Tag Archives: friends

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!

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!

Oct9

Countdown

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Countdown

Only twelve days left. Why do the days go by so quickly? The past five months in Washington have been a blur of friends, volunteer work, writers group, book club and writing. I didn’t even get to Canada.

On Monday I went to Leavenworth for one last appointment at Shears. Ann and I went out for brunch and a lovely drive through Tumwater Canyon and Plain where the leaves are already in their autumn glory. Everywhere else, the leaves are just beginning to turn. Fall is late this year.

On Tuesday Linda and I went out for lunch and then to Office Depot. I was delighted to find a mouse pad, not an easy feat around here. Probably should have been more organized and ordered one on Amazon before.

On Wednesday Joanne and I volunteered at the Essentials Table at the Community Church in Cashmere. Then we stopped at the Sure To Rise Bakery. Last visit for me for a while to the Cashmere Library. Downloaded and printed out my piece for writers group next week. Farewell hugs to librarians Lisa and Ashley. And yes we did stop to visit my tree and I took pics. Then it was off to East Wenatchee for a delicious dinner at Olive Garden.

Today is Thursday. I spent the morning going through my closet. Clothes are easy. It’s those darn documents that are so tedious. And I’m leaving tons of those behind in a suitcase. Way too heavy to lug down to Mexico. Warmer clothes too. No use for a Columbia ski jacket or a pair of Sorrels down there.

I’m almost finished reading the book for book club. I will write out my comments and email them to the group as I’ll be back in Mexico when it’s time for the next meeting. Then I’ll be back to reading the books on Libby or Hoopla until I return to Washington next year.

Time for a snack. Yummy watermelon. Then I’ll be off to small group for dinner and Bible study.

Have a great evening!

Aug7

Thursday Musings

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Thursday Musings

The other day I was talking to a friend about how our lives have changed since Covid. While I don’t hide inside, I don’t over program myself the way I once did. One activity goes on my calendar a day. Then whatever happens…well, it happens.

Today is August 7th and the activity on the calendar was book club. We met at a park near the Pybus Market in Wenatchee and had a lovely picnic. We had a beautiful view of the river and the boat launch which added to our enjoyment.

But the day was far from over. After a delicious lunch and lively discussion of books, Joanne and I were off to Cashmere. We volunteer at the library for kids’ events. Today was the party for the end of summer reading program. I helped the kids make party poppers. They then went to another area where they got to play games with their party poppers. There were also other tables with more crafts for the kids to make.

After the party, we wandered over to the Methodist church for a community dinner. I met new people and even invited one of them to attend the next meeting of our writers group in Wenatchee.

Last stop was Bath and Body Works at the mall in East Wenatchee. I love my Champagne Toast! It has replaced my all-time favorite of Warm Vanilla Sugar.

It’s after seven and I’m finally home. And it’s reflection time.

On August 7th, 1992 I lovingly held Kelsey in my arms when he took his last breath. He’d led a happy and healthy life until then. Although it’s been years, I still think of him often. And I imagine him surrounded by other furry playmates up in doggie heaven.

Jul21

You’re Never There

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You’re Never There

I disagree. I can’t say I’m never there, but I definitely can say that I’m seldom there. And just where is there? Why, it’s Facebook of course!

Just why am I seldom there? Because life is to be lived. That means up front and personal. That means interacting with other people. It doesn’t mean staring at a screen on my phone or on my laptop all day. That isn’t living.

Basically, I share my WordPress blog on Facebook. I belong to three writers groups on Facebook which I don’t always check out as often as I would like to. I’ve learned a lot about writing and publishing from these groups. As I’ve said many times before, send me a private message if you want me to be aware of something important going on in your life. With hundreds of friends on Facebook, I don’t have time to waste scrolling and sifting through far too many shared posts every day to find the ones that may truly be worth reading.

Occasionally I read posts on Facebook from a group called If You Grew Up In Winnipeg. There are two types of people who post here…those who still live there and haven’t experienced life outside of Winnipeg and those that have escaped Winnipeg when they have discovered the adventures that can be found elsewhere. However I must admit that I do find some of the photos quite interesting.

