It’s the first Wednesday in the month and IWSG Time has come around again.
IWSG, a writer’s support group, which was created by Alex Cavanaugh, is a big help to many of us who don’t mind sharing our insecurities, our successes or giving encouragement and help to others.
So, if you are interested and would like to join, please go to the IWSG Website at
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
My report:
I am revising three stories for submission in July.
Actual submissions: Still waiting for acceptance or rejection for my outstanding stories at Wigleaf and at the Diverse Voices Quarterly.
My answer to the question posted in the IWSG Newsletter for
July, What is the best thing someone has ever said about my writing.
The person said to me that what I wrote touched
his soul and caused him to act upon situations he pushed aside on his back
burner.
My article is posted below.
IWSG July 6, 2016, Head Slightly Bent Upward, Looking Skyward
Insecurities pop up quickly when caught on your blindside.
The blindside prepares and strengthens us as we come to grips with those unforeseen events that take place in our lives. It is like Daniel being thrown into the lion’s den. Head slightly bent, upward, you look skyward and say what now, Lord?
For me, it was waking up on a Monday morning and finding my office totally flooded due to heavy rains. I had three writing deadlines to meet, and one of them was the June IWSG Blog Hop.
I
Immediately, self-pity knocked on my door, trying to enter and shake my confidence in my writing ability, in my willingness to persevere and endure, and in being able to organize and take care of my priorities.
Immediately, self-pity knocked on my door, trying to enter and shake my confidence in my writing ability, in my willingness to persevere and endure, and in being able to organize and take care of my priorities.
In this blindside modus, I am learning there are times when I have to keep my head slightly bent upward and look skyward, not wondering why, not trying to understand, not trying to run to friends. It likes funambulism; I am learning to trust myself, head slightly bent upward, looking skyward as I focus and concentrate.
Being caught on my blindside means duration unknown. Notice, I did not say destiny unknown. My future remains the same. I am thoroughly aware of my purpose; I just can’t calculate the blindside's time span. No, it is not genteel, diplomatic, or thoughtful. It does not inform me. Head slightly bent upward, looking skyward, I keep writing, singing, and hoping.
My blindside has appeared, as all blindsides do, SUDDENLY, and one day it will disappear just as it came, SUDDENLY.
Pat Garcia
Touching someone's soul is such a huge compliment and must make you proud, Pat. I hope the waters have receded and you are able to get things back in order very soon. Sending you lots of positive vibes and energy :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nicola.
DeleteI hope to be back in my office by the middle of August.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
The enemy blindsides us in order to take our eyes off of looking above for the assurance that this too will pass. We must pray for guidance, comfort, wisdom, and peace for whatever the cirumstance has required. I believe the duration is dependant on our attitude in each situation. Faith in God or dwelling on the distraction. As you know, I have been blindsided quite a bit this year, but I have come back stronger and with a more powerful dependence on my Savior. His grace and infinite love has been my focus and rescue. You know, my friend, I find nothing insecure in you. You rely too much on The Almighty for that. I believe He is indeed where your strength and security come from. Keep your head looking upward, no bends! Eyes on your Answer! I love you!
ReplyDeleteLove you too, my dear. Thank you for your encouragement. Hope to be back in my office by the middle of August.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patrcia
"...duration unknown. Notice, I did not say destiny unknown..." I love your perspective, Pat!
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about the floods and resulting chaos...hope all is back to normal.
So keep looking skyward, keep writing, keep singing, keep hoping.
Good luck with the revision on your 3 stories.
I'm sending a boost of positivity all the way across Blogland.
Happy IWSG Day!
Writer In Transit
Thank you, Michelle. I'm busy revising and cleaning out after the flood.
DeleteHope to be back in my office by the middle of August.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Being blindsided is a test of the soul. I've no doubt you will overcome and keep your eyes skyward. Lovely post! Very inspirational. And yes, being able to touch a person so profoundly is every writers goal. Kudos to you, but knowing what an amazing writer you are, I'm not surprised. How wonderful that he took the time to tell you so!
ReplyDeleteWishing you peace and a beautiful blue sky!
Thank you, my dear. I am overcoming one step at a time. I hope to be back in my office by the middle of August. Yeah!
