Writing Life – June 8, 2023

Jimmie Kepler holding CS Lewis classic spiritual books bookset.

Hey everyone. Happy Thursday. Let’s make it a terrific day! 🎉 It’s June 8th, and I’m feeling fantastic! Here’s a glimpse of my day so far:

Started the morning with my usual routine of taking my RXs and spending some peaceful time with my devotional. ✨ It’s important to start the day on a positive note!

I had an exciting moment of financial responsibility by making a deposit to my bank savings account as some money I was owed showed up – as they say they check was in the mail.  💰 It’s always great to see those savings grow! I like collecting money more than spending it. Sigh – I paid my quarterly federal taxes yesterday, so on the ledger it’s like a wash or break even.

Then, I hopped into my car and drove to my favorite local coffee house ☕️ to get my caffeine fix. Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning!

Now, I’m diving into some productive writing and editing tasks. 📝 There’s something satisfying about polishing your work and making it shine!

Later in the morning, I’ll be delving back into the enchanting world of “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. 🧙‍♂️ Can’t wait to get lost in the epic adventure once again!

Afterwards, I’ll be heading to the mall for my daily walk. 🏃‍♀️ It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy some window shopping at the same time!

In the afternoon, I’m continuing my reading journey with “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. 📚 It’s fascinating to explore the intricate depths of Lewis’s mind! I’m reading through the spiritual classics of C.S. Lewis (see today’selfie). 📚

I also have more exciting things to work on today, like more government paperwork preparing for my trans-pacific cruise. 🚢 Adventure awaits!

Yesterday, I had a major win by securing my assigned seats on a Quantas Airlines flight from Sydney, Australia back to LAX for a November trip. I got an aisle seat close to the restroom – both are important for me and especially since I’ll on the plane over sixteen hours. ✈️ The excitement is building up!

Later tonight, I’ll be joining a refreshing Bible Study Magazine session via Zoom. 📖 It’s always inspiring to connect with others and grow in faith together. The group is an important part of my writing family and my personal spiritual growth.

Before I doze off, I’ll be indulging in some captivating bedtime reading with “Madly, Deeply” by Alan Rickman. 🌙 It’s like having a personal conversation with the amazing actor himself! Don’t know Alan Rickman? He was the villain in the first Die Hard movie and Snape in the Harry Potter movies plus many more movies and plays.

Remember, folks, have an amazing day and strive to make a positive impact on someone’s life. Let the light of Jesus shine through you, and spread that love and positivity! ✨❤️ Let’s make the world a better place together!

Writer’s Log – June 6, 2023

“Hey there, fabulous people! Happy Tuesday, June 6th, 2023! 🌞 I’m feeling energized and ready to seize the day! 💪💃

This morning kicked off bright and early for me. I jumped out of bed, got all dolled up, and made sure to take my important prescriptions. Health first, am I right? 💊😊 Then, I hopped into my trusty car and zoomed over to the tax office like a boss. 💨 I paid off all my property taxes for the rest of the year! 🏡💰 In my state and county, they’ve got this awesome perk where you can pay quarterly with no interest if you’re 65 or older. Super convenient! So, I went ahead and took care of the whole year. Woohoo! Mission accomplished! I only had a 60-minute wait before they called my number. 🎉

Oh, and guess what? I also swung by the pharmacy to pick up two heart medications. Can’t forget about my precious health, right? ❤️ Gotta keep that ticker in top shape!

Before diving into my day, I had the pleasure of catching up with my buddy Les on a quick phone call. It’s always great to connect with friends and share some laughs! 😄❤️

Now, I’m cozied up at my favorite coffee shop, ready to conquer some serious writing. 📝 Words flow best when accompanied by a warm cup of joe, don’t you agree? Writing is my passion, and this morning is the perfect time to let my creativity soar! 🚀

Later on, I’ve got Milestone Electric swinging by to do a routine service on my HVAC unit. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way in keeping things running smoothly and extending their lifespan. Gotta take care of those appliances, people! 💡💨

Somewhere in between all the excitement, I plan to squeeze in a refreshing walk and indulge in some quality reading time. It’s all about finding that balance, right? 🚶📚 A little me-time never hurt anyone!

Somewhere along the way I also need to eat. I must keep up my strength.

