Category Archives: Uncategorized

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!

Oct31

What A Week!

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What A Week!

Tonight can’t be Halloween already. Of course in Mexico the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos culminates with a parade tonight and partying in cemeteries over the weekend. Here in Aguascalientes there is quite the display in El Centro along with music, dancing and food.

But I’m passing on the parade this year. I will be watching the Blue Jays-Dodgers game. And yes, I watched all 18 innings Monday night. And I sincerely hope the Blue Jays take it on home turf. It’s been quite a series.

I’m settling in for the winter. I first discovered Aguascalientes in 2019. I arrived in January for three weeks after spending a couple of months in Culiacan and San Ciro de Acosta. I intended to stay for 3 weeks but stayed for 3 months. I returned that fall determined to visit the museums I had missed the previous winter. But Covid came along and I wound up staying until September of 2020 when I was able to get back to Washington. I returned to Aguascalientes in the fall of 2021 and it has become my winter home.

My Spanish has been getting a workout here in Las Flores. I’m not pantomiming as much when I shop at the tiendita or at the tianguis. And conversations with neighbors are going well although I still feel they speak way too quickly. I understand more when they speak slowly.

Yesterday I met some of my Mexican friends at Country Break for lunch. This is a quaint little restaurant that plays country music in English, although it is part of a Mexican chain. Great hamburgers and fries. A very popular place with Mexicans.

Speaking of food, Ricardo is cooking for me again and I am absolutely delighted. Tomorrow he is bringing me prime rib of beef Mexican style and 3 types of tamales. Earlier in the week I enjoyed chiles rellenos, enchiladas suizas and lasagna. Yes, he makes a wicked lasagna!

I got together with another friend and we had breakfast at La Palapa de Charly, another favorite restaurant. Delicious omelets are served with chilaquiles and beans. And the turtles still greet you at the entrance.

I belong to a book club in Cashmere and I’m keeping up by reading books on Libby now that I’m back in Mexico. The current book is Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. I’m almost finished it and will email my comments to Joanne to share at the meeting next week.

I’ve also watched 2 interesting movies in Spanish this week. I pass on the subtitles. It’s a great way to improve my Spanish. Friends have recommended that I watch soap operas, but I prefer movies. Occasionally I opt for The Simpsons or Dora The Explorer. But movies are more my thing.

And that’s what I’m going to do right now. I’m going to watch a movie while I eat my lunch.

Have a great weekend!

Oct26

Happy Anniversary To My Gold Medalist!

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Happy Anniversary To My Gold Medalist!

Ten years ago I was in the Dominican Republic with my daughter when she got married. She is celebrating her 10th anniversary today in Panama. She gets around.

I was glued to my computer screen the other night watching her compete in The North American Powerlifting Federation Regional Bench Press Championships in Panama City. It was exciting to watch online but I really wish I could have been there in person. Breaking three records, she now returns to Canada with a gold medal. It was amazing to see her up there on the podium accepting her award.

Felicidades Kimmy! I love you and I am so incredibly proud of you!

Oct24

Home Sweet Home

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Home Sweet Home

Three flights and a bus trip. Every year I say I’m getting too old for this. But I did it again. Of course it took it’s toll. The two hour time change was welcome when I arrived, but not so much the next morning. 12 hour naps are exhausting and are not my norm. But it’s Friday and I finally had the energy to hit the ATM. I usually enjoy the mile walk to the bank but today I appreciated the ride Raul gave me. By the way, the temperature is in the low 80s and that sun is hot!

When I arrived at the bus station in Aguascalientes Wednesday night, I had a delightful and unexpected visit with Charlotte. She and Humberto were taking a bus home to Puerto Vallarta. They’ll be back here in Aguascalientes in December so I’ll look forward to spending more time with them then.

Alaska. You are still my favorite airline. All flights went smoothly and my bag was one of the first off the carousel when I landed in Guadalajara. Thank you for delaying your tech outage by one day so that it didn’t affect my travel. And thank you Pangborn that all runway renovation was complete and I was able to fly out of Wenatchee. Much easier to deal with TSA at a small airport.

I went to my corner tiendita and picked up some much needed groceries and other supplies. And they provided me with assistance to get everything that short half a block to my home. Yep! I bought that much stuff! Other than a torta ahogada yesterday, I’ve been living off protein bars. But sleep was first on my agenda.

My newsfeed this morning was not a good one. Canada and the USA are becoming more than enemies. And that’s all I’ll say.

Yogurt and fruit have the appeal of a mouth-watering steak right now. Time to end this post.

Have a great weekend!

Oct19

Last Post From Washington in 2025

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Last Post From Washington in 2025

I love fall. It’s my favorite season. The trees are in all their glory. The snow glistens high up on the mountaintops. But it’s also bittersweet as my time here has once again come to an end for this year. Washington is such a beautiful state. Every time I return I am in awe of the beauty; the views that most Washingtonians take for granted.

The past few days have been a blur of goodbyes with friends as well as last lunches and dinners together. Thursday was my last Life Group for a while. Yesterday was one last movie at Gateway. And this morning was one last church service here in East Wenatchee.

This afternoon the sun is shining brightly outside although the temperature has dropped. I have a Lifetime movie on in the background while I pack. But at the moment I’m taking a break to write this post.

I received a message from my daughter in Canada. She is into Powerlifting and tomorrow she is off to Panama to compete in the Internationals. Very exciting! I hope to watch her online as I’ve done before. Maybe someday I’ll get to watch her in person.

I fly out of Pangborn on Tuesday. Three flights and a bus trip and I’ll be home in Aguascalientes.

But the packing cubes are calling. My next post will be from Mexico.

Saludos!

Oct14

Countdown Continues

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Countdown Continues

A week from today at this time I’ll be somewhere up in the air between Seattle and Los Angeles. The days between now and then are full. Actually, all my days are full. I wonder where I ever found the time to raise kids, work and volunteer before I retired.

This morning I went to Soul Sisters at church. No Zoom for this Bible Study so it will be by snail mail email. I told everyone they get their goodbye hugs at church this Sunday.

I spent two hours organizing and backing up the pics on my laptop. Then I downloaded more from my phone and backed those up. I really need to do this more regularly. Then it won’t be such a tedious undertaking.

Tomorrow morning is my last writers group meeting until next year. This group has been a great source of support and encouragement. Once again, no Zoom. But we can email files to each other and keep in touch by phone. I will miss our lunches together after the meetings. This is an opportunity to converse and get to know each other better other than just by our writing styles.

On Thursday it will be my last small group for a while. We share a meal together before delving into a Bible Study. And the fellowship after is most enjoyable. It’s always a late night and I am quite content to sleep in on Friday morning.

I’m not sure what’s happening on Friday. Joanne and I haven’t decided yet. All I know at this point is that it won’t involve volunteering lol. When Joanne asked me what I want to do I told her I want to go to Cashmere and never leave. If only that truly were a possibility!

I had an interesting email from the Canadian Embassy in Mexico. A warning about flooding and landslides in central Mexico. Hmmm. I decided not to fly in on the coast because of the current hurricane activity. Hopefully Guadalajara stays high and dry.

We’ve actually had some rain here in East Wenatchee. And there is snow up in the mountains. So I know it is time for me to leave. The temperatures have dropped and I’ve been layering and bundling up. I have plans for the weekend so I hope it doesn’t get too cold.

“Procrastination is the thief of time.” Charles Dickens.

I better get back to sorting through documents.