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
What a wonderful thing to hear about your writing, that it inspired someone else. So many people stagger when blindsided and need your advice.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. It's not a pretty sight, especially if you're going through it but you learn to deal with it.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
How wonderful that you touched someone's soul with your words. A fantastically inspirational post. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine. That compliment from the man was a big surprise even for me because he doesn't usually say things like that to me. It's usually critical. I never expected it and would have never known he reads what I write if he had not said that.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
It seems a lot of writers are blindsided by the lack of time to write. Why does it always seem we run out of time when we have a goal we set? Do we procrastinate? Do we work better under pressure? It could be both of those and none of those. We are constantly bombarded with unexpected daily duties. The best we can do is as you say, keep our direction in sight. Keep our eyes on the prize, don't let anything indefinitely detain us. It's a struggle, but we can do it. I know YOU can!
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, you are so right. Keeping our eyes on the prize and not letting anything indefinitely detain us. To do that we have to give ourselves a big swift kick.
DeleteThank you.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Your post IS inspirational as you just gave ME food for thought! I just posted my IWSG thoughts for July. But I just realized that John's health situation blind-sided me. I am tired and have no energy to write. I wish I had added that thought to my comments. At some point John will get better (I hope). He is very, very slowly. I would like normal again, but maybe this is the new normal and I need to adjust to that. THANKS for your insights!! I hope your office is back together again!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hear that. Being tied with no energy to write is hard. I think what helped is the 250 words I had to write for the monthly column. Those 250 words helped me to feel like life was "normal" during the last couple years of my mother's illness.
DeleteThank you, my dear Gwynn and thanks to you also Mildred for coming in and sharing your thoughts. That's fantastic!
DeleteGwynn, Mildred has a point here. Maybe, you could start doing a monthly column for a newspaper or magazine or a venue in your area. That would help you keep up your momentum and it would also help you connect to other writers my dear friend.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
I strongly dislike being blindsided, Patricia -- to put it mildly. And, your case was extreme. I would not wish that on anybody. Looking skyward, the best thinking I've ever come upon for these situations is what Richard Bach gives us from The Messiah's Handbook in his book "Illusions": "There is no such think as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts." I know, I know -- what did I do to deserve THIS gift...? But, there it is.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Samantha. I hate blindsides also and I guess that is why such totally unexpected situations are called blindsides. No matter likes them and we would all try to avoid them as much as possible. However, like Richard Bach, I am learning that these blindsides bring me gifts that are pleasant surprises. Now, I need to just get through it.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
I have been blindsided, but I'm sure there was a plan. Part would be to see how I react under stress--am I still loyal and right-thinking? It gets easier as I'm older because I understand the balance between a plan and free will. Or so I hope!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jacqui. I believe there is a plan behind every blindside. It is the impact that hits me when it happens. My reaction to the impact determines how I will deal with the problem.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
I hope my earlier response comes up Patricia - I'll check later
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Susan,
DeleteI have checked my websites and I did not get your response. I am so sorry about that. Hope you are well.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow, those are powerful positive words that person said about your writing. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI like what you say here about duration vs destiny. I think we sometimes forget where we are going becuase we focus too much on how long it takes to get there. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Toi. So true, we tend to focus too much on the blindside and suddenly we have taken our eyes off of our destiny.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Touching a soul - such a lovely thing to say and hear!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWriting, singing and Hoping ... words to live by.
Thank you, Jemi.
DeleteIt was indeed a lovely thing to hear because I would have never known this person read my writing. He'd alway been so critical.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
That is an amazing achievement. Keep reaching out to people so others may be so touched.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Loni. I will definitely keep writing and hope that what I write touch the hearts of my readers.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Pat, I hope your life is back to 'normal' for you after this testing time. But to touch another soul...what a compliment!
ReplyDeleteShalom!
Denise :-)
Thank you, Denise. Life is not back to normal yet, but I am dealing with it. Hope to move back in my office by the middle of August.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Great comment from your reader, Pat!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your article. We all go through some stuff once in a while. Life always blindsides us. It's how we dead that defines a person. Or a writer.
