Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Saturday, July 15, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my surviving the North Texas summers. It’s a combination of battling the heat, thunderstorms, and electricity woes. They all add to the challenges of my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer. A great title for this post is Surviving North Texas Summers: Battling the Heat, Thunderstorms, and Electricity Woes.
Introduction
Hey there from scorching North Texas! The summer blast furnace is cranked up to its maximum setting, and boy, it’s a strange weather cocktail we’re dealing with. We’re currently under a heat advisory with heat index values soaring up to 112 and temperatures hitting a blistering 105 degrees.
It’s like being in an oven! These high temperatures coupled with the dreaded humidity make heat-related illnesses a real concern, especially for those toiling outdoors or engaging in outdoor activities. But hey, don’t worry, the national weather services have some tips for us to survive this sizzling ordeal.
Heat-Related Havoc
According to the weather folks, it’s all about staying cool and hydrated. They’re urging us to guzzle down plenty of fluids, seek refuge in air-conditioned havens, avoid the scorching sun, and make sure we check up on our loved ones and neighbors. Oh, and by the way, they emphasize that under no circumstances should we ever leave young children or pets alone in vehicles. Seriously, it’s a recipe for disaster.
On top of that, they’re suggesting we take extra precautions if we have to brave the outdoors, like rescheduling any strenuous activities to the cooler early mornings or evenings. And hey, let’s not forget to don lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to give our bodies a fighting chance against the inferno.
Thunderstorms in the Mix?
As if the heat wasn’t enough, North Texas also likes to surprise us with some thunderstorms. Yep, we’ve got gusty winds, lightning galore, and heavy downpours to contend with. Mother Nature just can’t make up her mind!
While the rain might give us a brief respite from the scorching temperatures, it usually means the humidity skyrockets, turning our surroundings into a tropical sauna. Oh, the joy!
Electrical Hiccups and Escaping the Heat
Hold onto your hats, folks, ’cause here comes another challenge! Our dear friends at ERCOT, the ones responsible for managing the Texas Electric grid, have warned us about the possibility of rolling blackouts due to the surging electricity demand. Can you believe it? They predict that from Sunday through next week, we might be left sweating in the dark. Just what we needed, right?
But hey, if the heat gets too unbearable, I’ve got a plan. I’m heading for the mountains, finding some high elevation to beat the heat. Like those old rockers Twisted Sister said, “We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore!” I’ll find somewhere cooler, even if it means taking a mini-vacation to escape the boiling cauldron of North Texas.
Coping Strategies and Parting Words
Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. In the face of these challenges, we gotta stay smart and take care of ourselves. Stay hydrated, my friends—drink water like it’s going out of style! Seek refuge indoors where the AC is pumping cool air, and keep an eye on the weather updates.
And let’s hope and pray that the electricity grid holds up, so we don’t have to resort to caveman survival tactics. But hey, if all else fails, let’s remember that we Texans are a resilient bunch. We’ll find a way to beat the heat, whether it’s by chilling in the mountains or creating our own personal oasis.
Raise Our Water Bottles High
So, fellow Texans (and all facing the heat), let’s raise our water bottles high and toast to surviving another scorching North Texas summer. It may be a wild ride of extreme heat, thunderstorms, and electricity scares, but together, we’ll ride it out and emerge stronger on the other side.
And who knows, maybe there will be a future score idea from the struggles of living in the heat. But first, I’ll keep on with my rewrites from the edit recommendations. It’s still hard to type as I’m continuing to deal with trigger finger.
Stay cool, my friends, and don’t let the summer heat get the best of you!
Benita, Jimmie, and Kristopher Kepler from February 1977
July: A Month of Birthdays and New Beginnings
July is an extraordinary month, filled with celebrations and significant milestones. For one, it marks the birthday of America, a time of patriotism and fireworks. But for me, July holds an even deeper meaning—it’s my spiritual birthday.
What Is a Spiritual Birthday?
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a spiritual birthday? Well, let me explain. You see, everyone has a physical birthday, the day they were born into this world. Mine happened on November 25, 1953, at Brooke Army General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
However, a spiritual birthday is different. It’s the day when a person experiences a profound transformation, accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and embarking on a new spiritual journey.
