Another Star...

If you can't tell by the title of my post... you can get a hint... who is the star.

My friend, and writing critique buddy SIOUX ROSLAWSKI has been selected to read her story LIVE in the 2nd annual Listen to Your Mother presentation. Last year, friend and writing critique buddy, Linda O'Connell and another friend, Kim represented St. Louis' Listen to Your Mother. The show was great and I'm looking forward to the presentation this year. I already bought my ticket and you can too, check it out: Listen To Your Mother

Congratulations Sioux!

Where There's a Will, There's a Way

The title of this post is a play on words, but it can mean many things. Lots of people in my close circle have lost loved ones—some expected, some not so. It’s difficult and my heart goes out to them.

The loss of my dear friend, Geoffrey still lingers as I prepare his memorial service. With all these deaths—or translations into a new life (them leaving this physical plane of existence) the details of what continues here falls on loved ones, which is why it’s important to express your wishes before you go. Sure, no one knows when that will be, and it’s not something we all like to think about. But I have, and I’m working on getting that in order. You may think, ‘oh, I’ll be dead, so who cares?’ A lot of people care, and laws and such don’t make matters as easy as you think.

Fitting that yesterday I decided to finally post. It’s been a while. Last night, after midnight, my husband said, “Love you the mostest.” A game we play.

I asked, “What day is it?”

“What do you mean?”

“Is it March 12^th?” (even though technically it was March 13^th)

“Yes, why?”

“Just realized tomorrow is the anniversary of the death of my momma.”

“Oh. How long?”

“44 years.”

“Wow”

Yeah, that’s what I thought. Even though my mom’s death was 44 years ago, I can picture it like yesterday.

Today’s the fourth year that I began this blog because of her. A reason to blog… I started the posts, “Dear Mom,” as I felt it was easier to write to someone rather than randomly writing.

It’s been a crazy month, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. If I turn it over to Spirit, the outcome is a better way.

Memorial Service

Dr. Geoffrey Hilton

Saturday, March 22, 2014

1:00 p.m.

The Joplin Association for the Blind

311 S. Schifferdecker Ave.

Joplin, MO  64801

Singing in the Rain

 Dear Friends and Family,

If you're looking for something to do on Thursday, February 20, 2014, stop in at The Gelateria, upper floor and attend a free workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. The Gelateria is located at 3197 South Grand, St. Louis, MO  63118.

Here's is some information from the flyer...

Singing in the Rain:
10 Techniques for Handling Hard Times with Grace and Gratitude

Nancy McGimsey is a professional singer/songwriter and a breast cancer survivor. She uses songs, stories, activities and spiritual exercises to share valuable techniques that will help you awaken to your inner guidance.

By implementing the 10 Techniques in Nancy's Singing in the Rain Workshop you will:

• Find more Love in your life.
• Learn valuable calming techniques.
• See more blessings in every situation.
• Achieve balance in the midst of conflect.
• Realize greater harmony in your daily life.

You can check out Nancy's web site at: www.nancymcgimsey.com

More Updates on A Month of Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

There’s quite a few letter writers out there… maybe letter writing is not as much of a lost art as I was thinking, but I guess compared to the entire world, it’s still a small percentage who hand writes letters.

It’s the middle of the month and I’ve sent out 52 pieces of mail. However, I haven't been checking in on the official site like I had intended, but... something had to give.

If you don’t know what this is about, check out “A Month of Letters” challenge that can found at Mary Robinette Kowal’s website, and you can look for more details here.

Happy Journey, Geoffrey

Dear Friends & Family,

 

This was taken at the book launch in Joplin

Some of you may know Geoffrey, my dear friend. I wrote about his harrowing experience during the Joplin tornado, how worried I was in finding Geoff.

Yesterday, February 8, 2014, Geoffrey died due to complications from an auto accident.

The night before, I received dreams that didn’t straight out tell me this, but looking at them now, I see Spirit was giving me a warning to soften the blow.

I’ve never had a good friend move on to their next journey—leaving this physical life. It hurts. A lot. When I received the news, I took it well, until I ended the call. Then the tears flowed and continued off and on all day long.

Saturday evening, I had a Soul Art workshop to attend. My daughter, Jessica said, “Mom, we don’t have to go.” I told her, “Geoff would want me to go.” He’d want me to keep on keeping on. As that’s exactly how Geoffrey was—nothing stopped that man. He was still healing patients with his magical touch as a chiropractor. He attended classes and workshops to learn more about his profession as a healer and in his personal life, to better himself. All of this as he was approaching 90 years old. If I have half his energy at that age, I’ll feel blessed.

Not only did Geoff live life to the fullest, he gave love to everyone he met whether they knew it or not. He was always willing and able to help in anyway at any time.

I’m going to miss his New Zealand accent that filled me with words of wisdom, his hearty laugh that made me smile regardless of my mood, his sparkly eyes that lit up especially when he was up to something mischievous (my dad’s eyes sparkled the same way). I’ll miss his bear hugs that warmed my heart.

I’m so blessed to be Geoff’s friend, to have had him in my life. My heart aches missing him.

I have no doubt Geoff will be busier than ever on the next leg of his journey, spilling love wherever he goes. 

Happy Journey, Geoffrey! I love you.

Letter Writing Challenge Update

Dear Friends and Family,

How’s everyone doing with this challenge?

Anyone want to share what they’ve been doing? Received any letters? Want to? Send me your address and I’ll be happy to write you a letter!

If you don’t know what this is about, check out “A Month of Letters” challenge that can found at Mary Robinette Kowal’s website, and you can look for more details here.

Have an old friend you’d like to hear from? Write them a letter!

Letter Writing Challenge

Dear Friends and Family, 

I participated in "A Month of Letters" in 2012. I skipped “officially” last year because I was in school, but I sent out 8 letters, 8 postcards, 15 birthday cards, 15 miscellaneous cards and 28 packages. Not bad for not even participating.

I’m participating this month, although I’ve been doing my own challenge for the year—writing to someone every day of the year. It’s a little crazy, but I love writing letters. I’m going to break my record of mailing things during 2013 (I sent out 628 items).

Even though I’ve always written letters, I thought it’d be fun to do this “A Month of Letters” challenge that can found at Mary Robinette Kowal’s website, and you can look for more details here. And taking the following from her site, it’s basically two things:

1) In the month of February, mail at least one item through the post every day it runs. Write a postcard, a letter, send a picture or a cutting from a newspaper, or a fabric swatch.

2) Write back to everyone who writes to you. This can count as one of your mailed items.

Okay, so I’m late with this, but write two in one day… or extend your challenge a few days, or just do what you can to keep letter writing alive!