Writer’s Log, May 30, 2023

Hey there! ๐Ÿ˜„ It’s May 30, 2023, and the Memorial Day weekend was off the charts! ๐ŸŽ‰ Those pool parties were epic, but whoa, I’m seriously wiped out! Hanging with friends was a blast, but now I’m in desperate need of some quality alone time to recharge. ๐Ÿ˜ด Plus, there’s a mountain of cleaning waiting for me. Ugh, the struggle is real!

Last night, I hit the hay at 10:30 pm, but guess what? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ I woke up at 3 am! It was like my sleep took a detour or something. But thanks to my trusty melatonin, I managed to drift back into dreamland around 6 am. #SleepIssues ๐Ÿ˜ด๐Ÿ’ค Maybe I was mourning my Dallas Stars losing and their season coming to an end. Just saying. ๐Ÿ˜”

Anyway, I made my way to Starbucks, and I’m currently sipping on a delightful tall blonde roast coffee. โ˜•๏ธ Ahh, the perfect pick-me-up! Later today, I’ve got an appointment with the allergist for a reassessment. ๐Ÿคง But before that, I’m planning to take a nice walk and dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, “The Fellowship of the Ring.” So much more to discover in the book compared to the epic but long movie! ๐Ÿ“š And you know what? I might even sneak in a quick power nap. Gotta recharge those batteries, ya know? ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ’ช

By the way, what’s going on with you? Share your story! ๐Ÿ‘‹๐Ÿ˜Š #ChillTime #CoffeeLover #Bookworm

Writer’s Log, May 29, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at Starbucks.

๐ŸŒŸ Good morning, everyone! It’s Monday, May 29, 2023, and here in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ, we’re celebrating ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Memorial Day! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
As I drove down the streets this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful American flags ย ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธย  lining the way. It’s a reminder of the incredible sacrifice made by the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military. Today, we honor their memory and express our gratitude. ๐Ÿ™
I drove to essential stop at Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine and writing inspiration. โ˜• While enjoying my cup of joe, I’ll be delving into my morning devotional time. Today, my prayers will be with the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, currently in session at the Ridge Conference Center in North Carolina. ๐Ÿ“š I hope their conference is filled with inspiration, knowledge, and meaningful connections.
As for me, I’ll be tackling the recommended changes from my editor during my writing session. There’s something magical about sipping a steaming cup of coffee while fingers to keyboard.
Oh, and before I forget, I have a quick errand to run at the store on my way home. I need to pick up a couple of bags of ice and some health and beauty items. Gotta be prepared for any situation that arises! ๐Ÿ’ช
Yesterday was a blast! We had an amazing pool party ๐Ÿ’ฆ and celebrated the third birthdays for my girlfriend’s grandson. ๐ŸŽ‰
Today, it’s all about tidying up and getting ready for another fun-filled day. No, we’re not repeating the birthday party, but we’re hosting another awesome pool party ๐Ÿ’ฆ , this time with some of the talented ladies from my local writers group. It’s always a joy to share laughter, stories, and splashes with such a fantastic group. ๐Ÿ’ฆ
Now, let’s talk sports! The NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday was rained out, but don’t worry, it’s rescheduled for this afternoon. ๐ŸŽ๏ธ Fingers crossed for an exhilarating and action-packed race! I wonโ€™t watch it but will listen to itโ€™s replay as I read before going to bed tonight.
And in NHL playoff hockey, tonight the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights. ๐Ÿ’ Of course, they havenโ€™t played yet. I don’t have the inside scoop, but hey, a little hope and positive vibes can go a long way! I believe the Stars will win.
On this special Memorial Day, I want to wish each and every one of you a magnificent day! Let’s be the bright spot in someone’s life today and every day. Let’s radiate kindness, love, and compassion, showing others the beauty of God’s love through our actions. Together, we can make a difference! ๐Ÿ’ซ
Enjoy the day, my friends, and may it be filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. Happy Memorial Day! ๐ŸŽ‡

