I Seem to be at a Stand Still!

Hi all,

How is your weekend going?  I hope it's flowing smoothly for you.  What a nice change in the weather we had today.  Not that intense heat and humidity from this past week!  Although tomorrow it's to be up in the 80's once again with quite a bit of storms passing through.  I do hope you got to go
outside today and enjoy yourself. 

I'm having trouble getting back to working on my current novel.  Don't know what my problem is though.  I have all these ideas and almost all of my research finished, but I find I just can't seem to get at it.  There have been a lot of interruptions going on around me and I don't like to start writing and then have to stop in a half hour.  Hopefully this week I will have more time for writing, now that my house cleaning is all done. 

Of course, this Thursday is July 4th, a holiday for all of us.  How will you celebrate this day?  Perhaps you will be going to a picnic, an amusement park, an outdoor concert, a friend's cook-out, boating, swimming or any number of other things.  Whatever you choose to do to celebrate the 4th, I hope you have a great day.  If you attend evening fireworks, have fun and enjoy their beauty. 

For many people, Friday will also be a holiday from work.  If you are one of those people who have to go back to work on Friday, remember that's it's just one day and then you have two more days off from work. 

If you are going to be traveling this week, either by car, bus, train or plane, stay safe and enjoy yourself.  I certainly hope you all have good weather for whatever you choose to do to celebrate.

Just a reminder that I have two of my books up for a 'free' read today and tomorrow.  You can access them by going to www.amazon.com and then filling in my name (Susan Lapp Mellott) in the search box.  All thirteen of my books will come up. ' The Kauffman Farm' and 'Congestive Heart Failure' are the two offered this weekend.  Enjoy!

I hope you all enjoy the balance of your weekend.  Stay safe and healthy.
Susan

What's Up?

Hi all,

How is everyone this evening?  Since today is Wednesday, I'm sure a lot of you are busy just getting home from work or just starting work.  Of course, even when you get home, you still have dinner to prepare and/or yard or house work to do.  Or perhaps a load of laundry. 

Unless you're retired, then you may just be kicking back after eating dinner and doing very little.  If you're like me, you're sitting inside in the air conditioning.  It's been so darn hot here this week, and it doesn't seem like that will change for another few days yet.  The weather report calls for possible thunder storms and/or showers for the next seven days.  I suppose you will have that when the temperature gets up to ninety degrees. 

So, I  guess you know that I've been staying indoors alot.  Actually, I finished my cleaning today.  Now that's done until July.  We have central airconditioning, and it's just the two of us, so the house doesn't really get very dusty during the summer months.  Thank goodness!

What have you been up to?  I haven't done any more on my current novel for a few days now.  I need to get back to writing soon.  I've been busy doing other things lately.  I'm working on iris folded designs to use with my handmade Christmas greeting cards.  Doing a picture using Iris Folding is a long and tedious process, but I love the affect it makes on the card.  So, although I haven't been doing much writing, I have been doing something creative.  I guess you could even call cleaning "creative", although I'd call it "not fun".

We're supposed to be getting a new air conditioning unit soon.  We haven't had any trouble with the one we currently have, but it is getting quite old and we'd rather replace it while it's still working, instead of waiting until it conks out on us.  I truly wouldn't be able to stay here if the air conditioning wasn't working.  The heat and humidity makes it extremely hard for my heart to work properly.  My chest just tightens up and I can't get my breath.  Believe me, it's not a pleasant feeling and I try to keep it from occurring. 

Just yesterday, my daughter, Mari, posted on FB that it's six months until Christmas.  Can you believe that?  I love that season better than any other one we celebrate.  Time has been rushing by so fast.  You do realize that a week from tomorrow, is July 4th already.  It seems like just a few weeks ago we celebrated Valentine's Day.  Before we know it, summer will be over and school will be back in session.  Two of my Grandsons will be heading off to college in the fall.  I'm happy for them and wish them all the best.  Two are working full time jobs and that lets two left in high school.  Where does the time go?  I just turned sixty five years old and that's so hard for me to believe.  Where did all those years go to?

Well, for all those of you who are working, you are now on the downward side of the work week.  So, smile, that's a good thing.  I remember that feeling so well.  Stay in the cool or stay in a pool to remain cooled off, either way, stay safe.  If you have to be out in the hot sun, wear sun screen.  Skin cancer is on the rise! 

