Sunday Morning Sunshine: A Brave Thing

 It is a brave thing to have courage to be an individual.

It is also, perhaps, a lonely thing.

But it is better than not being an individual,

which is to be nobody at all.

--Eleanor Roosevelt

Never Done

I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Working on so many different novels, trying to get them ready to go out on their own . . . but that’s not right. Cause they’ll not be alone. They’ve got my prayers winging along with them, the well-wishes of friends, and the encouraging hope from my family.

I’m scared, afraid they’re not ready. But that’s my protective self, afraid to let go. The same feeling, only in a very minute way, hounded me when I joined critique groups and had to send my chapters to the critical eyes of others.

Yet it was good for me, and so will this be.

Following is an excerpt that I love. I’m sharing it with you today so you might see how a writer feels . . .

"A writer out of lowliness is trying to communicate like a distant star sending out signals. He isn't telling or teaching or ordering. Rather he seeks to establish a relationship

of meaning
of feeling,
of observing.

We are lonesome animals. We spend all our life trying to be less lonesome. One of our ancient methods is to tell a story, begging the listener to say and to feel . . .

Yes, that's the way it is, or at least, that's the way I feel it. You're not as alone as you thought.

It is so hard to be clear. Only a fool is willfully obscure.

To finish is sadness to a writer--a little death. He puts the last word down, and it is done. But it isn't really done. The story goes on and on and leaves the writer behind, for no story is ever done." --John Steinbeck

Beautiful. And true.

Winter is coming, so Autumn is the best time to get ready. Check out these hints:


1. Heating system: Check your heating system or have a professional check to make sure gas vents are not clogged, that pilot lights function, that filters are clean. During heating season, set registers on lower floors to open wider than on upper floors.

2. Doors: Install or replace weatherstripping if it's damaged. Caulk around exterior and interior door trim.

3. Decks: Coat deck boards once every two or three years with a stain that contains ultraviolet light inhibitors.

4. Windows: Replace any cracked panes and repair or replace any damaged glazing compound. Caulk around window trim on the outside and inside to keep out drafts.

5. Chimney: Check to make sure there is no buildup of creosote inside. Rule of thumb: Clean after each cord of wood burned. Call a chimney sweep to do this work.

6. Safety equipment: Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide testers; insert fresh batteries.

Quote:
The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. --Wm. F. Scovalino


Blessings