Cutting our cake on our 50th Anniversary
Recently I saw a quote on Pinterest that was so suitable for me that I pinned it and remembered it too. It simply said, “When it rains look for rainbows, when it’s dark look for stars.”
Night has always been my favorite time. Funny, cause when I was a kid I was afraid of the dark. It always felt like something was reaching out for me. The hairs on my neck would waver, a fist would clutch my stomach and a lizard crawl up my spine. Yet, all my life I’ve loved to look at the moon and the stars. Stare endlessly at them while my imagination flashed in the darkness, making up tales of adventure and romance.
Other things live in the dark and we can see them if we concentrate. Lightning bugs, known as fireflies up north, cavort in the summer nights. Ivory moon flowers reflect light from the stars, comets criss-cross black space, while on the ground critters scurry, their eyes bright as diamonds.
The past couple of months have been difficult for my family, with my husband going downhill so fast we could scarcely believe it. The craziest thing of all is there is nothing wrong with him, or so the tests show. He’s just going somewhere both physically and emotionally where I can’t follow. Not even dementia or alzheimers is indicated. He has some strange symptoms. We’re going to see if an ENT can see him as they appear to be something to do with crystals in the inner ear, from what we can learn. But we’re not doctors. My daughter Jeri has exhausted herself looking out for both of us, and she is my support. I will be forever grateful to her.
How strange it is to have this going on and learn that my latest book, The Tell-Tale Stone was released today. Feelings are so mixed. It’s difficult to celebrate while dealing with life as it is right now. I’m so excited about the book. The cover is gorgeous, designed by Casey Cowan and published by Oghma Creative Media. I couldn’t be happier than I am with the people who work with this publishing company. The editors, mine is Staci Troilo, are fantastic, the writers are superbly talented, and Casey holds it all together with such expertise it’s amazing to watch. And he’s so caring of each of his authors, so concerned about what I’m going through with my husband.
Casey wishing we happy 79th birthday
The writing community in Northwest Arkansas is supportive as well. In all the years I’ve been involved with writers, none have been so kind and helpful as they are now. We have a fabulous group in our Northwest Arkansas Writers Workshop, and on a wider scale all those involved with Arkansas Ridge Writers and Oghma Creative Media. Coming to my aid also is an old friend, Sara Bartlett, who is skilled in the care of the elderly and has offered me a helping hand. I’m so thankful to be within their comforting arms during this difficult time.
Velda Brotherton 
Sending love and well wishes to you and yours perpetually, Velda. I’m so glad you have wonderful people nearby for support.
Thank you so much, August. Things are beginning to come together as best they can under these circumstances, and all because of the support of writers like you.
It’s been an honor for me, Velda… getting to know you these past few years, learning from you, working with you. Please know my thoughts are prayers are always with you and yours.
And despite these trying times, I do want to wish you congratulations on your release. {hugs}
Thanks, Staci, friends like you make it possible for me to do the things I do. Thanks for the congrats on the latest book. I’m thrilled to have it out there.
Hugs Velda. Love your analogies about night. I am also a night person, though sunny days make me warm (even giddy) all over. Hang in there. Aging, and esp. the loss of dignity is scary for everyone and always “too soon and unexpected.” Good Writing is an emotional healer in crazy, scary times–as comforting as a hug or a blessing. You were blessed with that gift!