My spiritual birthday is July 11, 1977, a date etched in my heart forever, when I was “born again” and found salvation at the First Baptist Church of Lakewood in Tacoma, Washington.
My Story
Allow me to share with you the story of my own spiritual awakening, the day that changed the course of my life forever.
Back in July 1977, I was a second lieutenant serving in the United States Army at Fort Lewis, Washington. Life seemed to be going splendidly. I had a loving and intelligent wife, and we had welcomed our first child earlier that year. Professionally, I was excelling, receiving accolades for my work and even being offered a regular army commission. Yet, despite all the achievements and blessings, there was an unexplained void, a sense of emptiness deep within me.
In my pursuit of fulfillment, I tried various avenues. I indulged in drinking, sought solace in relationships, chased material possessions, and immersed myself in the social scene. But no matter what I did, that elusive something remained absent from my life. I sensed that there had to be more, something I was missing.
It was during this time that I became involved with a group of men at my church who seemed to possess a profound sense of purpose and contentment. Intrigued, I joined them for a Bible study. Little did I know that this encounter would lead me to the answers I had been desperately seeking.
Through the study, I discovered that God had provided us with a guidebook for life—the Bible. It held the key to addressing the problems we face and filling the void within us.
I learned that I was not here by accident, but rather, I had a purpose. Most importantly, I discovered that Jesus loves me and desires to have a personal relationship with me. However, sin had created a separation between us.
I realized I had a sin problem.
Coming to terms with my own sinfulness was a crucial turning point. The Bible states,
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
I realized that despite my best efforts to be good and virtuous, I couldn’t save myself. Good deeds alone wouldn’t secure my place in heaven.
I learned there was a penalty to be paid for my sin.
The Bible also teaches that there is a penalty for sin—
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
It was clear to me that I needed a solution, a way to bridge the gap between my sinful nature and God’s righteousness.
I learned God provided a promise.
Thankfully, God provided a promise—a way for us to be saved.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
This verse revealed to me that God’s love is so immense that He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins.
I learned that God made provision for me.
In light of this revelation, I learned that I could receive God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10
It became clear to me that by acknowledging my need for a savior and accepting Jesus into my heart and life, I could experience the transformative power of His love.
I prayed to accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus.
In a heartfelt prayer, I embraced this gift of eternal life through Jesus. I acknowledged my sins, believed in His sacrifice on the cross, and invited Him to be the Lord of my life.
It was a moment of surrender, a surrender that would forever shape my journey.
What came next?
From that day forward, my life has been far from perfect. I’ve stumbled and made mistakes along the way, sometimes veering off course. But amidst it all, I’ve found direction, purpose, and unshakeable peace.
The Bible has become my compass, guiding me through life’s trials and offering timeless principles for daily living. I’ve never been alone on this journey, for the presence of God has been with me every step of the way.
What About You?
Now, I pose a question to you: Have you experienced your own spiritual rebirth? Have you been “saved” and found solace in a higher power?
Just as I did, you too can find salvation and peace.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10, 13
Why would an intelligent person believe in Christianity?”
But perhaps you are skeptical, wondering if an intelligent person or an intellectual can truly believe in God. The answer is a resounding yes!
Many brilliant minds have found faith in God and embraced Christianity. The real question should be, “How can an intelligent person believe in Christianity?” or “Why would an intelligent person believe in Christianity?” The truth is, faith and reason can coexist harmoniously.
As I reflect upon my spiritual journey, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary transformation that took place.
Conclusion
That tired, weary face you see in the photo taken in February 1977 holds a story of profound change and hope. It captures a moment in time, a snapshot of a young couple embarking on a path filled with uncertainties and new beginnings.
So as we celebrate the birth of America this July, let us also remember the significance of personal rebirth, the power of salvation, and the transformative journey of faith.
