Getting there, slowly but surely...

Another 8 months, gone just like that! Everyone is always saying how quickly time flies but I don't remember it ever going as fast as it seems to now. I wish I could say it's all been fun and games, but unfortunately the universe threw me a number of curve balls since I last posted. It's unbelieveable to think back now, recalling what had initially slowed me down back in October, and it reminds me how very lucky I am. I had mentioned that my dad suddenly suffered two heart attacks and was hospitalized for weeks. He underwent quadruple by-pass open heart sugery, and I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I have ever been a part of. I am not sure I could ever entirely express my gratitude and appreciation for the entire medical world, especially to those at Southlake; and my heart (no pun intended) goes out to every family, every person everywhere that ever endures such an ordeal.

That was the first of many obstacles that were in my way during those months, and reaffirms again that what doesn't break you makes you stronger. I am happy to say that my dad is doing great now, and everything else that came up, including: my own medical issues; gigantic and never-ending home renovations; work, friend and other family dramas; just to name a few, are for the most part all settled now, just in time to enjoy what is left of summer. In fact, things are more as they should be now than I think they have ever been.

I am more determined now than ever as well to bring my goals into greater focus, and I feel that everyday, I am closer to my achieving all that I have ever dreamt of. I am getting used to calling myself a writer and have officially begun writing my first novel. Although there have been a million starts along the way, I believe this is "the one" and the plan is to have it completed for publishing within a year. I hope that this first book will draw a greater readership than this blog has done so far! 3 readers shouldn't be too hard to beat, so my odds are good ;) LOL.

What can I do to make this blog special, to make it stand out in the crowd? Novel aside, blogging opens up a world of opportunity and is such a great tool - to learn, to help others, to create, to inspire - and I cannot ignore the voice in my head that tells me not to let this blogspot die. I have yet to figure out what will make this get some attention, although I have no shortage of ideas. For thousands of others, blogging has given them that lift they needed, a stepping stool to their dreams, so why not for me as well? It is frustrating that these thousands of bloggers have beat me to it; there is even an "Oprah Project" in full swing! Now that I have my life under my control again, and time is on my side, I refuse, however, to let the doubt and discouragement take over, as so many struggling writers do. So, being the eternal optimist that I am, I will keep trying gain some readers. I will keep typing away, even when there are months in between. Rome wasn't built in a day. And hey, I like to dream big so it should take a while to get there! Everything worth while usually takes time anyhoew, so cheers to not giving up! Once, twice, thrice!

As I putter along, making my life what I want it to be, I welcome your suggestions, questions, comments.

Peace, love and gratitude...JF