Image Credit: ugardener/PhotopinCC
We’re in prep mode at our house.
Summer’s flown by and now we’re prepping for school.
There’s the usual busyness—a new haircut, an annual physical, clothes shopping, tennis lessons, calendar updates—and all that goes with the start of a new school year.
While our educator son prepares for his second year of teaching, our teen daughter transitions to a new status—that of upperclassman.
It’s an interesting stage of life. Two children, ten years apart. Both behind desks—one as a teacher, the other as a student—in different towns, but of a similar mindset.
Their focus? Education.
Our son’s been out on his own for a while now, and in a few short years our daughter will fly the coup to college. She wants to teach, too. Or maybe become a child psychologist.
Whatever God has in mind, I’ve no doubt our little gal will reach for the stars with all her might. (She’s very driven and goal-oriented like others in her family.)
As the long, hot days of August melt away, I’m drawn deeper into my writing cave. I set new goals and reevaluate options. I mentally prepare for whatever comes next.
Like a lot of writer-moms, I’m torn. With number two kiddo back to school, that’s when my productivity level increases, but initially there’s the unaccustomed quiet that pricks my heart. I no longer have my lunch companion or someone to share a giggle with.
I don’t have a teenager around to make fun of my clothing choices. Or my bangs. Or my feeble attempts at cat whistling. Or something.
I also don’t have the impromptu hugs and heartfelt affirmations. Ones like “You can do it, Mama. I believe in you.” (That’s why I keep her handwritten notes front and center on my desk. Those wonderful goodies that encourage me to press on, despite the urge to run and hide some days.)
Prep mode for what comes next can be daunting, yet exhilarating. I’m excited to revamp shelved projects and dig into new ones.
Some immediate tasks I have on my agenda include:
- Organizing new files
- Finishing office redo
- Major housecleaning
- Overhauling a manuscript
- Completing my WIP
- Wading through 2 years worth of magazines (research, mind you!)
- Reading books in my TBR pile
- Writing reviews of books in my TBR pile
I’m also considering a blog schedule change, but I’ll keep you posted on that. For now, things will remain the same, but with some upcoming breaks and a little more time away so I can concentrate on the craft I adore.
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Encouragement You Can Use
The Next Voice You Hear (An old movie classic with cheesy dialogue, but a fantastic message. You should get it.)
Broken, Stuck, or Closed… The Door God’s about to Open
Writing Fun from around the Web
151 Must-Visit Writing Websites via Now Novel
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Are you in prep mode?
What are you preparing for?
Have a super day—and don’t forget to indulge in a little chocolate!
Blessings Always,
Comments 6
The first words in “Hagakure”, the ‘handbook’ of Bushido, says that a Samurai lives in such a way that he is always prepared to die.
And thus, I am.
This is not intended to be a downer, nor a “please feel sorry for me!” comment. It simply is the reality of my life, and while I would prefer it otherwise, it has not been thus ordained.
There is some good in it, because it fosters, with sharp poignancy, the feeling that I had better enjoy the road I’m on, because there’s no passing this way again.
And things that seemed to matter so much before are of so much less import.
To get an agent and a publishing contract would be nice.
To simply be nice – would be nicer.
Author
Andrew, God does have a way of realigning our priorities. (How well I know.)
Your tenacity and your heart continue to have ripple effects and the world is better because of you. I’m praying for you, friend!
Getting ready to start back homeschooling. My free time decreases! But … I learn so much, too.
Author
Shelli, I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! (And I look forward to possibly seeing you at Dallas next year!)
Cynthia,
Like your son and daughter, I am prepping for school as well. We go back next week—at least the teachers do. Between the inspiration I have received here and the inspiration at a recent writer’s conference I went to, ‘I have finally started my first blog” about my writing journey. Best wishes in getting back into your goal mode and “just doing it”. Andrew, it sounds as if God is aligning you RIGHT where he wants you to be. Shelli, feel blessed because God’s using you to train up your children in such a personal way that you need to know HE has wonderful plans for them —- just as Cynthia has been blessed with her two. Hopefully, I will be in Dallas next year as well. A friend and I are making plans to attend.
Author
Laura, welcome to the world of blogging! A blog is a writer’s “home base” where you can connect with like-minded creatives and folks who want to learn more about you and what you write. I’m thrilled for you!
Continued blessings on your journey.