came in, the boots, hats, gloves, scarves all were in front of the vent, in hope they would dry before the next excursion occurred. It was fun, time I wouldn’t trade for anything. I miss snippets of those times.
I read a good article today about “goals vs. resolutions.” Usually, resolutions have to do with habits we’re not serious about changing. Losing weight. Drinking less. Spending more time away from technology. It’s why gyms look entirely different on January 2 vs. March 31. Human nature assumes or misses a YouTube sensation, or doesn’t care bars sell N/A beer, or doesn’t think they can lose any weight, anyway. We like nothing we consider “painful” or penance. We don’t.
I’m forming Goals this year again. I’ve touched on them the last couple days. Of course, the world changed in March and will never be the same. That’s a wonderful thing. We can rethink so much. What’s important. How we should treat people. How to conquer a fear. Or live a dream. We’re lucky! Never forget that! Yes, some days it’s a bitter pill, hard to swallow. Others, things fall into place. That tells you you’re on the right track. Hard work requires our heart to be in it all along. Remember that. If your heart is behaving contrarily, take a break. Pick up where you left off. You’ll get there.
I’m looking back at projects that went back-burner last year. I will put them back toward the front burner after a month. It’ll be re-adjusting and visiting them with fresh eyes. They have promise, and once I test market my first children’s book, others will follow. It seems there is a recurring theme in everything I’m writing. Helping people. I suppose you can’t stray from your basic make-up, and what you feel is your purpose in life. It would be ridiculous if I thought I could write vampire stories, or zombie books effectively. Or would it?
The thing I hope people take away from a book on grief, whether for kids or adults, is it IS a positive topic. It’s there to help a person learn. It’s helping you learn what it took forever for a lot of us to learn. The better equipped we all are for this thing called life helps us all along the way. I fervently wish I had been better prepared for grief when my father died. I retreated, which was unhealthy.
I have several books to read over the next months. Some are references for writing, some are books for fun, some are books for learning. A good mix, I keep on my side table in the living room. It’s better than checking Facebook and playing Solitaire constantly.
I’ve got some emails to write today, hoping if you are snow-bound like we are or enjoying the warm sun, you are making it a great day. Grateful. Blessed. Safe. Thanking God!
Kathy Raabe 