When I retired, I needed something to do, I don’t sit very well So I started blogging. Some of the writing challenges I participated in made me understand how much I like writing stories, so I started writing a book. I remember reading from a season writer/teacher that you should throw away the first three things you write because it takes you that long to hone your skills. Now looking back on it he was right to a degree. Keep the ideas but trash the work and start over.
After spending way too much money going through a publishing firm, I discovered indie writing. Thank you Susi Bocks. Now I can explore my writing without a huge price tag through Amazon Kindle Publishing. My goal is not to make mounds of money but to share my thoughts and encourage others. I buy my books and give them to my friends or anyone needing a little encouragement. In doing this I have found that short stories are the most fun, keeping you focus on just a few pages at a time, then on to the next idea. I have been so busy writing these little stories over the past year, that I have not been writing much here, so I thought I would share a few shorter ones with you.
Excerpts from Smiles from Heaven to be published Spring 2024.
Essence of Pearl
Alone on the bench, Joe twisted his cane missing his sweet Pearl. She has been gone nearly two years now. Across the park, he saw children playing. He smiled as he remembered how Pearl would laugh as she made up stories about each child, even when she didn’t know who they were. Sadness engulfed Joe as he remembered her joy in doing this. Then in the back of his mind, he heard Pearl fussing. Don’t you be sad, Joe. Our joy comes from the Lord that lives inside each of us. Feel the joy.
Joe could not feel that joy today. Some days he could, but not today, on their anniversary. Then he heard a gentle voice.
“Hello.”
Joe looked up at a bright-eyed little girl whose smile was as bright as her eyes.
“Hello,” said Joe smiling.
She pulled herself up and sat on the bench with Joe.
“It’s a pretty day,” she said.
“It is.”
“Today is special. Every first Saturday of the month is ice cream day. I get to sit here while my mom goes into that shop to buy ice cream. See, here comes Mom now.”
“Come on, Pearl,” called Mom. “I have your favorite.”
“I’m Pearl, by the way. It’s been nice chatting with you. Maybe I will see you next month. Gotta go, but remember to be happy.”
“I will,” said Joe. The joy he once knew was being rekindled again by a different Pearl. He knew in his heart that his sweet Pearl probably had something to do with this encounter today and he smiled.
In my new book, Smiles from Heaven, I hope to make it a series of encouraging short stories that we all need to read once in a while. They deal with family situations, individual situations, nature, and of course dogs. I will probably always write about my dogs as they have been an encouragement to me with their goofy ways and their devoted love and kindness.
One of the easiest ways to be kind is with a warm smile. Try to always be kind regardless of the turmoil inside. It reflects your inner beauty.