Fall 2015 - I just discovered this was never published

I've been somewhat absent of late as I pursue my MFA, but with the changing of the season, my camera (willing no longer to be stored) has found its way into my hands.  

I'm chased by the idea that the perfect snapshot will reveal to you my state of mind and wondering (as always) why you should care or why I should let you know.

The crisp cool wind sneaks its way across my skin and tickles the leaves into letting go of the branches before flipping up and over my porch to collect in the corner of the fence.

The last flowers of the fall bloom and fade, bloom and fade while fritillaries scurry south taking along the last of the sweet Indian summer.

Should you see me studying a collapsing bud up close or hoisting around a paper brown sack full of tomorrow's blooms, there's no need to ask if I'm enjoying the weather. You'll know. 

 

 A friend told me recently that I needed to be "present." I needed to relish the "right here, the right now." So that is exactly what I'm doing. In my mind, I'm standing near a stream lined with tiny blue flowers and I'm breathing in the scent of tranquility. Tomorrow is not promised so I will cherish today.

Forgetting what is past as I would a spent flower, because we all will fade in due time.

 

2016 Up Until Now

 Well, I'm finally getting around to blogging...

Betsy, Becky Wingate, Brian Green-Young

Oklahoma City University

Sad, really. There just seems to be so many things to keep one busy these days. In my defense, I was finishing my MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma City University's RedEarth MFA program, graduated in May...Thank you very much. I've also been busy querying agents with my thesis project which is a full length novel. My first paranormal. It's about a female Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who gets murdered and finds herself stuck in the afterlife. It's a quirky, humorous read with a little violence, bad language, and alcohol involved. Or was that just grad school? 

Get screened for breast cancer girls - it doesn't play!

 I've had a lot of joys this year, but I've had my sorrows as well. My favorite aunt passed away back in June. Rita Leachman (to the left of my cousin Maranda) was by far the sweetest woman on the planet (second only to my momma, her sister.) We're never ready for them to leave, are we? Even if them staying means they suffer. We are selfish like that. I know I'll see her again one day. That's the only thing that eases my heartache. I love you, Aunt!

Finally went out to the east coast where my children live. Saw the sights. Made me homesick for Oklahoma.

 But, I got to see the Statue of Liberty for the first time, and I got to see both of my grandsons. That did my heart good. I do so love being a granny. It's kind of ridiculous the happiness one gets from your kids having kids. It's hard to explain. Grandparents understand though. I don't have to sell them on the idea. You live long enough and have kids, you'll understand too.

Look at that little face!

 So, I'm going to try to do a better job of blogging. I'll make no promises, because I hate breaking promises. Besides, I'm writing a new book and trying to sell a second one. Cut me some slack. I'm busy on my second Noah Pool Adventure book. It's a middle grade reader. I know, from one extreme to the other, but I write like I live - all over the place.

This little heart-breaker has Granny and Papa wishing the east coast wasn't soo far away.