The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

One of the Ups and Downs of Life That Will Cause You to Quit Writing, IWSG Day, June 7, 2017






Hello Everyone,

It is the first Wednesday of the month, and IWSG Time. 

IWSG is a writer support group created by Alex Cavanaugh. It is a big help to many of us who do not mind sharing our insecurities, our successes or giving encouragement and help to others. 

So, if you are interested and would like to join, the link below will lead you directly to us:

The Insecure Writer's Support Group 

My report:

No New Submissions for May 2017  

Lascaux Review – The Woman and Her Dream – Still Outstanding
Masters Review – Turn the Lights On – Rejected May 19, 2017
The Box in the Loft – SmokeLong – rejected May 24, 2017
The Box in the Loft – The Wigleaf – Still Outstanding







One of the Ups and Downs of Life That Will Cause You to Quit Writing

Sometimes unexpected events and situations waylay you, and you cannot help but put your writing on the back burner. It is not that you stop writing, but your regular routine does not exist anymore. You do not have the time to push yourself to write maybe five thousand words in four hours; you limit yourself to just answering your email correspondence and letting your creativity flow as you style your sentences; you catch up on your reading; you browse whatever online bookstore; you use and order more books.

When times like these appear in my life, it is not that I quit, but I have to refocus and make a conscious decision that something or some person is more important than my writing.

Since September of 2016, I have been doing what I described above. I put my writing on the back burner and wrote whenever and wherever I could.

What brought me back to writing? My girlfriend, whom I and another dear friend of mine, were taking care of,  died on May 15 at 6:30 in the morning. She walked through the curtain into eternity.

Monika Gutmann Fuhr
February 8, 1974 - May 15, 2017

She was one of the most loving young women I knew, a dear friend, and an excellent beta reader.

So, I have picked up the writing gauntlet again. I am writing, and I am so thankful that I can. The words are flowing fluidly.  They have become the precious ointment that soothes my hurting soul.

Until next month, this Georgia Girl wishes all of you a lovely month of June and be safe. 

Shalom aleichem,













Pat Garcia



  
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Location: Germany

59 comments:

  1. NicolaJune 7, 2017 at 1:43 PM

    I'm sorry for your heartache, Pat. I hope Monika's memory will continue to inspire your writing. Take care and wishing you a good month of writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 12:55 PM

      Thank you, Nicola. I am quite sure her memory will do just that. She was such a picker upper.

      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  2. Ronel Janse van VuurenJune 7, 2017 at 1:57 PM

    I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Sometimes writing is the only thing that helps to get through the pain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 12:58 PM

      Thank you, Ronel. Writing has proven to be an elixir for me. I've been writing as long as I remember and it has proven to be my best medicine.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  3. Jennifer HawesJune 7, 2017 at 2:06 PM

    I do thank God I can write every day. Some people can't. Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 12:58 PM

      I thank God everyday that I can write too. Writing is such a precious gift. We writers are blessed.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  4. J.Q. RoseJune 7, 2017 at 3:04 PM

    Sorry to hear you lost your dear friend. I'm sure great memories with her will help to comfort you. Writing helps to ease the loss. You have a wonderful month of June too!
    JQ Rose

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    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 12:59 PM

      Thank you, J Q. Yes, I have lots of beautiful memories stored in my treasure trove. Some of those memories are helping me heal.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  5. Alex J. CavanaughJune 7, 2017 at 3:28 PM

    Sorry for the loss of your friend. Let her memory push your writing forward.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:00 PM

      Thank you, Alex. That's exactly what her memory is doing. It is moving me forward.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  6. Yolanda RenéeJune 7, 2017 at 3:50 PM

    You are a beautiful woman! I am honored to know you and inspired more than I can ever express!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:02 PM

      Thank you, Yolanda. I too am inspired by you, and I am thankful to know you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  7. Gwynn RogersJune 7, 2017 at 4:33 PM