About the photo
It was taken in February 1977 in my military quarters at Fort Lewis, Washington. In the photo in Miss Benita, my bride. We have been married since 1974. Also in the picture is our first child, Kristopher. Yes, I look tired. I had just returned home from a fourteen day training exercise. I had not had sleep in over 72 hours at the time the picture was taken. I was very tired. The picture was taken by my late father-in-law William Clarence Breeding, Sr. He and my mother-in-law had came to Washington State to help Miss Benita with our new son Kris.
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Sunday, July 2, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.
In Personal News
I made it to the fitness center yesterday. My goal of stretching my leg and hip muscles and walking 30-minutes on the treadmill was met.
I guess I’m gripping the treadmill wrong or too much. I have developed something called “trigger finger.” It is a condition affecting tendons that flex the fingers and thumb, typically resulting in a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your digits. My symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the fingers and thumb.
The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. I need to rest the left hand and specifically the “fickle finger” or middle finger on the hand. My father suffered from this condition. My finger physically locks and I have to force it to straighten out. Ugh.
A trip to the Sketchers store bagged me two new pairs of shoes. One was a pain of black Sketcher step-ins for exercising on the treadmill. They replace a pair of SAS athletic shoes at less than one-third the cost. The second pair were light brown (tan) casual shoes for wearing on ship during my trans-Pacific cruise this fall.
In Spiritual News
My Christian faith is important to me. I regularly attend Bible fellowship class and Sunday morning worship at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. I’ve been a member there for over two decades.
In the worship service this morning, there was a salute to the armed services. The song for each branch of the military was played and members of or veterans of that branch stand and are recognized.
It is the annual “God & Country” service. Today Dr. Jack Graham preached on “Is There Hope For America?”
My devotional time today was from the Christian Devotions US website https://christiandevotions.us/viewblogentry/21317. The devotion was from Matthew 5:42 NIV, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
In Reading News
I read another 40-minutes worth of Harry Potter and The Soccer’s Stone. I’ve figured out how to use the auto scrolling feature on my Kindle where I can also read while walking on the treadmill.
By using this feature I don’t have to change pages. I have it set to my reading speed. This allows the eReader to scroll like a teleprompter. Very cool!
You may also enjoy Linda Goldfard’s The Best Writing Life Podcast. This week’s episode is “How Authors Should Create Online Courses with Thomas Umstattd Jr.”
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Saturday, July 1, 2023, the first day of July! Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.
In Personal News
Walking daily and stretching tops my physical activity goals. During the past week, I walked on the fitness center treadmill at least 30 minutes six of seven days. Four days I walked twice, one in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Without the air conditioning of the fitness center I would not have been able to achieve these levels of exercise as the daily highs ranged from 100 degrees F to 106 degrees F with heat index in the 115 to 118 degrees F range.
In Spiritual News
I maintained my devotional time each day. Spending a regular time with God and in God’s word is important to me as a Christian. Devotional and Christian living blog posts written by friends in the Blue Ridge Bible Study Writers, Refresh Bible Study Writers, and Christian Devotions US website and the Holy Bible were my resources. I attend church and Bible fellowship class weekly at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas where I’m a twenty plus years member and even a former deacon.
Issues and votes from the recent Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting were also examined. Viewing a few hours of debates between Dr. Rick Warren (a classmate of mine at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – note: I had a class named Discipleship Evangelism taught by Dr. Roy Fish were Rick Warren and I worked on the same group project) and Dr Al Mohler (President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary). I’ve come away with much more concern over Dr Mohler’s theology, attitudes, views on polity, and politics than on Dr Warren.
I’m also becoming increasingly aware of poor leadership and financial management of the two immediate past presidents of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS). SWBTS is a shell of what it was when I was a student there in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The enrollment is about ten percent of what it was when I was there. I’ve also learned Southwestern Baptist seminary ran up $140 million in deficit spending since 2000. For decades, spending went up at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary while enrollment plummeted, causing the school to overspend by millions in 19 of the last 21 years.
I’m back to doing some comfort reading. Harry Potter and The Soccer’s Stone (Book One of the Harry Potter Series) is my main reading this past week. I’m continuing to read Madly, Deeply by Alan Rickman.
