#weekendcoffeeshare: Tribulation and Hopefulness

Good Almost Weekend to You. ❤

Outside of the one window I have in the makeshift computer room, there is an old cottonwood tree that stands tall and proud in the backyard across the street. Because the properties are staggered, I get a clear view of it. Its giant-size leaves rustle in the breeze all summer long. I think of it as a strong sturdy tree that has probably been here since the development of this neighborhood back in the 1970’s. Yet, it is the first tree to lose its leaves in the fall while the other trees hold on tight to what they have, trying to keep them green. The other trees are losing their leaves now too, of course, but putting up a fight, letting the leaves change color. The poor cottonwood is completely bare.

Lately, I have been feeling like that old cottonwood tree. I feel I do not have any more to give. I feel vulnerable without any defenses to protect me. Yet, I wonder if maybe this is a good thing instead of something bad. After all, these feelings are not due to anything in the world at large despite all the chaos and distress the newspapers and news shows are telling us about on a daily basis. Maybe I need to open up more and this attitude is compelling me in that direction so I can get rid of the burden I think I might be carrying in my subconscience.

Every once in a while I go through one of these disruptions of mental tribulation in my life. Chances are the sensation is trying to tell me to do something drastically different. Damned if I know what it is though. Still, do not think I am looking for sympathy or answers. I prefer to find out on my own. This is part of life; probably anyone’s part of life. I tell you because we are having coffee together. Well, maybe you are having coffee. I am having green tea.

On the lighter side of my life, I received good news two weeks ago. Husband and I went to the Social Security office so we could find out what our circumstances would be when he retires. Turns out he can keep on working if he wants to because his pay is not high enough to affect his SS. Also, I will be getting something every month as well. I will not have to feel guilty about getting my hair cut by my preferred stylist anymore. 😈 

image by barnimages.com @ http://ift.tt/1PhXbX2

I am getting into the swing of writing strictly non-fiction again. It does not feel very creative but I am learning new things. The research, of itself, is getting me outside of my head and into the world. Manuscript lengths have changed over the years for factional articles. It used to be a piece ranging from 300 to 500 words was the average. These days, editors are looking for 1000 words. I am having to learn more about the process of getting research done because of this fact. I need to dig deeper but without going into much more detail that no one wants to read. I will get the hang of it but in the meantime, it is kind of problematic at times for me.

I thought I was lucky when the cable company gave me a laptop just for switching to them. Boy, was I wrong. It is the cheapest laptop that could be found, just 2GB of memory. I thought about getting an external drive so I could get all the Windows updates to load into it. I even got advice from Jacqui Murray, who gives excellent technical advice on her blog, WordDreams in addition to writing books and teaching. Talking to the computer guru at Staples, I found out how much my little laptop was a piece of junk. He informed that even the cheapest laptop in the store would be a great improvement. Husband’s reaction was, “Your Christmas present this year.” [We still pinch pennies like mad so all I can do is hope nothing drastic happens in the meantime.]

So… I am stuck at my little desk in the “computer room” until my [hopefully] Christmas present arrives. I should have known something free was more likely to be garbage. 😦

How have things been going for you since autumn began?

“Trials and tribulations are nothing but opportunities to test the true potential of your mind.”
― Edmond Mbiaka