Well, my lovely friends, I better get back to my writing session. Time to let those ideas flow onto the page! Wishing you all an absolutely terrific Tuesday! Stay amazing! 😘

Writer’s Log – June 5, 2023

Hey everyone, it’s Monday, June 5, 2023, and I’m currently chilling at my favorite local Starbucks! Can you believe I slept in so late today? 😱 I hit the hay around midnight, but my alarm clock rudely woke me up at 7:00 AM to take out the trash and recycling. Gotta do our part to save the Earth, right? ♻️ After that, I couldn’t resist crawling back into bed and ended up waking up at 11:30 AM. Guess I really needed that extra shut-eye!

So instead of dealing with the usual morning traffic, I had to navigate through lunchtime traffic on my way to this coffee paradise. At least the midday drivers seem more awake and less grumpy! 😄 I ordered my go-to cup of Pike Place coffee (no blonde available after 11 AM, boohoo), found a cozy spot, and kicked off my day by doing my morning devotion. Gotta start the day on a positive note, right?

After that, I spent some time setting up two-factor authentication for Twitter using Google Authentication for iOS. Apparently, Twitter now wants us to have a paid account to use two-factor SMS authentication. Oh well (greedy Elon Musk), better safe than sorry, especially when I’m working on my laptop in coffee shops. I always make sure to use a virtual private network (VPN) for extra security online. The one I use is VPN by Google One, a super reliable app by Google/Alphabet.

To set the mood, I’ve got some fantastic “Happy Summer Morning & Relaxing Jazz Instrumental Music at Coffee Shop Ambience for Working, Studying” playing in the background. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re interested, you can check it out at this YouTube link: [insert link here] 🎶

Alright, time to dive into some writing and then tackle a bunch of errands. My to-do list is jam-packed today, but I’m ready to conquer it all! 💪 By the way, I’m thrilled to announce that Operation Bye, Bye AT&T Uverse is officially complete! I finally got rid of my cable and switched to AT&T Fiber Optic and streaming services. Huge shoutout to Jason and Andy for making it happen. You guys rock! 🙌

On a side note, I went for a five mile walk yesterday and ended up with a couple of blisters on my feet and toes. Ouch! It’s so uncomfortable, but it’s weird because I never used to get blisters when I was an infantryman in the US Army and walked for a living. Oh well, the joys of civilian life, huh? 😅

There’s still so much on my plate, and I can’t believe it’s already past noon. Time really flies! Anyway, wishing you all an absolutely fabulous and magical Monday. Let’s make the most of it and spread some positivity! ✨💖

Writer’s Log – June 4, 2023

🌟✨ It’s a spectacular Sunday! 🌞💃 The date is June 4, 2023. I always write the day, date, and year just to make sure I’m on track, haha! 😄

Yesterday was a scorcher! 🔥🌡️ The weather person predicted 82°F, but we soared up to a humid 88°F! ☀️💦 The rain was dancing around everywhere except where I was. Today, they’re saying we’ll have upper 80s with a lower chance of rain. Fingers crossed! 🤞🌧️

Exciting news! 🎉🛫 I just booked my flight back to DFW and the USA from Sydney, Australia! 🇺🇸✈️ I’ll be spending five amazing nights in Sydney this November. After a month of exploring Hawaii, French Polynesia, Tahiti, Pago Pago, American Samoa, and New Zealand, my trans-Pacific cruise will end in Sydney. I can’t wait. It is a #bucketlisttrip! 😍🌏

Last night, I had a blast watching hours of YouTube videos about Sydney, Australia and all the fantastic things to do there. I feel like I know so much about the city, yet there’s still so much more to learn! Seems they have beaches, museums, parks, and lots of food.📺📚

Guess what I did this morning? You got it! After showering and washing my hair, shaving, dressing, and taking my RX’s, I hopped in the car and drove straight to Starbucks for my much-needed dose of coffee and writing time. ☕️📝 Gotta get that word count in before church and Bible study! 📖🙏 Currently, I’m jamming to the Precious Memories Collection by Alan Jackson. 🎶 For those who don’t know, Mr. Jackson is a fantastic country singer, and this collection consists of those classic church hymns that still give me goosebumps when we sing them at church. 🎵❤️

My agenda for today is packed! I’ll be attempting to apply online for my travel visa to New Zealand and Australia. 🌍✈️ No time like the present to get it done, right? I’ll also check in on NASCAR because, let’s go #8 Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing! 🏎️💨

Getting my steps in is a must today. When I don’t hit my 10,000 steps, I tend to gain weight instead of maintaining it. As the doctor says, “Eat less, exercise more!” 💪🥗 And as the Apostle Paul says in the Bible, “The things I know I should do, I don’t, and the things I know I shouldn’t do, I do.” 🍦🍿 Bad ice cream and tempting popcorn, why must you be so delicious?

