What Would I do if I Won the Lottery?

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What would you do if you won the lottery?
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Who has asked or been asked this question? Show of hands? I’m waiting. That’s right, everyone. Since we all like what money provides, it makes sense to enjoy talking about the what ifs.

It’s fun for us to play with imaginary money, huh?

Let’s dream big, shall we? It can’t be a million dollars; we need a bazillion in today’s economy to do all that we want to do. No, I am not greedy, just dreaming big.

Before getting into any of it, I’d hope I would start with gratitude. I’d be thanking God, especially since I didn’t even buy a ticket. And yet, here I am swimming in the lottery pool.

Anyway,

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Debt, gone, including that of my friends and family. And speaking of friends and family, pack your bags, we are going on an all-inclusive vacation. Maybe a couple, maybe more. How fun! There will be one stipulation. We all must have a good time and bring our best for one another to avoid drama. Wouldn’t it be formidable if buying drama-free environments were possible?

Okay, let’s move on from the obvious to some more good stuff.

I would hire the best publishers, writers extraordinaire, editors, and anything else I need to help me write well.

I still have so much to learn. What an adventure it would be.

Do I want to be on the best sellers list? Heck yeah, especially since we are dreaming.

In reality land, I write for the craft of it all, but we are in a different land now.

My fantasy land would also include volunteering, orphanages, food banks, soup kitchens, working with wild animals. All would be so rewarding.

For me, giving back has always mattered, and I’ve found it’s one of the best things we can do for ourselves, let alone others.

Talk about a worthwhile legacy, right? If I didn’t have to clock in, just imagine the opportunities.

Like this… I would love to go around and watch people at Walmart or other random stores. I’d find a way to pick random people to spoil, but without them knowing the source. What was that show long ago? Oh yeah, “The Millionaire”.  Someone would get a large check, but they could not tell anyone where they got it. Yes, that would be so fun. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

I would ensure I too was on the receiving end of generosity. I’m picturing it now.  My silver with black accents Jeep Gladiator or maybe a Rubicon sitting in front of my quaint cabin with large windows and all the modern amenities. Flowers everywhere, a body of water nearby, four seasons, but the mild kind.

Wait, look, my future lab wants to go for a walk.

Finally, there is one more thing I might consider if I had oodles to spare. This one is a little harder to admit because it shows my vanity. Oh well, I’ll just say it. A little nip and tuck would be tempting. Maybe I’d opt out because I don’t want to chase youth, but dang it, gravity has gone a little too wild.

What Books do I Want to Read?

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized1 Comment
Daily writing prompt
What books do you want to read?
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This question feels a bit like being asked what food I want to eat. Holy moly, where do I even begin. Peanut butter, fruit, BBQ protein chips, so many good options.

The best answer to this question might be almost all of them.

From the classics, like My Cousin Rachel, to anything by Nicholas Sparks, to a longtime favorite genre of mine, cozy mysteries.

I’m currently reading one now, The Kidnapped Bride by Steve Higgs. I love his simplicity and humor. I don’t think I’ve ever read his work without laughing, which feels like a small gift every time.

Sometimes my first go-to is to write, when what I actually need is to balance that impulse with reading, and lots of it.

My writing journey has nudged me further down the road of reading even more. Reading widely, soaking up different voices, rhythms, and styles is one of our greatest resources as writers. It has helped me, and continues to help me, decide what kind of writer I want to be, besides a prolific one.

Write About a Few of Your Favorite Family Traditions

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized4 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
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The only ones that come to mind from my own upbringing are putting up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving night and everyone getting Christmas PJs on Christmas Eve. I’ll be honest, I never really thought traditions were that important, that is, until I began seeing how my daughter’s mother-in-law operates.

At first, I thought it was excessive to have so many traditions, this from someone who thinks matching Christmas pajamas are perfectly reasonable. She has been calling our grandkids every year on the first day of school to sing them a traditional song, School Days, one her mom sang to her growing up. Also, if it were not for her having Blayk read The Night Before Christmas every year on Christmas Eve, it probably would not have happened. In fact, since he will be 18 this year, he has handed the torch to his sister.

Even though the grand wee ones are not religious or tied to a faith, every year they participate in Lent with her. How cool is that? Very.

