Now we find ourselves almost three months into our new “family situation,” and at least for now, I’d say things have gotten much better. I’ve become a bird person – more so than before – like I’ve got bird seed on Amazon Subscribe and Save. Our whole family finds so much joy watching for the birds each day. American gold finch, house finch, pigeons, hummingbirds, it’s all so exciting!
Becoming a full-time caregiver for my father has been the definition of roller coaster. He was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia back in 2020 and I’ve been cataloging his decline in the form of Picture Books ever since. When I look back at the various drafts, I’m so grateful I wrote them. Most will never be read by the masses…only serving as a sort of diary or record of history. I would have forgotten so many of the things had I not captured them that way. One of my favorite things I rediscovered on a recent read-through: he used to call my daughter “Jemma Jemma Bo-Bemma.” Now, everyone is Brody (like his dog) or “a puppy.”
These first months, I’ve tripped and stumbled, learning his capabilities by trial and many many error. I’d like to think we’ve made it through the adjustment period. Though, two weeks ago, I was quoted, “If only things could be more consistent!” Now, I’m happy to report: things seem much more consistent and I hope that’s here to stay.
At the end of August, my Write. Submit. Support. class with Ann Marie Stephens wrapped up and I decided to keep the fun going with Marcie Colleen’s Study Hall. For the past three weeks, I’ve been critiquing the other participant’s work (I’m a well-oiled critiquing machine at this point) and in turn, I receive critiques from Marcie and the other five members of the group. I’ve enjoyed this very much. It’s brought some consistency and intention to my writing day, which had grown pretty wobbly up until this.
I’ve been slowly querying again, which makes me feel very good. I’m even feeling more confident about my “submission package.” I HOPE I have the opportunity to share it with an agent soon. Just as my Study Hall ends, I’ll be hopping back in with an “invitation only” workshop with Ann Marie Stephens. I’m hoping Ann Marie will be thrilled with my revisions over the past months and encourage me to “query away!”
On top of everything else, our bar is going through a tricky time of managerial transition. It’s been messy, to say the least. I’ve lost three very beloved people out of my life because of it and that comes with all sorts of grief. Something I loved about the bar: I could walk in and expect to see these people, like coming home to family. That is now gone. Can I rebuild that? Should I even try? We will see. Only time will tell.
Featured Photo: Our happy little bird feeders
My Pilgrimage to Publication and Beyond 