Writer’s Log, May 28, 2023

๐ŸŒž Good morning, everyone! It’s Sunday, May 28, 2023! โ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿ“

Starting off the day with some #poolcleaning. Gotta keep that water sparkling! ๐Ÿ’ฆ๐Ÿ’ช

But first, #coffee! Enjoying a cup of blonde roast while I get my writing groove on. โœ๏ธ๐Ÿ“š

Later on, I’m heading to #BibleFellowship class and #church. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿปโ›ช๏ธ Always a great way to nourish the soul.

Exciting stuff happening today! It’s time for a #poolparty! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ Celebrating my lady friend’s oldest grandson’s third birthday. Can’t wait for all the fun and cake!

Sending good vibes to my friends heading to the Ridgecrest Conference Center at Black Mountain, North Carolina. โœจโœˆ๏ธ They’re attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Praying for safe travels, inspiration, and new writing skills for them. Also hoping they find the perfect agent and nail their book pitches with the publishers there.

Attention, motorheads! It’s a big day for racing fans. ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๏ธ The #Indy500 (Indy Car) and the #CocaCola600 (NASCAR) races are happening! Let’s cheer on Kyle Busch driving the #8 car for Richard Childress Racing! ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ

Hope you all have an amazing Sunday filled with joy and excitement! ๐Ÿ˜„โœจ๐Ÿ’•

The selfie is from this morning. The hat? I’m a 1975 grad of The University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in history and English / military science minors. It’s from my university! #SundayVibes #HappySunday

Writer’s Log, May 26, 2023

Hey everyone! Happy Friday, May 26, 2023! Sending greetings from beautiful North Texas, USA! ๐ŸŒŸ

Last night was a blast at Six Springs Tavern! ๐ŸŽถ Wondering why this deep water, teetotaler Baptist went? Well, one of the awesome ladies from my Mensa group was rocking the stage with her girl group band. She asked us regular Mensa attendees to come and show our support, so we did! ๐Ÿ’ช

The last time I experienced live music was at Spillman Hall at Ridgecrest for the Blue Ridge Writers Conference last year. Last night my iWatch’s loud noise alarm kept going off because the music was so loud! ๐ŸŽต Some tunes reached a mind-blowing 128 dB!

For comparison, my Mercedes car stereo tops out at a modest 79 dB. Safety first, right? Even back in my folk-rock band days, I rocked hearing protection. Even though my dad hated my music and guitar playing, he gave me earplugs wear while playing to “avoid the family curse” of hearing loss. ๐Ÿ˜„ My mom, bless her heart, loved every noisy guitar riff I played!

There were six amazing bands performing last night, each with a thrilling thirty-minute set. The music spanned from Led Zeppelin to Hank Williams, showcasing incredible talent. Special shoutout to the Hank Williams Band (aka Hillbilly Shakespeare Band) โ€“ their musicianship was out of this world! ๐ŸŽธ And they covered every Hank Williams hit! Their standup bass player even teaches music at a local university and plays with the symphony. Talk about impressive!

One of the bands had a female lead singer who channeled the spirit of Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane), Janis Joplin and even Debby Harry of the band Blondie fame. Her covers of “White Rabbit” and โ€œOne Way or Anotherโ€ were mind-blowing! ๐ŸŽค And let’s not forget the blues band that closed the night, rocking the stage with some killer guitar skills. Wow! ๐ŸŽถ

By the way, the fountain Dr Pepper at Six Springs Tavern was the best I’ve ever had, and their burger was almost as good as the ones at JG’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers!

Speaking of JG’s, I had a lovely chat with Morris, the former owner, when we unexpectedly bumped into each other shopping at Costco. We caught up for about 20 minutes, chatting about life, health, family, and everything in between. It’s heartwarming to see how proud he is of his wife, daughters ๐Ÿ’–and grandchildren. Family love is truly special! โค๏ธ

Guess where I am right now? Starbucks! โ˜•๏ธ Getting ready to kickstart my day, even though I didn’t get enough sleep. That late night Dr. Pepperโ€™s caffeine must have got to me lol.