Also, we, she and I, have also made new traditions. I go over on Christmas Eve and stay the night at my son-in-law and daughter’s home. After the kids open their presents on Christmas morning, we all climb into our vehicles and head over to Gama’s and G Daddy’s home to open more gifts. But before the opening begins, there is a Who Made the Best Omelet contest, because apparently Christmas morning is not complete without a little friendly competition. Of course, Gama has already prepared the winning prize, complete with a trophy every year. It is quite fun.

I remember feeling a way at times because she does so much with them. Boy, was I silly, but now I know. She has taught me not only the value of traditions, but also how they naturally bring our family together, creating moments that feel like “our thing” rather than anyone’s alone. She has shown me how to show up a bit more for my loves in this way, and I am so grateful. I believe she has helped instill traditions in our grand wee ones’ lives so deeply that they will continue them for many years to come.

How Sweet It Is

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
List five things you do for fun.
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How Sweet It Is

1. Sharing time with a dear friend
It’s Friday night, and I’m meeting a dear friend for a drink and appetizers. We share and laugh like we’re being paid. No pretense, no judgment, just a safe place to call home, away from home. Friendship is such a sacred place to go. How sweet it is.

2. Coming home to a cozy house There is nothing quite as fun as a comfy moment. A house picked up, laundry tended to, and everything in its place has a way of settling the soul into a place of peaceful bliss. How sweet it is.

3. Reading before the world wakes up Before the crack of dawn, I start reading. It is fun, not just in a let’s go on an adventure today way, but in the I always feel accomplished when I read way. Even a cozy mystery counts. I think it’s because reading feels like a valuable pastime, so my actions and values are lining up. What do they call that, cognitive consonance? Whatever the name, it brings comfort. Us readers are so blessed with the endless entertainment stories bring. How sweet it is.

4. Slow mornings with birds and wonder
I do not pour a cup of ambition. I pour, instead, a cup of awe. I have no obligations, and there is nowhere to go today except outside to listen to the birds. I like to believe they enjoy my company as much as I do theirs. I speak of them often because they are so much more than just birds. The language barrier works for us. I do not try to figure out what they are thinking. No need. I simply let these little creatures delight the senses. How sweet it is.

5. Walking with my ball of sunshine, Dolly
It is that time. Dolly, are you ready? Her joy is pure and abundant, round and around, her exuberance cannot be contained. Sometimes she spins so much she wobbles just a bit to gather her balance. We do not explore far. We have a usual path, one that works perfectly for us. She knows exactly where that first fire hydrant is, and when it comes into view, her tail speeds up and her whimpers of excitement cannot be contained. How sweet it is.

Well, that is five. However, I believe in going the extra mile, so one more. 

How can I not bring forward the fun writing brings? It is a fun and exciting adventure of my own making. Though sometimes it feels more like a need, even a chore, writing almost always finds its way back to fun. Just open the laptop and see where it takes me. How sweet it is.

Now, it is time to go find the next fun thing to do. There are so many. 

Sending warmth and kindness.

Daily Prompt: Write about your first name: Its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized5 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
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I have often been told, “Charli fits you.” I am not sure exactly what people mean by that, but I hope it is a good thing. When I think about how I inhabit the now common name Charli, a few words come to mind: free-spirited, fun-loving, and young at heart. I am those things, just not all the time. I tend to think too deeply and analytically to feel truly free all the time, but I am learning how to let analysis serve me, not run the show.

As for etymology, Google and other sources are far better historians than I am, so I will happily leave the official origins of the name to the curious reader and their search bar. What matters most to me is not where the name came from, but how it keeps nudging me in the present, reminding me to loosen my grip, soften my seriousness, and occasionally tell my inner analyst to take a coffee break while Charli goes out and plays.

Daily Prompt: What’s your Dream Job.

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized7 Comments

Gosh, this is tough.

I could imagine working with animals like dolphins, elephants, bears, and lions. Or being a paid writer. Or even working with Dolly Parton, doing whatever she wanted me to do. The truth is, I am a dreamer with no bounds. I should have been a philosopher, as I tend to ponder things deeply and often. In an ideal world, I would be an independent thinker with flexible hours, able to work from home or travel, while still getting the work done.

If I am honest, my dream job would offer meaningful work, great hours, and enough flexibility to live well. In that sense, I already have much of what I once dreamed of. A lot about my current job feels tailor made for me.

That does not mean every day is perfect. Some days are a nightmare, though those are rare. And while I do not make dream earnings, I do have stability, purpose, and sometimes room to breathe.

