Hope

I don't know about you but did you ever get the feeling this year that winter would never end? Maybe it's just due to the fact that I'm getting older, but here in the northeast it sure seemed like a long, long winter. I got mighty sick of having to watch my step for fear of slipping on the ice every time I ventured outdoors. And driving was particularly hazadous not only because the roads were treacherous, but the snow banks were so high in many places you couldn't see around them. Everywhere you went people complained about the weather and more folks than I can count, including my own son, said they were seriously thinking of selling everything and moving to Florida. Maybe it was just my imagination, but the general tempo of the country was pretty depressing, too, considering our national debt, high unemployment, and the really horrendous rise in gasoline prices.

So many really dire problems face our nation today and can they be solved? Who knows? I don't think anyone is too optimistic that things are going to turn around anytime soon. But I personally experienced a small miracle when finally the show melted and the first brave little buds poked their heads out of the soil. I don't think I'm a Pollyanna (well, not exactly), but suddenly my own little world took on a kind of sheen, and I felt light and happy and ready for fun. Sure, we've still got problems, but I firmly believe our elected officials, of both parties, are trying their best to solve them. And certainly the capture and death of Osama bin Laden was a shot in the arm for all those who lost loved one in the World Trade Center catastrophe almost ten years ago; we can all feel proud that justice was finally done. So I'm filled with hope and resolution to try, in my own little way, to make this world a better place now that spring is here. Can a few daffodils and tulips work that kind of magic? In my case the answer seems to be a resounding--YES!

The Amazing Book

Have you ever wondered about the things we do to relax and the things we do at work? What about the things that binds them together?

For example, some of us use pencils to balance spreadsheets but then use pencils to create wonderful pieces of art. Some use a camera to catch the scene for the front page of the newspaper (those that are still in circulation) but also uses it to capture the joy of children at play. I cannot think of a better way to relax then to settle down with a good book. I find that ironic since I write books and as we all know, writing can be a tough hill to climb. If you think about it books are everywhere and impact every facet of life. We refer to books at work; we read and sing from books in church and what do we do when we are working on something or building something? You guessed it, we read the book (or at least we should).

If we look at the other side of the fence we will see that books are also used as an escape from the world. We relax and have fun as we become absorbed by the unfolding tale. Heck, we often get emotionally charged by the books we read but there is no doubt about it; books add character to our surroundings and life in general.

I remember sitting in the sun while a cool breeze blew. It was a hot summer day so that breeze was a welcome one. As much as I enjoyed looking out over the scenic view I must be honest; whenever I think of that day I instantly see the romance novel that I was reading in my hands. It is as if the memory is stored there because everything is rich in detail as I recall what happened in the book as butterflies fought the breeze to find the next flower around me.

When you think of books and reading what memories come to life in your mind?

Time For Spring Cleaning!!

Spring is in the air! Can you smell it? Can you see it? This is the time of year when new life is spawned. Trees, flowers, and grass stretch out their winter sore joints and reach for the sun. Around the same time each year we also partake in an aged old tradition - Spring Cleaning. I know that many of you are hanging your head at the thought of cleaning, dusting, and repairing but cheer up. These activities bring about a fresh new feeling in our homes. The thought of throwing open the windows so the fresh air can roam through the house puts a smile on my face every time.

Like everything around us that enjoys the dawning of spring so to does our writing...or it can. You never know you could be dusting or cleaning an office space and stumble on some notes of a story long since forgotten. Maybe you will dust off that manuscript tucked away in the corner of a bookshelf and decide to finally finish it. The invigorating energy we get from spring, the sunshine, the fresh air can be directed at anything; including that old project that was seating there unfinished.

Many see cleaning as a burdensome chore that must be done (on occasion) but I see it as an opportunity to start fresh. Does anything beat that feeling of starting a new writing project on a spotless desk free from dust and a computer screen so clean the words jump out at you? I can't think of anything at the moment. I welcome spring each year with open arms. My cleaning supplies ready because, honestly, it doesn't take to long for me to clean. I tend to not make a big mess around here.

Spring is about new life, new ideas and new opportunities. Be careful and look around you; what you find could be the next idea for your new writing project.