Blog-less Days

Little did I know. . . !!  Even though I was able to get back to blogging shortly after return from knee replacement surgery, a number of matters have kept me from the five-day-a-week blogs I planned. Energy loss is the biggest problem for me.  I'm assured that my energy level will return but meanwhile I miss the enthusiasm I normally feel every morning.  Make a pot of fresh coffee; Hurry to the computer;  Read e-mail, edit yesterday's latest writing; eat breakfast when/if I remember to do so.  (Maybe this accounts for energy loss?) 

But here is a part of my "CURE" that has to do with writing: Among the requirements following surgery are three-times-a-week therapy in which the therapist manipulates the leg's new knee.  This therapist is  so great, I almost wish I had another surgery upcoming that would require his visits.  He is about the age of my eldest son–so no ideas!!  We like the same kind of adventures.  At his last visit he reported on having just taken his son on a trip to the Grand Canyon.  (As the birth mother of three sons, (step mother for three additional) I was certain that the way he spoke of his son connotes that the son is adopted–I am right.  He told me about the trials of getting the son to enjoy hiking that trail (I could have told him a 10-year-old is not going to fall in love immediately with the trail down into the canyon).  But here is where the writing comes in:.  His recitation reminded me of an essay I wrote many years ago but have not sold. Mine is light-touch, titled "Birds, Bees & 'See' Fever," and features the trials of the trails we adults had in getting our three sons to enjoy the hiking we loved. (By now four of my total of six boys are ardent hikers and lovers of the great outdoors.)  I re-worked the essay, bringing it up to date.  It, in turn, reminded me of a short story also in my files but not submitted.  You never know where an idea will come from!

Send your family stories (fiction or essays–1000-3000 words) to www.threetreepublishing.com .  (I may have mentioned this before?) You need to inspect their rules and include their submission release form with your submission.)  They pay a $50 honorarium for all pieces they use.