It's A New Day . . .

It is a new day- well, actually a new beginning.

There are times in life when we go through circumstances that are truly life-changing. Those times happened to me in the last couple of years. Thus, 2012 has been my year of a new beginning. I didn't plan on taking a hiatus from writing the blog but it would seem that part of the healing and growing process would take me away from it for a time.

Funny thing, part of my new beginning involved going back- to my hometown in Ohio. And then back in time so to speak getting reacquainted with friends and in particular those at a class reunion.

Well, since I was “home” I decided I wanted to go to my class reunion. The custom is to have a reunion every five years after graduation. So with a little math I knew it was the right year for such a gathering. The thing is- when I asked about it, there really weren't any plans. What!!!! I was actually in town the year of a class reunion, so there HAD to be a class reunion.

Then-I volunteered. (And immediately thought “what was I thinking?”)

With the assistance of a classmate in Georgia, it all came together for a successful two-day event with classmates coming from several states. It was a great weekend, and the best part was that it seemed no time had passed at all with the greetings and laughter heard.

Being creative can be expressed in many ways, and I found it very satisfying to be on the planning side of the event.

I was also part of the local Relay for Life as co-chair for the survivorship committee. We planned a reception and recognition for the survivors and their caregivers as part of the Relay weekend of events. It was also humbling to honor those who had fought and won the battle against such a horrible disease. It was my first Relay, and I found it to be fun, healing, and informative.

It was especially touching for me because I have lost four immediate family members who had cancer, as well as several other family members and friends.

I found yet another creative outlet when re-connecting with an old friend. Now I have always known this friend to be crafty so I knew there would be something fun to do. This time it is stamping! It really is so much more- greeting cards, scrapbooks, decorations and really just about anything one could think of to express themselves.

I have always had an interest in making my own cards, so this is like a dream come true. I was almost overwhelmed when I found out it also includes learning water color techniques. That is something I have always wanted to try but have never told anyone. So that is very special.

What makes this really fun is the monthly “Girls' Night Out” at my friend's studio. Women gather to work on crafts, visit, talk, laugh, and sometimes even pray. An occasional song or two can be heard at times. The number and who attends can vary but it is always fun and uplifting.

Sure enough, I found a new love- that is a creative love. Stamping and the wonderful group at the Girls' Night Out.

So my journey in this new beginning continues. And being creative- including writing- is a definite part of the journey.

I am happy about that.
 
DeSwan.com

A tribute to John . . .

“Coming to the realization that God was asking me the very same questions brought back an old quote, ‘God helps those who help themselves’. I have an utterly magnificent gift that I spent half a lifetime keeping to myself. Life is good . . . ; I thank my maker just for that every day of my life. Love you..." 

You know me. I like to talk about our gifts. I believe we each have something to contribute to life.

One of the most gifted people I have ever known and loved made the above comment to me last year. You see for many years he didn’t acknowledge his gifts. He lived in a world of his own, trying to run away from the pain of losses in his life by getting lost in a bottle. That would surely protect him and others from more loss and pain. Or so he reasoned.

There were times he wanted to die. He tried. It didn’t work. An industrial accident put him in a coma for two weeks. He came out of the coma, and there were several months of recovery. Even after all that, he tried again with his “friend” the bottle. He was found in the nick of time.

He was a gifted man, my nephew. Even when he was fighting his demons, his gifts managed to sneak through. He was very creative, and even as a young boy enjoyed building things in his grandpas’ workshops. At one time he talked about being an architect. He was excited about the new technologies in the industry, and this was more than 20 years ago. He was a brilliant artist- especially of religious subjects. He completed a nearly life-size crucifix that is breathtaking.  Even done under the influence.

Another more recent effort was his rendition of The Last Supper. The story goes that some guys had a piece of cardboard on which they were going to design a game board. My nephew took a look at it, and saw a full-color, detailed Last Supper instead. At least it was when he was finished.

Even at his worst times, he thought of others in ways he probably didn’t even understand. He was no saint, definitely a sinner (as we all are). But he had a gift that touched people regardless of how much he tried to hide it.

