We’re ⅔ through the month of September and just that much closer to the Autumn finish line and BIG changes. I’ve mentioned these BIG changes before but haven’t yet done a good job defining what that is. That’s probably because I don’t really know what it’s going to look like. And I might not know until I get there. I suppose much of life is that way. 

What I do know is that in the next 4 weeks I’ll be wrapping both the Autumn issue of The Good Life Review and promotional efforts for the Summer issue. At that point, that project will be in the lowest lull since it’s inception in 2020 and though I’ll still have tasks on the regular, the pressure (and time commitment) will ease up quite a bit. If this trial goes well, we might transition to this format every year. Time will tell. 

In that same four weeks I’ll also be appearing at a number of events that *the Universe willing* will be the last for the foreseeable future. Though I’ve said I was backing away from in-person appearances where I’m in the spotlight, I have one person who consistently pulls me back in. It’s tough to say no to her and she’s pretty plugged in to the poetry “scene” in the Omaha metro area.

Because of her, I’ve got two readings on the books plus participation in a poetry retreat as a part of a panel on publishing. After that, I’m taking a hard line on commitment to anything else. Hard line. Hard pass. Solid “no.” 

Maybe if I say it to myself over and over, I can say it out loud to other people when they ask. 

I swear most people engaged in this writerly grind would see these opportunities as gifts for great exposure but I’m so over it. I just want to take my E.T. and head to the back of the closet.

Speaking of my E.T., I suppose it would be grand if I could resuscitate him and in some way relearn how to enjoy life with the wonder I once had in abundance. 

Lately (like the last couple of days) I’ve made more of an effort to sit outside. I’ve taken my book and my laptop so I could alternate between work and pleasure. It has sort of worked out, but I still find myself being restless, not able to relax. But at least I’m outside. It’s a step in the right direction. 

My hope is that as I ease into the downtime ahead I can find my way back to that magical place I feel such nostalgia for. The place where I can read more than one chapter of a book without getting restless. Maybe I’ll be able to read a half a book all in one afternoon and not feel like I’m wasting my time. 

Maybe I’ll get to a place where I can sit and breathe the air and not feel like I’m wasting my life. 

As far as resuscitating my E.T. goes, I’ve written two pieces of creative writing lately and both circled this notion… this desire for returning to a simpler time. And now that it’s truly possible, I think my mind is switching into that gear. It’s lovely. 

I think that’s it today. Thanks for reading. 

Peace and Love,

~Miss SugarCookie