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Dear Reader,
I have been out of the writing groove for a while because I've been running the Annual Write a DearReader Winners and Honorable Mentions in my column. So today when I sat down to write, I stopped and asked myself, 'How do I do this again? Where do I get the ideas to write about?'
As I pondered and chased off a bit of fear that I'd never be able to write again (use it or lose it), I reminded myself it's not the big things in life that inspire my love to write. It's the little, seemingly insignificant, words, actions and observations that inspire me and fill my life with joy.
On my writing hiatus I've been spending a lot of time watching the squirrels in my yard. I've decided to embrace them. Instead of filling up a bird feeder for birds, I've set a replica of a barn on a stone bench, way in the back of my garden underneath my avocado tree. I fill it with a sunflower seed mixture that apparently is a delicacy for squirrels. (Their little tummies are looking a little plump. They may have to start weighing in every day and watching their weight.) There's a big, leafy plant that overhangs in front of the feeder, so the squirrels have some privacy and ambiance. Kind of like the best table in the restaurant. The squirrels seem to understand the shift in my thinking, that I'm inviting them to dine, and don't run off when I refill the feeder. Instead, they cling to the trunk of the avocado tree, watching me fill up the barn. One in particular shakes his puffy tail at me, squeaks and I reply, "Bon appetite."
I experienced another little unexpected treasure at the nursery. I was on a mission to buy some milkweed plants. (I live in Florida, so it's planting time again.) I'd seen some Monarch butterflies in my gardens and I wanted to make sure they had plenty to eat. As I was looking-over the milkweed plants, I noticed a chrysalis on two of them. So of course I took them home. A milkweed plant and a baby to boot! I'm a grandmother-in-waiting for my new arrivals.
It's nice to be back. I hope you enjoyed the columns from this year's writing contest. I'd have to say the entries were the best ever, which made it very difficult to choose winners. Thank you to everyone who entered. I hope you had as much fun writing as I did reading your entry.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise this title deserves your attention:
(Thriller)
THE GAIL FORCE by Robert Lane
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