Exciting News!

I have been working very hard at getting some of my writing published on real paper as opposed to web publishing, mostly because I really want my share of the money magazines pay! I have been doing a great deal of writing and researching magazines and their editors and querying them - I got my first assignment! I don't want to jynx myself by adding the magazine's name, article title or the money it'll be bringing to me, but as soon as it's accepted, I'll let you in on it.

Fibromyalgia hasn't been too much of a problem since the weather turned warmer and I can comfortably work a good part of the day, as long as take frequent breaks and almost daily naps. I have found that my new-found passion for writing and getting published has really helped distract me from the day-to-day pain; for the most part, I can push through it, but, as anyone with fibro or CPS knows, there are certainly days when that is impossible.

What is kind of crazy is that I write mostly about gardening and traveling when I should be working to spread knowledge and increase awareness of fibromyalgia. It's rare to see a magazine article that talks about all of the aspects of fibro--maybe it would take up too much of the magazine to list all of the symptoms and problems!

My 3 year old granddaughter from Miami is visiting for a couple of weeks and I have my 7 year old granddaughter here today as well. They are outside in the hot tub, which is about 10 feet from where I sit. From the sounds of things, I think they're enjoying themselves. They entertain each other so well that I hardly have to do a thing. I just wish they hadn't outgrown naps! I could use one right now.

Summer, finally!

Maine weather makes you appreciate two days of good weather in a row, and we've had several great days (except for today). Friday was warm, sunny and dry and Saturday was as perfect as days ever get in Maine. We went to the coast (Camden) for the day and I was able to kayak for a few minutes (Camden harbor from a kayak is just beautiful!), had a wonderful crab roll for lunch and then played 9 holes of golf at Northport (my score is my age--just for 9 holes!). My husband is so wonderful about understanding my limitations and just encourages me to do what I can do.

I am a bit lame today, but the memories were worth it.

Today is cool and rainy, so I am achy, but happy because my daughter and granddaughter are here for an extended visit from Miami. Nothing a quick soak in the hot tub won't fix.

I have been writing every day and am excited at some of the opportunities that have come my way--looks like 3 of my poems are going to be published--two in fairly well-known magazines! I am working towards my goal of writing about my travels, but I have discovered that I really need some "clips" to be taken seriously as a travel writer. I write about everywhere I go and try to come up with a different take on things. Hubby and I are going to take a month-long trip next August to Wyoming/Montana area fishing and golfing--hopefully I can generate some interest (and money!) writing about the experience.

As far as my Fibro is concerned, I have found that gardening has helped me a lot this year. I cannot rake, but I can pull weeks like crazy and it helps stretch out my neck and shoulders. I just have to realize that I can't do it for hours on end; a little here and a little there. My flower beds are really lovely this year. Ooh, I just discovered I can add pictures!!!

I would love to hear from anyone interested in sharing their fibro/gardening/writing experiences--please feel free to comment!

Thanks for stopping by!

Linda