    I am so proud of you. You are morphing back into a butterfly. You are wondrous and a lovely example. I'm sending you BIG HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:03 PM

      Thank you, my dear Gwynn. At the moment, I don't know what I am morphing into. If it is a butterfly then I hope it has lots of colours. I love colourful butterflies.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  8. Murees DupèJune 7, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. You are such a kind and wonderful person yourself. Wishing you a wonderful June as well. Please, do take care of yourself. Sending you hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:04 PM

      Thank you, Murees. Moni was indeed a one of a kind friend, beta reader and sister from the heart. She was simply genuine.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  9. Susan ScottJune 7, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    Lovely comments from everyone Pat - may writing help you through your very sad loss ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:06 PM

      Thank you, Susan. Writing is helping. It's amazing how sinking into you perceive the world can do for you. In my writing, my world infuses hope.

      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  10. L. Diane WolfeJune 7, 2017 at 4:39 PM

    I'm so very sorry. You were a blessing to her. May she be a blessing for your writing.

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    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:08 PM

      Thank you, my dear. She is a blessing to my writing. One of the precious moments that I remember most is her telling me five days before she died that she woke up early in the morning and prayed for me and my writing career.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  11. Christine RainsJune 7, 2017 at 4:47 PM

    My sympathies on your loss. Writing always helps me in the most difficult of times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:09 PM

      Thank you, Christine. Yes, writing is my elixir too. When times are the toughest, I reach for my keyboard or my apple pencil. :-)

      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  12. cleemckenzieJune 7, 2017 at 5:15 PM

    She was far too young and full of life to leave. I understand how tragic this must have been for those who cared for her. My sympathies, Pat.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:10 PM

      Thank you, Lee. Yes, there is a big gap at the moment, in the orchestra and in the band. Moni was deeply loved.

      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  13. AnonymousJune 7, 2017 at 6:20 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:11 PM

      Thank you, Lori. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  14. AnonymousJune 7, 2017 at 6:43 PM

    Sorry you lost a friend.
    Usually when I put writing aside it's because of family. Last year my parents were in and out of hospitals (they're fine now) and I couldn't fathom writing during those times. I was too worried about them. And since I'm always hearing the advice to write every day, I'm often compelled to challenge that and say it's okay not to write all the time. Somethings are just more important sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:14 PM

      Thank you, Patricia. You know I don't listen to people who say write everyday because i consider reading just as important as writing. Also for me, caring for others has a higher priority even though writing is my love. So I understand very well. I would say do what you know you have to do. The things that lay on your heart. You have one set of parents. Love them while you can.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  15. emaginetteJune 7, 2017 at 6:46 PM

    I'm sorry for your loss. Writing might be the answer on many levels. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:15 PM

      Thank you, Anna. I believe writing helps. It leads to gaining wisdom, discernment and understanding. it helps to let go.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  16. Crystal CollierJune 7, 2017 at 11:14 PM

    Nothing puts life into perspective more than realizing how finite it is, eh? Here's to using our hours wisely, and treasuring the people who fill our lives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:21 PM

      Thank you, Crystal. That is so true. Nothing puts life into perspective more than realising how finite life really is. How short lived no matter what age.

      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
    2. Crystal CollierJune 21, 2017 at 10:45 PM

      And the fact that it can change/end in a blink. We really should strive to treasure every moment.