I’m also engaged in three writing groups. One is in person and meets monthly. It’s the Writer’s Guild of Texas. I meeting in two online groups – the 540 Writer’s Community and the Refresh Bible Study Writers.
Am I writing? No, well yes, I am doing my regular Writer’s Log blog posts. I’m also editing and writing my current book and about halfway through the edits. I did several chapter’s yesterday.
Have a good Saturday. Consider attending church on Sunday – either in person or online.
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for June 30, 2023, the last day of June! Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.
This week has been challenging for me.
Challenge One – Travel
I’m getting back into my routine after traveling last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I made a six hundred miles round trip to meet my brother. It was our first face-to-face visit with each other since November 2019. We both stayed in the same hotel.
The trip allowed us to check on our parents’ graves and to visit the graves of our maternal grandparents and many maternal aunts and uncles.
They’re buried in a family cemetery in the country. The cemetery does not offer perpetual care. If we need more dirt added to a grave, you have to request it from the cemetery association.
Fortunately, my brother does the heavy lifting and works with the proper authorities to get things fixed. Family is special, and I am blessed that he and I get along and converse regularly.
Challenge Two – A New Daily Task
The Monday before making the three-day trip, I joined a fitness center. No, my goal isn’t to pump iron.
Instead, I joined to have an indoor location to walk on a treadmill. The fitness center location is about five minutes from where I stay.
My routing is to go twice a day at least five days a week. The plan is to go for a morning walking session and an afternoon walking session.
Each session on the treadmill is 30 minutes of waking. I found I take an hour from leaving the house to returning. The travel time is about minutes each way. Five minutes plus five minutes equals ten minutes. It takes about five minutes to get out of the car, go through check in and to do a few words of small talk with the staff. That has me to fifteen minutes. I next stretch my legs and hip muscles. This adds five more minutes and we’re now up to twenty minutes.
It’s on to the treadmill. Five minutes are used to set down my water bottle, keys, glasses, and iPhone and select a podcast to listen to on the iPhone or have my Kindle with a book. I get those staged for listening or reading.
It’s time to start and I’m now up to twenty-five minutes since leaving the house. Pushing the green start button, I set the incline at 0.5% and walk at a two miles per hour pace for thirty minutes.
Walk my mile passes fast and then the treadmill transitions to a five minutes cool down time and I’m at fifty-five minutes. I pick up up stuff, get in the car and return to the house. One hour has been used … and that’s if I don’t run into someone I know and I almost run into some I know.
My friend Morris who used to own JGs Old Fashioned Hamburgers is always there in the afternoon. He reminds me of my late father. He’s in his eighties, lonesome for conversation, and a great guy. We chit chat at least ten or fifteen minutes. I’ve known him long time and remember him telling me of his girls graduating from high school, college, marrying, etc. The older of the daughters is now fifty. Friends are special and I appreciate his friendship.
I have two young women baristas and one of the young men baristas from my favorite Starbucks also works out there. They are in their early twenties. Surprise describes their reaction to my age, that I have long hair with a ponytail, and I still have dark hair. It also amazes them I’m a writer. They’ve found my books online in a local bookstore didn’t have them, but said they could get them a copy. It seems to encourage them to engage in their creative pursuits.
Challenge Three – Hot Weather
The hot weather has been rough. I’m not as young as I once was, and the heat has slowed me down. I do everything slower.
Challenge Four – Trans-Pacific Cruise Planning
Getting the arrangements completed for the trip’s week stay in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia took several hours this week. The cruise is about 100 days away.
Challenge Five – Not Neglecting Friends and Family
Human beings need other people and friends.
I’m blessed with several friends.
I find my life enriched when I have lunch and go for a walk with my friend Les..
We help each other out with life challenges. Our wives both passed away in a two-year time frame..
My local writing group is important. Doing something with people in person is critical in my thinking. I’m still learning the group but it takes time as Covid has made the meetings remote until a few months ago.
I’m blessed to have “she who can’t be named on the Internet” in my life. She’s a beautiful, intelligent woman who knows how to balance life where I don’t feel second fiddle to her family (sister, adult children, and grandchildren).
