On The Road Again

Oops. What happened to Friday? Heck, Saturday is almost gone, too.

Driving cross-country, and summer, are making me completely unaware of what day it is.

For fun, I thought I'd update my crazy Maryland to California trip in pictures.

We're now in Salt Lake City, Utah. Only 785 more miles to go until California. Wish me luck!

 

I must admit... I'm so inspired to write when I finally get settled. So many amazing places. As of tonight, our stats since 6/14/13: 13 states and 3 time zones.

Hope everyone is having an amazing summer!

Saving Old Books: Blogathon, Day 22

Old books don't always hold up to the ravages of time. Sadly.

And even if they do, we can only keep so many of them.

As a kid, I loved Nancy Drew. I read every book about her that I could get my hands on. I even saved a few to pass onto my kids (the old ones had such cooler covers than the newer ones -- it's like the old Scooby Doo compared to A Pup Named Scooby Doo).

Recently, my mom came across this amazing journal in a book store in North Carolina's Outer Banks.

 

 

A group had made journals out of old hardcover books with plain paper and the occasional picture page from within the story. My mom found a Nancy Drew one for me.

I think it's a lovely way to repurpose old books, especially ones that might be partially damaged on the inside. As someone who loves to read in the bath, I have been known to drop a book or two and end up with some messed up pages.

(Note: Don't worry. I don't read with the Kindle in the bath.)

Now, I'm even more inspired to write some scenes for the sequel to my YA book... because now I can write them in the pages of a book that inspired me.

What book would you make into a journal that you loved as a kid?

Snapshot of Life

One of the prompts from last week, as part of BlogHer's "Eye" daily blogging challenge, was: Talk about your favorite photograph.

I love photographs. Each one captures a moment in time, a memory a person might otherwise forget. It's priceless and often irreplaceable. Although thanks to computer images, photos are much safer than ever before.

I decided to choose two to share...

The first so inspires me that it is on the cover of our book, Depression Cookies.

Sisterhood, such an important part of my life. When I look at this, I see the ties that bind. My sisters and I have certainly had moments that tore us apart, but we've always come back together. Usually stronger for each time we are apart.

Plus, it holds a special place in my heart because I look at it now and see my three daughters. I am so glad they have each other, and I often tell them that the best gift I've ever given them is each other.

That brings me to my second favorite picture...

Yes, my kids are going to hate me for that one some day, especially since I've used it several times on this blog. Not only does it show each of my kids personalities (mischievous grin for Reagan, old soul eyes for Jackie, and Maddie as the connecting tie), it shows how we are all bonded.

Look closely at the back, that's my foot. Four women, together... I can only hope that the things that tear us apart will be temporary and make us stronger.

Describe your favorite photograph. What is special about it?

Let us Not Forget

September 11, 2001. A day few will forget.

Today, I went to a special flag raising ceremony at my daughter's middle school. It dawned on me that none of the kids there really remember September 11. They may have seen images or studied about it, but they don't remember the feelings they had that day.

I do.

The main speaker, a representative from our local American Legion, said he would never forget 9/11, just like he would never forget John F. Kennedy's assassination, the Cuban missile crisis, and even Pearl Harbor. I realized I "see" those events like my daughters will see 9/11... a series of pictures with a history lesson.

It shows you the difference between experiencing something and studying it. This really made an impression on me today.

From the 9/11 Memorial Website...

We shall never forget
We shall keep this day,
We shall keep the events and the tears
In our minds, our memory and our hearts
and take them with us as we carry on.

Source

Moment of Reflection: My Oldest Graduates Fifth Grade

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. My first child. From the moment the doctor put you in my arms, I loved you. I knew nothing about being a parent, but I knew I would die trying.

Jackie, 3 months

Your sisters soon came to join our little famly. Now we were all on this journey together. We knew we'd make mistakes, but love and community would get us through. Then, I had to send you off to school. You were leaving the nest I created to shield you. I cried the first day the bus came to pick you up. Then you graduated Kindergarten. More tears.

Jackie and her middle sister, Reagan (who seems a bit pouty)

Through all our moves and changes, you continued to grow into a beautiful, young lady. With each passing year, I see you blossom. I don't want to rush a second, but I can't wait to see the adult you become. Yesterday, I cried again when you graduated fifth grade. Wow, I have a middle-schooler. Your poor Mom is a big mess of contradictions right now. I want so much for you, but I also want to cocoon you in the safety of my arms. I am both excited and terrified for you to head to middle school.

Mom and Jackie at her fifth grade promotion ceremony

Know I will be here for you through the good, the bad, and the ugly. For every part of me I give to you, you make a part of me better. I am the woman I am today thanks to loving my children. I am blessed.

Today, take a moment to consider your blessings. Write about them. Even if you are a technical writer or a journalist who only covers sports, always flex your writing muscle by writing outside your comfort zone. You never know what will come of it.

Do you journal or write down your memories?