The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

IWSG Article, August 3, 2016, MENTAL TOUGHNESS


Hello Everyone,

It’s the first Wednesday of the month and IWSG Time has come around again. 
IWSG, a writer’s support group, which was created by Alex Cavanaugh, is a big help to many of us who don’t mind sharing our insecurities, our successes or giving encouragement and help to others. 

So, if you are interested and would like to join, I have posted the link below:

My report:

  1. I actually got three of my works published on Esther Newton Weekly Challenge Website. It has given me a positive feeling of affirmation seeing my work on someone else's website.
  2. My three short stories are revised and in the process of being submitted.  More about the submissions next month.
  3. I still have two outstanding stories that I have not yet heard whether they are accepted or rejected.  So I am still waiting.
  4. I submitted one short story to Wordhaus, an online publication and one short story to Write Practice, for their Fifth Anniversary online publication.
  5. I'm chugging along with my rewrite/revision of my manuscript. I am  on target and after my betas and my writing coach/book editor reads the final version, I'll be sending the manuscript out in September.
  6. I have begun resurrecting all of my blogs.  I still don't plan to blog every week, but I do plan to ensure  I get a new blog posting up on each blog once a month.
 IWSG Newsletter Question

AUGUST 3RD QUESTION: What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?
Answer:  My very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer was a short story for Romantic Shorts Online Publication, titled On A Rainy Day and it was published July 9, 2012.  Today, when I read it, I realize how far I have grown in my writing. 

My insecurity article is below.




 IWSG ARTICLE, AUGUST 3, 2016, MENTAL TOUGHNESS

The second quarter of my life, this year, resembles my Junior year at the University I attended.  Back then; everything I touched seemed to strong-arm me.  Life came at me full force.  I wasn't spared. The heavy tests mentally, physically, and spiritually challenged me.

Thus, when I woke up one morning in July of this year and discovered my body wasn’t moving like I wanted it to, I grunted loudly. Out of all the things that had happened, sickness had come knocking on my door too, and I could have cried. 

As a writer, that’s bad news. I am trying to set my mark in the literary world. With my body weak, I find it difficult to motivate myself to write because my strength dwindles quickly.

This is where one of my invisible round table knights, Vincent Lombardi, comes in. Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial.  Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in. It's a state of mind- you could call it character.  I told a dear writer friend, Gwynn Rogers, last week, as we sat millions of miles away from each other, computer to computer, skyping, that I force myself to write.

I write; I submit; I fulfill my commitments that I’ve given to others; I read; I move slowly, but I move.

Let me quote one of my own tweets I sent out last week:

Anybody can write when they’re feeling good. It’s when you’re rock bottom  and still writing that proves you’re a writer.



Shalom aleichem,













Pat Garcia

79 comments:

  1. I am so proud of you and your diligence! I am not as diligent as you when it comes to my writing; however, after turning 60 years young last week, it is one of my new ambitions-to treat writing as the occupation it is. I too have to blog more often, and with fresh words. Pat, your effort to write, even when you don't feel like it is an inspiration. I'm so glad God placed us together! Keep on striving for the prize! I love you! Deirdre

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    1. Thanks, My Dear. I am so happy to hear that you are going to step out there and embrace your writing creativity within you and write more. I look forward to reading your works.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  2. Hi - I'm one of the co-hosts this month and popped by to say hi. What an inspiring post and such great food for thought. Mental toughness is hard to define, but you know it when you see it. It's people, who despite all the odds, persevere and get stuff done, like you are, as you continue to write despite not feeling well. You've accomplished so much and inspire me to continue to chip away at my writing project. Cheers - Ellen

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. I am inspired by everyone in the IWSG. It is wonderful being a part of the group, and thank you for co-hosting this month.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  3. I can relate to this post. You are amazing for pushing yourself to write even when you aren't feeling at your best. You are an inspiration. I however allow the illness to win often:( You have made amazing progress last month. Good for you. Keep on fighting. Wishing you well.

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    1. Thank you, Murees. I have my own medium-sized oak round table filled with what I call my knights. They really do keep me going. I also wish you well, my dear.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  4. It's so nice to look back at some writing and see how far we've grown. I just opened an older MS that's crying for a rewrite and I see the same :)

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    1. Oh yes it is, Jemi. When I look at that story, I see so many things that need correcting, like viewpoint and all those wonderful things. But I would never see them if I hadn't wrote that story. I am even thinking about revising it and making it a little bit longer and resubmitting.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  5. Boy, was I surprised to see my name here. But you are right about needing mental toughness. I still question whether I am a writer as it was never, something that I grew up longing to become. However, I believe I do have some family stories to tell, worth hearing. I DO have fortitude and diligence. Slowly, I'm putting the pieces together to help me get back up on the horse I've fallen off of. Yes, I'm a fighter as otherwise I would not have survived caregiving for my husband all these months, but there is a slight gleam of light shining at the end of my tunnel. Also, THANKS for being such a fabulous and loving friend!