Overall, I am grateful. Because often, it feels like I am living the dream, one grounded in responsibility and possibility. 

And Dolly, I am still waiting for your call. Shoes on. Bag packed.

Daily Prompt: What Makes a Good Leader

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Let’s start with what it is not. It is not intimidation or fear induced through micromanagement and unrealistic expectations. A good worker knows that while guidance and instruction may be needed for improvement, they still yearn to be trusted with the job at hand.

What a good leader does not also include a rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches. People are not interchangeable parts. They bring different temperaments, needs, strengths, and limits into the same shared space.

This is where acclimation comes to mind first. It is a skill set I deeply admire because it reflects an understanding of the varied dynamics of different people. Authentic acclimation does not involve putting on facades to adjust to others. It is not deception. It is tapping into our own dynamic personality and adjusting accordingly.

Some people respond best to reassurance, while others do not need it at all. Some benefit from a quieter approach that allows them to express themselves fully. Others simply need space to vent and then move forward. Some are more reserved and do not want to talk much. They are there to do their job and often operate best with minimal oversight.

A good leader recognizes these differences without losing themselves in the process. Acclimation does not mean abandoning core values. It means leading with awareness while remaining grounded in who you are.

I observe my boss in team meetings and am often in awe of her ability to acclimate while still remaining her true self. I can say that confidently because time has revealed her consistency. Her core values do not shift. Her integrity is steady. That authenticity is visible.

At times, she does not always get it right, particularly in how she interprets me. Yet even that has been instructive. Through her leadership, I have learned more about myself, how I respond, what I need, and where I still have room to grow.

In that way, good leadership does more than guide performance. It invites reflection, growth, and understanding on both sides.

She knows I get in my head and that I can be a bit much with my need to be perfect. She listens carefully, offers space to vent, and at times shares her own vulnerability. That openness makes it easier for me to speak honestly about frustrations, fears, and mistakes.

Sometimes I wish I had not. A written evaluation often follows. At first, I felt betrayed, as though my trust had been mishandled. I wanted those conversations to stay contained. But she is my supervisor, and she is doing her job.

Over time, I have come to understand that my transparency does not remove accountability. It requires it. Her responsibility to acknowledge issues professionally does not disappear because I am open with her. In fact, it keeps both of us honest. It reminds me that vulnerability is not a shield, and leadership is not a loophole.

She inspires me to be real, and she expects me to remain accountable, even when I know the consequences. 

She has shown me what it is to be a good leader. I am grateful! 

If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized4 Comments

This is from a previous prompt; I so appreciate these cool inspirations. I need, though, to quit procrastinating and get back to my very first murder mystery. My lack of experience is a bit of a pickle, but I love pickles, sometimes sweet, sometimes sour.

Anyway…

My instinct is to give the obvious response, to understand how much I love her. However, Dolly-Anna is quite aware, and I am convinced the feelings are mutual.

What I really wish is that I could make her understand how much I yearn to know her thoughts, to ask that she find ways to lessen the language and species barrier. She already lets me know when her water dish needs filling, or when it is time to get back to the task at hand. She knows her human gets quite lost in thought, so she has developed strategies to help me help her.

After work, we go straight to the kitchen, as we both know it is “that” time. I start preparing her delicious entrée when, not always but often, I get distracted. She knows exactly what she must do. She begins howling at me, and when I look at her, she looks at her dish, then back at me, as if saying, Get it together, woman!! I can almost hear her inner “Feed me, Seymour” voice.

When she wants a good pet, she comes as close to my face as she can and sits like a hairy mannequin, not moving even the slightest bit until I notice her. Sometimes, I just stare back at her, because she is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

What I wish I could make her understand is that I long to understand her, her thoughts, her frustrations, beyond my easily distracted self. I want her to humor and help her human, especially when she does not feel well. “Dear Dolly, tell me where it hurts, and what do you need? Mama wants to fix.”

When she is anxious, listening to the fireworks, I would also love for her to understand that it is loud but non-threatening. Mostly, I wish she knew that every howl, stare, and dramatic pause has already taught me something. She may never speak my language, but somehow she has managed to train me anyway.

Daily Prompt: If You Could Un-Invent Something, What Would It Be?

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized3 Comments

I really appreciate this prompt because it is something I have been thinking about a lot lately.

