Jazzy's Books and More
by
Sonja McGiboney
It's that time of year again
When witches dawn on their capes.
The monsters roam the streets of town
The mothers draw the drapes.
The children dress in costumes
From ghosts and bats to bees,
Marching to the neighbor's houses
Scrunching fallen leaves.
It's cold outside and fires are lit.
Friends gather 'round the oven.
Mr. Rat and Cat all dressed in black,
A tiny critter coven.
Jazzy in her witches hat,
Her cape of pink and blue,
Waiting with her coven friends
To eat the witches brew.
I was at the beach last week taking photos for the bike portion of a triathlon. I get to take pictures of people who are fulfilling dreams, goals, or just personal bests. After the race is over, I have the rest of the day to tootle around.
I decided to become the writer on the beach. But since my laptop battery was already drained, I couldn't bring it to the sand. I'm not sure I'd be able to read my writing later if I did it the old fashioned way (that is with pen and paper for you young folks.) I elected to stay in the cute little cottage and work. Dinner time rolled around and one of the other photographers was interested in burgers, so we ate some yummy burgers at a place around mile marker 9. (In case you don't know, many people know where things are by the mile marker. I never paid attention to them before going to the Outer Banks.)
After dinner I left my thoughts and computer and took my camera to the beach. It was a lovely, cool evening and there were families walking around, kids playing in the waves as they crashed ashore. Nobody was swimming, as I believe there was a bacteria warning in effect.
Every now and then I take a few photos that evoke a memory. I was playing with shutter speed. From 1/10 of a second to 3.2 seconds makes a big difference in the look of the waves and people.
These images aren't special because they are "great" but they make me think of the past. Memories of me and the kids by the water come first. Then I am filled with memories of loneliness, peace, sadness and sunshine. The waves evoke an emotional memory, each one special, each one personal, yet beautiful in their awakening.
I am an author. It has taken a while for me to actually apply that phrase to myself. I am living an author life now. I sit by the seaside writing my memoirs....NOT.
Okay, so I'm not there. No seasides for me... yet. While I discover what this new me is supposed to do, I continue to write Jazzy's Books. However, I've also started writing chapter/middle grade stories. Imagine, a book without pictures. Unbelievable. Now I'm becoming a "real" writer.
On my author's journey, I've learned many things but more importantly. I've met a lot of great people.
Recently, this great author, me, spoke at a small retreat in Murfreesboro, NC. (You didn't know I was a celebrity until today, did you?) It went well. The authors in the audience of five were very sweet. You can read all about it on Sherri's blog. https://sherrilhollister.com/2019/09/08/an-exotic-retreat-in-murfreesboro-north-carolina/
It's fascinating to me that there are so many folks out there with stories to tell. And it is in Murfreesboro where I met some wonderful ladies who are telling their stories.
What's your story?
P.S. The picture attached to this post has nothing to do with the retreat, but it's cute.
