I'm Writing Too

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for GoGirl. Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out the link for all the details. Quite simply, it is a small piece of pliable plastic that makes it possible for a female to have the same convenience of peeing standing up as a man.

I have used a GoGirl for years camping with a bottle clearly labeled "DO NOT DRINK". It sure beats having to leave the tent in the middle of the night!

Now I have a new reason to love it. We are for a long adventure. We've been in the car for many hours. That morning's tea has more than run its course. The border guards are enjoying the intrigue of a group of white folk and every time we think they will leave another jeep pulls up. There are no buildings within at least 30 minutes jog. I have no problem squatting, but if these guys don't leave that isn't an option either.

The GoGirl, coupled with an abaya, standing facing into the truck with the back door open and the windows tinted black make it impossible for anyone walking around behind you to know that the plastic bottle you are holding is bringing much joy! Relief and thanksgiving fill me as I fill the bottle and then quietly dump the contents behind the back tire.

I am thankful to have this trick figured out and to know that I won't have to be that uncomfortable again. So, perhaps I am also thankful for an abaya!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

A Rabbit Trail Of Memories

Have you ever seen the Beloit College Mindset List? I hadn't, until now. One of my Facebook Friends posted the list for those entering college this year. As I began to read I realized that this list has a huge significance for me. This list sums up what has and hasn't been present for a young woman who has held a chunk of my heart, but is no longer in my life. Those born in 1997 include someone who was once my step daughter.

I have had no contact with this young lady in over 14 years, yet this list gives an insight into a group of people and the world that has shaped their experiences thus far, including her.

As my mind wandered down this rabbit trail I was struck with another pause - do those that were once married to my dad have a place in their heart for me, even now? If so, it would be very different. I was not little and I wasn't in their house half the time with them doing all the things that parents of little ones do. Still, a pondering.

The rabbit trail of my mind continues and I am flooded with memories; painting Valentines for her classmates together and the glitter that was sprinkled everywhere, nursing her when she was struck with salmonella, her giggling with flapping arms as we drove with the sun roof open and the wind rushed around her, and so many more.

There have been two happenstances that have occurred over the years - people close to me having an encounter that included her. From these I know that she seems to be doing well, for which I am both happy and thankful.

Whichever friend shared the list, thanks for the memories.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Clearing of the 'Grief Fog'

I'm back!

I can't believe how little I have blogged in the past several months. The clearing of the 'grief fog', as my best friend calls it, brings perspective and rejuvenation.

Grief is a crazy thing and it ~~doesn't always~~ will rarely look and act like you expect it to. Looking back I know I was grieving long before he was gone. Cancer sucks and the last months of in and out the hospital and rehab and then hospice were a roller coaster. (I don't recommend having shingles on top of metastasized melanoma.)

Now he is 'hanging out with Jesus', as my six year old puts it and we are at peace, knowing he is no longer hurting.

So, with the bulk of the expected funk ('cause I know it will still creep up on me) out of the way (or at least until summer when we are used to having him nearby to hang out with) I am starting routines that hadn't found their groove since we moved. (The stage four diagnosis came about the same time. As did my daughter's epilepsy diagnosis.)

Guess I have all kinds of fuel for the writing fire, which is good - since March is coming!

Monday, February 1, 2016

It's Monday - What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journeys and now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!

Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children's literature - picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit - join us! We love this meme and think you will, too. We encourage everyone who participates to visit at least three of the other kidlit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.