For me, the answer comes easily, and it is one I am guilty of myself. Single-use plastics, things like Keurig cups and water bottles. I know I want to be a good steward of my home, my body, and our earth. And yet, time and again, I choose convenience over the more intentional care required to do better.

That choice says something uncomfortable. It suggests that caring for us as a whole does not always weigh as much as my desire for the quick and easy way. I am not proud of that, but I recognize it. And I am far from alone. The cost of these choices is mounting as many of us make them, often without much pause.

Perhaps this small confession does more than simply acknowledge the problem. Maybe it nudges me toward action instead of just consideration. Yes, it would be nice if things that harm us more than they help us had never been invented. Just as it would be nice if I more consistently chose alternatives that do not add to the growing burden single-use plastics bring.

For now, I am noticing the tension, between what I value and what I reach for, and allowing that awareness to linger. Sometimes, that is where change begins.

Overwhelming Love Seen Rolling Down My Cheeks.

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

It was my granddaughter’s performance. She was twelve, sharing the stage with around twenty other kids, ages five to seventeen. The play already had me feeling warm and fuzzy when, right after their final bow, my granddaughter suddenly called out,

“Today is my biggest supporter Mimi’s birthday. Will you join us in singing happy birthday to her?”

What?! Oh my goodness!

As all those stars began to sing, joined by the audience, the love inside me could not be contained; It flowed down my face in pure joy.

Enjoying My Own Company, Again

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Honestly, I haven’t been writing much at all, not for the last several or more months.  Along with that, my reading has been significantly less. Even taking care of myself, exercise, nutrition, just has not been a priority. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been horrible. I have enjoyed aspects of the stillness, even believe some essential.

Until…

I have noticed my thought patterns have been more theatrical and chaotic, emotions less regulated, fretting more, resurfacing insecurities, and restlessness rising. Also, I have not been outside much.  I think for most of us, nature always brings us home.  I found myself checking out more on the surface but overthinking like crazy on the inside.  So, I decided to take a few personal days.  I am so thankful for this choice, especially with some added stress at work these last couple of weeks.

On the first day off, I kept my recent patterns alive and well. I was obsessed about work and system issues.  I need my job so losing it isn’t an option. Anyway, I thought to myself, maybe just give up the remaining personal days if I am going to just obsess about work, just log in and get back at it.   However, I reminded myself I can do hard things, but I don’t want to today, lol.  I knew what needs to happen so stay the course of my mission to return to enjoying my own company again, so…

 Today, my second day off,  I woke up at my normal time, between 4 and 5. I immediately started scrolling and shortly after, I turned on the TV. Thankfully, I heard my inner voice louder.

Wait woman, didn’t you already tell yourself what you want and need to do?  It is time to get back up on that proverbial horse and ride baby ride, only nice and easy, likened to a trot in a surrounded by field of flowers.

 I reached over, grabbing a great book, For the life of me, I’ll never figure out why I put off reading when every single time I start, I am inspired to not only read more, but to write more.  Anyway, it was so cathartically peaceful.  Door open, soft breeze. It was so early that the beautiful sounds of nature had yet to rise for the day. Once they did start their mesmerizing symphony, I sat outside and enjoyed the app my Ornithologist brother hooked me up with. You start a recording and as the birds start entertaining their listeners, the app tells you what birds they are and all about each one.   I felt both calm and intrigued.  Curiosity is a gift that I never want to give back, and today I realized I was choosing to relinquish its bounty.   I believe when I allow myself to remain in an apathetic state to help me digest life’s challenges, I lose so much. I don’t want to be so weary that I lose the spark sweet curiosity brings. While I don’t want to take life and myself so seriously, I don’t want indifference either. Balance is, as ALWAYS, key.

Back to the morning, 

Just as I was finishing the book, my Grand Nae Nae opened her door across the hall. She informed me that she is going for a walk, and I asked if I could join, me and Dolly. The journey was short and sweet.    When we returned, we did some chores and now I am at my laptop writing.

Are all those stressors still here? Yes!!! Are all the circumstances that have been causing fret left the inner dwellings? Heck to the NO!!!

However, I am back up in the saddle for today and ready to keep on keeping on in a manner conducive to enjoying the moments more and having the coping skills to do what needs to get done in a more efficient, calm and steady manner.

 We always have work to do, growth is a necessary blessing, though not always fun.  I like the authentic, easy-going, free-spirited person I am, but those attributes require intentional habits and routines to be authentic and sustainable.  

