I know it has been a while, but life always seems to throw yet another unwanted punch. But, before we get into that, I would like to thank Alex and the whole IWSG staff for all the amazing work they do throughout each and every month. The IWSG keeps us all updated with news in the writing world as well as so many helpful articles to keep our writing journeys on the straight and arrow. If you'd like to join our group, please click on the link and sign up on Alex's site.
Can you believe it is already AUGUST? This year has swept by like a gale-force wind. I hope you all have been enjoying all your fun summer activities. For me, gardening has been a joy and the flowers have certainly appreciated all the sun that has been shining on my property...almost too much. lol But, with regular watering, I managed to keep the gardens flourishing.
My topic this month is CHANGE, and are we really ready for it. Many of us are getting older and our bodies are certainly changing at a rapid speed. A few of our wonderful writer friends are battling to survive the ravages of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. I totally understand many of you are cringing at the thought, BUT SADLY, it is a part of our lives and it seems we will never have a real cure. I, myself had two parents fight cancer and I had a small bout of it a few years back with skin cancer. I also lost a very treasured writer friend to it, Melissa Bradley...I miss you every day! All we can do now is stay focused and fight back HARD! Aging is NOT for the faint at heart. For the past several months, I have been experiencing somewhat common issues that many men my age experience. My condition has worsened, and I will need surgery in the very near future... Thankfully, it is NOT terminal, but something that needs to be addressed.
Since my condition, I have had to postpone the incredible trip I had planned to Scotland. So the many days I toiled over booking flights, hotels, train tickets, tours, etc. had to be canceled. Sigh. Change. We never know what is coming next. But, sometimes these changes are not always bad. Yes, I had to cancel everything, but happily only for three months. As most of you may recall, I ADORE the Christmas holidays and have always dreamed of spending Christmas in Europe...well, now is my chance, I will be spending almost three weeks in December traveling through Scotland's main cities and the Highlands! Imagine how magical this will be! As an avid HARRY POTTER FAN, I will get to experience all the incredible sights of Edinburgh JK Rowling has written about during the most magical season of all! It took me DAYS to rebook everything and thankfully I will be able to go at this time. But, as we know, things may change again, and I will be ready to fight back if I must.
So my advice to all of you today is even if things change for the worse, we can come back strong and face whatever challenges we have left. We all know how difficult our writer's journeys have been for MANY if not ALL of us, but as long as we face what's ahead, we will make it!
Keep safe all and enjoy the rest of your Summer... See you in September!
8 comments:
Pray everything goes well with the surgery. Very sorry your trip is postponed. There is no upside to getting older.
Michael, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope the surgery solves the problem.
You will be awestruck by Edinburgh Castle. It's just amazing.
I hope surgery goes smoothly and uneventful (I know how fun it gets when things go off the rails!)
There's been a few IWSG posts this month about aging and limited time. I feel like the universe is trying to remind me of the unexpected family death earlier this year. I have not forgotten, Universe! Stop it.
I hope your surgery goes well. I've found that there are more changes in life as I get older too. I love your advice. And it's awesome you'll experience Europe and all the Harry Potter sites at Christmas.
Hi Michael - getting older is challenging to say the least - you've made the right decision - not to stress yourself anymore. Scotland will be here - and perhaps you can visit at a later date?! Cheers and I do hope your health improves - with thoughts - cheers Hilary
So sorry to hear that you're going through challenging health issues, Michael. I hope your surgery goes well and that you can reschedule that trip and enjoy it fully. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
I'm so happy to know you're getting to go on that dream trip. I hope you share lots of great pictures with us after you return. Hope the health issue works out okay.
Yes, Michael, a realistic post. Ageing a'int for the faint hearted for sure. You know some of what Geo is going through. But we must stay positive and meet the challenges!
I wish you a quick recuperation after surgery so you can jump fully into a great Christmas in Scotland!
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