Emily March Fans discussion
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Thanks Lesley,I am taking as easy as I can . Just 4 more weeks. It's funny I am having to get used to having them up so high lol. How is the weather there ? It's getting chilling here ,looks like we may get some snow. Love Lola
Hi Everyone, just wondering if Diane & I are the only ones who have read The Christmas Wishing Tree as we are the only ones who have commented on it so far.I know that a few of us are facing problems which are not really condusive to reading, but if you can only get started I'm sure it will be uplifting for you.
Love and hugs to all.
Lesleyx
I am in the middle of a series so I am waiting until I finish to start Emily's book. I am not in the mood for Christmas yet. Love Lola
I tis a busy time with classes. I want to be able to take my time and enjoy the story.
I just received Emily's new book. I plan to start reading right after dinner. I cant wait!!Love to all,
Jina
Lesley wrote: "Hi Everyone, just wondering if Diane & I are the only ones who have read The Christmas Wishing Tree as we are the only ones who have commented on it so far.I know that a few of us are facing probl..."
Dear Lesley,
I cant wait to start the book. I am so glad you have a copy, sometimes there is a lapse between when something is available here in the states to when the same thing is available in other countries.
Ive been having trouble sleeping so I should be able to get a good start on it tonight.
I hope you are doing well.
Love you,
Jina
Hi all, as promised I have just posted a couple of photos of our new puppy Poppy for you to see.Hope everyone had a good weekend. xx
Oh so cute Lesley ! What a pose ! Love Lola
Hi everyone. Hope things are going well. It has been busy here. We cleaning the house for the Fall . You know the major stuff . We all got whatever was going around probably thanks to my students. We are better but the cough lingers . Right now I am having work done on my teeth. Hope recovery is going well for you Lola and Jina. I just can not seem to read much right now so maybe after the teeth are finished. I am looking forward to Emily 's book which I have. Hope you all have a good day.
Just checking in -- am behind in reading, and haven't been able to get in the mood in the last week or so. I'm behind in a couple of book reviews, and that rarely happens. When it does, it means life has gotten in the way - and boy, has it.
Hoping everyone who's had procedures done is healing as expected. We are doing well physically - emotionally not so much. The passing of Ray's mom and the pressure we've both been under has led to some sleepless nights and chaotic days, but this too shall pass.
I'm off to Pasadena today and will be in touch when I get back next week. I'm hoping this novel writing conference will help me find the spark I've lost when it comes to my writing. The inspiration is lurking just under the surface, but I haven't been able to reach it - there are too many emotions, doubts, fears and regrets in the way. I hope to clear my head while I'm away and come back with a renewed sense of purpose.
Take care all,
Paula
Hoping everyone who's had procedures done is healing as expected. We are doing well physically - emotionally not so much. The passing of Ray's mom and the pressure we've both been under has led to some sleepless nights and chaotic days, but this too shall pass.
I'm off to Pasadena today and will be in touch when I get back next week. I'm hoping this novel writing conference will help me find the spark I've lost when it comes to my writing. The inspiration is lurking just under the surface, but I haven't been able to reach it - there are too many emotions, doubts, fears and regrets in the way. I hope to clear my head while I'm away and come back with a renewed sense of purpose.
Take care all,
Paula
Paula wrote: "Just checking in -- am behind in reading, and haven't been able to get in the mood in the last week or so. I'm behind in a couple of book reviews, and that rarely happens. When it does, it means li..."Hi Paula, So sorry to hear that you are both struggling emotionally, I think most of us in the group have been there at sometime. Emotions are, in my opinion, very often harder to deal with than physical problems because they cannot always be seen by those around us. I know it's easy to say but please don't put yourselves under anymore pressure than you have too, just deal with the most important items on your 'to do' list. The reading & writing your novel will only happen when it is supposed to however much pressure you put yourself under. Love & hugs to you both, take care.
Lesley
Hi, Lesley - I can't believe how long it's been since I checked in and I just saw your message. It's been a wild month, with Ray's mother passing away, my trip to Pasadena, an enormous work project with a tight deadline (the project alone took almost 100 hours to complete). and a quick trip to Virginia to see our daughter and granddaughter last week. In the middle of all that, a dear friend was diagnosed with advanced cancer - out of the blue.
The conference was amazing - I enjoyed every session, although I saw NONE of Pasadena - we were in sessions from dawn until dusk. The trip to Virginia was also an answer to prayer - although it gets harder every time for me to pack up and leave again.
There have been other developments of a personal nature that have made this month especially stressful - so bear with me as I try to work through them - and thanks, as always, for your support and encouragement. It means more than I can say.
P
The conference was amazing - I enjoyed every session, although I saw NONE of Pasadena - we were in sessions from dawn until dusk. The trip to Virginia was also an answer to prayer - although it gets harder every time for me to pack up and leave again.
There have been other developments of a personal nature that have made this month especially stressful - so bear with me as I try to work through them - and thanks, as always, for your support and encouragement. It means more than I can say.