I’ve got some extra editing to tackle today. I’m a bit behind on my goal of completing the recommended edits, but I’m determined to catch up. The book on Hope is still set for release this month, as long as I finish up and send everything back to the publisher. 📚✍️

Somewhere in my busy day, I’ll make sure to dive into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien and Lord of the Rings. Just ten to fifteen minutes a day to get lost in the magic! 🧙‍♂️📖

This evening, I’ll have a tough choice to make: swimming or visiting with “she who can’t be named on the Internet.” 😄🏊‍♀️👵 I’ll probably end up visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and adorable grandchildren. Can’t resist family time!

What are you doing to make your Sunday spectacular? Don’t forget to include the Lord in your day! 🙌❤️

#SpectacularSunday #June4th2023 #BlessedSunday #SydneyBound #CoffeeLover #SundayAgenda #FitAndActive #WritingGoals #NASCARFan #Bookworm #FamilyTime

writer’s Log – June 3, 2023

Hey hey, folks! It’s Saturday, June 3, 2023, and I’ve got some exciting updates for ya! 🌞 The weatherman says we’re in for a treat today with a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Can I get a hallelujah? 🙌 It’s a nice break from those scorching 90s we’ve been dealing with lately. 

But wait, there’s more! We’ve got an 80% chance of rain ☔️coming our way here in North Texas. Can I get a rain dance going? We always need more of that precious liquid in the Dallas Fort Worth area, am I right? ☔️

So, let’s dive into the adventures of my wild weekend! It all kicked off yesterday when I had a fabulous lunch date with my buddy Dan. Guess what? He and his lovely wife are gonna join me on the trans-Pacific cruise this fall. How cool is that? We’re becoming fast friends, and I’m pretty sure having a breakfast and walking buddy like Dan is gonna be a blast. Plus, I think his wife might appreciate a little break each day from his constant presence when we’re cruising. You know what I mean? 😄

Now, who would’ve thought that going to Walmart could be part of a wild weekend? Well, it totally can! I swung by and grabbed some health and beauty goodies. Oh, and let’s not forget my trip to Michael Stores. Can you believe it? I managed to buy the wrong thing not once, but TWICE! 🙈 But fear not, my friends, because third time’s the charm, and I finally got the right thing, or so I think. Man, it’s a whole rollercoaster of confusion out here, but I’m just gonna go with the flow and hope for the best! 🎢

Next up, let’s talk about the backyard oasis, the swimming pool. It always needs TLC, so I backwashed it, added more DE, and tossed some chlorine in there. I tell ya, buying chlorine is like throwing ten-dollar bills straight into the water. 💸 Last night, I chucked in four of those bad boys. Ah, the things we do for a sparkling pool and living the rest lifestyle!

Now, let’s get real for a sec. We all have those guilty pleasures, and last night, I indulged in some mindless TV series on Apple+. Yep, I called it a time waster, but hey, we all need a little mindless entertainment every now and then, right? 📺 Although I must admit, I’d usually choose a good book over TV, but last night was all about chillin’ in front of the screen. Sigh.

Fast forward to this morning, my lovely peeps! I popped my RXs, did my morning devotional (gotta get that spiritual fuel!), set my pool robot to work, handled some financial stuff like a boss, and you bet your bottom dollar I headed straight to Starbucks. Gotta get that caffeine fix to kickstart the day, am I right? 

Oh, and I’ve got Fernando Ortega’s heavenly Hymns and Meditations playing in my ears, filling my soul with positive vibes and helping me worship the Lord. Can I get an amen? 🙏

Speaking of chores and updates, today I’m bidding farewell to AT&T Verse and saying hello to AT&T fiber optic Internet only. It’s time to cut the cord, my friends! Shoutout to my middle adult child for coordinating this epic switcheroo. You rock, kiddo! 🎉

But hey, it’s not all work and no play! I’ve gotta squeeze in my daily walk and, of course, some quality Lord of the Rings reading time. And with the rain threat looming large, guess where I see myself heading for walking? That’s right, the mall! Gotta keep dry while indulging in some walking therapy, right? 