I wish all of you well.
Susan

My birthday flowers.  Aren't they just beautiful?

Are your creative juices flowing?

Hi all,

I'm curious about whether or not anyone has been doing anything creative.   I know that when the summer months arrive, a lot of people would rather be outside.  Perhaps you have joined a pool in your area, have a swimming pool of your own, visit a local park with your children, or head out to the country.  All of these things sound wonderful.  Don't you think?  So, you say that doing some of these things don't allow much time for you to be creative.

I'd have to say that's only half true.  While at a swimming pool, one could do some sketching, read a book, write in your journal, write down some recipes that sound good to you so that when you get home you can try something new and delicious.  If you're just hanging out in your back yard, you could do a little creative arrangement of some beautiful flowers in your flower beds.

There are so many things a person can do and still be creative.  Too many people think that being creative means you have to draw, paint or write.  That's just not true.  Those of you who enjoy cooking and baking are being creative.  My husband works part time as an estimator for a fire alarm company.  All the estimates he works on is showing his creative ability.  Being a secretary, a president, a clerk has their own creative twists.  Don't cut yourself short. 

As for me, I'm still chugging along with my writing.  I'm currently working on my new novel.  It will be the third in a series of novels.  Although, any of the books could be read without reading the others.  I thought I'd get some time today to get back on it, but it just didn't work out that way.  Of course, the day isn't over yet, so we'll see. 

It was pretty warm and a bit humid today.  I was only out for some time this morning, and then for about an hour in the late afternoon.  I just watched the weather and they say it's to be hot and humid once again tomorrow.  Wonderful!  Not!

Next Sunday, there are two, possibly three women coming to visit with me.  The thing that's so great about this, is that I haven't seen any of them for years and years.  All three of them went to grade school with me, at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Dallastown.  One's family moved to Lancaster County after sixth grade, I haven't seen her for 54 years.  As for the other two, we went through grade school and high school (York Catholic High School) together.  Then we all went on our own way.  Although we've all continue to live locally.  I may have seen these two women at one or two of the YCHS class reunions, but I haven't attended any of those for many years. 

I think it's wonderful when you can reconnect with adults that you knew years and years ago.  It's funny how, as you grow old, what's important to you changes.  Really, how much do we really change after high school?  For some of us, our appearance changes:  we gain or loose weight, we have thinning hair or no hair (men), and for those who still have hair, it's probably turned gray.  Of course, we all get those pesky wrinkles, age spots, thin skin and many illnesses for some of us. 

As for me, I am a bit heavier now than when I was in high school, I certainly have wrinkles and age spots, but, I have very few gray hairs.  Whoopee!  I truly don't care if my hair would have gone all gray.  I just wish it was a bit thicker, but then it's never been thick, so why would it be that way now?

I will never even consider a face lift, botox or any other form of treatment like that.  I believe that I look the way God intended me to look.  Of course, I mean, OLD!  I have no problems with that.

Well, you have one more day left to your weekend.  I do hope you will use your creative abilities at some point tomorrow.  How about taking your camera with you, whatever you're plans are for tomorrow.  Take some spectacular photos.  Let your creative ability show through in them.  How about some pictures of just the sky.  Just stand still and look up!  It's amazing how beautiful the sky often becomes.  Just do it!

I wish all of you a good finish to the weekend.  Stay safe and have some fun.
Susan

Here are a few photos of the sky which I took while in OC, MD.

I am getting old! Or am I?

Hi all,

Well, guess what today is?  It's my birthday.  I am sixty five years old today and I give thanks to my Lord that I am alive to celebrate today's birthday.  I have been so fabulously blessed.  So, today, on my birthday, I am content! 

Now for a short story:  I was born on June 20, 65 years ago.  It was also Father's Day and the day on which my Grandmother passed away.  She was only in her fifties.  This Grandmother was my Father's Mother.  Obviously, I've never gotten to meet her.  Her name was Edna.  I wish I would have gotten to know her.  I'm sure that was a very hard day for my Dad.  He must have been so sad that his Mother just passed away, and then happy because of my birth.  I can't even imagine what a hard day that must have been, and it was Father's Day.

My husband, Gerry, invited my daughters and their familites (who were available) to join us for my birthday dinner tonight at the Olive Garden.  Only six of them were able to make it, but we sent meals home for those who had to work, if they wanted one.  I don't usually make a big deal out of my birthday, but it was very nice spending it with half of my family.  (We missed you, Candy, Mike, Cori, Jacob, Toby and Luke.) 

