I really miss singing. Had to give up my standing gigs in Polk County when I moved to Navarre Beach, but even though I am on a super short tether with Mom, I just about feel ready to start looking for a few gigs up here.
I finally finished writing a new song. I’m such a slow poke; been working on it forever. I’ll upload it soon to my “Etc.,” Reverb Nation page. Found a jam group I'll be checking out at some point. I don’t know that it will be a fit for me, but it's a start. And I started an Awesome Authors in person writer’s group at the local library! We had our first meeting last week and had a grand time.
Caregiving update
Mom is slowing down at an almost alarming rate. My brother and I resumed her home health for physical therapy to help maintain and hopefully gain back some of her strength. She must remain ambulatory. Prayers appreciated 🙏🙏.
She’s eating well (thank God 🙏). Food was a major battle ground for several months (common with dementia), until we started feeding her almost exclusively my souped-up pancakes. If she knew what I put in them, she’d never put one in her mouth. They’re veritable nutrition bombs. But tasty 😋. They’re silver dollar size, and she loves them. We top them with nut butter instead of syrup. Recipe available upon request.
She’s more confused than she was last update. It’s become difficult for her to follow simple prompts like “wash your hands,” “turn around,” or, when walking backwards, “move your feet,” which she has to do when getting positioned to sit down.
We are less challenged in some areas of her care, because she’s accepted that she needs help and is easier to get along with than she was a few months back, at the same time, we’re more challenged in other areas. It's a roller coaster ride to be sure.
What I’m working on and what’s new
As you know, I’m an eclectic writer with six columns on Substack, all free to subscribe to, though most come with the option to support my work by becoming paid subscribers. At the moment, only the God and Women column has a few articles exclusively for paid subscribers, and that’s because they are chapters of the second edition of my book on that topic (see cover below). The first edition is already free to read for KU subscribers.
I have begun posting the 2nd edition of my book as a chapter-by-chapter series for paid subscribers of my God and Women column. What do you think of the new cover and title?
I don’t expect paid subscribers to one of my other columns to buy another subscription just to access the book chapters, so in consideration and appreciation of those who are or become paid subscribers to at least one of my columns, I will add an additional—complimentary—subscription to any or all of my other Substack columns upon request. Just let me know which one[s] interest you. I have updated my subscription offers to reflect this new benefit. Key word here is, upon request. The option remains open for those who wish to support my work by becoming paid subscribers to more than one of my columns. Links to all my columns are HERE.
Fitness Tip
It’s overcast today, but if it doesn’t rain, I plan to do a beach-walk later. One mile of sand-walking is double the calorie burn of walking on solid ground, and it’s great for strength, balance, and endurance!
I took the picture above at the foot of Navarre Beach Bridge during one of my one-mile walks across it. I posted it on X, where I was grousing about an author who was harvesting followers and comments. As you can see from the number of likes and comments I got, a whole lot of others agreed with me. I responded to every one of those 125 comments. Harvesters, uuugh!
So long for now from Navarre Beach. I love getting to know my readers; what’s happening with you? What’s one of your pet peeves?
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Jocelyn Andersen writes and speaks on a variety of topics. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television. She has written several non-fiction books and is currently working on her first novel.
Connect with Jocelyn on Facebook, Goodreads, LinkedIn, and X. Links to all her Substack columns are HERE.
On a personal note: Most of my columns (I have several) are focused on the issues and passions I write about, but in the past, I have rarely written about what’s going on with me personally. This is the place for me to get over that.