And tonight, the enigmatic “she who can’t be named on the Internet” and I have some exciting plans. No idea what they’ll be at this time, but the time is all hers. I forward to the surprises that await! 😉 

Oh, and an early bedtime is definitely in my future, ’cause tomorrow is all about church and Bible fellowship class. Can’t wait to kick off Sunday with a dose of spirituality!

My selfies is from this morning. I screwed up trimming the beard so now it’s a mustache. Amazing when you forget to get the height on the beard trimmer and buzzcut it before you realize you messed up. A classic senior moment for me, I confess. 

Alrighty, my lovely peeps, that’s the lowdown on my wild weekend so far. Hope you’re all having an absolutely fab time out there, filled with adventures and good vibes! Remember, live it up and make some fantastic memories. Catch you later! ✌️😎 #WeekendVibes #WildTimes

Writer’s Log – June 2, 2023

🌟 Hey there, fabulous friends! It’s finally Friday, June 2, 2023, and the energy is electric! ⚡️ I woke up this morning to a toasty 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but in Texas, we call that “preheating for summer”! 🔥 Can you feel the heat, y’all?

💪 Let me tell you, yesterday was a total productivity party! 🎉 I tackled my to-do list like a boss and conquered ten tasks! Who’s got the productivity crown? This guy right here! 👑

🎬 Last night, I caught the premiere of the mind-blowing UFO disclosure movie, “Accidental Truth: UFO Revelations”! 🛸 The tagline says it all: “The truth can no longer be contained!” Can you believe it? Those “in the know” who interact with the public are finally opening up about what they know. Little green men or not, I’ve witnessed some mind-boggling unexplained phenomena myself, like the mesmerizing Marfa Lights! 🌠

⏰ Today has been a whirlwind of activity already! I started my day with a dose of my morning RXs, followed by some peaceful devotional time. Then, I dropped off my clothes at the cleaners before meeting up with my buddy, Dan Webster, for a delightful lunch at 1 PM. 🥪 He and his wife are part of my trans-Pacific traveling party this fall.

☕️ Right now, I’m at my favorite spot, Starbucks, sipping on my morning coffee and getting my creative juices flowing. Gotta hit that daily word count, am I right? ✍️

🚶‍♀️ Later on, I’m planning to get my steps in and go for a refreshing walk. It’s all about staying active and feeling alive, my friends! 💃

🔌 Big news! AT&T Uverse is upgrading my Internet today to lightning-fast fiber optics! 🚀 Fingers crossed they don’t play hooky. Though I’ve received mixed email and text messages confirming and saying they may need to reschedule, so who knows? We’ll see if they make it happen! 💻

⛈️ Oh, and keep your eyes on the sky because thunderstorms might crash the party later tonight! If they make an appearance, I’ll cozy up and enjoy a fantastic movie night. If not, it’s all about splashing around in the pool and rocking those water aerobics moves! 💦

✨ Remember, my friends, every day is an opportunity to spread joy and radiate sunshine! ☀️ Be that person who brightens everyone’s day, the one everyone is thrilled to see. Let’s make it a phenomenal day! 🌈💖

Writer’s Log, June 1, 2023

Hey there, lovely people! 🌟 It’s June 1, 2023, and guess what? I’m super excited because in just 129 days, I’ll be embarking on a fantastic trans-pacific cruise! 🚢🌊 Can you believe it? This has been on my bucket list forever, and I can’t wait for the adventure to begin!