 I will put in the intention and follow through, not for perfection, but for balance’s sake!! Will this last? Will I stay on track? Maybe not, probably not, there will always be seasons to a degree. For today, however, I welcome the me again that enjoys my own company.

 Thank you, reader, for sitting with me awhile. 

Ah, here I go again, starring in my own dramatic documentary.

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized8 Comments

The lighting is intense, the soundtrack is emotional, and the audience (also me) is on the edge of her seat wondering if I will survive the tragic ordeal of a mildly awkward moment.

Maybe the camera crew can take a lunch break. Maybe not everything needs a sequel, a plot twist, or a slow motion replay at three in the morning. Some moments deserve nothing more than a shoulder shrug, a little snort of laughter, and a snack.

And oh, the relief when I let myself laugh instead of lecture. Ahhh, it feels good to invite back the sparkle, the silliness, the lightness that seriousness has been sitting on like a grumpy hall monitor. Laughter opens the windows, lets fresh air in, and suddenly life doesn’t feel so tight around the ribs.

I can choose to treat my everyday missteps as bloopers instead of character flaws. I can roll my eyes with affection at my overthinking and remind myself that most things do not require a board meeting, a written report, or a twelve hour internal audit.

I can care and still stay light. I can be human and still find the humor in the whole messy, heartfelt thing.

I am practicing holding life and myself a little more lightly.

Thank you for sitting with me today.

Baffled by her Brilliance

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She is so wise; I swear she understands me. I talk to her often, monologue-ish conversations where I ramble about my day and, yes, sometimes answer for her too.

I like to think she has an above-average IQ, maybe higher than most humans.

Then I look up, and she’s trying to shove her bone into the top blanket, but there’s nowhere to shove it. She sits back, studies the situation, then tries again with renewed determination. She tilts her head, clearly baffled that her hidden treasure is still in plain sight.

I step in and tuck it away for her. She lays down for what seems like a proper hiney-bo grooming session, lol.

So maybe I overestimate her intellectual capacities. Or maybe she’s just a genius pretending to be simple so she can keep her room and board.

Her

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She is a winner. The orneriest, wittiest, wisest, most entertaining, fun, curious, loyal, loved, easy laughing, unique, inspiring, honest, and beautiful lady of integrity there ever was. I’m not exaggerating!

Yes, she and Dad introduced me to God, and for that I am eternally grateful. She has shown up for all of her loves, over and over again. She instilled in me the notion that thoughts are things, and each and every day, I reflect on the gift she gave me.

It was afternoon, just after school, as I recall. We were cleaning the counter, and I don’t remember what she was responding to. I can only imagine I was expressing a less than enthusiastic attitude about having to do chores, lol.

Anyway, I still hear her voice.

Don’t get me wrong, she isn’t perfect. But dang, she comes close. I say this because ever since I can remember, she’s put up with my shenanigans, and when we’ve faced friction (usually my doing), she never stopped proving her unconditional love.

There is no one more deserving of my respect and admiration.

She isn’t tall, but if you mess with one of her loves, well, let’s all be glad she doesn’t carry.

Despite her being a bit of a private introvert, when it comes to family, furry and otherwise, they are her world entire.

And one more thing, don’t just take my word for it. She is so cherished, so adored, and so deeply loved by her devoted husband, Papa, her sissy, her four other children and their spouses, all her many grands, thirty plus in all, including all her grands and great grands. Then there are the nieces, nephews, not to mention her many familial friends, all of which cherish the treasure she is. Her magical self continues to touch so many lives.

Mama, when it comes to you, finding what’s right always comes easily, the easiest in fact.

Pollyanna with a Side of Real Talk

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Yes, I choose to be a Pollyanna type of person. I have been scammed, cheated, hit, raped (TMI), bullied, lied to, and abandoned, mostly by myself. I have made plenty of poor and selfish choices too. I feel some know less trauma, but most the same or more. We’re all part of the same messy tribe called “people,” trying to make sense of it as we go.

Yet, I prefer to believe in the goodness of people and businesses. Not because it is easier to live in denial than be bothered with discernment or discomfort; but because I believe in good people and businesses that run on integrity. I have experienced much more of the good stuff.

My employers, for example, have displayed strong and healthy transparency and honest business practices. Plus, most of my dealings, besides the company I work for, have been honorable. Finding hard workers who do right by you and aim to earn your business is such a privilege to witness.

