IWSG – Sept 2023 – Sabbatical living
Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.
On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.
If this sounds good to you, sign up here.
IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
September 6 question – The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?
The awesome co-hosts for the September 6 posting of the IWSG are Sonia Dogra,J Lenni Dorner,Pat Garcia,Sarah – The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!
I don’t remember how I discovered IWSG. It’s been many years. I do remember how pleased I was when Alex asked me if I would be an administrator. The entire experience was awesome. Back then I was a relatively new author, feeling overwhelmed and isolated. IWSG changed all that. Today I have many dear friends in IWSG and nothing but good memories. What I learned from other members has been more valuable than my expensive university education.
Now: what’s happening in my life these days…
When I arrived here in Canada in late April, I decided to take a few months’ sabbatical for two reasons: I knew I needed a break, and second, my Macbook was dying.
But of course, life has a way of taking you in a different direction, and five months later, I’m still on a sabbatical and not yet in possession of a new Macbook. I’m indecisive. What I have managed to do is concentrate on my overall health. Upon arriving in Canada, I felt depleted, drained and basically lousy. Four months later, after starting an elimination diet, I feel better than I have in years, and this week I’ve begun pricing the new Macbook Pro. I should mention that I’m creating this post on my dear old Mac, who is being a very nice laptop and not scaring me by doing bizarre things.
Now: I’m off to visit your blog. I’d add some pics, but my very nice Macbook won’t allow that today, which is absolutely fine.
Comments 11
So glad to hear you’re feeling better! And glad your ancient and venerable Macbook decided to cooperate so you could post. I hope you find a great new one.
Sometimes a sabbatical is necessary. I kind of wish I’d taken one the first half of this year instead of struggling along when I was exhausted.
I’m glad you’ve had some downtime, even if it wasn’t fully on purpose. Once you get that MacBook you’ll be hopefully hitting with a whole new energy.
Sounds like you are in a much better place now. I hope you find a good deal on a MacBook and then just go for it.
The IWSG has such a wonderful sense of community, which is hard to find in online groups. Being a part of the group has kept me moving forward (like a snail…) on this crazy writer journey.
I’m so glad we connected via the IWSG, Joylene.
Hi,
Glad the diet worked…
This week’s far from creative highlight ? Built in oven tried very hard to burn our house down.
and long awaited visitors postponed at the very last minute
Need that oven, badly, for baking gluten free soy free everything.
Today, I’m waiting in, hoping a new oven will arrive, preferably in time to feed the visitors, – and us.
And – far less hopefully – that our pathetic broadband can be fixed – 1.9 mbps.
Will I ever be a writer ? New book, hopefully, on Kindle by tomorrow,
Skirmishes with members of the Five didn’t work out !
Sorry to hear things have been difficult, Joylene. But, it sounds as if things are turning round now and I hope you get your Macbook sorted soon. 🙂
(My apologies, as mentioned before, I can’t “like” your posts anymore because of some sort of glitch in my system. Technology is a trick isn’t it!)
Hi Joylene. Sometimes a small break tends to extend and we are literally in a state of inertia. Glad that you are better. Happy IWSG Day!
I’m glad that you’re feeling better and figuring out your Macbook situation. Not much is more frustrating to a writer than a difficult computer!
Glad you are finally feeling better! Can’t write when you feel like crap.
Really appreciated your time as an admin.
Our lives shift. That’s the nature of it. So glad you joined the IWSG. I’ve enjoyed our interactions over the years.
Welcome back. Sounds like you’ve made some great decisions. Enjoy your new Mac when she finally arrives. Thanks for your support and introducing me to IWSG, back in 2015. It’s been an awesome experience.
Cheers @ Lynn La Vita