P
I am so sorry you have been going thru so much! We are all fine here . No more pain , I am LOVING my new boobs ,my surgeon is a wonder ,she made them better than they have ever been ,feel like a teenager again. And I just realized I can now do jumping jacks without getting blackeyes! I thought you could use a good laugh ! Love You Paula ! Lola
Lola wrote: "I am so sorry you have been going thru so much! We are all fine here . No more pain , I am LOVING my new boobs ,my surgeon is a wonder ,she made them better than they have ever been ,feel like a te..."Happy birthday Sis!!! I hope your day was as special as you are! Im glad the girls turned out great and that you are out of pain. BTW jumping jacks are still a pain regardless of boob size. Lol
I love you. Big hugs from the girls and I.
Love you,
Jina
Paula wrote: "Hi, Lesley - I can't believe how long it's been since I checked in and I just saw your message. It's been a wild month, with Ray's mother passing away, my trip to Pasadena, an enormous work project..."Dear Paula,
I am so sorry to hear you and Ray have been ztruggling and hurting. Sometimes when things go wrong or something upsetting happens, it seems those situations come back go back and can be overwhelming. Take your day one step at a time. Lean on us, we love you and are here for you.
I am glad you enjoyed your conference., I would love to hear how it went and what you liked. I hope your project at work turned out great.
How are your daughter and greanddaughter doing? The weather is cold here so I bet the climate change from your area to the East Coast was difficult for you too.
I hope things start looking up for you guys soon.
Take care the girls and I send you big hugs.
Love you,
Jina
Jina wrote: "Lola wrote: "I am so sorry you have been going thru so much! We are all fine here . No more pain , I am LOVING my new boobs ,my surgeon is a wonder ,she made them better than they have ever been ,f..."Thanks Lil Sis,
We didn't do anything. Jen and I are going to see Bohemian Rhapsody tomorrow. I can still see Jen and her best friend when she was about 7 dancing to We are the Champions , they loved that song and danced to it all the time. I have always loved Queen! I agree jumping jacks hurt lol. Love You and Our girls !Lola
Hi Ladies,Paula, I'm so pleased that you have been able to fine some light in all your recent sadness and enjoyed your Conference & were able to see your daughter & Granddaughter.
Jina, how are you, Michael & girls doing? Hope you are progressing well from your operation.
Lola, It sounds as if you & your new 'boobs' are progressing well.
Hope none of you have friends or family anywhere the California fires, it's horrendous.
I'm trying to summon up some energy to start thinking about Christmas, so far the cards are on the table to write, haven't started yet; and I've bought a few bits for the Grandchildren. It gets more difficult the older they get. I've been doing a little bit of reading & some Family History research. I'm readying Jude Deverau's book The Raiders, it's not one I've read before & it's one of her older books; as part of a Jude Deveraux Reading Group on Facebook. My TBR pile seems to be getting bigger as so many Authors I read publish new book this time of year.
We had another shock at the begining of the week as Bob's cousin rang to say that sadly they had lost their 50 yr old daughter to a heart complaint, which she has suffered from since being a teenager, but it doesn't make it any easier whenever you loose a child. It also brought back our personal loss of Mark so it's been an up & down week.
Poppy, our puppy is growing fast & still getting into mischief. Her favourite passtime is digging holes in our lawn & making a muddy mess. I always thought having a pet was supposed to lower your blood pressure but she's putting mine 'up through the roof' at the moment. Hopefully she will soon settle down.
That's all my updates & moans for now. Have a good weekend.
Love & hugs to you all from Lesley xx
Hi again -- looks like I missed a birthday greeting -- I really need to update my calendar. I've always relied on Facebook to remind me when birthdays roll around, but I've been off FB for weeks. My heart just isn't in it. Anyway, Lola - I hope you had a wonderful birthday full of surprises and no black eyes. ;-)
We are at least 150 miles west of the fires here in Northern CA, but the smoke is another story. Our air quality has been in the Unhealthy range for over a week, and it's miserable to try and do anything outdoors. Ray has never had problems with allergies, but he is having a real struggle this time, and my sinuses don't know what hit them. It's oppressive. Still, we're grateful that we are out of harms way and are hurting for all those who've lost a lifetime of memories, their homes, and in some cases, entire families.
Lesley, like you, my TBR is getting bigger and I'm having trouble making time to read the books that are piling up. I'm looking forward to the rain that's in the forecast later this week - I love to curl up and read on rainy days. Rest assured that your puppy will settle in and try to enjoy her antics if you can - there's nothing like the enthusiasm of baby animals and baby humans to make you appreciate how innocent they are and how the world excites them.
Jina - We left Virginia the day the weather took a cold turn, and honestly, it was refreshing to see rain while we were on the east coast. Just having enough wind to feel a breeze was a joy - especially since we haven't been able to breathe easily since we got back! We need a driving rain and a decent wind to cleanse the air around here.
Take care, ladies. I have to make a grocery store run for last-minute holiday ingredients and then get to work.