Also, my family is not perfect, but I have been blessed to know what it is to be on the receiving end of noble parents and siblings. And I have lifelong friends who have withstood the test of time and friction. Good ladies!

As a customer service rep, I know engaging with challenging attitudes is very stressful, but still they are the minority by a long shot. Most people are either civil, and some give the kind of warmth I like giving and receiving.

Where am I going with all this? Hold on while I try to remember, lol, jk.

I just have noticed lately that now I understand why the older population gets crotchety. People seem to just ignore when we have issues. I don’t want to be negative, but this is a bummer. Maybe I am also exemplifying a boomer approach that is causing… idk.

Hey…

Maybe, this wasn’t a rant. Maybe, it was just a small prayer disguised as one. For goodness to keep showing up. For grace to meet frustration halfway. For all of us to stay kind, even when it’s hard. And for hope to remind us why believing in the good is still worth it. Lastly, may we find the balance of discernment to avoid unnecessary bumps in the road.

My Heart

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We all know time passes. We learn that fast, sometimes too fast. And we all figure out eventually that we are not here forever. Death is part of the deal. It is not a surprise, and yet it always is.

It boggles my entire being that I have an eighteen-year-old granddaughter. Not just any granddaughter, but my new roomie. Hilarious, full of fire and fun, she brings energy into every corner of the room. Nothing about her is quiet. She is bold and brilliant and beautifully complex, just like the women who came before her. She has my heart.

And then there is Blayk, my soon-to-be seventeen-year-old grandson. My only boy. He is becoming one of the best men I have ever known. There is something steady in him, a deep well of compassion and strength that humbles me. He is rising into himself with grace, and I am honored to see it. He has my heart.

My middle granddaughter, my shining Mady Skye Pie, is just two weeks away from her golden birthday. Thirteen. The edge of something magical. She is a blend of sparkle and steel. She is thoughtful and creative. She is already showing signs of becoming a force in the world, just like the women who came before her. She has my heart.

And then there is my baby-girl Rachel, now seven. Uniquely cool, endlessly lovable, and deeply missed. I carry her giggles in my memory like a favorite song I can’t stop humming. She has my heart.

This life, these children, these moments, these years… they move through me like a wind I never saw coming, but I would not live without. I would not trade a single second of watching them grow. I love them fully. I remember every version of who they have been and who they are becoming.

They each have my heart, and always will

On the Porch: A Little Curiosity & Coffee

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Good morning, my friends. I am so delighted to have you on my porch this morning. Sit down, let me get you a yummy cup of coffee, or do you prefer tea? Oh, here is a blanket to put over your legs. Isn’t that cozy? What a beautiful day, huh? I am smiling so big inside now that you are here; it is an even sweeter place.

I love that we get to visit awhile. It’s been such a joy sharing my dreams and messy bits with you, and now I’d love to know more about you too.

Can you relate to finding people fascinating? We’re creatures, not so different from the ones we watch on nature shows: living, eating, sleeping, surviving. Now, don’t get offended. I’m not saying we’re out here in the wild picking tiny critters off each other’s fur! In our own odd way, though, we’re just animals too, born, nourished, messy, and eventually moving on.

Yes, we share so many of the same aspects because we’re the same species. And yet, our differences are remarkable. If I told you I sometimes see people as a living research project, would you be offended? No one wants to feel like an experiment. I think maybe “research project” isn’t quite the right way to say it. Maybe it’s better to say we’re all little mysteries to one another, and that’s a good thing. It’s one of the best parts of being human, discovering how beautifully different or similar we are and what surprises hide behind ordinary faces.

Instead of asking if you like to be studied, let’s wander into this question instead. We are dynamic creatures who have varying aspects of ourselves that come out to play or explore. My desire to know and understand is pretty constant, but with some I am allowed to go in. I put my reporter hat on and delve in. Oh, how I love those who indulge my insatiable curiosity. How about you? Should I go get my hat; or do you have one you want to wear with me? I want you to feel so comfortable with me. I am genuinely interested, my friend.

Sometimes, it is easier to open up when you are with someone who is also willing to be vulnerable with you, huh? It is key. The best kinds of encounters are the ones that feel balanced, real, raw, and bounce freely between listening and sharing, and maybe laughing so hard you spill your coffee down your shirt. That happens on my porch more than I’d like to admit. Spilling is a superpower, right? Maybe it’s not the mess but the permission to be a little messy together that makes connection real. Each connection, whether lifelong or brief, taps into different parts of who we are and invites out new or blossoming stories.