I got so many flowers for my birthday, that my house is like a green house.  They are so beautiful!  All in all, it was a great day for me.  My thanks to everyone!

How did I get this way?

Hi all,

Have you every wondered how you got to be the way you are?  Here's what I believe:  we are what we learn as a child; family traits carry on from parent to child; as we grow into adulthood, we stand tall on our own morals and values.  I believe all of the above it true. 

If we are raised by loving, honest, dependable and hard working parents, then most of us pass these same things on to any children we may have.  Not all parents are good parents, but for the most part, I'm speaking about those who are. 

Does this mean we never do something that's just wrong?  Absolutely not!  We're all human and we all have our faults, particularly earlier in our lives, but most of us acknowledge right from wrong and do the very best we can in life. 

Basically, what I'm referring to is our little idiosyncrasies.  Mostly, I'm much like my Mother, but the older I become, I realize I'm so much like my Dad.  That's not a bad thing, because both my Parents were wonderful people.

As far as my Mother, she was very creative.  She was always open, honest and a very loving woman.  She believed in God and taught us to put our faith in Him.  She taught me to cook, clean, wash clothes, iron, clean up after myself, but most important, she taught me to have faith in the people I love and in myself.  I learned from her to treat and love every member of my family the same, this included those guys that my daughters chose to love.  Of course, I didn't realize all these things when I was growing up.  It wasn't until I became an adult that it all made perfect sense to me. 

Now, for my Dad.  I was Daddy's little girl, that is until my baby brother came along, six years after me.  Don't get me wrong, he still loved me just as much as always.  He was different, in so many ways from my Mom.  He didn't have a specific religion, although later in life he attended the Catholic Church services every Sunday along side my Mother.  He truly believed in God and trusted Him, always.  I know that he's up in heaven right next to my Mother.  One of the things I remember about my Dad, was that as he aged, he became a home body.  It was like pulling teeth to get him to take trips with my Mother, even though he was in good health.  He just seemed content being at home.

 I never really understood this about my Dad.  Well, that is, until the last few years.  Since I am ill, there isn't a lot I am able to do anymore, but I find myself perfectly happy to stay right here, in my home.  I'm content being here.  I have no big thrills to see the world, although that's not something I would be able to do any longer.  I feel no regrets.  Sometimes I wander why I feel this way, when my friends all love running around here and there all the time.  Of course, most of them are fairly healthy. 

I believe this is because I'm content with myself and my life.  I've embraced my illness totally.  I'm not in any way bitter or angry that this happened to me.  Quite the opposite, I'm so blessed to still be alive and able to do what little activities I can.  My writing enriches my life, as well as my hand made greeting cards.  I know that God has placed His Divine Mercy on me and that's really all I need.

I find that now I know what is important and what isn't in life.  All those little things I used to worry about just don't matter to me anymore.  Oh, I'm still a fairly organized person and a creature of habit.  I have my daily routines and basically never defer from them.  I'm a list person and I like things planned ahead of time.  I really don't fly by-the-seat-of-my-pants very well!  I like to think things through and know ahead of time what direction I want to take with anything that I do, especially in my writing and art work. 

I love my friends and like spending time with them when I get the chance.  I'm not really concerned about how clean my house is, if somethings a bit wrinkled, what color my house walls or rugs are.  I know what is important in my life.  I do not try to impress people.  If you don't like me for the person I am, then that's okay.  Not everyone is going to like everyone they meet, and that's just the way it is.

So, just some food for thought for you.  Have you ever wondered why you're the way you are?  If not, perhaps you should!  Sometimes there's an underlying reason why we do and act the way we do.
I hope your day is a good one.
Susan

And on to the start of another week...

Hi all,

Well, now that Father's Day is passed, I do hope that all you Fathers out there had a super great day.  Being a good Dad is hard work.  It involves making a lot of hard decisions concerning your sons and daughters.  Many of which result in them being very angry with you.  As a Dad you have to stand your ground in those things which will make your child a better person.  Saying "no", in many cases, is your way of saying "I love you" to them, even though they won't figure that out for many, many years to come. 

My Dad and Grandpa have been on my mind a lot lately.  They've both passed away, but that doesn't stop me from thinking of them often.  My Dad was my hero.  He worked long and hard for his family.  So we could have a good home and life.  I was Daddy's little girl and I miss that!