Thank you, Olga. So true. It is really how we deal with the blindside when it hits us that count.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
I love that compliment about touching a soul. That's something to aspire to. I'm with you on the blindsides. It's hard not to let the light and momentary troubles of this life drown everything else. I'm glad that thinking about your purpose keeps you going--I need to remember that too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenni. My purpose or my vision is really what keeps me going at times like these.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Pat, I', re-sending Nicola's thoughts to you right now! And as always thanks for stopping by and saying hello!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephen. Positive vibes are always welcome and needed. I'm sending positive vibes your way that new markets open up for you that you can depend upon.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Thanks for stopping by my blog. And I will post the picture on my wall with those words.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mildred, and please post those words. I have several quotes posted all around my office and in my bedroom because these words regenerate me and help me to keep my eyes on my vision.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Ay ay ay! Your persistence in the face of adversity is inspiring. Begone, blindside! Poof! (Waving magic want furiously on your behalf) I hope that helps. May you keep on touching other souls with your writing, despite crappy circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rhonda. You know, those words, Begone, blindside, helped me, because I felt your caring.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow, what a compliment. Looks like you really touched someone enough to make a difference in their life.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynda. It was indeed a compliment because I never expected it and from this person, not at all.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Blindside moments are a part of life here in planet Earth. They always have been and they always will be. You are such a positive person. I am glad these moments are not moving you into depression or self-pity. I am glad you are choosing to look upward. I am glad you are choosing to find that eagle of yours! Fly high, Patricia! Keep dreaming! Keep writing for us! You have many lives to touch now and in the future!
ReplyDeleteSis,
DeleteYou always come in with such a down to earth viewpoint that I so love. Thank you, and thanks so much for being in my corner. It is like a soothing balm knowing you're there.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
A flooded office is a definite blindside. But it's just a distraction. We can't take our eyes off the goal.
ReplyDeleteThank you, L. Diane. True, a flooded office is a distraction. It teaches me how to keep my eyes on the goal.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow! Touching someone's soul is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteKeep looking up!
Thank you, Tyrean. It actually was said by someone whom I never expected to give me a positive affirmation. I didn't even know he reads what I write.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
To touch someone's soul is a magical thing. Good luck on your submissions!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chrys. I need all the positive vibes I can get for my submissions.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Life is one big blindside. Looking up is the only way to get through it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with those three submissions.
Thank you, Alex. I don't think that life is one big blindside but when you're going through one it definitely can seem like that.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow, good luck with the submissions! Keep looking up, and remember that compliment whenever you feel down! Not everyone can touch a soul that way...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. Sometimes that is what keeps me writing.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
What a wonderful compliment. That flood was awful. Blindsided is right. You have a wonderful attitude, Pat. I'm going to try it. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane. The flood was awful. I hope to be back in my office the middle of August.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
If you can touch someone's soul, you have a huge writer in you! What a great thing to hear from someone who reads what you write. I hate that self-pity knock. I hate it more than measles. Loved reading this, Pat. Thanks for the images and the thoughts you expressed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee.
DeleteIt was indeed a compliment that knocked me off my feet. From this person, I had only heard harsh criticism and then he makes such a statement. It blew my mind.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Then you know it was heartfelt. Even better to have someone who's a critic become someone who gives the compliment. They have high standards.
DeleteSo easy to get blindsided. Best of luck with those submissions...I resolve monthly to submit short stories, and somehow never get there, so I admire your follow-through!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rebecca. To be honest with you, Shannon Lawerence, also another IWSG member played a big role in me finally getting off my duff. She gives a report on her IWSG post every month and also gives links to opening markets.
DeleteShe was and is a great encourager through her monthly blog post.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Thank you, Karen. I look forward to writing a short non-fiction story for your anthology.
ReplyDeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Touching someone's soul! I hope your soul sang when your received it.
ReplyDeleteThose blindsides, they keep us on our toes and remind us of how much we AREN'T in control. Peace.
Thank you, Bish. I so agree. The blindsides keep us on our toes and remind us that we are never in control although sometime we think we are.
DeleteAlso, I believe I sign up for a cover reveal of your book or tweets. Please let me know what I should do.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Touching someone's soul is high praise indeed! I can tell from the rest of your post that you're very insightful and thoughtful. Thank you for the lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gwen, for taking the time to read it.
DeleteAll the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Now that was a memorable compliment. How awesome. Sometimes life throws us seemingly insurmountable problems; having faith they will be resolved at least lets you worry less. Hope all goes better soon.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Dolorah. Life does throw us some seemingly insurmountable problems when we least expect it. And that is where my faith comes in. It keeps me going, no matter what. It keeps me continuing to be as true to myself and my life goals as I can be, even through the storms.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Hard to imagine anything better for a writer to hear from a reader than that you touched his soul. How inspiring! And thank you for stopping my my blog - I'm so glad to meet you and don't know how I've missed your blog all this time! Looking forward to following now. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I am also so glad that I dropped by your blog. There are so many excellent writers in the IWSG. It is a privilege to be a part of it.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
When you're a writer it's amazingly easy to let little problems (and big ones) add up to where you wonder why you bother. Wouldn't it just be easier to sit in front of the TV or read other people's books? Keeping your head up and focusing, or whatever the solution is for each individual, is hard but the only truly fulfilling thing to do. Good luck with your subs and the new ones coming up!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, Lexa. Keeping my head up and focusing is the only truly fulfilling thing to do, and that is what I am doing. Thank you so much for coming by.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
How beautiful to be told you touched someone's soul. That's amazing! Also, loving your stats. Good luck with those submissions and with your revisions. I hope there was no permanent damage from the flooding.