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    1. Yes, you are a fighter, Gwynn, and don't ever forget that. And by the way that is one of the things about being a writer, people never know when something they've said will pop up in a writer's article or book. Talking to you last week gave me strength when I needed a push. So thank you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  6. Sorry... I forgot to mention that somehow I missed this month's IWSG question, but I did post my IWSG post a few minutes ago.

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    1. I read your wonderful article and also left a comment. Hope you are well.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  7. You're doing it, Pat. And you're not letting any excuses block your progress. I'd say that's darned good.

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    1. Thank you, Lee. It's my love for reading, for people, for writing that keeps me looking upward.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  8. That is so true. "Anybody can write when they’re feeling good. It’s when you’re rock bottom and still writing that proves you’re a writer." I've lost a lot of family members. Too many. I thank God I'm a writer and was able to write myself through the grief. We're so lucky, Pat, that we're able to express our feelings in words. I fel sorry for those who can't and are left burdened with silence. Thanks for sharing. I pray that your body heals and you're stronger than ever.

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    1. Yes, we are lucky, Joylene. During the years of 2001 and 2002, I lost seven significant people in my life. So, I know what you mean about writing. My body is healing. It takes the patience to wait and faith, and I am thankful I have both.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  9. That last line says it all.

    You've been working very hard with all of those submissions and stories. You obviously have that mental strength.

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    1. You know, I never thought I had mental strength and the majority of the time I am not even aware of it. It takes times like these to remind me that when the times get tough, the tough keep moving. Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  10. It is amazing how far my writing has come since my first published book! We should always be striving to better our talent/the craft.

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    1. Oh yes, Jennifer. I agree. As I looked at my first work, I said Oh No. But I am so happy it's there. I can see how much I've grown when I look back. Isn't it interesting that it is only in looking back that we see progress. Looking in the future doesn't show us. Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  11. It's so hard sometimes to push forward, but what amazing results when we do!

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    1. I one hundred percent agree with you. Sometimes, I've wanted to crawl in my bed and put the covers over my head and forget the world exist but I didn't. That was and still is the difference between joy and regret. When I look at the results, I feel joy instead of regret for what I didn't do.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  12. Wow, you have a lot of good things going on. It is so hard to write when other things in life are weighing you down.

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    1. You are so right. It is hard to write when other things are weighing us down. I think sickness in the body is especially difficult because it drains our energy. But what a delight it is when we keep going anyway. I have a quote from on Miguel Ruiz on my table lamp by my bed. It says, Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance. simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse and regret.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  13. Hi, Pat! I cringe when I read my first writing, and how awesome it is to feel a sense of improvement over the years. I hope the wisdom and strength that came from enduring life difficulties your junior year will serve you well now. I just quoted Vince Lombardi in a paper I'm writing at work: "When you enter the end zone, act like you've been there before." :-)

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    1. How interesting, Jennifer, that you just finished writing a paper and quoting Vince Lombardi. I love that quote also. I can't wait until I get in the end zone for my writing.
      Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  14. Oh, Pat, I'm sorry you're going through so much trouble but I admire your courage. You've accomplished so much and still reaching for more. You're right: it's easy when you're young and healthy. But when your have to deal with shit, that's where your mettle comes through.

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    1. Yes, indeed, Olga. Dealing with the shit circumstances can cause us to buckle under if we are not prepared to deal with them. Sometimes I think we all forget that health is not a guarantee every day and it is definitely not based on age. It is a gift and we should say thank you everyday when we awake.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  15. Isn't it amazing? Looking back and seeing what you've accomplished? I actually don't go back and read old stories that are published. Seriously. That's not a happy maker.

    Way to keep at it! I've been physically incapacitated for years at a time before, and it's a miserable place, but the only way to overcome is to get up, work through it, and strive for something better, even if all we can achieve is one baby step in the right direction. Way to be an inspiration. Keep fighting!

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    1. Thank you, Crystal. Then you know how it feels to physically incapacitated. Situations like this usually don't announce themselves. If we want to rise above our misery, then we have to take, as you say, one baby step at a time in the right direction. I love that sentence from you. It's the baby steps that count.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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    2. Every baby step is one step closer to where we want to be. =) If we're not moving forward, we have only one other direction to be moving, eh?

