God's way of saying, "Everything is going to be OK."

We Can Do It!

With COVID19 consuming our world these days it sometimes seems as though this situation may never end.  I have no bright, shiny, platitudes for that. The subject has become so tiresome that I really don't know what to say other than we can do it!  We've got this people.  Yes, it's getting old.  And yes, we all want our lives to get back to normal.  And, as I've said before, there are some lovely silver linings in all of this.  But that doesn't change the fact that we are growing tired of all things COVID.  

In the whole scheme of things, we have it pretty good.  Things could be worse (and I'm ever thankful they're not).  Regardless, I hope to continue to maintain a positive attitude.  I am determined to keep finding ways to make the best of an unfortunate situation.  And as I think about this poster (not mine... the original one intended to bolster the spirits of those who were enduring the hardships of their time) I think about the resiliency of humankind. 

We can learn a lot from Rosie the Riveter.  She was a cultural icon of the World War II era.  Not only did she represent strength and resilience, but she also represented an idea; the idea that, while things had changed, our country could, and would bounce back.  And with ingenuity and determination, we will too.  And someday as we look back on this period of time I hope we will remember the good along with the not-so-good.  And above all, I pray we can learn from this and find new ways to do better for us and future generations.  

All I can say is my family must really love me...

 

Mother's Day 2020 has come and gone.  While moms all over the great state of South Dakota rejoiced over being able to go out to eat this weekend following weeks of  COVID19 isolation, I somehow talked may family into staying in.  We enjoyed sushi take-out, played Quarantine Olympics (the day started out with me in the lead... apparently my family doesn't love me so much because I'm now in 2nd place), and we created some more #QuarantineBoredomBuster reenactment photos.  This one is by far my new favorite!  I can't get over how fun it has been working on these photos together as a family.   It goes without saying, my husband and daughter are pretty good sports about all this.  So while I sincerely appreciate the new bath buddy that will hold my wine glass as I'm soaking in the tub, and I will love using my new Nest Hub, this photo and the memories attached to it, are what I most loved about Mother's Day 2020.  I know I'm partial, but I think my cherubs are so much sweeter than Raphael's!

 

Gale Force Winds of Change

It's been some time since I've had a chance to really focus on my writing.  For years now I've dedicated my time and effort to supporting other authors to help elevate them and gain greater exposure for them and their books.  Quite a while ago I was asked to sign two of my (then) new books for representation with an agent.  I was thrilled at the opportunity, but I of all people know that writing the book is only a small part of the game when it comes to publishing.  And because I did not have time to properly devote to my new books I declined the offer to sign with this particular agent and chose to let my manuscripts simmer on the back burner.

In the meantime, through an opportunity I had while working on a literary event, I made the acquaintance of a literary agent who I have come to have a great deal of respect for both personally and professionally.  And because I have recently chosen to pare down some of my professional responsibilities in order to make more time for my writing, I find myself at a wonderful new crossroads.  I am pleased to share with you, my dear friends, that I am ready to move two of my favorite projects back on the front burner.  Having recently shuffled some of my responsibilities, I find myself with the time needed to truly devote to my literary babies.

So back to what I was saying earlier . . . I've found an agent.  In full disclosure, she's an incredibly talented agent to many talented authors, but so far, she does not represent yours-truly.  Truth be told, she does not yet even know she's my intended agent.  It may be a bit brazen for me to make this announcement, but I believe in the power of positive thinking and I feel confident that she may be willing to represent my two most recent manuscripts.

Fingers crossed . . . I sincerely hope this is a prophetic announcement regarding my newest literary treasures.  Stay tuned.  If all goes well, I look forward to announcing some exciting new details on the horizon.