Observations

November 4, 2024October 25, 2024 ~ JodiLea

As I fell into the flowerbed and then rolled (over rocks and mud) until hitting the parking lot curb, I realized that this landscaping section was terribly steep. I had no business climbing around and reaching for weeds, and steepness had never bothered me before now. This was so irritating! I could not stop myself from falling over. I was so glad I was the only one there and had no witnesses to my frailty.

I thought. It turned out that one of the Elders did see me tumble. After ensuring I was OK, he entered the Kingdom Hall, returned with some tools, and began pruning the rose bushes that lined our stairs from the parking lot to the front door. I was happy to see this because they needed a good prune, but my snippers were forgotten at home.

It wasn’t until bedtime that twinges of soreness poked at me. My torso and scraped elbow told me I would feel the aftermath of my fall tomorrow. Bruises would begin to surface.

I was wrong. I think the fact that I directed my fall and rolled instead of fighting kept me from serious harm. That, and the flower bed soil was very soft. The day was warm and hot, and the soft dirt made me want to nap. A nap was not in the cards because I was upside down and lying on a rock.

Oh, and there was a witness, remember?

TTFN

More Crazier Than Ever

October 12, 2024 ~ JodiLea

This world, people, and society around us have become crazier. I’m sure you have noticed how even I rant more than usual. Controlling myself gets tougher and tougher. Irritation and anger seem to be the more prevalent emotional atmospheres. Of course, this leads to more of the same, spreading rapidly.

I decided not to cave into this trend. I am not better than anybody else. True, I may be more stubborn than others, but it’s not about me at all. [It took years of therapy for me to finally get that fact: Everything is not about me.] That said, I am determined not to let anger take over my life.

It is difficult not to react when others around you respond poorly, especially during emotional conversations. Family gatherings often have these, and co-workers can ignite annoyance and eye-rolling. Today is domestic Friday, yet I am writing a blog post instead of scrubbing the shower and organizing the guest bedrooms. November is two months away; however, I, for once, would like to be organized and not just shove things under beds and in closets, which means I need to start doing it soon. I am doing this now because I plan on writing a draft novel in November.

For those new to Jodi Lea’s Place, I participate in the National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a.NaNoWriMo). This year, I am also doing the 60-day Challenge and attending novel prep sessions with the writers at Dabble (Dabble is a software company with a platform specifically for writers. These informal sessions are on Dabble’s YouTube Channel)

You do not have to use Dabble to join the NaNoWriMo community. To learn more about this annual shindig, click HERE. It’s Free, Fun, and a great excuse to sit down and write a bunch. 1,667 words a day will get you 50,000+ words. That equals a novel-sized work.
Alright, that’s enough of the plug for NaNoWriMo…

Since you know how I will spend my Oct/Nov, I will try to schedule some oldie-but-goodie posts from my archives so you won’t miss me too much. Feel free to send comments so I won’t miss YOU too much, OK?

TTFN

Random Musings

September 1, 2024August 31, 2024 ~ JodiLea

My brain likes to play around with my thoughts and veer off into tangents triggered by some subconscious link unknown to my conscious self. Sometimes, this can be interesting if I have nothing better to do than sit quietly and inwardly watch. Most of the time, though, it is super annoying. I do not have the time to indulge in a “brain vacation.”

My brain has a mind of its own. I will be writing a critical scene, and suddenly, boom! I lose focus because my mind meanders to thinking about what I should cook for dinner. I really hate that. I’m sure Hemingway was not disturbed or asked, “What’s for Dinner?” Men don’t even know what a blessing they have, not being in charge of dinner.

That reminds me of the poster for the day…

If you require a good belly laugh, this is not your week. I owe you another one …