Writing mode on! I’m working on some rewrite and corrections, going through the editor’s recommendations for my book on Hope. Let’s make it shine! โœ๏ธ๐Ÿ’ซ

Later today, I’ll soak up some fresh air while reading outdoors. But first, I have to conquer the mosquitoes and do a little yard work to prep for an epic Memorial Day Weekend Pool Party! ๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ๐ŸŽ‰

And hey, I’ll be the designated driver for my friends’ Happy Hour meet-up. Safety first, always! No, I donโ€™t do Happy Hour. But I work to keep friends safe. Between my drop-offs, them getting all happy, and my picking them up, I’ll run errands, enjoy a walk at the mall, and chill at the coffee shop with more JRR Tolkien reading material.

In the evening, I’m beyond excited for the series finale of The Magnificent Mrs. Maisel! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ“บ I’ve fallen in love with the show and its incredible characters. It’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster, but I can’t wait!

And guess what’s happening on Saturday? Brace yourselves, Potterheads! โšก๏ธI’m heading to the Angelika Theater in Plano, Texas for a magical big-screen experience of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban at 11 AM! ๐ŸŽฌโœจ The theater will be buzzing with Potter lovers of all ages, and I’m thrilled to join them for an unforgettable cinematic journey. Some – not me – will even come in their robes.

Weekends like these are what life’s all about! ๐ŸŒˆ So, let’s make the most of this Friday and dive into a fantastic weekend ahead.

Wishing you all a fabulous day and a magical weekend! And donโ€™t forget to include Sunday worship services!

Stay awesome, my friends! Keep smiling and keep on keeping on! ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ˜ƒ

Writer’s Log, May 25, 2023

Jimmie Kepler in a hat and black t-shirt. The t-shirt has the word ABBA on the front in gold letters.

๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒž Happy Thursday, May 25, 2023! ๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒŸ

It’s a terrific Thursday, and I’m feeling energized and ready to conquer the day! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ˜„ I decided to treat myself to some extra rest and slept in until 9:30 AM. ๐Ÿ˜ดโฐ Starting the day with a good night’s sleep sets the tone for success!

After waking up, I took my morning RXs to keep my health in check. ๐Ÿ’Š๐ŸŒฟ Health is wealth, and I’m all about taking care of myself. No one can love or care about you more than you!๐Ÿ˜‡

To nourish my spirit, I indulged in my morning devotion and Bible reading. The text was an old favorite Psalm 56:3, โ€œWhat time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ™ It’s important to find moments of peace and reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

I got some wonderful news from my high school age granddaughter! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽ“ She passed all her finals! ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’ฏ Proud grandpa moment right here! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ’•

Fueling my creative juices, I made my way to Starbucks for some delicious coffee and writing time. โ˜•โœ๏ธ There’s something magical about sipping a warm cup of joe while letting the words flow onto the page.

Yesterday, my friend Les Hall lent a helping hand and together we installed a brand new single post hand rail by the front door. Safety first, folks! ๐Ÿšชโœ‹ I’m taking every precaution to prevent any falls and keep myself safe and sound.

Later, I enjoyed a delightful evening meal of spaghetti with Les and my beautiful and mysterious girlfriend “she who can’t be named on the Internet.” ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ Good food and great company make for a perfect combination!

This afternoon, I’ll be diving into some writing admin stuff, reading – immersing myself in captivating writing of JRR Tolkien, walking, and allowing myself some well-deserved rest. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ˜Œ It’s all about finding the balance between productivity and relaxation.

