If we were having coffee today, August 30th, I’d invite you to sit out on the patio with me. It’s a glorious late-summer day and I’ve spent the morning reading and writing. Come grab your cup and a piece of cornbread and let’s chat.

How are you? This new world we live in has been a lot to take. I’ve spent most of my time reading. I’ve finished 46 books since the pandemic and subsequent lockdown started. Writing? Not so much. I’m hoping that is beginning to change, but to be honest I’ve been a little blue and feel like I have nothing to say. My husband recently returned to work but I’m still on furlough. In the first few days that I was alone in the house, the silence was deafening. The cats and dog and I had some awesome conversations and I think I slept as much as they did. I’m starting to come to the other side though. I’ve started a short-story and even spent time cooking in our tiny kitchen. Maybe it’s the change of seasons, but I feel a shift. Better days are ahead.

Some bright spots in this bizarre summer have been the opportunities to see family. We all got together for my dad’s birthday at the beginning of the month. I took lots of pictures and made a little video to commemorate the day. I set it to “Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver. That’s a song my dad used to sing, especially when he was rocking grandbabies to sleep. Do you have particular songs that hold special memories for you? I’m listening to music as I write this. Is there anything better than that to soothe a soul? 

My husband and I have been able to spend a lot more time with the grandchildren lately. That has been a blessing. Our eldest granddaughter is off to college and I’m so proud of her. The little ones are growing fast. I had the chance to meet some of my husband’s relatives a few weeks ago. They live in other states and in the ten years Mark and I have been together, I’ve heard so much about them. It was so nice to meet them in person. What warm, welcoming people they are. 

I am excited about a new project. I’ve been invited to be interviewed for a poetry website. I hope to finish the questions today or tomorrow and will post the details when the interview is published. It was just the kickstart I needed. I’ve been creating some new work and should be back to a regular schedule on my blog starting this week. What are you working on these days?

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Until next time…