P
We are at least 150 miles west of the fires here in Northern CA, but the smoke is another story. Our air quality has been in the Unhealthy range for over a week, and it's miserable to try and do anything outdoors. Ray has never had problems with allergies, but he is having a real struggle this time, and my sinuses don't know what hit them. It's oppressive. Still, we're grateful that we are out of harms way and are hurting for all those who've lost a lifetime of memories, their homes, and in some cases, entire families.
Lesley, like you, my TBR is getting bigger and I'm having trouble making time to read the books that are piling up. I'm looking forward to the rain that's in the forecast later this week - I love to curl up and read on rainy days. Rest assured that your puppy will settle in and try to enjoy her antics if you can - there's nothing like the enthusiasm of baby animals and baby humans to make you appreciate how innocent they are and how the world excites them.
Jina - We left Virginia the day the weather took a cold turn, and honestly, it was refreshing to see rain while we were on the east coast. Just having enough wind to feel a breeze was a joy - especially since we haven't been able to breathe easily since we got back! We need a driving rain and a decent wind to cleanse the air around here.
Take care, ladies. I have to make a grocery store run for last-minute holiday ingredients and then get to work.
P
That OK Paula I told the man who checked my eyes when you turn 70 you want to forget them lol. Then Whoopie Goldberg had a birthday and said she loved birthdays because she celebrates them for everyone who didn't make it to her age. So I am going to do that from now on. The first person who popped into my mind was Jimmy Hendrix . Love Lola
Great idea, Lola! There are so many wonderful people I can think of - Robin Williams was the first one that came to my mind. I'll focus on that instead of how much noise my joints make when I get up off the floor. :-)
A very blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving to all of you. We are off to Sacramento tomorrow to have a holiday supper with our son and daughter-in-law (who's expecting their first baby in April). Of course, Ray's ex will also be there which tempts me to start on the wine tonight and take a little extra in the car. The drive takes about 2 1/2 hours. It's going to rain, which is AWESOME. Yeah, I don't especially like car trips in the rain, but we need it SO badly I'm thankful for it.
Love,
Paula
Love,
Paula
Paula wrote: "A very blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving to all of you. We are off to Sacramento tomorrow to have a holiday supper with our son and daughter-in-law (who's expecting their first baby in April). Of c..."Happy Thanksgiving Paula!
God is answering many prayers if it rains there. I was reading your posts to Heather and she started to very animated hand jesters and wanted me to share this story with you.
Two months after Heathers heart attack her windpipe collapsed, they called it "stridor"(sp) and she was reintubated waiting for the doctors to decide what to do. We had a big meeting with the Ears, Nose and throat people (those doctors didnt deserve the "Dr." term but I am getting ahead of the story) and the Pulmonologist Dr Kraviec (wonderful woman, I ask for prayers for this very special woman her marriage broke up because she couldnt have children but she adopted 2 brothers who are severely austistic. They are lovely boys but they face so much hardship from the public. Any prayers for peace and strength would be appreciated.) And the cardiologist met with me in a meeting saying that Heather needed a tracheostomy done immediately. Basically as soon as an OR room became available. I was on my way to talk with Heather and explain what was going on but when I got to Heathers room in PICU there was a blonde woman there patting Heather on the leg while Heather was crying and shaking as hard as I ever seen her. I asked her what was wrong but with her being intubated she couldnt speak. The blonde informed me that she was the ENT assistent and just came in to ask if Heather was ready for surgery. I hit the roof!!! I told her she had no right to tell Heather anything without my permission so I would have a chance to explain to Heather what was going on myself first. The surgery had to be postponed until the next day because Heather was so upset they had to give her a sedative. So they did the surgery and everything went well and they transferred Heather back to inpatient rehab. That evening the blonde came to Heathers room to check on her. Heather got so upset, Clarisse, Heathers RN came in and saw Heather crying and told the blonde to leave and that she wasnt to come back to Heathers room again. They got Heather a CNA sitter after that. The sitter "Tiffany" told Heather that she should just "flip the bird" to any nurse, doctor etc that is mean to her. I think she meant it as a joke because both of Heathers arms and fingers were constricted and weren't really of use at the time. So Tiffany told Heather that she could just tap her middle finger with her thumb and no one would know that she is flipping anyone off except for Heather herself. So once in awhile when in therapy or at doctors she would do that and then we knew she was upset with someone and we were able to ask yes or no questions to find out who or what upset her. Heather never cries so when she does everyone comes running to fix whatever's wrong. So... Heather says if the Ex ticks you off or anyone else, use Heathers sign for the "bird". In some ways it helps relieve stress and no one is the slightest bit aware of what you are doing.
Take care and know that you are loved and it doesn't matter what the Evil ex says or does in the great scheme of life.
