Writer’s Log, May 27, 2023

🌟 Good morning, friends! β˜€οΈ It’s Saturday, May 27, 2023, and I’m starting my day off right at Starbucks, sipping on my delicious morning coffee. β˜•οΈ Today’s brew of choice, Pike Place. I’m listening to the great Don Francisco. He’s such a great singer, songwriter, and storyteller – his Christian music is the perfect soundtrack for my weekend vibes! 🎢✨
I’ve already completed my devotional time, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. πŸ™ Now, I’m super excited because I just purchased my tickets for the 11 AM showing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at the Angelika Theater in Plano, Texas. 🎬πŸͺ„ The theater is nestled in The Shops at Legacy, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the magical world of Hogwarts! ⚑️
After the movie, I’ll be treating myself to a delicious lunch and taking a leisurely stroll to soak up the beautiful day. πŸ₯ͺπŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ There’s nothing like a little fresh air and sunshine (surely, the morning cloud cover will clear) to recharge the soul!
Later in the afternoon, I’ll be heading back to my favorite Starbucks for some serious writing time. β˜•οΈπŸ“ There’s something about the cozy atmosphere and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that sparks my creativity!
But before the day comes to a close, I’ll tackle a bit of yard work and spray for those pesky mosquitoes. 🌿🦟 Gotta keep my outdoor space enjoyable, right?
In the evening, it’s time for some entertainment! πŸ“Ί I’ll be catching up on the series finale of Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. πŸŽ‰ I’ve been eagerly following the journey of this hilarious and inspiring character, and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up!
I’ll be saying prayers for my friends headed to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference near Asheville, NC. I’ve been six times but could face the Memorial Day traffic on the highways or airport this weekend. Maybe I’ll return next year.
I’ll be wearing green today because on gamely you wear green. The Dallas Stars face-off against the Vegas Golden Knights in NHL western conference playoffs tonight. I’ll be paying attention and listen on SiriusXM channel 91 (The NHL Channel).
Finally, it’s bedtime for me tonight, because self-care is essential! πŸ˜΄πŸ’€ I want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer whatever adventures Sunday brings, including church!
Wishing you all a fantastic Saturday filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of magic. ✨ Share your plans for the day below! πŸ‘‡πŸ’–

Writer’s Log, May 26, 2023

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

Last night was a blast at Six Springs Tavern! 🎢 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! πŸ’ͺ

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! 🎡 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. πŸ˜„ 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) – their musicianship was out of this world! 🎸 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 β€œOne Way or Another” were mind-blowing! 🎀 And let’s not forget the blues band that closed the night, rocking the stage with some killer guitar skills. Wow! 🎢

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 πŸ’–and grandchildren. Family love is truly special! ❀️

Guess where I am right now? Starbucks! β˜•οΈ Getting ready to kickstart my day, even though I didn’t get enough sleep. That late night Dr. Pepper’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! βœοΈπŸ’«

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! πŸŠβ€β™€οΈπŸŽ‰

And hey, I’ll be the designated driver for my friends’ Happy Hour meet-up. Safety first, always! No, I don’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! πŸŽ‰πŸ“Ί 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! ⚑️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! 🎬✨ 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! 🌈 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 don’t forget to include Sunday worship services!

Stay awesome, my friends! Keep smiling and keep on keeping on! πŸ’–πŸ˜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.

🌟🌞 Happy Thursday, May 25, 2023! 🌞🌟

It’s a terrific Thursday, and I’m feeling energized and ready to conquer the day! πŸ’ͺπŸ˜„ I decided to treat myself to some extra rest and slept in until 9:30 AM. 😴⏰ 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. πŸ’ŠπŸŒΏ Health is wealth, and I’m all about taking care of myself. No one can love or care about you more than you!πŸ˜‡

To nourish my spirit, I indulged in my morning devotion and Bible reading. The text was an old favorite Psalm 56:3, β€œWhat time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. πŸ“–πŸ™ 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! πŸŽ‰πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“ She passed all her finals! πŸŽ“πŸ’― Proud grandpa moment right here! πŸ˜πŸ’•

Fueling my creative juices, I made my way to Starbucks for some delicious coffee and writing time. β˜•βœοΈ 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! πŸšͺβœ‹ 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.” πŸ˜‰πŸ 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. πŸ“šπŸ˜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. πŸ’ͺπŸ’Š

Tonight, at 6 PM Dallas time, I’m super excited for my one-line writer’s group on Zoom! πŸ“βœ¨ 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. 🎢🎹 She’s part of a fantastic 1960s/1970s girls singer cover band, and I can’t wait to cheer her on! Go, Anne! 🎀🎡I’m wearing my ABBA t-shirt today to support her. 🎡🎡🎡

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. πŸŒ™πŸ“š Losing myself in the pages of a captivating book helps me unwind, relax, and drift off into dreamland. πŸ˜΄πŸ’€

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

#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.

🌸 Good morning, wonderful Wednesday warriors! 🌸 I hope this post finds you in high spirits! Today, I’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, I’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. I’ll pound out my daily writing word count in no time. Ah, such is my life as the common man is what I’d like to say, but I know my life isn’t average.

But wait, there’s more to this day! While the Mary works her magic at home, I’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 world’s problems, and savor the flavors of our favorite dishes. Let’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, doesn’t it? Plus, we’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 πŸŒ³πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ. 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 soul’s batteries, and it always has me feeling refreshed and inspired.

To add a cherry on top, I have another dinner date planned with β€œshe who cannot be named on the Internet” tonight 🍽️. We’ll share delicious food, engage in heartfelt conversations, and create memories that will surely make us smile for years to come. There’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, I’m eagerly looking forward to curling up with the captivating book πŸ“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 I’ll have a restful night ahead.

Now, enough about me! I’d love to hear about your day and the things that bring joy to your midweek adventures. Let’s celebrate our shared experiences and create a ripple of positivity together! ✨

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 someone’s life today.

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

Writer’s Log, May 23, 2023

Jimmie sitting at the coffee shop

🌟 Good morning, fabulous peeps! Peeps means people. Who needs “people” when we’ve got a whole new lingo? πŸ˜„βœ¨ 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, β€œwhat’s a peep?” 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, she’s got the inside scoop! And shared it with me … πŸ’« So rise and shine, folks, because it’s TUESDAY! Time to seize the day with boundless enthusiasm and a mega-watt smile! πŸ˜„βœ¨

Who’s feeling those Tuesday vibes today? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈπŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ 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! 🌈✨ 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! πŸš€πŸ’ͺ

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! 😊 One of them even asked, “Why aren’t you grumpy like most older guys?” I flashed my brightest smile and replied, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” 🌈

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 β˜•οΈ, take a leisurely stroll in nature 🌳, or crank up the volume on your go-to tunes or playlist πŸŽΆβ€”find those little moments of bliss throughout the day! 😊 As part of my self-care routine, I’m heading for two allergy shots. πŸ’– 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? πŸ€—πŸ’•

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!) πŸŽ‰βœ¨

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! πŸŒŸπŸ’™ #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.

🌟 Good morning, my lovely friends! It’s Monday, May 22, 2023, and I’m feeling the magical vibes today! ✨ 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! πŸ’«

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! 🚒 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 allβ€”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!

🌺 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! That’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! ✈️

Now, let’s sprinkle some more “pixie dust” on this magical Monday, shall we? β˜•οΈ 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. πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ

In my quest for better health and convenience, I’m trying something newβ€”home delivery of food! 🍽️ 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! πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈπŸŽ₯

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. πŸŒžβ˜•οΈ

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! πŸ’–βœ¨

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