Thinking about mom . . .

My mom is currently facing some health issues that have caused me to step back and really think about her as a person, and her influence on me.

The first word that comes to mind is survivor. Her biological mother tried to hide her pregnancy by wearing double corsets, not allowing the growing baby much room at all. My grandparents adopted her, and took her home from the hospital when she was only a day old.

My grandmother had to massage her arms and legs to help straighten them. That was only the beginning of the life-threatening issues that Mom would encounter at intervals throughout her life, and would overcome. Perhaps that is where her strong will or stubborness came from, or she survived because of it.

Mom was not the luckiest in love either but did not give up trying. She got married the first time at 15, and set off from rural Ohio to live with her new husband in California. When that marriage did not last, she went back to Ohio and eventually married my biological father.

She was strong enough to leave that physically abusive marriage, and I admire her for that. We spent several years with my grandparents before Mom met the love of her life, and the man I called Dad. They were married 30 years before leukemia took his life.

These events all helped to form the person she is, but do not tell the whole story. Mom loves music of all kinds. She herself had a beautiful soprano singing voice as a young lady. She is creative, too- enjoying sewing, crochet and embroidery over the years. She still enjoys arranging silk flowers and other decorations for her living space.

Mom remains a spiritual person, a quiet underlying part of her. This spirituality may be why she loves everyone, despite how she may be treated. What a lesson to be so non-judgmental and loving. She is a social person, and loves to be part of the group.

In myself, I can see her spirituality, love of music, her creativity, her friendliness and enjoyment of being with others, never giving up on the search for true love, and an underlying survivor spirit. She has a ready smile, and I have actually been told that I have the same smile.

One thing I have to laugh about is cooking. I remember Mom cooking some decent meals, but my grandmother was really the cook in the family. I seem to take after Mom there, too! But that is ok.

Mom's health issues now could take away her thoughts and memories, but I will have mine. And thanks to her influences, I can use my creativity to preserve those through my writing.

I love you, Mom!

Secrets One - The Series

Revisiting old school . . .

For those who read my blog, you may recall that I definitely lean toward being old-school when it comes to certain things - in particular the electronic reading devices also known as e-books or digital books.

I will always love the feel of a book in my hands. I joke about being borderline obsessive-compulsive, and when I have a new book to read you would see what I mean! While dust covers are an attractive addition and do help protect the actual book cover, I tend to take it off- at least initially- to examine the cover. I look at the color, the texture and how the wording has been embossed or printed. I continue my examination of how the book is put together, feeling the paper used, and the edging on the pages. Sometimes- I even peek at the ending!

There are different smells on books, too. Could be a new smell, or perhaps a distinctive smell of a paper-type. Old books tend to have a distinct smell, too. It is a total experience, beginning long before the reading. I don't think I can have the same experience with an electronic device. There is no substitute for the real thing....

But - my interest has been piqued recently. There was the news that the devices are outselling actual books at some sources. Not long after reading that, I actually looked at information for one of the models- can you believe it??? Well, what caught my eye was the claim that the device can hold 100 books! That is impressive, even I must say! When I have the chance to read, I tend to go through a book quickly and then want more- so having 100 digital books at hand would be great!

Don't expect a quick convert though. I am not entirely convinced that the experience will be as pleasing reading a book on a "device". But, I will be doing more research, no doubt.

I cannot believe though that hard copy books will ever totally disappear. After all, how would an author sign the latest release?

Secrets One - The Series

The power of words . . .

Have you ever thought about the power of words? Obviously, life would be very different without words. I know my life would be very sad if I did not have the pleasure of reading and writing. As far as life in general, can you imagine going back to drawing on the cave walls?

The mere fact that we have the gift of words is powerful, of course. If you don't think so, ask a stroke victim or someone who has a brain injury and cannot speak or even write the words that the loved ones long to hear. I also think of several families in my area who have recently lost sons and daughters in both tragic accidents and senseless violence. I am sure those parents would love to hear the words "Mom" and "Dad" one more time.

What words we use, and how we use them can also be powerful. This was brought to mind recently on my birthday. I was talking to someone about attitudes toward age, which reminded me of a newspaper column that I had written when I turned 30- at the time, a very traumatic birthday for me. In the column, I explored the difference between getting old and older. See the difference in those words- old and older? We all get older- that begins the very second a child is born. But, we each have a choice in getting old. What a difference in those words- and state of mind. My words seemed to strike a cord with many people, if the comments I received were any indication.

Another "aha moment" came courtesy of my great niece. I had commented to her about some words of wisdom she had shared, and part of her reply was, "Love you". Oh my goodness, you would not believe the smile those two little words put on my face- and even now as I write about it.

How we use words in our lives can make a world of difference to others. Are our words uplifting or hurtful? For me personally, I have decided to make a conscious effort to try to stay positive in thoughts and words, and to tell people that I care about them.

As a writer, my use of words is very important in conveying an idea or storyline. It was a challenge I willingly enjoyed as a journalist, and continue to treasure as an author of fiction. With my use of words, I can lead readers to a new experience- open a door to escape everyday thoughts or worries, even for a short a time.

So enjoy your words, and use them wisely. And remember to say, "I love you," often.

Secrets One - The Series