My adults children and grandchildren are important to me. I strive to have life balance where I’m there for them, but not intrusive into their lives.
Church and Bible study with Christian writing friends are also important. I still make church and Bible fellowship class 48 out of 52 weeks a year. It’s foundational to my life.
Conclusion
Balancing the demands of life with the writing life is tough.
Getting up and go to Starbucks twenty-eight out of thirty days a month to write, rewrite, and edit is my routine. I sometimes wish “life” didn’t impede my writing.
Knowing I must maintain my physical health to be a healthy writer, that I need the relationships to not be a lonely writer and to maintain my mental health motivates me.
I remember from my seminary days the need for a balanced life.
Using the biblical description of Jesus’ childhood given in Luke 2:41-52, we can better understand growing up in terms of four overlapping categories: mental (wisdom), physical (stature), social (favor with men) and spiritual (favor with God). That’s the balance I strive for in my life.
Reference:
“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty, ” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for June 20, 2023! Today, I’m writing about embracing the Texas heat as I maintain a life of writing.
Weather is Preheating for the Summer
I find myself comfortably seated in one of my cherished coffee shops in the Dallas area. With the scorching heat outside, reaching a staggering 99 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday, and an even hotter day predicted today, it’s safe to say that summer has officially arrived in Texas.
We Texans humorously refer to this weather phenomenon as “preheating for summer.”
Walking Routine Moves to the Indoor Treadmill
My day began bright and early, long before my visit to Starbucks. Rising at 7:00 AM, I followed my morning routine: weighing myself, getting dressed, taking my prescribed medications, and then heading out to the nearby fitness center. Being a retiree who has embraced writing as my post-retirement career, regular exercise is essential for maintaining my health.
The soaring temperatures have led me to opt for indoor activities, so I engaged in my daily walking routine within the air-conditioned fitness club. This morning, as I embarked on my walk, the thermometer displayed a sweltering 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with a heat index exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Six Figure Author Podcast
I strolled at a moderate pace of 2.0 mph, dedicating 30 minutes to this crucial physical activity. To make the most of my time, I listened to a podcast called “The Six Figure Author Podcast” hosted by Lindsay Buroker, one of my favorite authors and an online acquaintance.
Lindsay is among the select group of authors who earn an impressive seven-figure annual income.
During my 30-minute walk, I managed to cover a mile while absorbing valuable insights on the craft and business of writing. A key point of the podcast was the value of persistence and the need to finish what you start when writing.
After completing my walk, I allowed myself a five-minute cool-down period before tidying up the equipment and practicing proper hygiene measures by washing my hands.
The I returned home to collect my computer bag and electronic coffee tumbler in tow, I made my way back home, ready to dive into my writing tasks.
Cardiologist
Yesterday, I had a visit with my cardiologist and informed the nurse about my concerns regarding leg, joint, and muscle cramping.
Before contacting the cardiologist, I decided to stop taking the prescribed medications as of last Friday. I communicated my actions to the doctor, also inquiring about potential adjustments to the dosage, such as taking only half or every other day. Since stopping, I noticing a significant reduction in my tendonitis and joint pain.
My next appointment with him is scheduled for July 18, giving me ample time to receive his professional guidance.
Writer’s Guild of Texas
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the monthly meeting of the Writer’s Guild of Texas, and it turned out to be the best meeting I’ve experienced so far. The session on characters and dialogue, expertly led by Brooke Fossey, captivated the audience.
I was familiar with Brooke from our mutual involvement with the DFW Writer’s Workshop, where she began attending shortly before my hiatus from the group.
Her writer’s biography is truly remarkable, as she transitioned from being an aerospace engineer with a secret clearance to a devoted mother and writer. She holds the distinction of being a past president and an honorary lifetime member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications like Ruminate Magazine and SmokeLong Quarterly. Brooke’s debut novel, “The Big Finish,” published by Penguin/Berkley – Piper/Pendo, has garnered well-deserved attention. When not writing, she resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, four children, and their delightful dog, Rufus. Interestingly, she still occasionally indulges in math as a way to unwind.