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  16. That is some powerful stuff. I needed that little jolt. You are absolutely right. A true writer never gives up.

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth. Never give up is one of the most, if not the most, important character trait for a writer.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  17. Good for you! I had some physical struggles earlier this year, and I had to force myself to write despite the pain. It was hard, but I felt so good afterward.
    I'm so amazed at what you've accomplished in all your writing and submitting. Good luck with your final revisions on your manuscript.
    I look forward to your report next month!

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    1. Great, Jenni. I can feel those good vibrations that you felt when you forced yourself to write, despite the pain. Those writing pieces gain a special place in our hearts because they are truly born of blood, sweat and tears. (I liked that group.)
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  18. Trying to write when you don't feel good is like lugging a backpack filled with rocks up a mountain. It's tough!
    Kudos to you for having the strength to keep on.
    Hugs

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    1. Yes, it is, Sandra, but oh when you reach the mountaintop, the view is beautiful. Thank you so much for dropping by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  19. You're doing amazing with your short story efforts! Getting them out all over the place it sounds like. That mental toughness is definitely needed and I have it, but I find I have a finite amount, so when other parts of life need it, I don't have any left for my writing life.

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    1. Yes, you indeed have it Hart. I think mental toughness grows like an oak tree, little bits at a time, with each crisis. So, the kind of toughness that I have now, I didn't have last year. Yours will continue to grow according to what it is you need to be tough for. Hang in there. Your finite amount is growing and when you need it for your writing life, it will be there. I'm sure of that.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  20. "Anybody can write when they’re feeling good. It’s when you’re rock bottom and still writing that proves you’re a writer."

    Absolutely! Writing got me through anxiety and depression, among other things.

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    1. Spot On, Michelle. That is one of the reasons writing is so precious. We writers enter into a world that helps us to heal and to find our purpose for living. Writing helps us examine ourselves and become better people with an outlook for a better future.
      Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  21. I love this part: "I move slowly, but I move."
    Beautiful.

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    1. Oh Lynda, those few words came to me through revelation as I was writing one day, complaining about being so slow at the moment. It was as if a small voice said to me, but you're still moving and I laughed. I said aloud to myself, I move slowly, but I move. I think that was the turning tide for me. To realize that it's not about who can move the fastest but about moving, regardless of fastly or slowly. You're moving.
      Thanks for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  22. I salute you Ma'am. I have exhaustion issues and joint pain so I get where you're coming from when you speak of a weakened body. It's good to know that you push through and know there are others doing the same. You're not alone in the struggle or knocking over those hurdles.

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    1. Sheena-Kay, I sincerely hope your exhaustion issues and joint pain are getting better. They weakened our body and punch at our goals and our perspectives about life. I hope you keep looking ahead of you and keep moving even if you're moving slowly. Keep moving.
      All the best.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  23. Writing when you least feel able is hard, it feels like wadding through treacle doesn't it? But little by little it moves you forward and for me it is healing, hopefully for you too.

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    1. Yes, indeed, it is, Suzanne. It is healing for me to write. My humor even comes out and I find myself laughing when I write. However, more than that it make me thankful. Thankful that I can write. I am not limited by my not feeling well.
      Thank you for coming by.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  24. Wow, you've been productive!
    Sorry your body hasn't felt well and you've had to fight through it. That does separate the doers from the thinkers.
    And thanks, you have been the most awesome commentor on IWSG post day!

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    1. Thank you, Boss! And I mean that in the most kindness way. It is a joy to be a part of IWSG. I am not always on top of things, but it is a pleasure just to be a part of the group and associate with great people.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  25. I admire people who know what they want and make efforts every day to achieve these goals. Wow. Congratulations on all your successes. You're energy is contagious. :)

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    1. Thank you, Erika. I admire people also who are not afraid to make efforts to achieve their goals. That's why I established my round table of knights. People who made it when others said they couldn't.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  26. Pat, I'm so sorry you aren't well. Love the last line of your post. Very, very hard to write when you're physically not well. As Alex says, you are such a great supporter of IWSG. You always inspire. I hope your doctors can help you feel better.

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    1. Thank you, Diane. I am feeling much better. Every day, a little at a time. Thank you for the compliment. I love being a part of the IWSG. I actually discovered it as I was participating in the A to Z Blog Challenge in April 2015. I read something about Alex's group and knew I wanted to be a part of it. It is a pleasure to share with all of you. We are such a dynamic group of talent. It is beautiful.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  27. I love that tweet, Pat! Thanks so much for sharing. You hang in there, and keep going. You can do it!

