Saturday, August 6, 2011

How I choose to carry on

I have been channeling my energy into positive outcomes. Instead of crying one more tear over the end of my best friend's last days, I am pounding the keyboard. I ressurected a memoir, Frick and Frack, that I had written fifteen years ago about us. It has been a dust collector. Time now to dust it off and gasp at how much better of a writer I am today than I was then. I laughed when I read about our antics when she and her husband came to visit after twenty years. We adults! had a water balloon/gun/hose fight on a store parking lot/in the car/and at my ex husband's. Sheila got him with the big guns, the hose!

I have also written and sent off eight submissions in five days. When I get upset, I clean. Guess I'm cleaning cobwebs from my mind.

Talk about instant gratification. I received a rejection almost immediately on an article and I laughed out loud.

I have gained three new blog followers. WELCOME!

I read an adult book that I could not put down. Whistling in the Dark, by Leslie Kagen is set in the fifties and is written from a ten year old girl's perspective about the murder of two of her classmates during consecutive summers. It is nostalgic, FUN, fresh, funny, and the writing is snappy. I enjoyed this book because I grew up in that era, felt like I knew her neighborhood and all of the characters, and I could relate to Sky King and other references and sayings. A very satisfying summer reading escape.
http://www.lesleykagen.com/lesley.php

16 comments:

Donna Volkenannt said...

What a productive and wonderful way to work off your emotions.

I'm so inspired by your work ethic. Sending off eight submissions in five days! A positive attitude is a blessing.
Donna

Pat Wahler said...

Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It's so difficult to let the ones we love go, yet what else can we do?

As you know, writing can be healing and it sounds like you have begun to work through this long process. My thoughts are with you, your friend, and her family.

Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com

Chatty Crone said...

I think keeping busy is an excellent way to handle grief. You can't dwell for 24/7 - yet it will sneak up on you!

Bookie said...

Sounds like you are in control! I have been totally OUT of control. Did write yesterday though for first time in long while. It felt good. I want so much to return to a routine, not this heat induced captivity we are living! On way to 106 again! Have a good Saturday.

Claudia Moser said...

So sorry Linda, but I think your approach helps! Be strong!

Kim Lehnhoff said...

I know that keeping busy with this freelance writing gig has prevented me from thinking much about my mom's death.

EIGHT in FIVE days? You rock!

BECKY said...

Linda, this is one of those bizarre, Twilight Zone moments for me. I JUST yesterday and this morning, e-mailed back and forth with a friend who gave me one of Leslie Kagen's books for a gift! I couldn't remember what book she'd given me and I'm in the midst of cleaning out my piles of books. Wanted to make sure I didn't throw her gift out, with them! :o
I haven't read it yet, I'm sorry to say. It's in my TBR stack: Land of a Hundred Wonders.

Karen Lange said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. Glad you have a productive way to work through it. Don't forget to give yourself the grace to grieve as well.
Blessings,
Karen

BECKY said...

P.S. Good for you for your writing spree!

Susan said...

Hi Linda...Congratulations on all those submissions. Linda, may I ask you how you decide where to send things? Susan

Anonymous said...

Linda,
Sounds like you're doing many good things while you go through this time of loss.
Blessings.

BB said...

I'm happy to be one of those new followers. I did comment on a different post about your friend. Writing is the best therapy.

Janet, said...

Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And, as far as your rejection goes, at least you are sending your writing out. Good for you.

Sioux Roslawski said...

You DO have an incredible work ethic. So hardworking and so productive...

Southhamsdarling said...

Linda - I am full of admiration for you. That is such a good way to handle the sad situation that you find yourself in with your friend. I love reading your writing.

Clara Gillow Clark said...

How exciting that you're writing! Write on!

Thanks for the book recommendation, Linda! This book gets put on the top of my list!