Speaking of organization, today it’s time to refill my pill organizer. With nineteen daily RXs, it’s no small task! But I’m determined to stay on top of it to ensure my well-being. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ’Š

Tonight, at 6 PM Dallas time, I’m super excited for my one-line writer’s group on Zoom! ๐Ÿ“โœจ Sharing ideas and connecting with fellow writers is always inspiring and uplifting. These writers are like extended family to me. No lonely old man here when I have all these friends.

After the writer’s group, I’ll be heading to a local club to support a talented lady from my Mensa group. ๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽน She’s part of a fantastic 1960s/1970s girls singer cover band, and I can’t wait to cheer her on! Go, Anne! ๐ŸŽค๐ŸŽตI’m wearing my ABBA t-shirt today to support her. ๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽต๐ŸŽต

As the night winds down, I’ll return home for my usual late-night reading session and more time with the master wordsmith, JRR Tolkien. ๐ŸŒ™๐Ÿ“š Losing myself in the pages of a captivating book helps me unwind, relax, and drift off into dreamland. ๐Ÿ˜ด๐Ÿ’ค

Wishing you all a fabulous Thursday filled with joy, achievements, and memorable moments! Let’s make the most of this terrific day! ๐Ÿ’–And live a wonderful life. โœจ

#TerrificThursday #PositiveVibes #SafetyFirst #ProudParent #StarbucksTime #WritingCommunity #SupportLocalMusic #bookwormlife

Writer’s Log, May 24, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at Starbucks. He's seated at his computer. His dark brown hair is below the shoulder length, straight, and parted down the middle. He's smiling.

๐ŸŒธ Good morning, wonderful Wednesday warriors! ๐ŸŒธ I hope this post finds you in high spirits! Today, Iโ€™m thrilled to share some updates from an eventful day unfolding around me.

As I was getting in my car, my dedicated housekeeper, Mary drove up. While she diligently cleans and tidies up the house, Iโ€™ll find myself cozily nestled in a corner of my favorite coffeehouse. This vibrant atmosphere fuels my creative energy. While here, with every sip of my steaming cup of java, inspiration flows through me like a gentle breeze. Iโ€™ll pound out my daily writing word count in no time. Ah, such is my life as the common man is what Iโ€™d like to say, but I know my life isnโ€™t average.

But wait, thereโ€™s more to this day! While the Mary works her magic at home, Iโ€™ll have the pleasure of meeting up with my dear friend Les for a delightful lunch at JGs Old Fashion Hamburgers. Our usual routine is to laugh, share stories, solve the worldโ€™s problems, and savor the flavors of our favorite dishes. Letโ€™s see, will I have the veggie burger or a chicken Caeasr salad? Les will have a chicken sandwhich with mushrooms.

The warmth of friendship truly brightens even the dullest of days, doesnโ€™t it? Plus, weโ€™re still geting to know the new owners. We both miss Morris and Sharhzad, the former owners. Sigh.

To bask in the beauty of this midweek day, Les and I will take an after lunch leisurely stroll at North Park ๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ. The climate-controlled mall is a great walking venue. It also has a beautiful garden courtyard where the sun baths the surroundings in its golden glow, while the gentle rustling of leaves provided a soothing symphony for my ears as it provides cool relief on warm, humid days. Connecting with nature is like recharging my soulโ€™s batteries, and it always has me feeling refreshed and inspired.

To add a cherry on top, I have another dinner date planned with โ€œshe who cannot be named on the Internetโ€ tonight ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ. Weโ€™ll share delicious food, engage in heartfelt conversations, and create memories that will surely make us smile for years to come. Thereโ€™s something truly magical about these shared special moments with a special person that makes life even more beautiful.

As the night and bed time approaches, Iโ€™m eagerly looking forward to curling up with the captivating book ๐Ÿ“š The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings. The pages beckon me into new worlds of Hobbits, Elves, Dwarfs, Orcs, and Wizards, where imagination knows no bounds. The book has so much glorious detail, scenes, and adventures, that the movies just skip. Soothing green tea and a cozy blanket complete the picture, ensuring that Iโ€™ll have a restful night ahead.

