If we were having coffee today, I would settle us both out on the shop’s patio. The vintage table would squeak a bit, and the lollipop painted metal chairs would beckon our weary bones. We would have been back from watching a parade for Memorial Day, pausing for a quick libation before our trek back home.

If we were having coffee, we would chat over our current WIPs and lament our busy schedules. My complaints are ill-conceived, we both agree. My passion for writing needs to be foremost in my life right now, and it seems to be taking a backup position to a menage of other endeavors. “How did I let this happen?” I whine to you.

Perhaps it is just a ‘pause’ , you suggest. A need to recharge before galloping toward the meat of the battle. I am in the middle of my novel editing and it is the worst place to slow down….the effort to cut through the muck and get the plot edges in place seems an impossible task. Yet, it must be done. You share your own dilemma of subplot value and the worry over the challenge your MC is facing. Is it worthy of the work? We both sip our iced coffees and share a snickerdoodle…and make notes on ideas to jump the roadblocks.

If we were having coffee, you would encourage and bolster my spirit…pushing me onward in my writing. And I would hope that I have done the same for you. As we begin to head our opposite directions homeward, we watch a group of children in red/white/blue duds approaching on their decorated bikes. America’s flag whips off the back of the largest bicycle leading the little parade. We smile at each other,  wave goodbye…It is a day of inspiration, gratitude and honor. A day to be thankful for all who have sacrificed for our freedom.  How fortunate we truly are.

Happy Memorial Day!

Hpen~