Mending Fences and Building Bridges

Despite tight finances and a worrisome, but controlled, sickness in the family, life is pretty good right now. My partner and I are newlyweds. We've been fortunate enough to not only dream about plans. We are able to see some coming to fruition. Hank finishes his degree next month. I am finally, seriously writing a book. Together, we bought a vehicle large enough for "family" vacations with the dogs, and we each see the future with a bit more peace of mind, if not growing sense of adventure.

On a more individual level, I spent much time in reflection over the past couple of months. Reflecting on my relationships, personal and professional. Reflecting on what I consider to be the most important things and more importantly how to give those things their priority.  In short, I've been exploring my life philosophies. And, in the end, I'm pleased with most of what's been explored.

In "shaking the fences," I found some areas that need my attention; these areas are not so much in disrepair as needing some shoring up. And to borrow an old, religious term: I want to name it and claim it, instead of faking it until I make it.

NANOWRIMO

After so many months of not making Utmost my "utmost," one might think this post full of inspirational and/or life influencing statements. Ummm... it's not. For one, I've knocked out about half a bottle of Jim Beam Maple, and it's 1:00 AM after a pretty full day at work. For two, and the purpose of this post, I wrote a little over 1,400 words on the first day of National Novel Writers Month toward my first novel.

Granted, I've been manipulating ideas about my first novel since 5th grade. Regardless, I can never put together more than an essays worth of declarations that I find publishable. Maybe, this time, I've broken through the barriers limiting my success.

One can only hope... And, in true professional educator's style: publish or die!