My Saw is Sharpened...Is Yours?

This summer I didn't work summer school. Instead I invested time, energy, and money into my writing and speaking. The biggest part was attending the 2019 Montrose Writers' Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. The drive was uneventful, beautiful, and quiet. This was a great feat and a fear-facing experience in itself.

​Since 1994, the farthest I've traveled solo is to Clay, New York which is only twenty-five minutes away. I did a happy dance upon my arrival when I got out of the car. It was a good that I was early because other attendees may have avoided the weirdo dancing outside her car. 

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After a week of reading, writing, learning, networking, and relaxing I returned home with a renewed energy and spirit. I reconnected with God and myself. This was a much needed time. My family noted the difference before I shared verbally and encouraged me to attend every year. I hadn't realized how much I needed to stop doing and to just chill.

Hubby and I spend a few days traveling locally on his days off and experiencing New York. He had extra days off due to an unexpected lay off. Instead of stressing about this, we prayed and God was faithful. His new job offers more potential for advancement and his mood has been better. God knows more than we do and could see what we couldn't. Hubby and I both needed a change and time of rest and renewal We wouldn't have chosen a job lay off to reconnect with each other and focus on trusting God yet God knows what we need, and gives us this. Needs versus wishes and wants is a good thing. 

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The biggest adventure and news all summer is that our baby turned twenty-one years old and starts her senior year of college. I'm not sure how this happened because I still feel like I'm in my twenties but it has. She is a strong and determined young woman with goals and the determination to see it through to completion. We couldn't be prouder of her and we look forward to watching her continue to grow and succeed. 

While wrapping up this final year of her Bachelor's Degree, the hunt for the right Master's Degree program and school is underway. Application submissions open on September 1st, and she is working hard to narrow her choices down to afford the application fees while also ensuring acceptance in at least one. I have a feeling she'll have at least a couple and will have to weigh the pros and cons to choose the Assistanceship best fitting her career goals. Go get em' girl!

A week from today I'll be back in school with a new group of cherubs to educate, inspire, motivate, and encourage. I love my career and look forward to meeting this next generation. I'm glad I took the summer to relax, recharge, and write. The family visits in August wore me out and lifted me up at the same time. We are saving to make the trip to Florida and Indiana next year, and to help our girl move to her final higher education destination. Let the saving begin.

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What are you looking forward to?