Now, enough about me! Iโ€™d love to hear about your day and the things that bring joy to your midweek adventures. Letโ€™s celebrate our shared experiences and create a ripple of positivity together! โœจ

May your Wednesday be filled with laughter, peace and love, and all the little things that make your heart sing. Keep that radiant smile on your face and continue to spread your wonderful vibes! Be the positive light in someoneโ€™s life today.

I close sending love and signing off as your friendly companion enjoying a day of leisure ๐Ÿ’ซ Enjoy a wonderful Wednesday.

Writer’s Log, May 23, 2023

Jimmie sitting at the coffee shop

๐ŸŒŸ Good morning, fabulous peeps! Peeps means people. Who needs “people” when we’ve got a whole new lingo? ๐Ÿ˜„โœจ Just had a blast chatting with this awesome college student who schooled me on the meaning of “peeps.” She looked at the confusion on my face when she greeted her friends.

She looked at me and asked, โ€œwhatโ€™s a peep?โ€ I answered, “those little yellow marshmallow candy things they stores sell at Easter.” She and her peeps bust out laughing. Then she explained. Born in the early 2000s, sheโ€™s got the inside scoop! And shared it with me โ€ฆ ๐Ÿ’ซ So rise and shine, folks, because it’s TUESDAY! Time to seize the day with boundless enthusiasm and a mega-watt smile! ๐Ÿ˜„โœจ

Who’s feeling those Tuesday vibes today? ๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™‚๏ธ Let’s kick off this day right by spreading some serious positivity and joy all around.

Remember, a little dose of positivity can work wonders! I’m a total believer in Jesus Christ, and I know that my attitude and good vibes can influence everyone I interact with today. It’s like a ripple effect of love and happiness! ๐ŸŒˆโœจ So let’s dial down the moodiness and share the love and peace. Be the radiant light that others need in their lives!

Alright, spill the beans, peeps! What’s on your agenda for today? Are you diving headfirst into a new project, smashing your goals, or simply enjoying the journey? Let’s dish out our daily motivations and inspire each other like there’s no tomorrow! ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ’ช

My agenda? You guessed it, I’m currently stationed at my favorite coffee house for my morning writing session. As soon as I walked in, I received five big hello Jimmies and waves from all the regulars around here.

Three of the super cool baristas were genuinely thrilled to see me. They even mentioned how I bring some sparkle to their morning! ๐Ÿ˜Š One of them even asked, “Why aren’t you grumpy like most older guys?โ€ I flashed my brightest smile and replied, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” ๐ŸŒˆ

And guess what? Two regulars said hey when I entered. They always ask if I’m back to write some more today. I even got asked why I write about Jesus and the Bible. I simply share my testimony and the latest Bible verse that spoke to me during my regular devotional time. I keep it short and sweet, telling my own story. The rest is up to the Big Guy upstairs!

Oh, and don’t forget to pamper yourself today with some self-care. Sip on your favorite cuppa โ˜•๏ธ, take a leisurely stroll in nature ๐ŸŒณ, or crank up the volume on your go-to tunes or playlist ๐ŸŽถโ€”find those little moments of bliss throughout the day! ๐Ÿ˜Š As part of my self-care routine, I’m heading for two allergy shots. ๐Ÿ’– Yep, I’ll be taking my stroll too, but in the comfort of an air-conditioned mall. Gotta get those daily steps in to keep both mind and body in top shape!

Hey, let’s spread some serious love and kindness today! Take a moment to reach out to someone, send a sweet message their way, or maybe even give them a virtual hug.

