Through the gate and to the next gateway.

Last night found me participating in a  writers' get together held at Jerry's Restaurant in Onalaska, TX.   I met the most amazing people with a passion for writing.  We all brought something we wrote, and someone in the group read each piece aloud.  When someone saw something that needed correcting, they would speak out and make suggestions.  They spoke out every other sentence on my story, but the suggestions were valid and thought provoking.  I learned more from this group in one night than I did taking 2 years of writing classes and joining a writer's group in McDonough.  I am excited about what I learned and can't wait to make the major changes on my story.  One woman there was a total ninja editor and helped me with my grammar and punctuation.  Unfortunately, I'm not using the suggestions on this blog but as I learn from others the writing will come.  Life is good.

Down the Path

Well I must eat my words about Livingston.  If I keep myself open to opportunities placed in front of me things do happen and in the most unexpected places.  Vic and I met the most interesting couple at the pool today.  She was going on about her writing and how successful it had become because she found a niche and provides people with information on gaining custody of their kids.  One thing has led to another and she now has 4 or 5 books on the subject.  She sells these on the internet.  She and her husband invited us to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and we all had very interesting conversations.  I talked with Charlotte for a long while and she encouraged me to continue my writing.  She led me to realize I have several niche's that I could address.  She invited me to a writers workshop tomorrow night.  We used to say in the program that there are no coincidences.  Because I am seeking God's direction for my life, I believe he will and has put people in my life to guide me on this new journey.  I say it again, If I observe and listen, I will find the direction.  Is this a direction for me?  Authoring something purposeful has been my wish, perhaps wishes do come true even in Livingston, Texas.

Jumping Up and Down

Got an email today informing me of my nephews college graduation.  He graduated magna cum laude.  It is refreshing to know that our family is carrying on the college tradition.  This was some great news from the family. 

New Adventures

New Adventures, a set on Flickr.

Peering through the Gate

Livingston, Texas is an unremarkable town.  However the campground is good.  We have everything we need.  This is where we had our mail is forwarded so we decided to visit.  Have a lot of business to take care of. Texas actually got some rain, a good soaking as a matter of fact, but did little to ease the drought unfortunately. 
Listening to the Eagles album East of Eden.  The title song is stunning.  One good thing about living in a camper, surround sound puts me in the heart of the music, the heart of my soul.  From classical, opera, jazz, classic rock, to gospel, blues and new age, I love it all.  It calls out parts of my brain that exercises abandonment of inhibitions.  Much needed in my case since I get so uptight about everything.  So music is a good friend, a big smile, a settling of the mind and soul. 

Sitting on the back step

Studying the clouds today, I was hopeful for rain but none came.  Texas is in an extreme draught and it has been hard on everyone.  Day after day of high 90s to low 100s teaches flexibility to change a schedule so instead of sleeping in, I get up and get the chores out of the way in the cool of the day.  The dogs stay in most of the day with brief walks about every two hours.  Phoebe is restless today and this evening chased the ball a dozen times ears flapping in the wind with a smile around the ball in her mouth.  Millie took a couple steps and flopped on the ground panting hard.  Vic comes home tomorrow and I have missed him. 

Gates Open for Round Top

My horizons expanded today.  I know I raved about the town I'm in, LaGrange, but had no idea that I was so close to the International Festival-Institute of Round Top, a small town population 90.  Students of music come from all over the world attend six week seminars to learn and play with accomplished musicians and conductors.  Every Saturday they have a concert - all classical music.  The Hall, as they call it is an architectural wonder.  When I stepped inside my breath was taken away.  I have never in my life seen anything more beautiful.  Every inch from floor to ceiling is covered in rich, deep colors of  expertly carved wood in designs that absolutely fascinate the eye. The ceiling seems to go on forever and it is said the acoustics are perfect.  This is one place I will revisit to give it a fitting appreciation.  The Hall is just one of many architectural designs on the campus of 200 hundred acres.  The architecture is inspired by Moravian and Czechoslovakian influences in the area. A very old world look.  If anyone can get to this area, your heart and soul would be greatly enriched.