Thank Goodness 2020 is HALF OVER!
But Americans are survivors! We are social distancing, wearing masks, and supporting each other. I am happy to say that my friends (and I'd guess the majority of people in general) are NOT spouting hurtful things into the social atmosphere. We are intelligent and respectful of each other's differences and differing opinions. We listen. And if our views conflict, we use language and logic to express ourselves. Sometimes we agree to disagree, and that's okay. And we stay friends. My friends reside across the spectrum in all manner of diversities. And as far as I know, I haven't lost any of my friends in this chaotic time. I hope that goes for you too!
After surviving online teaching, I thought I'd be writing so much this summer. Unfortunately, I've been too tensed up and saddened. My writing seems trivial compared to all the pain and suffering out there. Though I want to see some positive news, I have to avoid watching it. All the news channels magnify bad behavior because it gives them ratings. And with everyone voicing opinions, it's hard to know what's real and true. Where has all the good news gone?
To pull myself out of this funk, I want to help. I'm going to do what I can in my own neck of America. Here are a few things I came up with that I'd like to try:
- Free Tutoring for At-Risk Kids
- Free Motivational Presentations
- Donating Time & Money - with research into where the money goes
- Positive, Encouraging Posts - which I try to do anyway, just need to do more!
- Produce Positive Videos
With all the chaos going on, I don't have much writing progress to report. No live book events, no new publications... But for those times I can escape the chaos, I do have a few things in the works:
- On my BLOG, I'm posting episodes of a short story all summer, and beyond: THE DAY DAVE BROKE THE INTERNET
- I hope to finish editing SIMULATION for re-publication before school starts
- I plan to submit an "out there" short story for the annual IWSG Anthology Contest - it's with my critique partner
- GERTRUDE, THE NERDY PRINCESS is almost ready for publication...
- I've started typing the first draft of CONDUCTION, Pop Travel #4
So I have a lot to work on, and plenty of time. I just need motivation. I think many of us do, especially when we can't get out of the house and chat together with friends. So we need to perk each other up in other ways...
Let's all send cute photos, funny memes, encouraging words and images.
Let's post more positive!
Here are some recent positive moments I can share:
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| After surgery and Covid, youngest son is finally pitching again! |
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| Very happy to have oldest son home - only one more year of college, then he enters the real world on his own. He's prepared! |
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| This guy! Drove 8 hours to surprise us over Memorial Day weekend. Survivor is his middle name. |
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| I gave Beast World paper dolls, sanitizer, and other goodies to my promo volunteer helpers |
I'm sending you positive vibes to get through the chaos!
Let's find the bright side together!
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Happy 4th back! Thanks for the uplifting post and email. We need a lot of that right now.
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July! I am glad you and yours are doing well!
ReplyDeleteMy family is healthy, too, even if my oldest is in Montana rock climbing and backpacking when she isn't working online,we are all managing to stay close through phone calls, zoom, and texts. Humor and uplift are always a good combo!!!