Just Sayin'

Two things today...

One.
Been taking my morning drive with another lady on the road who drives a compact with a bumper sticker that says, "Do you follow Jesus this Close?" First of all, CLOSELY. Yes, it bugs me to read that every morning!! Today she pulled into the left lane in front of me and slowed down. And I wanted to say, Yes, I do. And if you get in front of me and drive under the speed limit, I am going to follow you this CLOSELY.

Two.
Thomas asked if I remembered my name before I was married. When I told him it was Seale, he rolled his eyes and said, "Oh yeah." He knew that. Then from the back seat, Sean pipes in, "Before you were married and your name was Seale, you looked like a seal!" And then he cracked up laughing... yes, folks. Seven year olds have NOT changed in the last thirty years! :D

Just sayin'.

Music Monday

Before I start, I had an awesome Mother's Day. I have a husband who goes into protective overdrive on Mother's Day. He keeps the kids in line for me. He is ultra sensitive to how I'm doing and making sure I'm doing what I want to do. And this year, he planned a nice outing after dinner for ice cream at Culvers. The weather was perfect. The house was peaceful--for the most part [even mother's day can't stop a little bit of bickering. :D]. I am truly blessed by my entire family.

But, it's also true... I have mixed feelings about Mother's Day. There are two perspectives. One, appreciating my own mother and grandmother. Being so full of love and respect for all they have done. I can feel that. But then there's this other side of the coin...

As a mother, how do I really tell them what I want? Despite the love I have for my family [and I do have lots of love for them], what I really want is silence...solitude...a getaway. I want to not have to deal with any of them. I want what I never get--to be a person, separate from anyone else. I want an end of the day with no holds barred couple time...

But that's a great way to really show your family that you deserve Mother's Day, right? ...NOT.

I think part of the problem is that Mother's Day has this...give Mom a break theme. But, that's not the bottom line, and it's media and modern society [Hallmark!]that has messed with our conception of what Mother's Day is about. It's not about giving her a break; it's about honoring her for all she does. Maybe that means a gift. Maybe that means an extra hug or a note sharing your appreciation. But like so much in recent years--the heart of the "holiday" has been lost to commercialism. Buy her this. Buy her that... diamonds, iPads, sweaters. Blah!

And even the good[ish] Mother's [like myself] can get caught up in the wrong ideas. I don't really need a break. I would never be so crass as to turn my back on the family who is honoring me and loving me. The truth is, sometimes, all we have is family.

And I have the best, which became even more evident on the way home from dropping the kids off at school this morning. My two-year-old was singing along to the song Africa by Toto. Then when it was over she said, "I like that song." :D What?! I know! Crazy. LOL :D

Making the Right decision

Yesterday I forced my way through three pages of a ms. Forced being the key word. Wow, I am just struggling to get to the next exciting scene! What's been revealed? What still needs to be revealed? Are the Main Character's emotions progressing along enough that I can give them that first kiss? That internal debate of if the relationship can or should move to the next level?

I made it to the end of yesterday thinking about starting something new. :D I mean, really...when the writing gets tough, take a break, right? Let the muse move you...and all that jazz. So I plotted two new short stories. Or, I should say I outlined two ideas. Not exactly the same as a plot. But this morning, I went back and forth and back and forth.

I knew what I needed to do. Work through the rough stuff. Move forward!!

So, I did. I made the right choice. :P And yes, it's a little difficult, but I think it's for the best. Time to get this manuscript completed. I've only been working on it all year long.

*~*~*

Another choice I made this week, to sign a contract. Yowza!! I have a contract. And I will get picture of it, just so I can post it here, but alas, the signing is electronic--gotta love technology. Maybe I'll sign my copy just to have it. Of course, my copy has been colored on... by a two-year-old. :D :D She helps.

*~*~*

That's news from Bethanne this week. Off I go to write a few more pages of my manuscript. Motivation: the reward of starting something new when I finish. :D Sometimes, we need a little goal-like motivation.

Have a great week.
With Love,
Bethanne

PS my sister who has 8 boys, had a baby girl yesterday!! A girl!! I was so surprised, I didn't even believe it at first! :D Happy Beautiful Birthday, Baby Mary.

Changes

Today I dropped my first born off at the movies with two girlfriends and one brother. Not my daughter's brother, but a brother of the girlfriend. An older brother who can almost drive. The funny thing is... DD brought this up and I hemmed and hawed a little, trying to think of a good reason she couldn't go. I mean, there is one, isn't there? But she's at the end of her 8th grade year. She's 13 now--not exactly an independent...but working on it. Then I found out there wouldn't be an adult with the group. So I called my husband. He had one question, "Is she going to be in a car with other teenagers?"

"No," I answered with confidence. This was an answer I knew! For sure!

"I don't have a problem with that," he said.

I admit, I was both relieved and a little deflated feeling. You mean, she can just go off and hang out with her friends? I admit to not being a sentimental person... I'm not a huge crier. But I was a little struck by how fast the years have gone and by how much things have changed in the last year. *sigh* It's all good. Isn't this what we want?

For our kids to grow up and become responsible, mature people?

*~*~*
Also, in other changes... I'll be signing my first contract soon. I spent the early part of today reading the 17 pages of legalese and then  rereading it to make sure I got it. Fun stuff! And not as hard as I thought it would be. Hey! Maybe I'm smarter than I thought! :D Wheee! Letters from Home is going to be published...by a publishing house! I'm really excited! [can't you tell by all the exclamation points?]

*~*~*
But for right now, I feel like I either need to go run or need a nap. LOL
What a funny place of change to be in.
Have a great weekend, friends.
With Love,
Bethanne

Through Heart-Shaped Glasses

Every once in a while, an idea strikes that ends up Golden.

Well, starting on May 1st, some of the most awesomest ladies I know are gathering at a little place on the web for a chance to share our thoughts, our lives, our writing. It's called Through Heart-Shaped Glasses. We write romance in all different genres. We live in all different parts of the world. We share the most diverse span of opinions known to mankind.

But the best part? We're all friends.

From now on, once a month on the 23rd, you'll find me shacking up with my heart-shaped glasses and my cozy cup of coffee. Don't worry, I'll remind you. For now, feel free to hop over and have a looksee [actually, hop over at 5am EST. That's when our first post is scheduled to go live]!!! It's so pretty. I'm really excited about this new venture and hope you'll join me for a ton of fabulous writing, giveaways, and even a few special guest authors.