Btw, have you voted on the 2018 books of the year yet? There is some awesome ones you will want to read. Like Robin Williams book "Robin" and "Sweet Revenge Passive Aggressive desserts for your ex's and enemies" by Heather Kim, "In pieces" by Sally Field (I love her), A Literary Tea Party" by Alison Walsh, "Take Me with You" by Andrea Gibson, and one we should all read by Rachel Hollis "Girl, Wash Your Face Stop believing the lies about who you are so you can become who you were meant to be" or Are you there God it's me Margarita. Lol :)
Love you,
Have a great holiday weekend!
Jina and the girls
Happy Thanksgiving holiday to you all in the USA, enjoy your day xLove Lesley
OH too much food ! lol Thanks Lesley !
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope everyone has a very blessed day. I am so thankful for you all. I love you. Thanks so much for all your love and support. I appreciate you so much.Love and hugs,
Jina and the girls
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. First one for me without my little man. I will see him on Sunday. I hope all is as good as can be with everyone!
Brandi
Hi, everyone - Thanksgiving was blessedly peaceful as the ex decided to go elsewhere this year, which was a pleasant surprise. I think I should feel a little guilty about being thankful for that, but it is what it is. :-) We had a wonderful, soaking rain that has almost completely extinguished the fire near Paradise - and so far there haven't been any serious mudslides or floods that would make their situation worse - another reason to be thankful.
I stayed in yesterday to avoid the Black Friday crowds, and did some baking as well as a little binge-watching of Christmas romance movies on Hallmark. I swear, Ray loves those movies as much or more than I do. If I watch one by myself he records it again so he can watch it by himself. I keep telling him what would be even MORE romantic is if he would clean out the garage for me--he's been saying he'd do that for the last five years--but so far that hasn't worked.
He's on call this weekend, and after I go pick up the dog at the boarding facility in Windsor (about an hour south of here), I'm going to do some writing. I have two overdue book reviews, and I still haven't gotten to start Emily's book, but that's on the agenda for my weekend reading.
I'll update you with my first impressions when I sit down with a nice glass of wine later tonight and start the new Eternity Springs story. In the meantime, virtual hugs to all of you.
And speaking of prayer requests - while we're praying for each other and the others mentioned in this thread, please pray for my dear friend Marie, who lives in Nottingham, England, She is one of the most positive, energetic, kind women I have ever known. I visited her for an unforgettable week in August 2015 and am desperate to see her again when I can. She was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer and starts chemo on Monday. It hurts my heart - deeply - not to be able to be there for her, when she has meant so much to me. I would appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts on her behalf.
Love to all,
Paula
I stayed in yesterday to avoid the Black Friday crowds, and did some baking as well as a little binge-watching of Christmas romance movies on Hallmark. I swear, Ray loves those movies as much or more than I do. If I watch one by myself he records it again so he can watch it by himself. I keep telling him what would be even MORE romantic is if he would clean out the garage for me--he's been saying he'd do that for the last five years--but so far that hasn't worked.
He's on call this weekend, and after I go pick up the dog at the boarding facility in Windsor (about an hour south of here), I'm going to do some writing. I have two overdue book reviews, and I still haven't gotten to start Emily's book, but that's on the agenda for my weekend reading.
I'll update you with my first impressions when I sit down with a nice glass of wine later tonight and start the new Eternity Springs story. In the meantime, virtual hugs to all of you.
And speaking of prayer requests - while we're praying for each other and the others mentioned in this thread, please pray for my dear friend Marie, who lives in Nottingham, England, She is one of the most positive, energetic, kind women I have ever known. I visited her for an unforgettable week in August 2015 and am desperate to see her again when I can. She was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer and starts chemo on Monday. It hurts my heart - deeply - not to be able to be there for her, when she has meant so much to me. I would appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts on her behalf.
Love to all,
Paula
Jina wrote: "Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope everyone has a very blessed day. I am so thankful for you all. I love you. Thanks so much for all your love and support. I appreciate you so much.
Love and hugs,..."
Hi, Brandi - as a formerly single mom, with a daughter who is also a single mom with shared custody, I know how difficult holidays can be. Sarah and Layla's dad, Matt, have managed to keep an amazingly positive relationship since the original trauma of their separation last year. In fact, we went out with them three times while we were in Virginia - difficult for me, because I've never quite forgiven him for what happened with my daughter - but if she can forgive him, I know I must do so as well. Forgiveness is a gift for all concerned, and hands-down it beats bitterness, which destroyed my relationship with Sarah's father. I often wonder if that's what has caused Sarah to do things differently. In many ways, I swear she's a much better person than I am.
This will be their second set of holidays sharing custody, but they are managing it well - and over time, I promise you it will get a little easier. You will find ways to make your own special memories.
I will be thinking of you and if I can ever help, please reach out to me.
Paula
Love and hugs,..."
Hi, Brandi - as a formerly single mom, with a daughter who is also a single mom with shared custody, I know how difficult holidays can be. Sarah and Layla's dad, Matt, have managed to keep an amazingly positive relationship since the original trauma of their separation last year. In fact, we went out with them three times while we were in Virginia - difficult for me, because I've never quite forgiven him for what happened with my daughter - but if she can forgive him, I know I must do so as well. Forgiveness is a gift for all concerned, and hands-down it beats bitterness, which destroyed my relationship with Sarah's father. I often wonder if that's what has caused Sarah to do things differently. In many ways, I swear she's a much better person than I am.
