Thankful / Happenings In The Outhouse 24-Nov-2023

I am thankful for so many things.

The people in my life who lift me up instead of tearing me down.

The steady job I have that allows me to do some fun things as well as giving me the freedom to write.

To find a purpose to live the life I want to live.

There are so many things to be thankful for.

Let's Chat Briefly About Suicide / Happenings In The Outhouse 17-Nov-2023

A few weeks ago, a young lady in our small community committed suicide.  She was a successful businesswoman who was well-known and well-liked.  In fact, at the funeral home for her service, it was standing room only as the people packed themselves inside.  It was a tremendous tribute to her legacy, despite the tragic manner of her passing.

With her suicide, it was the same story you heard many times.  "Oh, I never knew she was depressed."  "Oh, I wish she would've reached out."  "I never knew."

Trust me, for those seriously considering this way out, you never know.  Never.

Remember this guy?

Nobody ever knew what he was going to do on that fateful August day in 2014.

For those in the aftermath of a suicide, the family members and friends will always wonder what they could've done.  Let me answer it: nothing.  Yup, I said it.  Nothing.

Nothing.

I hate to be so blunt.  But nothing except the power of the Lord can help.

More on this topic another time . . .

Didn't Impress Me Much / Happenings In The Outhouse 10-Nov-2023

I was going to dedicate this post to the subject of suicide, but will hold off on that topic until next week.

This past weekend, my girlfriend and I went to a concert by a country music icon, a queen of country so to speak.  Tickets were bought almost a year ago, and we had anticipated how great this concert was going to be.

Well . . . not sugar-coating this, the queen didn't impress us much.

This brings up the point of either not accepting feedback or not being supplied the correct feedback on your art.  Sure, something you create may not be for everyone.  And that's okay.  But when there are repeated suggestions on what's missing (or whatever), then maybe you should listen.

I feel bad for Shania Twain's band.  They played their heart out, and at the end of the day it was Shania's poor performance that will linger on in people's minds.

Down To The Wire / Happenings In The Outhouse 03-Nov-2023

Early on in October, I was able to submit a new short story, with a specific theme, by 10/31 at midnight.  I tried working on this story for a few weeks, but for whatever reason it just wasn't working.  I couldn't figure out the story at all.

Then, over last weekend, I got an idea for a new story that would fit.  With only a few days left to submit, I quickly wrote the story and sent it off.  Right down to the wire.

Crossing my fingers that it works, and now with the new month I'm off to work on other stories.