This year, especially toward the end, provided me with plenty of awe-inspiring moments and memories. When I’m awestruck, my heart is lifted up at least ten stories high. Sometimes, I’m lifted so high I feel like I can touch the clouds with my fingertips. Here’s a small sampling:

– In October, my mother and I were driving to one of my book events along a stretch of oceanside that we’ve passed many times, but that never looked the way it did that cloudy morning. As streaks of sunlight shown through, soft, glistening waves were threaded in silver and gold. I didn’t take a photo (my hands were on the steering wheel, thankfully) and Mom was busy drinking in the majestic scenery. This lovely photo comes close:
But in our stretch of sparkling sea, jagged gray rocks matching the silvery waves had replaced the sand. Breathtaking. I still feel ripples of awe when I revisit the picture in my mind’s eye.

– I am perpetually in awe of the affectionate and playful love between my canines, and the pure love they show to us humans as well. That love is so palpable that I feel it pouring through me by just being in their company.
Chico is nine-years young and Willow is four. Willow is nimble-pawed and races with the ease and stamina of a Kentucky Derby thoroughbred. Chico lumbers around at tortoise speed. Occasionally, he’ll pick up his paws and cantor about twenty feet before reverting to his relaxed ambling. Yet, patient Willow will not eat her food until Chico arrives, so they can chow down together.

– I don’t take book writing for granted. Ever. It’s a miracle every time. When I take a breath and remind myself that seven of my books have been published, I’m in awe. How did that happen? I’m so grateful that there’s always some help from above. Otherwise, I’d still be writing and rewriting my first book, ten years later.

So many wonderful awe moments fill our lives. May we never be without them.

Recently, I read a quote that resonated with me: Harmony manifests itself as a natural goodness.

I love reading fiction where everyone is nice to each other, thoughtful, respectful and understanding. Patient and kind. And when a mistake is made, they apologize and do their best to make amends. In the towns where these characters live, most everyone is on their best behavior. Sure, there are a few outliers, but they’re outnumbered 10-1. Is there conflict? Of course there is, but through persistence, teamwork, and tenacity, conflict is overcome. Or accepted. Moving on from unpleasantries is the norm.

Does this sound kind of sappy? If so, I really like sappy. I enjoy books like the Christmas Hope series by Donna VanLiere, an author I discovered after watching a Hallmark movie based on one of her books. The movie was wonderfully uplifting, but left me wanting more.

I read The Christmas Town in less than a day! That doesn’t happen too often for me as I spend most of my time on my own writing, and make time to read in between. It can take me a while to finish a book. Then I discovered this story was part of a series. You can guess what happened after that. My mother is now hooked on the series, as well.

I find inspiring, feel-good, happy-ending books a must these days when kind words seem to be hiding under rocks. Boulders even. I’d rather spend time on a story that gives me a lift over one that drags me down.

In my mystery series, heroine Corrie Locke has evolved from an immature young woman used to doing things her way, without any help or much consideration for others, to a more thoughtful, somewhat responsible heroine who takes others into consideration before taking action. As the series progresses, she becomes a better version of her earlier, bratty persona. Bickering with her mom, her friends, and sidekicks has toned down as she’s learned to listen to what they have to say. Maybe my main character didn’t start out by being nice, thoughtful and respectful, but she is getting there.

As I’m dodging the heat during these dog days of summer, I take the time to remind myself to slow  down and enjoy every moment. And… make time to hit the playground. Willow knows what I’m talking about:

So does Pango (below). Being carefree does wonders, even if it’s for a short while. Whether it’s playing around with words and stories, hanging out with our animal friends, human friends, or favorite jasmine bushes, or simply engaging in activity that lifts our spirits, it’s fun!

Playground ideas for writers:

– Write something different, inspiring, uplifting. I’ve been doing that lately and I give myself a lift each time. 

– Read something uplifting. Even a simple quote like this one will do the trick:

Nothing is too wonderful to happen or too good to last. ~ Florence Scovel Shinn

– Write a thank you note or any kind of thoughtful note to someone. I read an article about a woman who was hooked on painkillers. She couldn’t survive without them, until her doctor told her she had to stop, at least temporarily. She needed an operation and the painkillers conflicted with the procedure. So, for two weeks, she went cold turkey and to divert herself, took the time to write thank you notes to everyone, from her gardener, to the cashier at the grocery store, to the postal worker, and so on. Every day for two weeks. Then she had her operation, which was successful. Her physician informed her she could resume her painkillers. Well, guess what? She didn’t need them anymore. Gradually, while writing the heartfelt notes, her pain diminished to nothing. Writing in a positive manner does help.

– Single-tasking does wonders for the soul and the mind. I’m a recent convert after engaging in high-level, multi-tasking for years. I find my mind is now clearer, my thoughts where I want them to be, and the moments more enjoyable. What took me so long? 

There is so much more to playground activities (baking treats, taking walks in nature, gardening, spending time with loved ones). So many opportunities to play daily. We all deserve some playtime, don’t we?