Finally, he realized life was worth living, and love was worth the risk. He not only realized how much he loved people, he realized they loved him, too. Relationships were on the mend.  His desire was to bring family together.

Not only did he have gifts to share- he realized Who they were from. Joy comes with that realization and acknowledgement. He had physical challenges now- he had been diagnosed with MS a few years earlier, and had residual effects from the industrial accident in particular- but those didn’t diminish his purpose and joy in sharing his gifts. He shared them with everyone- just as it was meant to be. He was a regular fixture at a local nursing care center. He brought life and love to many people, staff and residents alike. And, he accomplished an outstanding milestone- two years of sobriety. The future was full of possibilities.

Then on a Sunday morning in late February, the unthinkable happened. This person who had just begun to live the life he was meant to have was suddenly gone in a tragic accident.

At first glance, it appears to be what some would term a cruel twist of fate. Two years was not nearly long enough for someone starting life over. And it was not long enough for those who loved him. It hurts too much.

But while the man is gone, his gifts seem to keep giving. His family has come together just as he hoped.  His artwork has been seen by more people than he ever imagined. The nursing home where he spent many hours talking and visiting with people honored him with a tree planting. At the ceremony, residents shared their gifts and talents in honoring him. His compassion, joy and love will long be felt there.

John K. Sinclair challenged me, inspired me, and admittedly added some intensity to my prayer life. I could not love John and his brother Mark any more than if they were my own. I was 10 when John was born, and 14 when Mark arrived, so it seems that they have always been a part of my life. Mark is an awesome man, too.

I knew I would write about this. I need to do so. The shock and pain were hurdles though, I must admit. But I thought about John and what he would think of all this. I know he would be astounded at the outpouring of love for him- from everyone. But he would not want us to stop living and sharing what we can with others.

So, John- this is my tribute to you. My beloved nephew with all your quirkiness, talents, insecurities, blue eyes and good looks, spirituality, inquisitiveness, charm, sense of humor, love of family, and so much more. You are loved and much missed.

So, my dear readers, never take life for granted. No one is promised tomorrow. 

DeSwan.com

A new project is blooming . . .

Spring is my favorite time of the year. It is a hopeful time of new beginnings- the flowers are blooming and the trees are coming alive; the dark and dreary- sad- days of winter are fading away. And I could not resist tying in this wonderful season of new beginnings with an exciting announcement of another new beginning. 

My co-author Thomas Jay Wacker and I are working on a new project- DeSwan - Love & Secrets. It is a character-driven thriller with something for everyone- there is conspiracy and action to keep the pages turning, some romance (and maybe lust) to sigh over, and plentiful doses of humor interspersed.

This novel will feature some of your favorite characters. Duncan and Sod will of course be center stage. But, oh my, the new adventures they have!  And we will introduce some new people you will love, or maybe love to hate. It will be great fun! 

Is it possible there is a secretive bloodline manipulating everyone including world leaders to control the world? Could it be they hide in plain sight . . . among us? 

This will be a fun- but focused and very busy- year preparing this new novel for your enjoyment! Here is a sneak peek at the anticipated new cover design.



DeSwan.com

Birds of a feather . . .

Have you noticed that it really is true- birds of a feather do flock together? I have never seen two geese, three ducks, a couple of woodpeckers, and a cardinal flying in formation. No, it is always a flock of geese that makes up the V-formation. Pigeons line up on top of a building and sparrows dot a power line.  

We all really are the same way in our own lives. The title of the blog came to mind as I read the blogs written by two of my friends. I am proud of the authors, both blogs are well done. I smile thinking about the ladies who wrote them; they both have been in my life for many years.  

One I have known since she was a baby and I was her nanny.  Just call me Bobbie Poppins- Bobbie being her nickname for me.  She now writes entertainingly about the adventures of her young family. The second I met when she was just out of high school and newly engaged. In fact, I caught the bouquet at her wedding! Her blog is more serious as she talks about her past struggle with an eating disorder and keeping balance in her life.  