This will be their second set of holidays sharing custody, but they are managing it well - and over time, I promise you it will get a little easier. You will find ways to make your own special memories.
I will be thinking of you and if I can ever help, please reach out to me.
Paula
Paula, so sorry to hear about your friend here in UK. Sending positive prayers and love and hugs to you both xx
Lesley wrote: "Paula, so sorry to hear about your friend here in UK. Sending positive prayers and love and hugs to you both xx"
Thank you so much, Lesley.
Thank you so much, Lesley.
Hi Girls,We had a very nice Thanksgiving . I bought a Sam's Ham from Walmart for the first time and it was great , it had a brown sugar glaze . Even I liked it lol. Of course I was more into the sweet potatoes, which turned out yummy ,lots of butter, brown sugar and pecans.
Paula ,I am so sorry to hear about your friend Marie,I will put her on our prayer list , we share a name my middle name is Marie . Cancer is a Bastard ! I am so hoping they come up with a cure , that one commercial where the body cells are eating the cancer cell looks promising.
Everyone getting the Christmas Spirit yet? I will be wearing my Obama , "Missing Me Yet " Christmas Sweater a lot ! I started Emily's Book really liking it! Love Lola
Paula wrote: "Hi, everyone - Thanksgiving was blessedly peaceful as the ex decided to go elsewhere this year, which was a pleasant surprise. I think I should feel a little guilty about being thankful for that, b..."Dear Paula,
I am so sorry to hear about your friend Marie. Is there anything we can do to help? Maybe we could send you cards that you could forward to her. Half the battle is mental. We all will surely lift her and her family in prayer but I'd like her to know that we care and give her positive things to help her be comfortable and keep a good attitude while facing this battle to come. Is there anything else we could do... like make her a stocking cap or afghan or quilt? Let me know what we can do to help.
Thinking of you too.
Hugs,
Jina and the girls
You are all so very sweet -- Marie is such a private person I'm reluctant to ask for anything except prayers - but you've given me some wonderful ideas because I want to send her a care package for Christmas and have been trying to figure out what kinds of things to put in it. They say that during chemo she will feel cold, and need to drink warm beverages to stay warm + hydrated, but they provide a refreshment station at the infusion clinic. She's not a big reader, either. But the idea of maybe a fleece cap, a throw, and some funky socks just might be perfect! Thank you - your prayers are the most important thing of all.
Paula wrote: "You are all so very sweet -- Marie is such a private person I'm reluctant to ask for anything except prayers - but you've given me some wonderful ideas because I want to send her a care package for..."Dear Paula,
We could send you things, positive quotes or funny memes by Facebook messenger and it might cheer her to receive them from you. Like a daily positive you could pass on to her. My Aunts (4 of them) told my mom about the being cold thing, and at times my Aunt Cynthia (colon cancer) could only eat applesauce or a peeled apple poached in the microwave. Also sugar free fruit flavored hard candies because the treatments made her mouth so dry. Then she drank tea, hot or cold and apple cider and hot chocolate. My Aunt Sue (breast cancer) wasnt cold but certain textures of clothes or blankets felt so scratchy when she wrapped up in them so she got soft knit leggings and long sleeve shirts. She would then wrap up in a soft flannel sheet. You say she isnt a reader but maybe she would like an audio book or mp3 player so when she is getting her treatments she could listen to music or audio book. Or adult coloring book and tote to carry the book and colored pencils or markers. I wish her all the best and hope she goes into remission soon.
Love you,
Jina and the girls
Jina, with regard to your comment about missing Sarah at Thanksgiving and how I seem to be coping well. Although we know that we will never see Mark again and it hurts to know that, I think you and your family have an even more difficult situation to deal with in that you know she is a live and could come home and try to build bridges. Hopefully this will happen for you at some point.We both have to stay strong for those who are still with us, even though at times we need to allow ourselves to grieve for the 'what ifs'.
Because we were away on the Cruise last Christmas, this year will be the first one where we will be together as a family without him and I'm sure there will be some tears as we remenise but hopefully lots of laughter too.
Remember we are all here for you and only a message away if you need us. Hope your back is healing well, your pain decreasing and mobility increasing.
Stay positive, love and hugs to you Michael & the girls xxxx
Wow - It's really quiet in here this week. I hope everyone is doing well and just busy catching up after the holidays.
I had one of those life-altering moments earlier today that I wanted to share with the group. I was on my way to work--an hour north of here--in the winter storm you may have seen on the news. It's been a lot of heavy rain and wind, but was supposed to be winding down today, so although "winter driving conditions-use caution" signs were everywhere, I wasn't worried. Until...
