Tuesday, July 3, 2012

July Housekeeping


Today’s posting is a catch-up on where I am with this on-line memoir.



First, thirteen months of postings:

The postings from August to mid-September of 2011 covered the first six years of my childhood, which were, for the most post, idyllic, until something happened that shattered my self-confidence for many years.
            The next postings—from mid-September through early December—covered my life in the convent novitiate. After that, came the story of A Cat’s Life: Dulcy’s Story.
            January 12, 2012, began a long series of postings about the way various social justices issues have affected my life. This series began with “Call Me Stubborn” and ended last Saturday—June 30—with “Saying Good-bye to Two Friends.”
            With that series of postings now complete, I need to decide what to write about next on this online memoir. The two topics I’m considering are 1) my grade and high-school years, which had their own drama or 2) the convent years after the novitiate in which I taught in a number of schools.

Second, book reviews:

On May 22, 2012, Twelve Habits of Highly Successful Cats & Their Humans became available on Amazon. Since then, five fellow bloggers have reviewed it. To read their reviews, please click below:


 

I want to thank all five of them for their reviews. Publishing this book concerned me because I feared it was just claptrap that would appeal to no one. However, their reviews have left me breathing more easily now.

Third, the remainder of the summer:

Once again, I’m going to change my normal blogging routine. And once again, that’s because I need more time for the writing that I want to do for publication.
            My energy level has declined dramatically as I’ve passed through my seventies. No longer can I accomplish what I used to nor can I sit at the computer as long.
            What this means is that for the rest of the summer, I am going to post only once a week—on Tuesday.
            Also, I’ll limit my time visiting blogs. That will mean, of course, that I might miss some of your best writing. I regret that, but I yearn to polish two more non-Dulcy cat books and to complete the memoir many of you have encouraged me to write for publication.

Fourth, my gratitude:

Last January, I had no idea that the postings on social justice would take up the first half of this year. Thank you for sticking with me throughout this long haul. I greatly admire your fortitude and generosity.

Lastly, a summary:

1.     Right now I’m trying to determine what to write about next on this on-line memoir. If you have a preference, please leave a comment or send an e-mail and let me know your druthers!
2.     Five fellow bloggers have reviewed Dulcy’s second book.
3.     For the remainder of the summer, I’ll post only once a week and spend less time reading and commenting on blogs. But I hope to visit your blogs weekly.
4.     I find all of you astoundingly wonderful. Peace.




44 comments:

  1. Hello woman! Well I discovered why I can't leave a review for you and Elisa on Amazon. Apparently you have to buy something from Amazon first. I will do that as soon as I have a little money. Anyway you take the time that you need and take care of yourself. Love ya

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    1. Dear Melynda, don't worry about a review. I know you liked the book. That's what matters. Peace.

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  2. Hello Dee!
    I'm rarely the first to comment on one of your posts . . . it must be the time difference!
    I've enjoyed reading all your stories, but my favorites, for pure reading pleasure, were the ones about your childhood! I loved the stories about you as a little girl, even when you were seemingly abandoned by your family. You write with wit and poignancy, a winning combination in my book.

    I look forward to Tuesdays this summer!

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    1. Dear Sandi, are you still in France? Even if you aren't, you must be tired from all the traveling so I thank you for taking the time and energy to leave a comment here.

      I probably won't be sure until next Tuesday which direction I'm going to take. I'll be as surprised as any of you. Peace.

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  3. I have no preferences. Let the muse move you. I will read--& love-- whatever & whenever you write!

    One added note: Carol Wyer's posting again!!

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    1. Dear Fishducky, thanks for the thumbs up about Carol Wyer. I've go and visit her blog. And thanks always for your support. Peace.

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  4. I've so enjoyed all your memoirs, and I hope you'll take it the whole way through. There is such a richness to your writing, and always things to stimulate the heart and conscience.

    I am plowing my way through readings I have for this summer, most professional, and so I hope to soon have the time I'd love to devote to reading your latest! Hugs~

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    1. Dear Shelly, I hope that you have some time off this summer to simply let yourself enjoy the sun and breeze and freedom. Thank you for your kind words about my writing. I do plan to complete the online memoir. Who knows what all will be written!!!! I surely don't. Peace.