Yesterday was a very quiet day for me, as my husband traveled about two and one half hours to a reunion.  He was gone from 9:15 am until 7:45pm.  Most days I can keep myself busy, but for some reason, I couldn't yesterday.  I spend much time alone, and usually I'm okay with it.  I couldn't even concentrate on working on my novel.  Not sure what was up with that!

Things are back to normal today.   The sun was shinning this morning, but lately it's been going in and out.  I didn't think we were to have rain until tomorrow afternoon.  I  understand that by the end of the week, we are to have temperatures of 90 degrees.  Ugh!   For some reason when it's so hot outside, I can't force myself to even go outside of the house.  Maybe I'm just getting old!!

I'm in the process of trying to come up with a little mystery to add to my new novel.  I have some thoughts in mind, but haven't decided on any particular one just yet.  I'm sure I will eventually come up a super idea.  My writing means so much to me.  I have some other things I'd like to do, but haven't really started anything else as of yet. 

I hope this week brings good things your way.  Don't work too hard and make sure to keep a little bit of time for yourself.  We all need that! 
Susan

I'm almost ready, are you?

Hi all,

Well, the weekend is almost upon us.  What will you be doing this weekend?  Will you be starting something creative?  Perhaps something that you are passionate about?  As I've said before, there are so many ways for a person to be creative.  How about those flower beds of yours?  I'm sure many of you would enjoy working out in them, planting some beautiful summer flowers or bushes.  I realize that anyone can plant flowers and shrubs.  But, it takes someone with a bit of creative ability to do it in such a way to make everything look symmetrical. 

As for me, I am about ready to start on my new novel.  I believe I have now completed the bulk of the research which I needed to do.  I'm sure there will be a few things pop up from time to time that I will need to research, but I'll worry about them as I come upon them.  I was trying to fall asleep last night and all I could think about was how I wanted to start this novel.  Well, I finally got my mind off my writing and fell asleep.  I still have a few things I need to be doing; such as applying for an ISBN number for the new novel.  Although, that really won't take too much time, as it's done on line and received back to me by the Internet.  It's just taking the time to sit down and place my order.  I think tomorrow will be a good day for me to accomplish that task.

My husband, Gerry, will be participating in a golf tournament for charity tomorrow, so I'll have much of the day free to choose whatever I want to do with myself.  I know that once I get started actually writing the book, I will not want to stop.  I have a feeling this one will be longer than either of the other two, as the trip we will be making takes place over a twenty five day period. 

Also, I soon need to be thinking about designing a front and back cover for the novel.  I have some ideas for both of these, but I just need to set the time aside to play on my computer for awhile.  I've designed all the covers of my books by myself.  Since I have been blessed with both writing and artistic abilities, it saves me some cash by designing and creating them myself. 

I lead a very sedentary lifestyle because of my chronic congestive heart failure and other illnesses.  I'm not complaining, not by any means!  I've completely accepted and embraced my illnesses with both arms wide open.  God has truly blessed me and I need to give back for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me all through my life. 

Next week I will celebrate my sixty-fifth birthday.  My, oh my, where have the years gone?  They just seem to have flown by so fast.  I've had a good life.  I've always been given everything I needed at the time.  Sure, sometimes it was tough getting by, either due to a lack of money or personal burdens I had to carry.  But, God always carried me when I could no longer walk on my own.  I cherish every year that God gives me to be alive.  Starting year sixty-five is exciting for me.  What surprises await me this coming year?  I'm sure there will be some great ones and some unpleasant ones.  But, no matter which they are, I will get through them with God right by my side, as always.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  The weather is to be pretty good, so get outside if you have the opportunity.  Whatever you choose to do, have some fun!  Enjoy the time you have with your family or friends.  People come and go so fast in our lives, enjoy them while they're here.  It's so important that we tell those we love, how we feel about them every day.  We just never know what day will be our last one, or the last one for the people we love. 

God gave us the gifts of Faith, Hope and Love.  He says that the greatest of these is Love.  I believe that if you love someone with your whole heart, the faith and hope will follow, how can it not?
I wish you a joyous and fulfilling weekend with love and joy.  God be with you always.
Susan

This picture was taken on May 1st, at my Daughter's house.  We were attending a graduation party for one of my Grandsons.