WILD TURKEYS FROM MY WINDOW

It has been nice to have some time, with no pressure, to read blogs by other writers. Today, thanks to Kat Magendie,  I found this blog by Terri.

Terri is an inspirational speaker among other things, but she writes of going back to when she wrote for the fun of it. I think we become consumed by the thought that we must publish a book or many books. In fact, that is the goal of most writers when they put their first words on paper. Even as a child, I wanted to publish a novel.

Now, I write more blog posts than anything else. I enjoy it and feel I am communicating with an audience, albeit a small one. The task of writing a book, and then having to market the book, is overwhelming for me at this time. I have stacks of stories stored away. I have poems and articles that have never seen the light of day. Will I submit them one day for publication? I don’t know. Time is fleeting and life is precious.

In recent years death has stalked my path. I vowed when my husband died that I would take the time to be with those I love, to visit friends in far away places, and I’d take the time to enjoy what is right here around me.

I looked up from my computer a few minutes ago and a flock of wild turkeys had appeared in my window on the woods. The big gobblers where so close I felt I could touch them. They were not threatened by me behind the glass and, they didn’t see me. These special moments come, and I thrill in having the wild things docile and unafraid in my presence. Thank God, I am here in this place at this time.

Turkeys are almost gone by the time I get my camera

My brother, Ray, after learning he had terminal cancer, took a long trip and visited all his cousins and friends. He had worked hard all his life, accumulated wealth, but in the end he recognized what he had missed. He came alone and visited with me several times. I treasure those conversations we had. Fortunately, Ray had three years to do the things he had put off.

Today another brother, Hal, and his wife, Yvonne, were memorialized in a service in Wakulla County Florida. I regret that I had not visited them recently and taken time to stay and talk, laugh and share our memories. I let other things come first.

My older sister June is sick and has just come home from the hospital. I long to be with her, but can’t go just yet. I have commitments on my calendar. I am torn. I enjoy my work as a teacher and a mentor to others. It helps to think I make a difference. But I want to be with my family, to reminisce about our childhood, to laugh at the funny things that happened along the way. To share that family love that nothing can replace.

Will I publish another book? Will I meet my writing goals? Where will those dreams  fall in all that lies ahead? I really don’t know. I used to think I’d always have time later, but we never know if we have a “later.”

Meantime, I write posts for my blogs. Thanks to those of you who come here to read my words. While I am trying to figure out life's challenges, I hope I help you in some way.

Do you blog or read blogs? Do you feel that blogging makes a difference in your life and in the lives of those who read blogs?