      Delete
  17. Olga GodimJune 8, 2017 at 1:06 AM

    I'm very sorry for your loss, Pat. Maybe writing will help you through this hard time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:22 PM

      Thank you, Olga. Writing is helping me through my hard time and I'm grateful.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  18. Toi ThomasJune 8, 2017 at 1:28 AM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog.
    I'm sorry to hear of your loss. The sacrifices we make for the ones we love don't seems so big when they are here, but when they go, everything changes. I'm glad you had that time with her. I hope your renewed interest in writing will help you as you cope with your loss and even, perhaps, inspire you as you write.
    Thank you for sharing that with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:23 PM

      Thank you, Too. It is so true that the sacrifices we make for the ones we love don't seems so big when they die. Their essence is gone and a gap appears in your life.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  19. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyJune 8, 2017 at 3:15 AM

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. It's wonderful that you are able to write again. You'll find solace in the flow of those words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:24 PM

      Thank you, Lynda. It is good to be writing more again because it soothes my aching heart.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  20. Denise Covey June 8, 2017 at 4:34 AM

    Pat how sad for you to see a young friend die. I'm sure Monika will always be with you. But suffering can bring out deeper experiences in our writing and I wish you well with all your submissions and new projects.

    Shalom...

    Denise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:27 PM

      Thank you, Denise. The experience with Moni has already begun exposing to me a deepness that I have never experienced. During the days she was here, we went through things together that have changed me forever.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  21. LizaJune 8, 2017 at 12:57 PM

    How hard it is to lose a friend. Let the writing help you heal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 1:27 PM

      Thank you, Liza. The writing is helping me to heal.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  22. Madeline Mora-SummonteJune 8, 2017 at 2:08 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, Pat. Her spirit will live in on your heart and in your writing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 2:17 PM

      Thank you, Madeline. Those are exactly my thoughts. Moni's spirit lives in my heart and has definitely become a part of my writing.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  23. Jan MorrisonJune 8, 2017 at 2:15 PM

    Oh Pat, my heart fell when I read your words. Then it rose up again when I realized you are both honouring your love for Monika and healing your heart by writing. I always appreciate your kindness and wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 2:23 PM

      Thank you, Jan. Yes, that's exactly what I'm doing. She would never wish for me to stop writing. She anxiously awaited my breakthrough more than I.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  24. Juneta keyJune 8, 2017 at 6:29 PM

    Its tough saying goodbye to close friends. I have lost a couple myself and it is as hard as it was when I lost my parents. So sorry for your loss and what a wonderful post and beautiful picture.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 2:25 PM

      Thank you, Juneta. Yes, it is tough and I agree with you, it is just as hard as losing your parents. Both my parents have gone and when I compare their loss to the loss of Moni, it is the same.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  25. Deirdre TolhurstJune 8, 2017 at 6:55 PM

    We are both back again, dear Patty, and I know we will write great things. I send blessings your way, along with comfort on Moni's passing. I love you! Deirdre

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 2:26 PM

      Thank you my dear friends. It feels so good to see you writing again.
      Keep looking upward my dear.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  26. JenniJune 8, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    I'm so sorry, Pat, about the loss of your dear friend, Monika. I love that writing is a balm for you now. With my last book, I lost my grandfather while I was writing it. It was always going to be a book for him, but it became even more deeply so after his death.

    God bless you and heal you as you walk through this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 2:28 PM

      Thank you Jenni. You know that's the way I feel about my book that I am writing now. I have changed the name of one of my characters. Her name is now Moni.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  27. Misha GerrickJune 9, 2017 at 7:40 PM

    I'm sorry for your loss. I'm currently at a place where I'm just not writing easily. It's really frustrating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 2:29 PM

      Thank you, Misha. Keep kicking yourself and write, even if it is only a few paragraphs about where you are now. Keep writing.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

      Delete
  28. Pat GarciaJune 12, 2017 at 12:56 PM

    Thank you, Karen. Yes it is extremely difficult. We were much closer than I am to many in my earthly family. She was a gem.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  29. Joylene Nowell ButlerJune 16, 2017 at 1:08 AM

    Deepest sympathies, Pat. I'm so sorry for your loss. But you're right, she's walking in a happy place.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Susan KaneJune 18, 2017 at 3:26 AM

    Losing a dear friend is like a star in your universe just turned dark. So sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  31. DamyantiJuly 3, 2017 at 6:42 AM

    So hard to lose a friend. My condolences, Pat.

    ReplyDelete

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