Writing -- Is It Over?

It has been several weeks since I wrote anything and wrote for any length of time.  Yesterday I had a very scary thought:  What if I never want to write again?  I have been making excuse after excuse -- first getting the rental house ready, then knitting, working out, walking the dog, cooking, baking -- about all the things I need to do (getting ready for Christmas has moved to the top of the list) that there hasn't been any time to write.  Are all these excuses just cop outs?  Was I ever really meant to write?  Maybe someone or something is telling me that I am not a very good writer and should just quit trying.  There are a lot more fun things to do than sit at the computer for hours, trying to put words on the screen that will tell a story, and tell it well enough that other people would enjoy reading it.

I will, and have been, thinking and praying about this a lot lately.  What should I do?  I have always wanted to be a writer, ever since our Airedale, Terry, taught me to read when I was in the first grade.  Or has it been that, because I like reading, that I thought I wanted to be a writer?  I know what I should say -- I AM A WRITER!  That is probably how I should think, too, I am a writer.  I will sit  at the computer and put words on the screen and create a story that will entertain others.  I may not become rich, or even make a decent living doing this, but my stories will get published, as will my books eventually.  I will do it; and I can do it.

Was that last paragraph the answer to my prayers?  I'm not sure where else it would have come from; the words just seemed to pour out of me and onto the screen.

Friends, and Other Ruminations about Dogs

It has been quite a while since my last blog. There has been too much to do, too many commitments, and never enough time. Today, I have taken a different outlook. There is still too much to do, but I expect the time to expand to accommodate everything that needs to be done. This also means I can't lollygag around, but need to keep doing.

Because I have been having a hard time coming up with something to write about, I thought I would write about one of my favorite subjects -- dogs. Recently, I happened to catch the tail end of an interview with a Ph.D. who specialized in dog behavior, and it made me start to really think about these wonderful creatures.

Those who know me, know that I have always been a dog person. I like cats, too, and most, if not all, other animals, but dogs will always hold the top spot in my heart. It is amazing what dogs can do: they love us unconditionally, live in the moment, and never tire of seeing us, or being around us. There is so much we don't know about them; while they seem to know everything about us. I believe we have only scratched the surface with our knowledge and understanding of dogs and their abilities. Dogs help people to see, to hear and to get around. They protect us, herd our cattle and sheep, guard our livestock, teach us to read, sniff out drugs and cancer, predict seizures, pull our sleds and save us from drowning. They will be our constant companions, listen patiently to all our complaints and woes and even learn stupid pet tricks if we ask them.

Of course, along with all the benefits of dogs comes the responsibilities. This is where we have let these wonderful creatures down. A lot of us refuse to teach dogs manners so that they are good company. Some humans train them to kill, whether it be other dogs or even humans. Other people turn a dog out when they no longer want it or can care for it. They need to know that there are groups willing to help them with these unwanted or unmanageable dogs. Other dog owners will relieve their frustrations by beating their dog.

Then there are the people who run puppy mills. This is the worst kind of abuse a human can inflict on a dog. If we would stop buying that cute little puppy in the pet store window, we could cut down on the cruelty of puppy mills. We need to look to reputable breeders for our puppies, or to rescue organizations like Best Friends' Dogtown. I think I read that over 3 million dogs are intentionally destroyed each year. Puppy mills are a big cause of this horrible statistic. And don't get me started on designer dogs -- we could be here all night. A so-called designer dog is just a mixed breed that costs a lot of money, as opposed to getting a mixed breed from a rescue organization.

By now, you are probably convinced that I am a dog person. But if you aren't, and happen to see me out and about, you may be lucky enough to meet Tater. He will surely convince you.

Communism Redux?

Remember the Red Scare? The Cold War? Communism? How we were taught to hide under our desks in case of a nuclear attack? It seems that communism is making a comeback, at least in the minds of many Obama detractors. But communism is not returning; it doesn't work. The destruction of the Berlin Wall and what is happening in China today prove that. So why are some people so sure that President Obama wants to turn the U.S. into a communist nation? Could this be simply a scare tactic by certain right wing reactionaries?

Communism has only ever worked in small doses and among small groups of people who all agree with the concept. Think hippie communes, or even some religious groups (Shakers come to mind). It can't and won't work among most of the world's populations, and certainly won't work in the U.S. Very few people want to give up or lose what they have worked so hard to attain. This is only human nature, and is a real incentive to work hard and get ahead.

But I do believe that most people would like to give others a chance to get ahead, especially if they are willing to work hard to do it. If these others need a helping hand, we Americans have always been willing to provide the help. I believe that is what the President is trying to do.

Positive Thinking

Recently in my reading, there have been several references to the power of positive thinking. The consensus is that this is a very real and powerful tool. If you believe it will happen, it (whatever "it" is) will. Just thinking and expecting something to happen, or to come to you, will make it happen, or will bring it to you.