About 10 miles south of the clinic, on a four-lane, isolated stretch of Hwy 101, one 18-wheeler decided to pass another one in an absolutely torrential storm cell. As they were side by side, sheets of water that had ponded on the pavement hit my car like ocean waves. I have a 2-seater convertible with rear wheel drive, so the addition of that water, torrential rain that turned to hail, and ponding that had already flooded the area sent my car into a full spin. I spun four complete rotations, across all four lanes of highway, with mountains on one side and a barrier above the Eel River on the other. Fortunately, I realized immediately when my instinct to overcorrect kicked in, backed off the brake completely, steered into the spin like my husband taught me, and the car eventually came to a stop facing west across the two northbound lanes.
No one else was endangered because the traffic was light - there were cars behind me, but they were at least a quarter-mile back so by the time I got the car pointed in the correct direction and started to move, the first one came into view. I drove on toward the clinic, but as soon as there was a space to turn out, I pulled over to calm down a bit.
I made it to work, but I was still shocky, and ended up having to come home when the shock wore off and the shaking started. I was kind of proud of myself - I didn't cry and I didn't die. (LOL). But I also couldn't concentrate and all thoughts of the projects I was trying to work on escaped me. Also, I was soooo nauseated from the shock.
I came home and curled up under a blanket, listened to quiet music, drank tea, and finally took an hour's nap. I just managed to get a little work done now that I'm surrounded by "home."
The life-altering part of this is not the relief I felt at surviving what could have ended up a multi-car accident with one or more fatalities, but the gratitude I felt that I lived and no one else was affected by the incident. My faith also got a good swift jolt in the process - I truly felt I wasn't alone on that road and it brought me so much comfort.
I'm still a bit numb, and I think once I see my husband walk through the door I might just melt down, but that's okay. At one point, driving back home from the office (like a little old lady, I might add) I realized that had the worst happen, I would have been taken to the hospital where my husband works in the ER and Operating Rooms - and that would have been horrendous for him. Those of you who've read the opening of my book will recognize that scenario.
I don't have to work tomorrow, and I think today's very terrifying, emotional, but gratifying experience just might inspire me to write. And I may even go out and treat myself to something when the rain lets up.
Take care, all. With love and gratitude for your never-ending friendship and support,
Paula
I had one of those life-altering moments earlier today that I wanted to share with the group. I was on my way to work--an hour north of here--in the winter storm you may have seen on the news. It's been a lot of heavy rain and wind, but was supposed to be winding down today, so although "winter driving conditions-use caution" signs were everywhere, I wasn't worried. Until...
About 10 miles south of the clinic, on a four-lane, isolated stretch of Hwy 101, one 18-wheeler decided to pass another one in an absolutely torrential storm cell. As they were side by side, sheets of water that had ponded on the pavement hit my car like ocean waves. I have a 2-seater convertible with rear wheel drive, so the addition of that water, torrential rain that turned to hail, and ponding that had already flooded the area sent my car into a full spin. I spun four complete rotations, across all four lanes of highway, with mountains on one side and a barrier above the Eel River on the other. Fortunately, I realized immediately when my instinct to overcorrect kicked in, backed off the brake completely, steered into the spin like my husband taught me, and the car eventually came to a stop facing west across the two northbound lanes.
No one else was endangered because the traffic was light - there were cars behind me, but they were at least a quarter-mile back so by the time I got the car pointed in the correct direction and started to move, the first one came into view. I drove on toward the clinic, but as soon as there was a space to turn out, I pulled over to calm down a bit.
I made it to work, but I was still shocky, and ended up having to come home when the shock wore off and the shaking started. I was kind of proud of myself - I didn't cry and I didn't die. (LOL). But I also couldn't concentrate and all thoughts of the projects I was trying to work on escaped me. Also, I was soooo nauseated from the shock.
I came home and curled up under a blanket, listened to quiet music, drank tea, and finally took an hour's nap. I just managed to get a little work done now that I'm surrounded by "home."
The life-altering part of this is not the relief I felt at surviving what could have ended up a multi-car accident with one or more fatalities, but the gratitude I felt that I lived and no one else was affected by the incident. My faith also got a good swift jolt in the process - I truly felt I wasn't alone on that road and it brought me so much comfort.
I'm still a bit numb, and I think once I see my husband walk through the door I might just melt down, but that's okay. At one point, driving back home from the office (like a little old lady, I might add) I realized that had the worst happen, I would have been taken to the hospital where my husband works in the ER and Operating Rooms - and that would have been horrendous for him. Those of you who've read the opening of my book will recognize that scenario.
I don't have to work tomorrow, and I think today's very terrifying, emotional, but gratifying experience just might inspire me to write. And I may even go out and treat myself to something when the rain lets up.
Take care, all. With love and gratitude for your never-ending friendship and support,
Paula
OMG !!!!!! Thanks to who ever was watching over you ! Your Mom comes to mind first ! I am so Thankful you are safe ! We are getting the snow part of the storm . It has been boring here, too cold to do anything . Wolf had his 72 birthday yesterday. We spent most of the day trying to get his test strips for meter, for his diabetes. We finally had to go in to Helena and pick up a scrip at Wallyworld .
You take it easy!