For example, let me tell you about my circle of friends to show you what I mean. With one, I am quite the babbling soul, and laughter always shows up. With another, we go straight to deeper conversations, discussing safely our faiths, our thoughts, even politics. She is a willing participant, always eager to go in. Then there is one gal pal who has taught me much from our interactions. She is a strong and enduring soul and friend, so feisty and lovable too. Each friend and connection brings and teaches so much. Oh wait, there is one more to share. She is a special friend that I am a bit intimidated by and still feel so close to. It is such an awkward dynamic. I find her and us a mystery that I hope to discover. However, I will have to let my guard down with her, and she with me if that is to happen. It isn’t an intentional wall; we are just both private and open too. I suppose I just don’t know her well enough yet.

Do you have people like that too? Close but also a little intimidating, familiar yet still a puzzle?

Oh, my goodness, like our time on this porch, the day is warming up nicely, dear sparkling reader. I don’t want to keep you from today’s journey.

What say you? Should we do this again? It has been very fun hanging out with you. I could sit with you for hours. Thank you for your time and for your willingness to ignite connection. It feels so good; shall we plan for our next visit… you, me, a porch, a cup of coffee, and some enticing curiosity lingering in the air? I hope you always feel welcome here. Let’s keep this porch inviting for next time; we’re just getting started.

Spilling Love,

Charli Renee

I Did It!! I Have Accepted My Very First Rejection Letter.

On By Charli ReneeIn Uncategorized10 Comments

About a year ago, I decided to try my hand at writing my very first novel. How exciting that felt! What I am learning is that I don’t really know what I am doing, but I am having fun figuring it out. Writing always inspires more writing. I like that, and I like the writer in me.

Have you read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott? I have. This author is so talented, witty, and honest. She emphasizes writing for the right reasons, that if you’re doing it hoping to get published, become famous, and pay off all your debt, you will most likely find yourself disappointed. She says, sure, one can achieve much, but even if one writes and writes and writes some more, chances are most won’t ever get published. It’s important to know that going in.

I even asked a writing AI what the odds were of having one of my submissions selected. It told me that while it’s possible, the odds aren’t good that it will come soon, that it takes commitment, many submissions, lots of rejection, and maybe, just maybe, someone will take a chance on you. Speaking of AI, I believe that while AI has its place, outsourcing creativity only leads to a lack of creativity on one’s own. I know that’s a side note, but it feels worth saying. Anyway, with AI helping so many new writers create and submit, the competition is even bigger, making it harder for fresh voices to break through. Most published pieces still come from writers who are already published, so to say it is a challenge to get our ideas in the door is a bold understatement.

Even knowing all this, ever since I started writing my very first novel, I have felt these tickles tapping on my shoulder. Pssst… have you considered submitting some of your finished projects to different magazines and contests? You know you’ve always wanted to.

“Yes, what a great idea,” I told those pesky tickles. Despite the truth of the matter, I am going in. I am going to do it and not care one way or the other about the outcome. I derive great pleasure in putting my mind’s comings and goings out in written word, so I’ll submit even if just for myself to say I am good enough to try. If someday I’m a tremendous success… lol… shhhh… enough of that. So, I started submitting and competing. I have no reason not to, well, until I received my first…

So sorry, but you were not selected.

Wait… what?! Read it again, Charli… nope, I read it right the first time. Hey, they did mention they want me to keep submitting. This is hopeful, right? Except I asked the online knowers of all, and they let me know it was a standard generic and graceful rejection letter. My heart sank for a moment, genuinely stung by the no. Of course, they want me to keep trying because submitting is not free, lol. “Hush, bitter one,” I told myself. I laugh, sort of, because a part of me actually thought I could win this thing. I sulked a moment and even thought, why am I doing this at all?

You know what, though? Guess what! It was the catalyst that brought me here. Seriously, it inspired me to make my very own destination, to take my attic full of promise and creativity and let it shine. Even if I never get published, even if no one comes knocking on my door or wants to come sit with me, I’ve decided I don’t have to be selected to keep trying and showing up for myself, and to be so proud of that.

Thanks for reading my very first blog post. I’d love to read your “not yet” story or rejection moment, because after all, this is something we share. We are all more than enough, just for showing up.