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  5. I've loved reading all of your memoirs and would greatly enjoy knowing more both about your childhood and your years of teaching while in the convent. I guess it depends on what you feel most called to write about at the moment, but I'd be especially interested in hearing more about your childhood and adolescence -- your experience with your grandparents and with your parents and in school. And, in the meantime, I'll check the book out on Amazon!
    Enjoy your rest!

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    1. Dear Kathy, thanks for sharing your liking for both the childhood and the convent days. At this point, I'm not sure which I'll choose. I'll just get up next Tuesday,come to the computer, and see where the Spirit takes me. And thanks, also, for checking out the book on Amazon. Living with your new kitten--Hammie--may make the book appealing to you! Peace.

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  6. Give deference to your insticts..write next on what they lead you to.

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    1. Dear Mary, I know you are right. I need to listen to my intuition. Peace.

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  7. I want to read about both of your topic choices -- the order in which you discuss them doesn't really matter. Go where the Spirit leads you.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Dear Janie, yes, that's what I'm going to do--"go where the Spirit leads" me. Peace.

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  8. I thought I would have a preference, but both of those topics sound interesting. Your years at the convent are unique in my own experience, but as Sandi says, your writing about your childhood has been very interesting. I am glad you are taking the time for yourself as required, rather than trying to spread yourself too thin. Maybe it's only what you will write about next, not either/or. :-)

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    1. Dear DJan, I do have a tendency to make things either/or in my life. I've had to fight that and to look for options and possibilities. Thanks for reminding me to do that.
      Peace.

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  9. Sorry not to have been commenting recently, Dee - too busy with my mother-in-law here, but have been catching up tonight with your moving series of posts on AIDS.

    I'm another who will happily read and appreciate whatever you feel called to write and quite understand your need to cut down on blogging and concentrate on other things for the summer.

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    1. Dear Perpetua, being in Normandy--just getting there--must have truly tired you out, so I'm just appreciative that whenever you have time to comment you stop by. Thank you.

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  10. What a lot you have achieved, Dee! All the best as you forge a writing path forward.

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    1. Dear Kate, Thanks for saying that--about what I've achieved. Sometimes I feel that there's little to show for my life and then I cancel that thought and think with gratitude of my life and its many blessings. Peace.

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  11. I agree with the others. Both sound interesting to me, so do whichever one you would like to tackle first.
    I think taking time for yourself to write is something you need to do. I may do that at some point myself--for either writing or art--for much the same reason. I can't accomplish much in a day...in a week, for that matter. So it always becomes a matter of priorities. Your priority should be to work on your books--absolutely!! And if you can't get around to all the blog reading, that is understandable. You need to be writing! You should be writing! Go for it!! I am happy for you. :):)

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    1. Dear Rita, thank you so much for your enthusiastic urging of me to write. I'm going to do it "by gum!!!!!" Peace.

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  12. I have enjoyed reading about your work with social injustice. You have done so many truly good things in your life. So, maybe now is the time to take it easy and rest. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I will enjoy any and all things you post.

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    1. Dear Inger, thank you for your continued support of my writing and for your great generosity in promoting Dulcy's two books--"A Cat's Life" and "Twelve Habits."
      I so appreciate your delight in both of them. Peace.

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    1. Dear Arleen, thank you. And I look forward to continuing to follow your blog throughout the summer. I so like the fact that you change your top photograph often. It's always a delight to find a new one heading off your blog. Peace.

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  14. Everything you have chosen to write about has been incredibly wonderful to me. Initially, I thought I liked your social awareness posts the most, but then I was reminded of your childhood and novitiate posts and have to say I loved those every bit as much as any of the others! Everything you write about offers so much to the reader and I am so grateful that I have discovered your blog and friendship and I can only be looking forward to whatever you will write about in the future.

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    1. Dear Broad, thank you for your support. I'm going to just trust my instincts, as several of those who left comments have encouraged me to do, and write whatever comes to mind next Tuesday! Congratulations again on your the success of your embassy visit! Peace.

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  15. I don't have expectations for you to follow through with keeping up with each of my posts, I just miss you when you're away! :-) Good luck with all our writing responsibilities and goals. I am reading Dulcy's second book...and it's wonderful. You have a lot to share, too! :-) Debra

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    1. Dear Debra, I'm so pleased that you are enjoying "Twelve Habits." And do hope to visit your blog often because I find your interests so interesting and thought-provoking. Peace.

