Going HOME!

We got the word today...we can go home. But first we are detouring through Greenville for a day or so. But then - look out - it's a downward slide to Florida. For six weeks, we've lived in this hotel room. You know you've been in a hotel too long when the highlight of your stay is applauding when the maintenance crew finally vacuums the carpet to the side exit.

I can't say this experience hasn't been worth it - because it has. As to writing, I finally got back into my novel and feel I'm making real progress again. Now to continue the momentum when we get home. I've also learned picking something out to wear is not the most important choice of my day. Having brought only a minute selection of my wardrobe, let's say it's amazing how many days jeans last without a washing.

We have a new journey ahead of us but really, isn't every new day no matter whether you are resting in a cozy home or driving back and forth to a job you love. We don't know what the future holds but I'm thankful God does.

40,000 plus!!

I finally hit the 40,000 mark in my book 'A Prefect Stranger.' I'm thrilled as this word count was my goal this week. Actually, I'm almost at 41,500 but who's counting.I hope in the next several weeks to make 50,000 then on and upward to
75000. I started this book in the beginning of the year wanting to complete the first draft by January '08. Not sure if I'll make that deadline but I do feel motivated again.

Sometimes I hit a wall - but lately - I've found a way around it.

Parris Island Revisited

Thirty five years ago, my husband visited S. C. - only his touring that time was limited to Parris Island. As a new recruit, he spent twelve weeks isolated there - away from home during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Last Friday, he urged me to visit the place that changed his life forever.

"I want to see what you've done to the place in the last 35 years," he joked with the sentry on duty. The young man in uniform smiled and handed us our visitor's pass. We drove over the bridge and down the endless lane passing by the barracks filled with young men and women eager to serve their country. Fresh recruits were being drilled but overall the base was nearly empty due to the holiday.

After a tour of the museum, we walked a few blocks hoping to discover long buried memories. Soon we spotted a Drill Instructor. My husband told me one never forgets the man that grilled them through basic.

"Were you afraid or sad?" I asked.

My husband shook his head no. "It's what you did." I watched his gaze search the drill field as we drove back past the marsh.

Thiry five years later - memories never forgotten.

Happy Thanksgiving

We are spending our holiday in Charleston. Unfortunately along with holidays comes long periods of inactivity and no writing. But... I've written more words for "A Perfect Stranger" than I did in my first book. I'm gaining... but slowly. What is exciting for me on this project is I am letting my characters have more freedom in where they lead me than I did before. I struggle with fiction since I haven't lived it and often want to stay grounded in what I think would really happen - forgetting that it is fiction and more goes.

Have a blessed holiday with family and friends!

Charleston Writers

Last night, I enjoyed the blessing of attending a writers group here in North Charleston. A woman from www.Shoutlife.com invited me to come and meet with her fellow writers. I must say - it was the highlight of my trip to this city.

Not only was it sweet to listen to the many kinds of talent there but also to know that we shared our love for the Lord and could unite in that way too. A tiny piece of heaven on earth - makes me wish I could visit groups all over the country and connect again the way we did last night.

I missed attending the FWA conference last night but God handed me a consolation prize through this group of people.

Citadel and Fort Sumter

We had a busy time this past weekend exploring the sights here in S.C. On Friday, we hurried to watch the last parade of the year at the Citadel. Cadets impressed us with their uniforms and precision drills. I didn't expect such a beautiful campus filled with history.

On Saturday, we bundled into layers and found our way to Mt. Pleasant where we boarded a ferry that took us to Fort Sumter. A different surprise today - how small this fort was! Built up from sand, it was no bigger than the space my hotel sits on. But the view was spectacular! We picked the best time to go as it is Veteran's Day weekend and the place was filled with activities honoring the vets.

Monday Morning - Week three

A good start to the day- we have sunshine, blue sky, and I'm alive. I pull out my laptop and determine what the course of my day will be. Several choices pull at me, but I know I need to take care first my personal business, then my business - business(yes those bills must be paid) and then my favorite business - writing. I plan to write a new chapter this week - hold me to it - as I like to edit my previous writing and get it near perfect before I allow myself the luxury of continuing on and I don't think that method is the wisest for completing a book. For me anyways - but I am still in the learning and growing and experimenting stage ... will probably be there forever.

Charleston Tea Plantation

We enjoyed a sunny clear day out today after church - and decided to visit America's only tea garden- a tea plantation southwest of Charleston tucked way back in the country on Wadmalaw Island. Biglow Tea company grows and makes their American Classic tea there. For $10 each, we took a trolley tour of the fields and field of tea plants. I never realized how it grew(bushes) and how the process took place from field to tree.

We learned some history today as well as spent some time away from our jobs together. I'm hoping to make some big gains on my book this week as well as do some reading on Faithwriters.com and write another short story.