The Pains I Have Been Through

I have been on a journey for the past couple of months over my shoulder. It has taken two months to get to the point that I will more than likely have surgery. I wish that we could have gotten to this point sooner. Sometimes, our trials are not just for our growth, but for the growth of those that surround us. It is hard to know that I have another week before I can get into the doctor and then surgery is one to two weeks after that. The recovery will take two months after that. Even though, the end is three months away, at least the end is in sight.

ANWA Retreat

Julia and I went up to Pinetop/Lakeside for the annual American Night Writers Association (ANWA) retreat. The smell of pine and the beautiful wild flowers (weeds) was in the air. I learned so much about grammar, writing a scene, and getting to know my character. The only problem is that I am working on my memoirs (OK, I really don't remember that much) and the characters that spoke to me were from Julia's Mistressland. I have this brillant idea of bringing all of those wonderful young ladies to life. It is a little spokey to think her characters are speaking in my head. It was great to be with so many wonderful and talented women. It seems that chocolate is essential to a femal writer's ability to think. I know I think better with chocolate.

Utah

I was able to take a trip to Utah to see my dad. As you can see, my dad is looking thin. One of my favorite things about going to Utah is seeing the mountains. Mt. Loafer is as much a part of me as the old homestead.

While in Utah, I went to my 35th year from high school reunion. I can't believe it has been 35 years. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera that day, so there are no pictures. However, I think we look a lot like we did in high school--OK, maybe not the same--but I did say a lot like. I saw someone that I think is thinner now than in high school.