Debbie Macomber's Blog, page 15

American Business Women’s Day

When I made the decision to become a writer I was utterly naïve to running my own business, especially when it came time for me to rent an office and hire my first assistant.  I was required to make business decisions I felt inadequate to make.  My solution was to reach out to other successful women and seek their advice.  I invited four of the most successful women in my community to have tea with me.  The rich dividends of that meeting continue on to this day.  Those lovely women were more than happy to advise and counsel me.  And for that I will be forever grateful.

Fill The World With Positivity

Today I’m visiting one of my lifelong friends. Jane has MS and lives in a group home, close to her oldest daughter and is wheelchair bound now. The drive is about three hours and I usually meet up with a couple of my classmates for the visit. Last year when Jane was unable to attend our high school reunion, we brought it to her with posters and notes and photos. Despite the seemingly unfair circumstances of her life, Jane has always maintained a positive attitude with her quick wit and winning smile. Live sometimes throws us a curve ball, doesn’t it? It not fair that Jane should have this disease and yet her amazing attitude is an encouragement to all who know her. A positive attitude, not matter what. I want to be more like my friend Jane.

Father’s Day 2017

I can’t let Father’s Day pass without remembering my own father, who’s been gone thirteen years now. My dad had a huge personality. No one could spend time with him for long and not laugh. His sense of humor was well-known. As a World War II vet, he spent time in a German POW camp, but he rarely spoke of his wartime experiences. He told me that once when he was captured, he had to make the decision to live. And that’s what he did.

Many of the business decisions I’ve made in my own career came from watching my father in his business. He was an upholster and cared about his customers, many of whom became his friends. I consider my readers my friends, too. I’m grateful to have had a father who loved his country and his family—especially my mother—and who supported my brother and I in our lives.

Any Dream Will Do

I’m all about second chances and sometime third and fourth chances. If I counted up all the diets I’ve tried over the course of my life, it would reach into the hundreds. ANY DREAM WILL DO, my August 8th release is about second chances. My heroine, Shay is coming out of prison with a felony charge attached to her name. I was inspired when asked to speak at the women’s prison here in Washington State and then later when I became involved with Hope Center, which helps women in exactly these circumstances. Redemption, second chances and a love story all rolled into one.

Easter 2017

While the White House had an Easter Egg Roll, the Macomber Family gathered for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The kids scouted out potential hiding spots when they arrived. It was like holding back a herd of cattle before we set them lose. Wayne stuffed the plastic eggs with candy and quarters and Ted dutifully hid them. The big hunt was followed by our dinner with ham and potato salad.

Spring

My mother was gifted with a green thumb. She loved yard work and our home was often the showcase of the neighborhood. A variety of flowers bloomed in our yard. I failed to inherit her talent to make things grow but I do love my yard with its abundance of flower beds. My garden produces a wide variety of vegetables and fruits which I’m proud to share with family and friends. As springtime rolls around, I’m already planning what I hope to plant. Spring is filled with hope for me. The promise of warmer weather, sunshine and lazy afternoons sipping iced tea. If I close my eyes I can hear birds chirping and the buzz of bees. The best part of the year is nearly upon us. Enjoy.

Painting Class

A couple of years ago, I decided to take a painting class at the local community center.  It was a little more than a glorified paint by number class as the instructor led us through each stroke of the brush to create a painting. I was enthralled and for a few brief moments I was tempted to abandon my writing career, move to a deserted island in the South Pacific, and set up an easel. Instead I created the character of Sunshine, the quirky, fun artist aunt, who inspires my heroine Faith to be all she can be in IF NOT FOR YOU.

I did manage to complete two paintings which I gave to my daughters. I have yet to see them hung on any walls and suspect they would be the first to tell me not to quit my day job!

Women’s History Month

I’m fortunate enough to have my office in a turret. It’s a romantic setting which inspires me every single day. On the staircase leading to the office, the wall is decorated with several author signatures, ones I’ve collected through the years. I call these writers my mentors. Many of them are the women I read as a teen and young adult. There’s Willa Cather, Lillian Hellman, Edna Ferber, Pearl S. Buck. (I couldn’t pick just one!)  As I walk up the staircase I am reminded of the road these women paved for me as a writer and novelist. Because of them and the ground they broke in the male dominated publishing world, I have equal footing. They make me aware, every single time, of my responsibility as a storyteller. Their works have stood the test of time and they inspire me to strive to be the best I can be. At the same time, these women whose photos and signatures grace my wall, bring to mind my responsibility to encourage the next generation of women authors.

 

Valentine’s Day

For several years now I’ve written about Wayne and his efforts to play the part of the romantic husband. He tries, he honestly does but romance isn’t part of his genetic makeup. And from what I hear from you, my readers, my husband is not alone. In fact, I would venture to guess he’s in the majority. Our most successful Valentine’s Day was one planned by me. I made reservations at a lovely restaurant and then presented him tickets to a basketball game, which we attended following dinner. All the pressure was off him and I got what I wanted, a romantic dinner and he got what he wanted, a sporting event. Be creative.  I love to hear what you’re doing for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. And even better what he did for you.

New Years Resolutions

As we welcome 2017, I am focused on my word for this year, dreamer. And with that in mind, I have come up with some resolutions to help guide me through the year. My hope is that these ideas will motivate me to live with intention and remind me to stay the course as a dreamer.

Create more balance between work and time with my family. This tops the list for me this year, but it is also one that I am sure you can relate to. My work as a writer is truly a dream come true and I love it with all my heart, but I don’t want to miss opportunities to be together with those dearest to me either, so this year I will strive to do both and do them better.

Find a home for my family to enjoy. As part of my first resolution, I plan to sell our Florida home and look for a large home everyone can enjoy on the Hood Canal. I hope that this closer location will lead to more chances to make memories together.

Finish 12 or more knitting projects. I love the sense of creation when working through a piece as well as the satisfaction I feel when I complete a knitting project, but I also enjoy extending blessings to others by giving my items as gifts.

Read my Bible all the way through, making notes to Maddy. I want to re-read and re-live the verses with the new perspective that only time can give me. And I want to make notes for Maddy, so that she can hear my voice as if I am reading the passages along with her.

Judge less and live more. I want to try new things, experience new places and challenge myself to new ideas without judgement. This may be one of the most difficult resolutions, but I hope this is my year to rise up and achieve it.

To be grateful and practical—and to buy less yarn! I am a bit of a yarn hoarder, so while working to be more practical, I have to also step out of the sewing store and work on completing my projects instead of buying more yarn! And I want to be mindful of the joy I experience, big joys and little joys, and remember to be grateful for it all each day.

What are your resolutions this year? And how will they help you to become a dreamer?