After the meeting, Brooke and I spoke. She kindly offered to let me join her and another woman to ride share to the weekly DFW Writer’s Workshop, if I decided to return to the group.
Late Night Swim
Upon returning home, I indulged in a refreshing dip in the pool around 10 PM, despite the lingering heat of 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
For two blissful hours, I floated and engaged in low-impact water exercises, stimulating my legs and feet.
To round off the evening, I treated myself to a delightful midnight ice cream cone before retiring to bed at 12:45 AM, sleeping soundly throughout the night.
Back to Today’s Activities
Now, as I conclude this blog post, I look forward to heading home, taking a refreshing shower, enjoying a meal, and later in the afternoon, attending my allergy shot appointment.
Following that, I’ll return to the fitness club for a second walk on the treadmill. While I may not reach the goal of walking five miles, managing two miles a day at 69 years old, with troublesome hips and high blood pressure, feels like quite an accomplishment.
I ensure that my walks remain low-impact, taking care of my physical well-being. I hope to convince my writing companion, affectionately referred to as “she who can’t be named on the Internet,” to join me on these walks.
Packing
As the day progresses, I’ll pack a small overnight bag in preparation for my mid-afternoon departure to Gonzales, Texas on Wednesday.
I’m already eagerly anticipating a stop at the famous Buc-ee’s in Temple, Texas, known for its vast array of snacks and refreshments.
Time to Write
I’ve met another new friend at the coffee house. She’s sat beside me the last couple of mornings. Her name is Karen and in my age range. She’s an attorney. She represented my former day job (IB) from 1990 to 1996 when the added in house legal counsel. She comes her around 10:30 everyday and works her crossword puzzle and then reads.
With my rewrites and editing beckoning, it’s time for me to bid you farewell. May you have a productive and enjoyable Tuesday, and remember to embrace your passions, savor life’s moments, and keep writing. Keep on smiling.
I hope this post finds you well. Today is Sunday, June 18, 2023, and it’s Father’s Day here in the United States. I received some lovely Father’s Day greetings from two of my three adult children via text, which was a nice surprise to start the day. The third is out of country and posted Father’s Day greeting from Lima, Peru.
Leg Pain
As usual, I took my morning prescriptions, but I’ve been experiencing some discomfort in my lower right leg for the past few months. The pain is below the knee and above the ankle on the front of the leg, and it seems to be getting worse lately.
I suspect it’s tendonitis caused by one of my heart medications. To see if the medication is indeed the culprit, I decided to stop taking it for a few days. I plan to reach out to my cardiologist’s office to discuss this issue further.
Joint Pain
On top of the leg pain, I’ve been dealing with joint pain throughout my body, which has been quite intense, ranking at an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. Unfortunately, joint pain is another side effect of the medication I’ve been taking.
Despite the discomfort, I’ve been trying my best to tolerate it, as my heart doctor suggested, because this medication has been effective in managing my high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I’ve been on these medications since November last year, and with each passing day and month, the pain and side effects seem to worsen. In an attempt to find some relief, I’ve been regularly elevating and icing my leg four times a day.
Virgil Cane
Getting around has become quite challenging, and I find that I can’t walk without my trusty cane. I’ve given my cane a name—Virgil. It’s a bit of a nod to an old song called “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” by The Band and Joan Baez. Perhaps you remember it too if you’re around my age.
Despite these difficulties, I managed to get out of bed, get dressed, and take my medications. I drove to the coffee house, and there was a friendly tall blonde barista waiting to serve me a tall blonde roast coffee. I ordered my drink and settled down at the handicap table to do some morning writing before heading to church and my Bible fellowship class.
It still hot and humid outside but cool enough inside I I grabbed my hoodie to keep the chill away.
Grocery Shopping
In the afternoon, I plan to do some grocery shopping, catch up on my reading, maybe nap, and then participate in a water aerobics session in the pool. That’s pretty much the extent of my plans for the day.