I have to believe that this does work. Worrying gets you nowhere -- it can't change anything. However, to expect something to happen -- something good -- is the first step in making that good thing really happen. The mind seeks out ways to help it to happen. Then the body will folow the mind's thoughts and energies. Before you know it, you are making the good thing happen. And it all starts with thinking good thoughts -- thinking about what you want.

An example: You hate your job. Instead of just thinking how much you hate it, you start to think how you can change it. You really are the only person who can change your life. You daydream about your ideal job; could be an attorney, or a medical technician, or some other profession that seems totally out of reach. Whatever this ideal job is, ask yourself how you can get there. If you want to be an attorney, you can start at the local community college and just keep moving forward. If your first reaction is, "but I'll be 45 years old (or 50 or ?) by the time I'm done with school," remember you're going to be 45 or 50 anyway -- why not have something to show for it?

It can be done; it has been done. It all starts with thinking you can. That's the power of positive thinking. On that note, I know that sooner or later I will sell my writing.

Ready for New Renters -- Scary

What a frustrating and seemingly endless job it is to get a house ready to rent, not to mention expensive. I still can't believe all the work that had to be done after the last renters left so we could rent it out again. The outside had to be neatened up and a walkway put in. New grass had to be planted. We never did get to work on the landscaping, which desperately needs weeding and pruning. It has been rainy and cold for the last several weeks, so the work has moved to the inside of the house.

The biggest job was putting in a new boiler and a ventilation system. I am continually amazed at what Den can do when he puts his mind to it. He did all the work on these two improvements, with help from son and grandson; and the house is now warm and cozy. I am sure it will be cool in the summer, with the ventilation system picking up the lake breezes. Then we needed to scrub and paint walls, clean cupboards and closets, repair door knobs and screens, wash windows and ceiling fans and make lists of missing door stops and light pulls.

Our son and daughter-in-law came over yesterday and painted and cleaned. I was amazed at how fast they worked and how slow I moved in comparison. Our grandson and his girlfriend painted one of the bedrooms and did a beautiful job. How fortunate we are to have such a wonderful family. Every night when we quit working, I think that we will make the November 1st deadline for the new tenants. Then, when I go over to the house the next day, I panic, and think that there is still so much to do before it will be livable.

We have a family ready to move in. They seem to be reliable and friendly, but, of course, we really won't know until they have lived in the house for a while. They also will not know how they will like living right next door to us until they have experienced it for a few months. That is the scary part -- we just don't know.

Music

It is a beautiful, if breezy, day, about 70 degrees outside. I am listening to Elvis Presley at his "Romantic Best" as I try to get the house straightened and some chores done. Listening to these old songs, I can't help but think how lucky we were to have grown up when we did. Remember Teen Club? Every Wednesday we danced and socialized, flirted and just had a good time with our friends. I do believe that the music was simply the best.


At that time, I had never heard of the blues; now I know this was the basis for rock and roll (also jazz). What great music! Listening to it can't help but bring a smile to your face, or at least to mine. If you've never heard Roy Buchanen, John Lee Hooker, or John Hammond (wow!), I urge you to give them a listen. Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and even the Beatles all had their roots in this early juke joint music. Cleveland's own Robert Jr. Lockwood (died last year at age 90+) was stepson to the great Robert Johnson of Crossroads fame. Lockwood sure knew how to play the 12-string guitar, taught by Robert Johnson. We were fortunate enough to hear him live several times, and even bought him a drink or two. So if you've never listened to this music, please give it a try. It can really play to and on your moods.

How did I get from being a teen and teen club to the blues? I'm not sure -- just followed my thoughts. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that, growing up, we sure did have some good music which created some good times even while we were trying to go from awkward teens to sophisticated adults.

Fall is Here

Den went to Home Depot and here I sit, listening to a Peter, Paul and Mary tribute on college radio and feeling sorry for myself. This time of year is always hard for me, but this year seems worse than usual, and that aggravates me no end. There are so many things that need doing, and I have no energy or desire to "do." Then the guilt sets in.

How many things could I have gotten done today if I had really tried? Plants need repotting, kitchen cupboards need cleaning, windows need to be washed. I could have written, either finished a story that's almost done, or worked on my book. My grandmother's quilt needs to be finished, there's the sweater waiting for me to finish knitting, and the baby bag to finish crocheting. So what did I do all day? Slept, walked the dog, dusted the pool room and watered the plants. Did I mention that I took a nap or two? I never take naps!

So what is wrong with me? Why do I feel so depressed and discontented? Can't be the weather -- it was 75 degrees outside today, with only a bit of rain this morning. It's so bad that, when I was looking through the Eddie Bauer catalog, I was wishing that I had the life the model was portraying. That's pretty sad. All I can say is, I hope this feeling goes away soon. I know I won't feel so bad when it gets colder outside, even though the days will be shorter -- go figure. But until then, I think I will go sit in the living room, listen to the blues on the radio and feel sorry for myself. I might even have a good cry.