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    1. Thank you, Madeline. Those thoughts came to me at the appropriate time. I needed to hear them.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  28. I was nearly overwhelmed by all the projects you have subbed, published, and are working on. Then I discover you're not feeling well. You definitely are a wonderful role model for all of us. I had a cornea transplant a week ago and I was feeling sorry for myself as I am recovering from the ordeal, but you gave me the strength and determination to write through it. Thank you.

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    1. Thank you, J Q. I sincerely hope you are writing through your transplant ordeal. Isn't it almost funny that such things as a transplant and for me, a serious infection, challenges us to rise above what we're feeling and look upward to the heights where we are supposed to be. I can't explain it but I know I would have felt worse if I had not started writing a step at a time. Sometimes, I have written only five lines, but those five lines freed me for that day. There have been other days when I have written more. It does not matter how much I write but that I write. There is my freedom and my healing.
      All the best.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  29. Congrats on the sale of you three stories! It sounds like you've been busy. :)

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    1. Thank you, Cherie. The three stories were published on another blog but I didn't get paid. Or rather I did. That they were selected is a joy for me.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  30. Good on you Pat, you certainly have been very productive. I applaud your perseverance and outlook on life. Congratulations on getting some of your work published - your hard work is paying off. Sorry to hear you're not well, but I hope you're feeling better soon. Thanks for sharing and being so inspiring.

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. Yes, I feel like my writing has left the harbour. I am moving out into deep water and it is a matter of time before I am sailing. As Vince Lombardi would say it is now time to keep doing those things that need to be done so that I am continually moving ahead, continually scoring.
      And I am feeling much better. Thank you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  31. You're doing awesome with your short stories. Congrats on your recent accomplishments and progress. Keep it up!

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    1. Thank you very much Chrys. You received encouragement and joy when one of your babies is being read.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  32. I think writing through the rough patches tells us whether we were meant to be a writer or not. I've had a difficult summer when it comes to my fiction but blogging helped me. We never know what might work.

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    1. Thank you, Katleen. Yes, we do hit those difficult patches. I'm glad that blogging helps you. It is encouraging for me too.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  33. So true, Pat, it's writing when you don't feel physically able that allows you to feel physically able. Great reminder!
    You've made inspiring progress this last month. Wish I could say the same. I'm struggling with my WIP, but I'm sure it'll all work out. Fingers crossed. But really, congratulations on all the success! I read Wordhaus but haven't sent anything for publication. I'll look for your piece!
    The IWSG is a great tool for many of us. You, Pat, are a great inspiration for everyone!

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    1. Thank you, Yolanda. I hope your WIP has made some headway for you. I have sent only one story in to Wordhaus. I am waiting on an answer. They usually closed for new submissions during July and August so I won't hear from them until September.
      Wishing you all the best my dear.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  34. I understand well about staying motivated when not feeling well. Having a chronic illness sometimes makes it difficult. But I keep at it because it kind of helps to have something that distracts.

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    1. Thank you, Bish. Having a chronic illness is not pretty, so I wish you strength and motivation to continue writing and doing all the other things that you do.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  35. Congrats on having 3 stories published, Pat!
    Sounds like you're moving forward...pushing through...getting things done...despite the fact that you haven't been well.
    I love your spirit! It shines through no matter what...
    Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
    Take care of yourself and hope you get better soon!

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    1. Thank you, Michelle. Yes, slowly but surely, I have left the harbour bank and I'm moving further out on the water.
      You take care too.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  36. Thank you for this post - you are an inspiration for me to keep at it, & to not allow myself to get overwhelmed with all I want to do - to take it moment by moment.

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    1. Thank you, Daal. You know, the majority of the time it is difficult but once you start taking moment by moment, you will not regret it. A calm falls upon you, and you know, that you know, all is going to work out for your good.
      So hang in there.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  37. An inspirational post. Congratulations on your published stories!

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    1. Thank you, Deniz. I've just moved out from the harbour, and I'm excited about what is to come.
      All the best to you.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Patricia

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  38. I love reading all the stuff writers get done every month. You've done a lot, Pat!

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    1. Thank you, Jacqui. Somehow your comment slipped past me. I'm sorry.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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  39. I hope you're feeling better! And I agree. I write despite a permanent migraine and chronic fatigue syndrome. We can do this. Congratulations on your publications! I hope you've heard by now on the others.

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    1. Thank you, Shannon. Sorry it took me so long to respond to you. I just discovered it as I was checking my blog to ensure I have responded to all who visit my blogs.
      Shalom aleichem,
      Pat

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