Though the three of us have a myriad of differences, the things we have in common outweigh those differences. Especially writing- we all enjoy writing. In fact, I was recently having lunch with the second woman when she made the comment that she had not been able to write for a while and it felt like a part of her was missing. I have said that very same thing so I completely understood how much writing is a part of her.  

Thinking about others that I consider  friends, both men and women, they are all creative people in one way or another. Like my other two friends, they are also caring people of faith that have similar values. While each of us are unique and have different purposes in life, we are still birds of a feather.  

There are people I have met and I have known instantly they were the same kind of bird so to speak. You may have had that same experience where something just clicks, or it seems like you have known the person forever at the first meeting. I love when that happens.  

And I love my birds that flock together. 

Secrets One - The Series

Some potpourri for you . . .

The basic definitions of potpourri are- 1.) A miscellaneous anthology or collection: a potpourri of short stories and humorous verse. 2.) A mixture of dried flower petals and spices used to scent the air. 

Now I do like the fragrant potpourri. I love lilacs and roses, fresh or dried as potpourri, in the spring and summer. During the fall I love a hint of cinnamon and apple, or even pumpkin spice; and in winter there has to be pine cones for the visual and that Christmas tree smell. But- I can’t send those fragrances to you through our virtual connection. I wish I could. I am sure you would enjoy them, too. 

Instead, my offering is a potpourri of thoughts- random thoughts on my mind, not enough for an entire blog. So here we go on the second thought… (Well, the potpourri thought counts doesn’t it?)  

Drama- why do some people insist on drama in their lives? I am not talking about those difficult times we have no control over. No, I am talking about the drama people actually invent or dredge up over and over. It is not quite gossip because names are usually not mentioned.  

I used to see this more in middle-age or older people who are cranky and lonely, as if it made life worth living for them.  But I am now seeing this trend in younger people- who are seemingly more popular- particularly on social media. The energy spent on all this drama could be much better spent doing something worthwhile. 

And while we are talking about social media- I have found there are two kinds of users.  The self-promoters post things that promote whatever interests them or whatever makes them money- you get the idea. Or intense photos of themselves doing something they feel is important. These people never really interact with others- how can it be social for them? 

The second group is my favorite I have to admit. They are actual social people, those who connect with people. There are groups of people who care about each other, and if distance allows actually see each other in person.  They are happy for each other and sad for each other- yes, they really share emotions. Now that is SOCIAL media. 

There really is a third group- the avid game players.  They appear to be social in sending out friend/neighbor requests for the games. And when playing the games friends do chores for each other and give gifts. But it is all in the virtual world. I like real interactions! (pouty face)  I admit the games are kind of fun, and they can be stress relievers. However my computer does not work well so that becomes discouraging. The other thing is that one can only go so far in the games without paying- real money! No, I don’t think so.  So with those three negatives- not a fan of the games overall. 

And on another topic, have you heard the saying, “one can never go home”? Well, I have recently had the experience of visiting the place I called home for many years. Except for one thing- it is now an empty lot. Yep, the house my parents owned for many years is gone. Even if it is owned by someone else, it is kind of cool to drive by a place and think about the memories made there. Almost as sad is the current condition of the former home of my grandparents. Both situations tug on the heart I tell you. Admittedly it has been several years since I have been “home”.  But still…. 

Oh, that is not the end of it! The building where I went to high school- gone. Elementary school- gone.  Nicely manicured lawns where they once stood but the buildings are gone!  OK, so the school district had the opportunity to obtain funds to build a new state-of-the-art school building housing all of the grades. But did that really require tearing down the old buildings? I would have liked them to be used for another purpose such as a restaurant, assisted living, apartments, or community center maybe.  (Like area communities have done.) 

One last and really random thought- why is it that at night when I am driving, all the cars are going in the opposite direction?  It just seems to be so noticeable when I see a ribbon of lights coming at me and there are not nearly that many going in my direction. 

What is going on in the other direction that no one told me about? Are we being evacuated and I didn’t get the word? 

Laughs! 

Secrets One - The Series