Remember Your Father
I hope you’re having a wonderful day, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Remember your father on this father’s day. If you still have him at least call or text and send your love. If he’s deceased reflect on the good memories. If you’re a dad, think of your children, that your wife for he gift of the children, and tank your heavenly Father for the gift of His son, Jesus.
Take care. I send my warm regards to everyone. Keep on smiling.
It’s Friday, June 16, 2023, and it’s hot. Dallas, Texas is where I call home. The heat index on Thursday was 109 F degrees. Thursday Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) tied a record. The dew point at DFW airport at 2 p.m. topped 80 degrees. The last time the dew point was this high was on June 14, 1997 (26 years ago). Wow! The dew point is how much water is in the air. The dew point plus temperature equals a misery index in my mind.
Slept Almost 12-Hours
Yesterday I slept for almost twelve hours. No, I didn’t stay up all night. My bedtime was just before eleven PM and I got up a few minutes before noon. I don’t know whether to say yea to me or what’s happening? Six out of seven nights a week, get eight hours of sleep and average eight hours a day almost every month. So, what’s up with staying in bed half the day?
After waking up, I took my RXs.
My daily devotional time followed The I jumped in the shower, and washing my hair.
Hair washing is a big deal with my to the shoulder blade’s length hair.
Drying the hair takes two to three hours if I let it air dry or ten to fifteen minutes with a blow dryer – which I hate using. I dressed, and it was time to dash out the door and take she who can’t be named on the Internet to lunch with a friend of ours. Both of the ladies and I have lost our spouses to death and cancer. We are all in the eighteen months to five years since our spouse passed time frame.
Lunch With Friends
We met a favorite Greek restaurant in Plano, Texas – Zorbas. I was there from just after 1 PM until I left at 5:30 to go to my Zoom meeting of the 540 Writing Community. The ladies retired to our friend’s house.
After the writing group meeting, I went to our lady friend’s house and visited for another hour.
They enjoyed their favorite adult beverage, made from grapes. I’m a teetotaler and abstain from alcoholic drink. Filling my designated drive role, I drove she who can’t be named on the Internet home before retiring for the evening.
Sleeping late yesterday got me the rest I needed. It did not do any walking or morning writing. As you might have noticed, no writer’s log for yesterday.
Value of Friends Reprised
On Wednesday, I wrote about the value of friends. I’m blessed to have three close male friends, and two other guy friends I know would drop whatever they’re doing if I need them.
As a sixty-nine years old widower, I’m blessed to have a girlfriend – she who can’t be named on the Internet as I call her as she doesn’t want me using her name, likeness or image on the open Internet. I share two other female friends with her. They are like sisters to me. I have a number of lady friends from my online line and local writing groups that from time to time check on me and I see in meetings or at conferences. Additionally, I have my three adult children and their families, plus my vast army of cousins, which I classify as family instead of friends. I am blessed to have these special people in my life. And, I always I room for one more.
Today – June 16th
This morning I got up, dressed, did my RXs, and devotional time and drove to Starbucks where I’m having coffee and writing. Walking at the air-conditioned mall later this morning is on the day’s agenda. We are expecting 100 + F degree weather for today and for at least the next ten days. So I try to walk.
I say try to walk as my right hip is causing me great pain. Watching a couple of videos by physical therapist Bob and Brad on YouTube, which show stretching exercises to help with hip pain, is my first step in resolving the problem. Should I call the rheumatologist and set up an appointment to get some relief? Taht is the question I’m debating.
Reading and a nap are in my afternoon plans. Tonight I am taking she who can’t be named to live community theater.
My rewrites of the recommended edits continue, but are going slow as my motivation is best described as procrastination, where I only do a chapter or two a day instead of knocking it all out in one or two marathon sessions.
And So It Goes
And so it goes.
Well, I wanted to end with “and so it goes” but as I typed the phrase I reflected on Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five” and the phrase. I first read “Slaughterhouse-Five” in 1973, four years after its publication. I was a twenty-year-old university student. Agreeing with writer Salman Rushdie interpretation of the phrase used on Vonnegut’s writing – Rushdie says “so it goes” has become one way in which we verbally shrug our shoulders and accept what life gives us – I see the phrase as more than just accepting what life hands you.