It’s the small acts of kindness that can turn someone’s day around. Hey, how about treating that person behind you in the coffee house line to a cup of joe? You know, the one who could use a little pick-me-up? ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’•

Remember, you’ve got the power to make today absolutely fantastic, for yourself and others! Let’s make this Tuesday one for the books, filled with positivity, laughter, and all-around good vibes! And hey, it’s not just Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys who deserve to feel those good vibrations (yeah, that’s a throwback reference to fifty-six years ago, folks!) ๐ŸŽ‰โœจ

Sending virtual hugs and high-fives to all my fabulous friends! Have an absolutely amazing Tuesday, and let’s make it a day to remember! Let’s make it a day for the books, the record books, the books we’re devouring, and the books we’re dreaming of writing! ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ’™ #TuesdayVibes #SpreadPositivity #GoodVibesOnly #Jesus #ImaBeliever

Writer’s Log, May 22, 2023

Jimmie Kepler seated outdoors in front of green bushes. He's wearing a Stetson straw hat, Kid Rock style.

๐ŸŒŸ Good morning, my lovely friends! It’s Monday, May 22, 2023, and I’m feeling the magical vibes today! โœจ Did you know that Prince wrote a fantastic tune called “Manic Monday,” which was made famous by The Bangles? Well, my Mondays are far from manic, they are pure magic! So, let’s kick-start this “magical Monday” and make it an extraordinary day! ๐Ÿ’ซ

I have not one, but two exciting announcements to share with you all today. Announcement number one: After much contemplation, I have decided NOT TO ATTEND the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference this year. My heart was urging me to go, see my friends, and have a great time, but my head reminded me of the hectic Memorial Day weekend traffic during my 1,200-mile drive each way. So, after careful consideration, the decision is made.

Now, brace yourselves for announcement number two: I have decided to treat myself to a trans-pacific cruise! ๐Ÿšข As I’ll be turning seventy-years-old this November, I realized that if I don’t embark on this adventure now, I might never do it. In October and November of this year, I’ll be flying to Los Angeles, where I’ll catch my cruise ship.

The journey will take me to breathtaking destinations, including Hawaii with three enchanting island stops, French Polynesia and Tahiti, and American Samoa with its fascinating Pago Pago. And that’s not allโ€”my cruise will also make six stops in beautiful New Zealand, where I’ll have the incredible opportunity to visit Hobbiton and The Shire from the Lord of the Rings movies!

๐ŸŒบ After exploring New Zealand, I’ll head across the Tasmanian Sea to Australia. I’m even considering extending my stay there for a few extra days or maybe a week to fully immerse myself in the wonders of the land down under. It looks like a couple of lovely ladies from my Dallas writer’s group might be joining me on this remarkable journey. Oh, the anticipation and joy of planning and preparation! Thatโ€™s part of the fun.

If any of you have been to any of these faraway places, I would love to hear about your experiences. Share the magic with me! โœˆ๏ธ

Now, let’s sprinkle some more “pixie dust” on this magical Monday, shall we? โ˜•๏ธ I’m currently at my favorite coffee house, enjoying a divine cup of coffee as I dive into my morning writing. It’s the perfect place to be, especially since I’ve already taken care of carrying out the recyclables and trash. With Memorial Day around the corner, I’m also getting ready to repot some plants for a cozy outdoor sitting experience. There’s something truly special about spending time amidst nature.

Speaking of nature, I’ve realized that walking must be a top priority in my daily routine. Regular exercise is the secret to slowing down the aging process and my heart. So, I’m committed to keep on keeping on and take care of my well-being. ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ

In my quest for better health and convenience, I’m trying something newโ€”home delivery of food! ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ I’ve decided to give Hello Fresh a shot. I’m hoping it will help me with portion control and encourage healthier eating habits. Today, I’ll be receiving my eating my first Hello Fresh meals, and I’m eagerly looking forward to trying them out. Fingers crossed for some delicious and nutritious treats!