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  16. I can understand the once a week posting. I have fallen into that mode myself after starting out as a daily poster and find weekly more comfortable. Might be that over 70 thing for me also.
    You have had such an interesting life and the way you write makes it come alive for us. I am game for which ever direction you care to go. I'll be here.

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    1. Dear Arkansas Patti, I didn't know you started with a daily posting. I can't imagine that. To craft a story takes about three hours for me--writing, editing, polishing.
      So doing that every day would be real work. And yes, this being over 70 does make a difference I think. Peace.

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  17. Oh, I so relate to that part about sitting at the computer for very long! Age sure does make a difference in what we're able to do. I suspect we can accomplish whatever we wish, but have to find alternative methods of doing so. I'm definitely a work in progress, more like novice, with that!

    I'm new to your writing, thanks to Gary at Klahanie. He'd recommended I check out your blog, thought I'd find it of interest. He wasn't kidding! I adore your writing! Whatever you choose to do next, there's no doubt it will be fabulous.

    I'll keep myself busy this summer, while you're not posting as much, catching up with your previous writings; and I do hope to read your books - they must be just as wonderful as your blog.

    Best of wishes in your next endeavors, Kim and CindyLu

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    1. Dear Kim, you are such an animal lover and your blog of course makes that plain. That's why I think you would enjoy both "A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story" and "Twelve Habits of Highly Successful Cats and Their Humans." In both Dulcy shares her own story and she is such an individual. She always wanted me to be a one-cat person and she was so happy when ultimately that happened.

      Thank you for saying that you hope to "catch up" with my previous writings. There's so much there! But perhaps you've find something that speaks to you. Peace.

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  18. I druther, you keep doing what you do best, Dee.. as long as you continue to write.. we will happily read whatever you write.

    Enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summertime.
    Be well, be happy :)
    Pam i am

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  19. Dear Pam i am!!!! thank you for your support. I'd so like to see in my backyard a cardinal like the photo on your blog! Or even a few dragonflies. Peace.

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  20. Dear Dee, I am struggling myself with all there is to do, wanting to keep up with my own postings and reading others, and then there is life itself. We do what we can and what we must, don't we? I've not only enjoyed your writings, but I've also learned much and grown through the process as well. Whatever you have to say and whenever you say it, I will eventually be here, reading and laughing and crying and thinking.

    I admire you organization, Dee. An example for me ti emulate. Stay cool and safe as you work. Penny

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  21. Dear Penny, this blogging venture seems always to be somewhat of a struggle between keeping ourselves within the life we live and responding to the thoughts and experiences and stories of others. I missed your postings in the last few days because of your taking time off and yet I so understand the necessity of that.

    The religion professor who taught my college class was a Benedictine priest and he always would say "In medio stat" (not sure of spelling) which is Latin for "the middle way." At the time, I thought "how boring!" but as the years have passed and I've had to learn how to be moderate. And thus, this posting! Peace.

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  22. I'm so excited to read what you'll write from here. I think you're very wise to post once a week. :)

    I'm so happy to have cut my posting time. I feel like everything is much easier to manage now with writing, parenting . . . wifing--is that even a word LOL! etc. :0)

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    1. Dear Elisa, I, too, am "excited" to see what I'm going to post next Tuesday. I'm still now sure what to take up next--or even to do something sequentially as I've been doing. It's a conundrum for me! Peace.

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  23. I totally understand about having to sort out blogging life.
    Only those who post daily diaries can keep going without effort. It takes me much longer now to find something of interest to talk about.

    I'm looking forward to your weekly postings and wish you all the best for your writing life.

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    1. Dear Friko, I, too, wish you all the best with your writing life. The thing is that you write so well and with such wit and forthrightness, that I've never read one of your postings--no matter what the subject--that I haven't found interesting, often provocative. You make me think. Peace.

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  24. I started reading late in the game, so I don't know what to tell you to write about next. I know my own elementary and high school years had lots of drama because I was a very dramatic child. I, too, had an incident in childhood that could have taken my self confidence away for good, but instead it did lead me to make some bad decisions that in turn led me to start making better ones! I still have to read your book but look forward to doing that.

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  25. Dear Nancy, tomorrow's my posting day and I'm still not sure where I'm going with this on-line blog. I'll be as surprised as anyone at what I write! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. If you get a chance to read Dulcy's two books, I hope you enjoy them. Peace.

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