NOTE: I belong to a writing group that meets every morning on Zoom, at 7 a.m., except for Saturdays, when we meet at 8 a.m. We also meet on holidays, Sundays, and weekdays. This group has been my sanctuary—my safe space to grow as a writer.

Dear Ones:

“The universe provides” It always has—goes along with “this too shall pass.”

I understand it’s common with many artists, writers included, that those closest to them are the least interested in their work.  The “that’s nice, honey” phenomenon.  With one notable exception, this has been true for me.  My family couldn’t give a flying fig about my two books, the two I’m working on, or my blog.

They accept that I’m a writer and take some pride in telling people that, but have no interest in actually reading or even hearing about my passion projects.  And so, the universe conspired until I found my tribe. 

I get encouragement from the most unlikely places. 

It tickles me pink that somewhere in Malaysia, some teacher uses one of my blog posts in his or her English class.  I reposted e.e. cummings’s in time of daffodils – a favorite of mine with one of my photos of my beloved daffodils. 

I posted that more than ten years ago.  I get daily hits. 954 this year alone. I can tell from the link they used to get to me that it’s coming from Malaysia.  I can’t remember how I figured out it was an English class.  I posted a note to them asking them to introduce themselves but crickets.

My blog has been active, more or less, since 2008. I go in spurts. There have been periods where I didn’t post for months and other times when I posted daily. I rarely get more than a few views, but they mean the world to me. Even more so, the likes and comments. It tickles my evil little heart.

The blog, which started as an online journal I didn’t expect anyone to read, gave me the courage to write.  That encouragement from the World Wide Web meant, well, the world. As of two days ago, I have published exactly 900 entries – an average of 56 per year.  I can do better. 

I have software that converts the blog to a book, but it’s clunky and slow going because I edit as I go, but it’s my intent to print one copy of the book for me.  The goal is to finish by 2028 to mark twenty years.  I have chronicled my life there – both the daily events, my creative exploits, and more than a few rants. I hope to leave it as a legacy—my version of daffodils.  Remember me.

in time of daffodils(who know

the goal of living is to grow)

forgetting why, remember how

in time of lilacs who proclaim

the aim of waking is to dream,

remember so(forgetting seem)

in time of roses(who amaze

our now and here with paradise)

forgetting if, remember yes

in time of all sweet things beyond

whatever mind may comprehend,

remember seek(forgetting find)

and in a mystery to be

(when time from time shall set us free)

forgetting me, remember me

e. e. cummings

The blog has been an important outlet for me. As has this group.  I love you all.

Remember me.