Monthly Archives: November 2025

Nov26

Digital Creator

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Digital Creator

I recently accepted a friend request on Facebook from someone who I know personally as a retired teacher and a writer of science-fiction. Upon scrolling through his bio and posts, I encountered the term “digital creator.” As I’m not entirely familiar with that expression I decided to do some investigating.

A digital creator writes their own posts. A digital creator doesn’t just share posts that others have written. A digital creator produces original content. This can be in the form of writing, photos or videos. Live events also fall into this category.

A digital creator encourages followers to interact and engage in conversation rather than just react with a like or other emoji. Of course the content must be meaningful and have substance for that to happen. And it certainly does on my new friend’s newsfeed. Comments on posts are interesting and informative and well worth reading.

As my friends all know, I don’t usually scroll on Facebook. I post links to my blog and occasionally tag people in photos. I also check out a couple of writers’ groups I belong to. I do not consider myself to be a digital creator.

While I seldom scroll on Facebook, I just may make an exception and follow my new friend on Facebook. You see, normally I don’t follow people on Facebook. I have close to 600 friends on Facebook and I refuse to waste valuable time scrolling through all their posts. If it’s something important, send me a private message. Those I do check regularly.

A writer walks into a bar. The bartender asks, “Have you written your 1000 words today? You told me not to sell you a drink until you hit your word count goal for the day.” A writer walks out of a bar.

Happy Humpday!

Nov23

Happy Birthday Kyle!

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Happy Birthday Kyle!

Today is Sunday, November 23, 2025. But I’m thinking back to this date a few years ago, actually a few decades ago. Sunday November 23, 1980. Grey Cup Day in Canada. But for me it was Labor Day.

That’s right. Forty-five years ago today I spent the day in a labor and delivery room. The hospital where I delivered my first baby had not yet embraced the concept of birthing rooms. I recall a starkly furnished and sterile room with bright lights. The only calming thing about it was that I had an amazing doctor who stayed with me the entire time, encouraging me as the nurses’ shifts constantly changed. My husband was glued to the TV in the lounge watching the football game although periodically he came to check on me. Once the game ended he had more of a presence in the labor and delivery room but in all honesty wasn’t the greatest labor coach. He did much better when my daughter was born.

My son finally decided to enter the world on Monday November 24th. My due date was November 26th and I was grateful that he came early, even if only by two days. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know how anxious you are to have that baby come out when you’ve gone full term. Kyle was also born on the day of my parents’ wedding anniversary, although my dad had passed away years before. Now we had something new to celebrate on that date.

Hard to believe you’re turning 45 tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday you were born.

Happy Birthday Kyle!

Nov15

Today’s Prompt

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Today’s Prompt

I don’t often use a writing prompt. There’s usually so much to write about that I don’t feel the need. But today’s prompt caught my eye.

What book are you reading right now?

I read a lot of books. I belong to a book club in East Wenatchee and read the books online when I can’t be there in person. This past year we’ve read several in the historical fiction genre. And I’ve read a few others on the side.

But right now, and I hope you’re sitting down for this one, I’m reading Virgin River. I see a lot of raised eyebrows and smirks. Quite frankly I’m enjoying the book. While it does follow the main storyline of the Netflix series, there’s a great deal more detail, especially when it comes to the steamy sex scenes with Mel and Jack.

I knew the book existed. Years ago when Linda and I started binge watching the series, I became aware that the series was indeed based on a book. But somehow I’d never gotten around to reading the book, until this month. I wanted a change from historical fiction and I’m a book ahead for book club.

I’m also aware that there is more than just one book. And I plan to check out the others as well.

Much of the Netflix series was filmed up in Canada. I’m not surprised. Movies are often filmed in Canada because it’s cheaper than in the USA.

But I will still take my Cascades over Canada’s Rockies.

Nov11

November 11

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November 11

It was called Remembrance Day in Canada when I was growing up. I always thought it unfair that we had to go to school for a service while my dad had to close his business and got to stay at home. I remember that all students in the school congregated in the gymnasium. We sang O Canada and O God Our Help In Ages Past. There was the standard Last Post and Reveille. I recall men in uniform and a speaker. We all wore poppies. We sang God Save The Queen. And after about an hour we were dismissed and allowed to go home.

In 2016 I was in Leavenworth, Washington on November 11th. Veteran’s Day in America meant honoring all those who had served in the armed forces. Restaurants offered specials for veterans. Tables were decorated with American flags. There was a more festive feel to this day than what I had experienced previously on November 11th in Canada.

In Mexico November 11th is not recognized as the big holiday in the month. That honor goes to Revolution Day on November 20th, although November 17th is the day people take off in order to have a long weekend. Banks and government buildings are closed as well as many businesses.

Revolution Day marks the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Madero led a group of followers up against the dictator Diaz, demanding equality and a more democratic country. Parades and historical reenactments are common on this day.

Today is November 11th. This afternoon Ricardo is bringing me enchiladas and taquitos. Then I will go to a cafe to facilitate my weekly Conversation Club with Mexicans who are eager to improve their grasp of the English language.

Enjoy your day.

Nov5

National Novel Month

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National Novel Month

November to writers is synonymous with National Novel Month. I’m usually traveling in November so I’ve never been able to participate. But I’m a homebody this month and decided to join in. The challenge is to write 1667 words every day and at the end of the month 50,000 words i.e. a novel.

I have put aside the third book in my trilogy for a while and have chosen to write on something completely different. It is fiction but has more of a lighthearted feel to it. While it is actually based on true events, names and places have been changed. And if I ever do decide to publish it, then a pen name is definitely mandatory. Only my closest friends have been told some details about this project. And it will remain that way for now.

The Blue Jays lost. I was amazed that the series actually went to seven games. I thought the Dodgers would have claimed victory much sooner. The Blue Jays really gave them a run for their money and they are to be commended for that.

Volunteer work for me here in Mexico is in the field of ESL. My adult conversation club is starting up again next week. I’ve had enthusiastic responses from participants and am looking forward to seeing them all again. My teenager starts this week and I am determined to keep him away from those videogames he loves so much; at least for 2 or 3 hours every week. Even more if he actually does his homework lol.

Both Halloween and Day of the Dead are done for this year. Now everyone is talking Christmas or La Navidad. Ricardo is even taking orders now for tamales. And he does make delicious tamales! I’ve already sampled some. So far my favorites are the mole dulce and the pina, with the rojas right up there as well.

What word contains 26 letters but only has three syllables?

Alphabet.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!