I had a stimulating conversation with a friend in Winnipeg last night. We’re both divorced, have adult children and grandchildren. We both concluded that our lives have not turned out the way we envisioned them years ago. But we do find our lives challenging as well as fulfilling.

And I wholeheartedly continue to embrace this philosophy…………………. First Coffee, Now What?

And you?

May15

I’m Back!

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I’m Back!

A bus trip and three flights and I’m back in Washington. Everything went off scheduled. I got my usual three questions at Immigration: Where are you going? What is the purpose of your trip? How long will you be in the USA? I downloaded the I94 onto my phone and I’m good for 180.

I left Aguascalientes last Thursday at 8 am and arrived in Wenatchee at 1:30 pm on Friday. Joanne picked me up and brought me home where I collapsed into bed. My suitcase stayed out in the garage until Saturday. Of course I didn’t start unpacking it until Tuesday. My closet and drawers have more than enough clothes, and my toiletries were all waiting for me in my bathroom.

Joyce and I went out for lunch on Saturday and on Sunday I went back to church. Monday was a killer. I left the house with Christina just after 8 am. I went into Cashmere to visit my tree and have coffee at Weeds. Then on to Leavenworth to Shears for a much needed haircut and highlights. Charleen and I went to the golf club for lunch after. Then back to Wenatchee to do some shopping. I love Bath and Body Works!

Tuesday I stayed home to unpack and do laundry. Wednesday I went to the Senior Center for lunch and then back to Cashmere to volunteer at an essentials bank with Joanne.

This morning I was at Soul Sisters at church. I’m at home now and have finally booted up my laptop for the first time since I’m back. But this will be a short post as I still have a lot of organizing to do in my room. I’m determined to at least return my suitcase to its place in the closet.

Feb25

February Finale

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February Finale

February might be the shortest month of the year but it’s been one of the busiest for me. While the focus this winter has been on writing, other activities fill my days as well. Church online. Bible Study on Zoom. Writing Webinars. Conversation Club. Tutoring. Friends. And finally this month I did some traveling.

I went to visit my friend Angie in Pachuca. It’s been three years since we last saw each other but we just picked up where we left off. Time was of no consequence. We first met in December 2010 on El Chepe up in the Copper Canyon. We hit it off as we were both teaching English at the time. Angie is Mexican and was a superb translator for me because back then my Spanish language skills were practically non-existent!

This week my daughter is competing in the CPU Nationals in Canada. I must admit that it’s a little unnerving watching her bench press more than her weight but I’m also so very proud of her and what she has accomplished. Last year I got to see it in person. This time I’m watching online.

My granddaughter Madeline turns seven tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday I flew to Ontario shortly after she was born. Video calls will have to suffice until I see her again in person this summer. I predict that she will be as tall as Grandma by then.

I’m attending a program on Zoom later this week that deals with publishing. I’m looking forward to it as I hope to publish a book this spring and the writing world has changed since I first published back in 2009. My genre has also changed and my next book is fiction.

I enjoyed my break from reading all the newsfeeds. And I ignored the podcasts. Now back to reality where people are still trying to hack into my Facebook and Microsoft accounts. Back to reading about more airline mishaps. Back to reading about The United States of Democrats and The United States of Republicans. Back to reading about the gong show going on in Canada. I think I need another break.

Jan7

What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

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What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

I’ve been doing the prompts every day on WordPress but as I said before I’m not going to post all of them. But this prompt is one that I think I will share.

The greatest gift someone can give me is not anything of a materialistic nature. That rules out jewelry, expensive clothing, electronics, candy and even chocolate. And I am a chocoholic. Yes, over the years I have received a lot of the aforementioned gifts.

What I treasure most is a gift of the heart. Time. A small monosyllabic word with such a deep meaning.

We all lead busy lives. We work, we volunteer, we travel and we pursue other activities that interest us. But when people take time out of their busy lives to talk, go for a walk, share a meal or coffee, go to a movie, phone, email or even text…………….that is the most precious gift that they can give me. They are taking the time to share a part of their life with me.