ReplyDeleteOh, Shannon, you don't know how much I appreciate your tenacity. You gave me that boost, that swift kick that I needed to get back in the ball game and submit and I can only say thank you.
DeleteMy office will be renovated starting next week. I'll get new floors and new doors etc. Thank God for the insurance I have. I'm ready to move back into my office.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Hey my little trooper! I loved your choice of words and attitude. Those curveballs do dissipate, sometimes we don't even realize that we are no longer dealing with the issue. I know that you are strong, in all aspects of your life, especially your faith.
ReplyDeleteWell written post.
Hugs!
Thank you, my dear, dear Friend,
DeleteYou always come in at a time when I need to hear your wise words of wisdom. Once again, thank you.
I am fine. The workers start sometime next week and I hope to be in my office by the middle of August if not a week sooner. It has been extremely difficult but I have learned some new truths and recognized strengths in me that I did not think I had.
Hope you are doing fine.
Sending you love and a big hug out of good old Europe.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
That is a lovely compliment, Pat. Sorry about your flooding. It's been raining here off and on since June. We're up high, or we'd be flooding too. Thanks for the uplifting post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a compliment! And duly deserved. Be well. This really is uplifting. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darla. I hope you are fine.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Thank you, Joylene. Yes, it has been raining a lot. Here in Germany we had our first tornadoes. Wow! I look forward to moving back into my office.
ReplyDeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Being able to touch someone's soul is probably the best compliment for a writer. You have a wonderful gift indeed. I am so sorry about you having to experience such a terrible event. You, keeping your head high and moving on is definitely very inspiring. You are an amazing and strong woman.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Murees, for your lovely compliment. At the moment, I don't feel amazing. I'm just putting one foot before the other and hoping. But I know, I am getting there.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
I do think touching someone's soul is just about the best we can do as writers! It's a way to connect one person to another in a way that can't be done otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about that, Stephanie. To be able to touch another person's soul is deep and it also has consequences because we become examples for the people whom we touch.
DeleteThank you so much for coming by.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
I remember waking up to find two inches of water in our basement. Of course we called someone and it was amazing how fast they moved everything out of there and set up huge fans to dry everything. Lots of items got tossed and luckily I had just finished getting rid of a large amount of old boxes of paper. It wasn't pleasant though. I agree with your attitude. Somehow you've got to roll with things.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by Tamara. Yes, waking up to find a flood in your home is not a cheery good morning experience and especially when that flood is in the place where you write. Like you, I have downsized tremendously. Through this I've learned to let things go that I am not using.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
Wow, touching someone's soul is a wonderful compliment to receive. I hope that blindside clears up, but it sounds like even through that your strong enough to keep going. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope it clears up soon also. Since the first of May I have been facing one trial after the other. I think when I get used to the battle, then it will suddenly disappear.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
What a wonderful compliment! I can see how a blindside like that would distract you from writing. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cherie. It was indeed a wonderful compliment because it came from someone who had always been extremely critical of my writing. I can honestly say this person floored me.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
That's an amazing compliment. I'm dealing with house issues that are taking me away from writing, but I'm working around that. You have a great attitude.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Medela. I am sending you positive vibes for your house issues. I now know how tiring they can be. Such issues zap your energy. Hang in there my dear. You can deal with it.
DeleteAll the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
I love that! I'm looking upward with you. #healtheworld I'm reminded of one of my favorite inspirational talks. (Hope you don't mind if I share: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/it-is-better-to-look-up?lang=eng) Way to have a good attitude! You rock.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crystal. I went to the link you left and listened to the message. It was inspiring and encouraging and confirming for me as I walk my path.
DeleteShalom aleichem,
Patricia
What a wonderful and well-deserved compliment! I'm sorry about the damage from the flood. Hope all is well now.
ReplyDeleteJulie
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