Love Lola
Wow, Paula. So glad you are safe. That seems very scary. Been kind of boring and slow here. I did go see Antastia the musical last night. It was good. My son is having his first school friends birthday party on Saturday and with snow I hope people even come.
I am also holding out hope for the ex-husband as he is one of many that the current administration and Congress are screwing around with. He has been out of work since dec 21. I hope he can get back to work soon.
Paula wrote: "Wow - It's really quiet in here this week. I hope everyone is doing well and just busy catching up after the holidays.I had one of those life-altering moments earlier today that I wanted to share..."
Dear Lord, have mercy, Paula. Your guardian angels were certainly watching over you today. Oh my goodness, what a frightening event. Thank God you are alright. Do you even remember driving to work?
I had a blow out in the fast lane on the 405 freeway once and I don't even know how I made it safely to the right shoulder. All of the sudden I was there and totally amazed I was still alive and no one else was hit or hurt in any way. I believe in guardian angels.
Hopefully you are feeling bit more calm by this time. I hate driving on the interstate. Living where I do, if I want to leave town I really don't have much choice, although I can take the flats over two draw bridges and do when the traffic is really bad on the interstate. It takes a little longer but there are North and South bound bridges each with two lanes and two draw bridges that rarely open this time of year. I only go into Everett when I have a MD appt. so it is not a big deal. Before my meltdown I traveled everyday to work and the traffic was horrendous. I can't do it anymore.
I pray the weekend brings you nothing but peace and happiness.
Love and hugs,
Linda Manthey
Paula,Glad that you are ok. Things can change in a second. Hope you are thru the hard things with the shock. Glad that you could stay home and work from there . A few days to recover should help but the rain stopping would probably help. We are waiting for heavy rain with thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow.
How is your friend, Marie doing?
Brandi,
Hope the snow is not too bad so your son's party goes well.
Linda,
I understand about the traffic. We moved here 13 years ago and the increase in traffic has me going back roads as much as possible. People speed and go thru red lights but the worst is they walk like they drive so the parking lots are dangerous.
Lola,
Glad that Wolf got the strips that he needs. Little things that should not take long seem to take a lot longer . We are going to get hit with cold for south Mississippi. It would be warm for you but the low Sunday night to Monday is going to be in the low 20's and it will be under freezing for over 12 hours. My problem is it has been very damp which bothers me more than the cold.
Lesley,
Hope things are going well across the pond.
Jina,
Hope you all are having a good January.
I had computer issues that I finally have gotten straighten out,I hope. I am going thru and de-clutter my closest and my book collection. I have found clothes that I could not wear three years ago but I fit in them now. It has been like going shopping.
Have a good weekend everyone and stay safe and warm.
Paula,Glad that you are ok. Things can change in a second. Hope you are thru the hard things with the shock. Glad that you could stay home and work from there . A few days to recover should help but the rain stopping would probably help. We are waiting for heavy rain with thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow.
How is your friend, Marie doing?
Brandi,
Hope the snow is not too bad so your son's party goes well.
Linda,
I understand about the traffic. We moved here 13 years ago and the increase in traffic has me going back roads as much as possible. People speed and go thru red lights but the worst is they walk like they drive so the parking lots are dangerous.
Lola,
Glad that Wolf got the strips that he needs. Little things that should not take long seem to take a lot longer . We are going to get hit with cold for south Mississippi. It would be warm for you but the low Sunday night to Monday is going to be in the low 20's and it will be under freezing for over 12 hours. My problem is it has been very damp which bothers me more than the cold.
Lesley,
Hope things are going well across the pond.
Jina,
Hope you all are having a good January.
I had computer issues that I finally have gotten straighten out,I hope. I am going thru and de-clutter my closest and my book collection. I have found clothes that I could not wear three years ago but I fit in them now. It has been like going shopping.
Have a good weekend everyone and stay safe and warm.
Paula,Glad that you are ok. Things can change in a second. Hope you are thru the hard things with the shock. Glad that you could stay home and work from there . A few days to recover should help but the rain stopping would probably help. We are waiting for heavy rain with thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow.
How is your friend, Marie doing?
Brandi,
Hope the snow is not too bad so your son's party goes well.
Linda,
I understand about the traffic. We moved here 13 years ago and the increase in traffic has me going back roads as much as possible. People speed and go thru red lights but the worst is they walk like they drive so the parking lots are dangerous.
Lola,
Glad that Wolf got the strips that he needs. Little things that should not take long seem to take a lot longer . We are going to get hit with cold for south Mississippi. It would be warm for you but the low Sunday night to Monday is going to be in the low 20's and it will be under freezing for over 12 hours. My problem is it has been very damp which bothers me more than the cold.
Lesley,
Hope things are going well across the pond.
Jina,
Hope you all are having a good January.
I had computer issues that I finally have gotten straighten out,I hope. I am going thru and de-clutter my closest and my book collection. I have found clothes that I could not wear three years ago but I fit in them now. It has been like going shopping.