Oh, and mark your calendars, my friends! Next Saturday, at the Angelika Theatre in Plano, Texas, I’ll be treating myself to a delightful screening of Harry Potter & The Prisoner of The Prisoner of Azkaban on the big screen, starting at 11 AM. And guess what? You’re all invited to join the fun! There’s something truly magical about watching Harry Potter movies in all their grandeur. Let’s make it a fantastic gathering of Potterheads! ๐Ÿง™โ€โ™‚๏ธ๐ŸŽฅ

Before I go, I wanted to share a selfie with all of you. Here’s a picture of me sitting outdoors, relishing the early morning sunshine while savoring my cup of coffee. It’s the little moments like these that make life truly magical. ๐ŸŒžโ˜•๏ธ

So, my dear friends, let’s embrace this “magical Monday” with open hearts and open minds. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and enchantment. Remember, you have the power to make every day extraordinary! Let’s make it happen! ๐Ÿ’–โœจ

#MagicalMonday #EmbraceTheMagic #AdventureAwaits #CoffeeLove #Wanderlust #HealthyLiving #HelloFresh #HarryPotterMovieMarathon #MemorialDayPreparations #SelfieTime

Writer’s Log, May 21, 2023

Jimmie Kepler sitting in Starbucks coffee house.

๐ŸŒธ Good morning, everyone! โ˜€๏ธ It’s May 21, 2023, and I’m feeling perky and ready to embrace the day! ๐ŸŽ‰ The weather outside is a delightful 66ยฐF, providing the perfect backdrop for my morning adventures.
Last night was an absolute blast! ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿผ๐ŸŒ™ I had the pleasure of dining with some amazing friends at Seasons 52 in the lovely Shops at Legacy in Plano. Let me tell you, those three ladies looked absolutely stunning! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ‘— Finding parking in that area can be quite a challenge at that venue, but I made the smart choice of valet parking, and it turned out to be marvelous!
The evening was filled with delectable food, engaging conversations, and the company of fabulous people. Dining with those who are special to you is always a fantastic decision, don’t you agree? โค๏ธ
This morning, as I hit the road, I was greeted by light traffic, making my commute a breeze. I made my way to my favorite coffee spot, settled in, and got ready to stream the Sunday morning worship services at my church. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผโœจ There’s something magical about starting the day with spiritual nourishment. After that, at 11 AM, it’s time to connect with my Bible fellowship class through Zoom. It’s amazing how technology keeps us all connected, no matter the distance!
In other news, have you heard about the recent announcement from Amazon? ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”” They’ve decided to raise the price of Kindle Unlimited starting in June. Currently, it costs $9.99 per month, allowing you to read as many books as your heart desires from their extensive library. However, with the new price increase and considering my current reading habits, I’ve decided to cancel my subscription. Sorry, Amazon! ๐Ÿ˜”
Instead, I’ve started buying ebooks or print copies directly from the authors themselves. It feels great to support them while enjoying their wonderful creations. Plus, I’ve cancelled Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube TV when they raised prices. See a pattern here? Canceling subscriptions when the prices go up! ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ˜‰
So, what are my plans for the rest of the day? It’s all about rest, relaxation, and indulging in some good old-fashioned reading! ๐Ÿ“šโœจ There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a captivating story and letting the outside world fade away. I hope you all have a marvelous day filled with joy, laughter, and all the things that bring you happiness. Take care, my dear friends! โค๏ธ

Writer’s Log, May 20, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at a local coffee house. He's wearing a driving cap and hoodie. A big smile on on his bearded face.

๐ŸŒŸ Hey there, fabulous friends! Happy Saturday, May 20, 2023! Guess what? The scorching ๐Ÿ”ฅ 93 degrees F weather from yesterday has given us a break. Woo-hoo! I woke up yesterday to a sweltering 76 degrees F, but today it’s a refreshing 63 degrees F. So much better, right? And hold on tight because the high for today will be a pleasant 76 to 78 degrees F. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Nice! ๐Ÿ˜Ž #WeatherUpdate #FeelingGood

