Monday, September 11, 2006

For what it is worth.....

Had lunch today with the fabulous Jodi Thomas. For those of you who don't know, Jodi has been my long time mentor. Whenever I'm in a tough spot writing wise, or just need that little lift, Jodi's there. You can't buy that.

So today I was struggling with choices. Which things are important. Sounds familiar, does it not?? But she had the same sage advice. Go with your gut. And my gut says that my work is the most important thing. As easy as it is to push aside your own dreams in order to make a buck, it is also just that easy to reconnect and say, "Wait a minute, that's not what I signed on for." Everything falls into perspective. My original dream started more than 20 years ago...yes 20. And I still won't give it up. If anything I'm more dedicated than ever. I do have something to say to the universe, and it's important. Even if I don't feel so at times.

Every writer comes to that cross road, and I've been there many times. But I always choose my writing. It leads me to bigger and better knowledge of self, if nothing else, and that is irreplacable.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Color Me Worthless

As the cruise approaches I find it harder and harder to concentrate. I think my mind has already left for Jamaica, but we are actually still 16 days away. *sigh* A quick update on the busy busy fall schedule:

Classes: So far I haven't lost anyone yet. Which is very good. Sometimes after the first class, there will be a certain amount of attrition when they realize that these classes are for serious writers, not wanna bes. But so far so good. More good news on that front, the wonderful and funny Candy Havens has agreed to speak at my Thursday night class on Sept 21. What a treat that will be. Her new book just came out last week and you can check it out at www.candacehavens.com.

Writing Projects: I've pretty much wrapped up the plastic surgery book and am already starting on the real estate book. The Canadian novel that I edited is in the bag and I'm looking forward to having most everything wrapped up before we go cruisin.....on the ocean, with fruity drink in hand....woops...got distracted again.

Pricker update: Just when you think all is well, we've had yet another incident with the cactus. The same day I posted about how big they were and how much they'd grown, someone (I'm guessing a kid) came along and kicked the crap out them. So I go home after my first class last week and my husband was like, "I've got some bad news." So I'm thinking maybe someone has died - or worse, they CANCELLED THE CRUISE! But no. It was the fact that there were now pieces of my wonderful little cactus scattered all over the alley. Sad, Sad day. But I was too tired to go look at the damage until the next night. They were stomped all right, but seemed to be perking back up. Now, a week later, they have sprung back to life and are growing very well. I'm still convinced they are the perfect plant. Not only do they deter adolescents wielding cans of spray paint, they apparently are indestructible.