Have a good weekend everyone and stay safe and warm.
Hi, Melinda, it's great to hear from you! It's great to "rediscover" your wardrobe, right? I'm long overdue to de-clutter my guest room closet and clean out the one in our bedroom, too. I hope the thunderstorms came and went without any damage. It's still raining here and it's been a drag -- but I promised when the wildfires were all around us that I would not complain about the rain. And the absence of that choking smoke. We also feel fortunate not to be in one of the "burn areas" where mudslides are common this time of year. Having lived in California for 10 years now, I've realized we have two seasons - wildfire and mudslide - and instead of hurricanes or tornados, we get the occasional earthquake just to literally shake things up.
Yesterday I twisted my back while getting out of my tiny car and today I'm stuck on the sofa taking Advil and muscle relaxants. They say bad things happen in threes, so I can't wait to see what's next for me this week. <---- sarcasm
The only good thing in all this is that I have plenty of reading time while I'm immobile. I have a new book AND a new 9-episode series to stream on SundanceNow, so it's all good. The series is based on my very favorite book, A Discovery of Witches. It's been so popular that the producers have agreed to film the entire trilogy and I couldn't be more excited. I saw a sneak preview a couple of weekends ago and they've stayed very true to the book.
The steaming series makes me want to read it again.
That's it for the happenings on the west coast for now. Take care!
P
Yesterday I twisted my back while getting out of my tiny car and today I'm stuck on the sofa taking Advil and muscle relaxants. They say bad things happen in threes, so I can't wait to see what's next for me this week. <---- sarcasm
The only good thing in all this is that I have plenty of reading time while I'm immobile. I have a new book AND a new 9-episode series to stream on SundanceNow, so it's all good. The series is based on my very favorite book, A Discovery of Witches. It's been so popular that the producers have agreed to film the entire trilogy and I couldn't be more excited. I saw a sneak preview a couple of weekends ago and they've stayed very true to the book.
The steaming series makes me want to read it again.
That's it for the happenings on the west coast for now. Take care!
P
Hi Melinda,Insurance Companies drive me crazy!!! We got a letter today from our carrier saying they are sorry but they do not cover the type of strips he needs , funny but they were the ones that made him change to this brand of strips. Now he will probably have to get a new meter. ERRRRR
I have been cleaning out closets too , with the surgery I can wear lots of clothes that I just liked too much to get rid of . And having to put a lot of the stuff I was wearing in the goodwill box. I was telling Jen today I can get into some yoga poses that I couldn't before , it really felt good. I started my weight program again ,I am sore today !
Hey Paula , Girl you better take it easy ! I want to see you next month lol. We had a lot of snow then a Chinook wind ( a really warm wind we get in the west) came thru and it was all gone in an hour, crazy weather ! Love Lola
Lola,The weather is crazy. I agree!
Paula,
take it easy so you can enjoy your vacation next month.
Hi ,Paula I have a "please" for your book , don't put in words that your reader has to stop reading and look up. I was reading a book ,thank goodness , on my Kindle which has a dictionary, may be it's me but I have never heard of "burbling" .
Hi Melinda, This sure has been a warm winter for us, knock on wood. I sure hope we get some more snow or we will be in trouble this summer.
Love Lola
Paula wrote: "Hi, Melinda, it's great to hear from you! It's great to "rediscover" your wardrobe, right? I'm long overdue to de-clutter my guest room closet and clean out the one in our bedroom, too. I hope the ..."Paula, Hope you are recovering from your 'skid' & back is improving. You need to rest up for your trip next month.
My daughter-in-law will be pleased about the continuing serialisation of A Discovery of Witches as she has read all the books & is enjoying watching it on TV.
I'm patiently waiting for the next series of Outlander, it's more my type of TV watching to be shown on Freeview TV here in the UK as we don't subscribe to Netflix or anything like that. I think we are probably a couple of series behind. If it isn't shown soon I might have to treat byself to the asctual DVDs.
Lesley x
Lola wrote: "Hi ,
Paula I have a "please" for your book , don't put in words that your reader has to stop reading and look up. I was reading a book ,thank goodness , on my Kindle which has a dictionary, may be ..."
Hi, Lola - I will do my best not to use either unfamiliar words, or make them up (!) - I've never heard of burbling either. I'm counting on my beta readers to help me find anything that might be confusing, conflicting, or otherwise take the reader out of the story. Thank you for the reminder.
P
Paula I have a "please" for your book , don't put in words that your reader has to stop reading and look up. I was reading a book ,thank goodness , on my Kindle which has a dictionary, may be ..."
Hi, Lola - I will do my best not to use either unfamiliar words, or make them up (!) - I've never heard of burbling either. I'm counting on my beta readers to help me find anything that might be confusing, conflicting, or otherwise take the reader out of the story. Thank you for the reminder.
P
Lola, So pleased you are feeling better& happy with the outcome of your surgery. Remember a little untidiness is not going to hurt for a few weeks, try and relax and make sure you recover properly we don't want any set backs. Love & hugs xx