So, let me tell you about last night’s shindig. I was at the Mensa poker scholarship fundraiser, and oh boy, it was a brainy blast! Picture this: eighteen brilliant minds gathered around three poker tables, ready to rock the game. It lasted a whopping five hours, and let me tell you, I didn’t emerge as the ultimate champion. Nope, not this time. I secured a solid second place, though! Tension filled the room as the last hand had four of us vying for glory. The winner had an unbeatable combo of two kings and two threes, ace high, which trumped my pair of queens and pair of threes, also ace high. Phew, luckily it was all “play money” with no actual cash involved, because that hand would have cost me over five grand. On the bright side, we raised around $300 for the college scholarship fund. Woo-hoo! ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ’ช #PokerNight #SecondPlace #PlayMoney

After returning home, I took my nineteen evening prescriptions. Yup, you heard that rightโ€”nineteen! With all those meds, I munched on a half black forest ham sandwich to avoid an upset tummy. I drink two bottles of water to wash down this pharmaceutical feast created by those genius biologists, chemists, and pharmaceutical folks. I hit the sack at 1:44 AM. And you won’t believe what happened next. ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿž #PrescriptionLife #MedsOnPoint

Now, here’s the kicker: despite the late bedtime, my internal clock had the audacity to wake me up at 5:55 AM. Can you believe it? Since going back to sleep was a lost cause, I got up, got dressed, took my morning prescriptions, and headed straight to my go-to caffeine joint. Oh boy, the line was insane!

There was this lady in front of me with a stack of gift cards, using them for a massive order. It seemed like an entire army had pooled their cards, even if they only had a penny on them, to cover the bill. Kudos to the superstar barista, who handled the situation like a pro when the lady realized there were a few cents missing to cover everything. I bet she was picking up enough coffee and food for over twenty people! While I waited patiently in line (well, kinda patiently), the queue behind me grew to almost a dozen folks. โ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿ’ƒ #CaffeineRush #GiftCardSurprise

Oh, and while waiting for my much-needed java, I discovered the Dallas Stars lost their NHL hockey game last night in overtime. Bummer! I was planning to catch the replay later since Mensa took priority over the game. ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ˜ž #NHL #HockeyLife

Tonight, I have dinner reservations with someone special (you know, the girlfriend who shall remain unnamed on the Internet) and three other fantastic folks from my local writer’s group. They’re an amazing bunch! ๐Ÿฝ๏ธโœจ #DateNight #WritersUnite

Somewhere in between all the excitement, I need to squeeze in a walk, do some reading, make a health and welfare call to my dear friends Les and Don, and swing by the grocery store. Of course, I can’t forget to check my email and social media to keep up with what my adult children are up to. ๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ“ž๐Ÿ›’๐Ÿ“ง #BusyLife #SelfCare #StayConnected

But before I dive into all that, I need to let you know my morning devotional is completed (itโ€™s always a priority). I’ve got my music playlist ready to go, and I’m almost done with this post. It’s time to get my writing groove on, folks!

Thank goodness for my noise-canceling headphones, ’cause this coffee shop is buzzing with people craving their morning fix and a hearty breakfast to go. ๐ŸŽงโ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿ“ #WritingMode #CoffeeHouseVibes

Life as a retiree is anything but dull or lonely, my friends. I’ve got my gig as a writer, and I’m blessed with an abundance of wonderful friends.ย Friends are like the family Iโ€™ve chosen.

Back in the ’80s and ’90s, when I was a Senior Adult Pastor, I used to tell my fellow retirement age friends to make at least one new friend every year. Why, you ask? Well, because we all need people, and if we don’t actively seek new connections, we might outlive most of our pals. Plus, let’s not forget what the Holy Bible says about friendship: “A man that has friends must shew himself friendly.” Wise words from Proverbs 18:24a, don’t you think? ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿค #RetirementVibes #BlessedWithFriends

Alright, my amazing buddies, have an absolutely fantastic weekend, and remember to spread that friendly vibe wherever you go! Catch you later! ๐Ÿ˜‰โœจ #WeekendVibes #FriendlyFeels