Let me give you a little sneak peek of the cruise itinerary. We’ll be starting in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, then sailing off to breathtaking destinations like Hawaii, Tahiti, and French Polynesia. Oh, la la! 😍 After that, we’ll make a stop at Pago Pago in American Samoa before heading to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand and Australia. Twenty-nine days of pure bliss! And you know what’s even better? I’ll be spending a few extra days exploring Australia before heading back home. 🐨✈️

Today’s photo is a gorgeous stock image from the stunning paradise of Tahiti, which is part of French Polynesia. Fun fact: you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Tahiti, but make sure you have your passport ready to go! 🏝️🛂

Now, when it comes to American Samoa, lucky for us Americans, no visa is required. Just don’t forget to pack that passport of yours! As for New Zealand and Australia, passports and visas are a must. Time to get that paperwork sorted ASAP, my friends! 🗺️🛃

But enough about travel logistics. Let’s talk about what’s been happening lately. On Wednesday, I had the most amazing time hanging out with my good friend Les. We indulged in a delicious lunch and took a lovely stroll at North Park Center. And guess what? We even met up with my mysterious friend, who shall remain nameless on the internet, for some mouthwatering Mexican food at one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Good times, good company! 🌮❤️

This morning, I treated myself to a bit of extra sleep since I stayed up until midnight. Rise and shine happened just after eight AM. After taking care of some chores around the house and getting the trash out, I made my way to Starbucks for my much-needed cuppa. ☕

To kickstart my day, I completed my morning devotional, and I’ve been jamming to uplifting Christian music on The Prestonwood Worship channel on YouTube. Seriously, you’ve got to check it out! Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/@PrestonwoodWorship/videos 🎶✨

My to-do list is bursting with tasks today, but I won’t bore you with all the details. Let’s just say it involves some walking, reading, and tackling the routine stuff that comes with life. Gotta stay productive, right? 💪📚

Before I wrap up, I want to take a moment to send out some prayers and good vibes to all the incredible attendees of the Blue Ridge Christian Writer conference. As they head home with newfound knowledge, hopes, and dreams, I pray for their safety and that they have the courage to pursue the amazing opportunities they encountered at the conference. You’ve got this, writers! 🙏✍️

Alrighty, folks, it’s time for me to dive into my morning writing session. Thanks for joining me on this little update. Stay tuned for more adventures, fun stories, and positivity coming your way! Until next time! 😄🌈

Writer’s Log, May 30, 2023

Hey there! 😄 It’s May 30, 2023, and the Memorial Day weekend was off the charts! 🎉 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. 😴 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? 😮 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 😴💤 Maybe I was mourning my Dallas Stars losing and their season coming to an end. Just saying. 😔

Anyway, I made my way to Starbucks, and I’m currently sipping on a delightful tall blonde roast coffee. ☕️ Ahh, the perfect pick-me-up! Later today, I’ve got an appointment with the allergist for a reassessment. 🤧 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! 📚 And you know what? I might even sneak in a quick power nap. Gotta recharge those batteries, ya know? 😉💪

By the way, what’s going on with you? Share your story! 👋😊 #ChillTime #CoffeeLover #Bookworm

Writer’s Log, May 29, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at Starbucks.

🌟 Good morning, everyone! It’s Monday, May 29, 2023, and here in the United States 🇺🇸, we’re celebrating 🇺🇸 Memorial Day! 🇺🇸
As I drove down the streets this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful American flags  🇺🇸 🇺🇸  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. 🙏
I drove to essential stop at Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine and writing inspiration. ☕ 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. 📚 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! 💪
Yesterday was a blast! We had an amazing pool party 💦 and celebrated the third birthdays for my girlfriend’s grandson. 🎉
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 💦 , 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. 💦
Now, let’s talk sports! The NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday was rained out, but don’t worry, it’s rescheduled for this afternoon. 🏎️ Fingers crossed for an exhilarating and action-packed race! I won’t watch it but will listen to it’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. 🏒 Of course, they haven’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! 💫
Enjoy the day, my friends, and may it be filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. Happy Memorial Day! 🎇

Writer’s Log, May 28, 2023

🌞 Good morning, everyone! It’s Sunday, May 28, 2023! ☕️📝

Starting off the day with some #poolcleaning. Gotta keep that water sparkling! 💦💪

But first, #coffee! Enjoying a cup of blonde roast while I get my writing groove on. ✍️📚

Later on, I’m heading to #BibleFellowship class and #church. 🙏🏻⛪️ Always a great way to nourish the soul.

Exciting stuff happening today! It’s time for a #poolparty! 🎉🏊‍♀️ 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. ✈️ 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. 🏁🏎️ 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! 🏆🏁

Hope you all have an amazing Sunday filled with joy and excitement! 😄💕

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