Oh, but now old friends they’re acting strange
And they shake their heads and they tell me that I’ve changed
Well something’s lost, but something’s gained
In living every day.
(Both Sides Now, Lyrics by Joni Mitchel ©Crazy Crow Music)
Dear Friend –
For reasons I cannot explain, I got this song by Joni Mitchel stuck in my head as I walked my laps in the pool this morning. Life can seem overwhelming at times. Politicians who try to do right by the people who elected them get booed for cooperating with the designated “other” as they try to address our very real, and serious problems.
What we’re experiencing today seems like a flashback to the tumultuous days of the late 60s and early 70s. I lack the wisdom to even know where to start addressing today’s many problems: drastic weather-related destruction, rights for a variety of groups, severe economic inequality, political infighting that keeps elected officials from achieving anything helpful for the common good, and lack of adequate healthcare, shelter, and nourishment for too many of the world’s people. It is a long list.
Where to even start. I propose we start by making our beds, washing the dirty dishes, and watering the houseplants. Why? For me, because those are three things I can accomplish with what I have available right now and it puts one little part of the planet in order. That little bit of action sets me up for tackling other things and enjoying a bit of what goes right in the world.
Which is what the rest of this issue will be about – giving shout-outs to folks who made me laugh and smile recently. I spent two wonderful weeks in May doing things that are still making me smile.
In this HowWiseThen edition you’ll find:
- The current book in in progress update.
- What I’ve recently read and recommend.
- Where I’ve been and what’s up next.
- Reviews and interviews.
June 13, 2022, at 7:09 p.m.
That is when I finished the current book project! Well, that is, I sent off the next draft of the biography of the amazing woman who is this woman’s great-grandmother x 9 generations back. The book’s fate is now in the hands of the publisher/editor for the next little while. This is Emma Brewster, my great-grandmother. She is the great x 9 granddaughter of Mary Brewster. I’ve learned so much about resiliency, perseverance, and persistent hope from researching our ancestor Mary Brewster’s story. No publication date yet. However, the publisher/editor wrote me, “This version is really flowing NICELY!!!. I know you put a lot of time and rewriting and reworking into this – I think it paid off – it is clipping along nicely with the way it is set down now!!!!!! WHEW! :)”
Such affirmation reminds me of getting little stars on my high school English essays. Those stars played a part in my decision to pursue the writing life. We never know onto what path our words of encouragement might lead someone.
New Book
If you wonder why you’re here and what you’re supposed to be doing . . .
Author Andrea Richards has some good news for you. I met her in a Facebook group for authors. She was looking for ideas to promos her new book, just published in May. I like to help other authors introduce their books to the world. She sent me her book to review. It’s a gem, especially for those for whom their faith in God plays a pivotal role in how they make decisions. She is well-acquainted with the wisdom to be found in scripture and makes many sensible, practical suggestions on how to apply that wisdom to daily life today. You can get the book from her at her email: richards.andrea10@yahoo.com or find her book at Amazon.
Thanks, Carol & Karen for the memories
May was one fun event after another. From the top Left:
– Daughters Carol & Karen threw a year-long celebration of my 75th with lots of special events.
– A writers retreat on Galveston Island, co-hosted with Karen.
– Graduation via photos of the new grad’s family gathered to cheer him on and new Uni. of Arkansas graduate – Jon.
– Seeing my book on a shelf in the local library.
– Getting to meet Susan at the book store in Aurora, NE.
– A beach break during the writers’ retreat.
– A sky-high playground in NE.
– Graduation photo of the new UTSA graduate – Laura.
Chautauqua – 2022
July 16 – 23 we’ll again be at the amazing Chautauqua Institution, about an hour south of Buffalo. The highlight for this summer will be getting to see Jay Leno in person. I am very excited about that!
Reviews & Interviews
Reviews make the writing merry-go-round go around. Thanks to everyone who has taken a moment to leave a review. The award for the 50th review on Amazon for Mayflower Chronicles: The Tale of Two Cities goes to long-time friend Janice Shaffner. Who wants to be number 55?
As for interviews, the next one will be at the Wooster Public Library in Wooster, OH. For a few brief, but wonderful years, Wooster was home. Check it out at Wayne County Public Library. My event isn’t until August 16, so it’s not on the web calendar just yet.
Brandi’s Banter
The she person took me for a walk. As much as I do love walks, I could not wait to get back inside and sack out in the he person’s chair when he wasn’t looking. Wake me if the temperature goes down 20 or more points. The she person said to forget cooking for the time being.
Corn and Tomato Salad
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2.5 cups frozen (thawed) corn
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 Tab. white rice vinegar
Ground pepper, salt to taste
1 Medium butterhead lettuce
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Combine cherry tomatoes, corn, and onion. In a separate bowl mix ranch dressing, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss thoroughly. Arrange lettuce in six portions and evenly divide the mixture into lettuce. Sprinkle with chopped basil. Serves 6