A Writer Loves Coincidences

Are you afraid of a few black cats today? I've been lucky enough to have two in my life...both named Shadow. As I was born on a Friday that happened to fall on the 13th of an autumn month, decades ago, I enjoy each and every one as my lucky day. It was simply a coincidence that I was born on a Friday the 13th. Other oddities fill my life and I cannot ignore them. 

Our firstborn son was due August 16th but arrived over Labor Day on Sept.1st. Our second son was born on Father's Day. My dear dad passed away on Groundhog Day. My sweet mother recently passed away Labor Day that also happened to be her grandson's birthday. She was buried on September 11th aka 9/11. As New Yorkers, that date means a lot to us. It is also my cousin's birthday, the one who served in Vietnam. Another cousin still celebrates her 4th of July birthday. Our grandmother was born on Easter. 

And last (although there are probably more) Hubby and I were married on a date that we never realized would become a Federal Holiday... Juneteenth!

Do you remember I mentioned recently that I am back to writing? I spent a month writing along others in the Triangle Association of Freelancers aka TAF and my book is now about half completed. Lots more to go, then edits. I have set it mostly in 1867 in the town of Southold, Long Island, New York. I still need to work on a Christmas holiday historical story, and I plan to submit a short story for TAF's Omnibus V, a group fundraiser, which will be published in the fall. I am toying with writing a quick-read short story to submit to a company I recently heard is accepting submissions. A busy time. 

If you are or want to be a writer the best thing to do is start. Maybe you have a small idea or maybe you have tried before. As Yoda said "Do not try...do!" A plan is setting aside some time in your day and then sit down and do it. A pad of paper and a pen, a notebook, or a laptop can take your words and show you what can be. Try it. 

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Nancy Lee Badger 💗

Snow. What is YOUR Take on a SNOW BOMB?

We moved to 'The Sunny South' years ago from the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. After attending college, finding work, buying a home, and raising two boys, I remember snow. Lots of snow. Get-the-car-stuck-in-the-driveway snow. Use a 20 foot roof rake to remove a foot of the white stuff so ice edges didn't form or the roof collapsed.

So, after the kids grew into adults and I told my husband we needed to move closer to my parents and sisters, we arrived in Raleigh. Little did we know a 'SNOW BOMB' would stop everyone in their tracks. With the threat of ice and snow (we got mostly ice the first weekend) stores were ransacked of food and Duke Energy were warning us about a possible power outage. Schools were closed before a flake arrived. We stayed indoors for five days because the roads were treacherous. I wish I had a horse.

The next weekend the snow arrived in abundance. We got 5 to 6 inches. Luckily, it was fluffy stuff and the wind blew a lot of it away. It looked pretty until you realized the streets were not plowed. Again, or ever. A snow storm is the perfect reason to grab or download a book and read near the fireplace. 

My office

What was the worst ice or snow storm you have ever survived and where did you live at the time?

Nancy Lee Badger, waiting for spring.

An Author's NEW PLAN

"Nancy, get back to writing." 

Simple as that, you think? Not really. It has been a tough last six months. 'Things' took over my life.

My 95 year old very independent mother got Covid-19 that turned into pneumonia that put her into the hospital, then rehab, then killed her. 

She gave me Covid-19 and I am finally feeling a lot better (and am newly vaccinated...again!) As her oldest child and her executor I am still waiting for the lawyer's bill. Oh yeah...I will have to get her forms to her tax man. With luck, a few dollars might be refunded. 

We got her buried with dad in another state and cleaned out her apartment by donating most of her furniture to Healing-Transitions in Raleigh, NC. I kept her pretty green couch and still need to move some things around to make it look its best. I will think of her as I sit and watch the birds at the feeder.

Back to writing...really. I just started a book, by referring to an outline I started two years ago after a visit to Southold, Long Island, New York. It is in the early stages, but the idea of getting up with something to do that keeps my mind learning and growing is a treat. 

If you are or want to be a writer the best thing to do is start. Maybe you have a small idea or maybe you have tried before. As Yoda said "Do not try...do!" A plan is setting aside some time in your day and then sit down and do it. A pad of paper and a pen, a notebook, or a laptop can take your words and show you what can be. Try it. This is how I was able to write and publish around 50 books (2026 plan: count the books).

 So, have a Happy New Year by sitting down and starting that book, like me!

Nancy Lee Badger