Etcetera

This is where I get to sound off on anything and everything that isn't necessarily related to writing (although it could be). In other words, What I Have to Say About....

In a lot of countries, the senior citizens are respected, their knowledge valued. Why? Because the younger generation understands that in the 60, 70, 80 + years that they have lived on this planet, they’ve learned many things. And they have a lot to share. This is how we learned about what plants were ok to eat and which mushrooms were poisonous to humans. In other words, the knowledge that seniors have helps save lives. Makes sense, right?

Throughout my life, whatever job I was working at, there was always someone there to tell me, perhaps to comfort me when I felt like I was getting nowhere in my position, that I had to “pay my dues”. Translated that meant, just be happy with the job you have, don’t rock the boat, don’t whine about your low salary, etc. In other words, things would work out, it was just going to take time. It also meant, to me, that I still had a lot to learn in whatever job I was holding.

What are good ethics? And who decides what is right and wrong? I would say we all learn the difference between right and wrong when we are children, in the home, observing our parents and other adults. So, if your parents cheat the system, say, for example they are on food stamps or other social benefits paid for by the government because they have five children to feed and no dad, even though you know dad is around, just not when the social worker shows up, these are not honest behaviors and your parents are teaching you unethical immoral behaviors and that cheating the government or ‘the man’ is ok. So, you grow up practicing the same immoral behavior and again, teach your children the same.

A new year is a great time to look back at the previous year and assess where you are to then set up new goals. Well, some of my old goals from 2022 have followed me into 2023. In particular, I did not finish a book in 2023. Mostly because of life, but also because my editor (my husband) prioritized his life and the golf season won over everything else. Even though I live in the northeast, the golf season lasts from April until mid-November when the course where we are members closes. That gives him at least 7 1/2 months of golfing. And then the rest of his time, of course, is dedicated to his business. Where does that leave me and my books? Somewhere near the bottom of his Top 10 To-Do list.

And now, just around the corner, are the holidays. I was hoping to have my latest book, The Mart, ready for purchase for Christmas, but alas, there are always obstacles in the way. I wonder if the many celebrities who have written mostly children's books, have such delays. I'm thinking the answer would be no. It is beginning to look like only Hollywood people are writing children's books now. Which is why I have put any ideas I have for a children's book on the back burner.