The path I have chosen for myself is not an easy one. As I age, obstacles and distractions appear to surface in abundance. But I am blessed with many friends in my life who care and are encouraging and supportive. And I do my best to reciprocate and find time for my friends. After all, it’s the moments we share that count, not the things.

TIME. A priceless gift. A valuable gift. The greatest gift.

Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
View all responses
Nov10

Last One For A While

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Last One For A While

This is my last post from Washington until the spring. On Monday I leave for Mexico for the winter. The fall has been beautiful here and I’ve managed to avoid snow although the temperature has dropped considerably.

The time has flown by quickly. And this last week even more so. It’s a time of saying goodbye to friends. It’s a time to say “See you in May.” It’s a time to bid farewell to the brilliant colors of the leaves on the trees and the majestic mountain views. It’s a time for numerous “lasts” of the season.

Linda and I did our last Netflix binge. This time it was The Lincoln Lawyer. Virgin River will have to wait until I return in the spring.

I went to my last writers’ group meeting on Wednesday and enjoyed one last lunch at the Senior Center with them after. This is the best writers’ group I’ve ever belonged to. We all come from different places and have had a variety of life experiences which provides a great deal of inspiration when it comes to writing.

On Thursday I went to my last book club meeting. This is my first year with the group although it has been in existence for several years. A delightful group of ladies combined with the ambience of the Wenatchee Golf Club make our monthly luncheon get-togethers most enjoyable.

On Friday I went out for lunch with Soul Sisters and friends from church. I was totally overwhelmed by the large turnout who came to bid me farewell. Although I’ve only attended Breath of Life for just over a month, I treasure the friendships I’ve made and intend to stay in touch until I return to East Wenatchee in the spring.

On Friday afternoon I started packing and then went over to my brother’s for one last dinner before I leave. Back in 2016 I had no idea that his invitation to visit would result in my becoming a snowbird to Washington State for so many years.

On Saturday Joyce and I went to one last movie at Gateway. We lingered over coffee afterwards where the conversation ranged from musings on the recent election to religion and everything in between. I will miss these interesting discussions. They’re so much better in person than over a phone call.

Today is Sunday and I started the day at church. There were a lot of hugs and farewells and then I was off to one last lunch at Peking with Clairesse and Linda. I just got home and decided to get this blog post up before I finish packing. Then it will be one last dinner with Christina before I fly out tomorrow.

Watch for my first post from Mexico later in the month.

Oct4

Oh No! It’s October!

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Oh No! It’s October!

October is here. The temperature is cooler and the days are shorter. The leaves are just beginning to turn from green to glorious shades of red and orange. I admit it. Fall is my favorite season.

September flew by in a blur. Here are some highlights. I volunteered at the Chelan County Fair where I checked in baking and preserves. I also volunteered at the 9/11 service in Cashmere. And I volunteered at the Essentials Bank at a church in Cashmere. I also attended the Autumn Leaf Festival parade in Leavenworth and went to writing group in Wenatchee. I ventured out on the Apple Loop Trail in East Wenatchee. And of course I enjoyed spending time with my friends who I will miss dearly when I head back south for the winter.

October is going to be a busy month. It is already. Yesterday was writers group. Today was book club. This weekend so far has a craft fair at my church, a book fair at Pybus Market, a book sale in Cashmere and we’re also going to see the movie White Bird.

Activities for the next few weeks are already beginning to fill my calendar. One thing that I always procrastinate doing is booking a flight back to Mexico. It will be more of a challenge this year as the marathons I used to run through airports on my own two feet will now be done in a wheelchair instead. While the sciatica has eased up considerably, walking long distances is still not an option, especially when I need to go from terminal to terminal in a short period of time if I am to make the connecting flights.

I’ve decided to stay here until after the November election. I’m hoping that the snow will not arrive before then. But if it does, I still have the Columbia ski jacket and the Sorrel boots I bought when I was stranded here over the winter during Covid. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the beautiful weather and the colorful leaves on the trees.