Vonnegut does not use it for that purpose in “Slaughterhouse-Five.”
“So it goes” is not a way of accepting life but, rather, of facing death. It occurs in the text almost every single time someone dies, and only when death is evoked.
I use the phrase as a hybrid of the two, accepting life as it is as I march toward my inevitable death at its unknown future date.
The Importance of a Good Writing Area for a Writer: Home Office vs. Coffee Shop
Yes, I’m a Writer
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a writer. Yes, I confess an addiction to put words in an organized manner of a page. I even sell the collections of words I pen.
Writing Areas
For writers, having a dedicated and comfortable writing area is crucial for fostering creativity, focus, and productivity. A well-designed writing space not only provides a physical space to work but also creates an ambiance that promotes inspiration and concentration.
Home Office or Coffee Shop Advantages
While both a home office and a coffee shop offer potential writing environments, each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this essay, we will explore the importance of a good writing area and compare the pros and cons of a home office versus a coffee shop for writing.
Ownership and Familiarity
A good writing area provides writers with a sense of ownership and familiarity.
A home office allows writers to personalize their space according to their preferences, with familiar objects, photographs, or inspirational quotes adorning the walls. This familiarity can create a comfortable and reassuring environment, enhancing one’s creative process.
On the other hand, coffee shops offer a different kind of atmosphere, often bustling with activity and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Some writers find this ambiance stimulating, as it provides a dynamic backdrop that can inspire new ideas and fresh perspectives.
Facilitates Focus and Minimizes Distractions
A good writing area facilitates focus and minimizes distractions.
A home office offers the advantage of privacy, allowing writers to shut out external disturbances and immerse themselves in their work. With the ability to control the environment, writers can minimize noise, interruptions, and other distractions that may hinder their concentration. However, a home office may present its own set of distractions, such as household chores, family members, or the temptation to procrastinate.
In contrast, a coffee shop can provide a semi-public space that naturally limits distractions, as the writer is less likely to be interrupted by domestic responsibilities. The ambient noise in a coffee shop can also act as white noise, helping some writers enter a state of focused flow.
Productivity and Creative Output
A good writing area influences one’s productivity and creative output.
In a well-organized home office, writers can have easy access to all the resources they need, including reference materials, books, and research documents. This convenience can streamline the writing process, allowing for efficient work and quick reference checks. Additionally, a home office eliminates the time and effort spent commuting to a coffee shop, providing more dedicated writing time.
Conversely, a coffee shop can offer a change of scenery, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing writer’s block or feeling uninspired. The lively atmosphere and the presence of other people can inject a sense of energy and motivation into the writing process.
Home Office or Coffee Shop Disadvantages
While both a home office and a coffee shop have their advantages, they also have some drawbacks.
A home office, for instance, can sometimes become isolating, lacking the social interaction and sense of community that a coffee shop provides. Additionally, the solitude of a home office might result in feelings of loneliness or hinder collaboration opportunities.
On the other hand, coffee shops may have limited seating availability, noisy patrons, or inconsistent Wi-Fi connections, which can impede productivity and concentration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good writing area plays a significant role in a writer’s creative process and overall productivity. Whether it is a home office or a coffee shop, each option offers unique benefits and drawbacks.
A home office provides familiarity, privacy, and easy access to resources, while a coffee shop offers a dynamic atmosphere and the potential for inspiration. Ultimately, the choice between a home office and a coffee shop depends on individual preferences, working style, and the specific needs of the writer.
Some writers may thrive in the solitude of a home office, while others may find inspiration in the lively ambiance of a coffee shop.
The key is to find a writing area that cultivates focus, minimizes distractions, and ultimately fosters a conducive environment for the creative process.
My Writing Areas Over Time
Starbucks 2023
In this photo I am sitting at my writing area at Starbucks.
My writing area at Starbucks
Home office 2023
This is a tour of my bedroom office in The Colony, Texas in June 2023.
Home office 2013
This is a tour of my bedroom office in The Colony, Texas in August 2013.
