It's the first Wednesday of the month,
the day that members of the
Insecure Writer's Support Group
share their writing struggles
and writing successes
and offer their encouragement
and support to fellow writers.
To visit the IWSG website, click here.
To become a member of the IWSG, click here.
Our wonderful co-hosts who are volunteering today,
along with IWSG Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are P.J. Colando, Diane Burton, Natalie Aguirre, Jacqui Murray, and me, Louise - Fundy Blue!
along with IWSG Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are P.J. Colando, Diane Burton, Natalie Aguirre, Jacqui Murray, and me, Louise - Fundy Blue!
I hope you have a chance to visit today's hosts and thank them for co-hosting.
I'm sure they would appreciate a visit and an encouraging comment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every month the IWSG announces a question that members can answer
with advice, insight, a personal experience, or a story in their IWSG posts.
if they aren't sure what to write about on IWSG Day.
Remember the question is optional.
This month's featured question is:
This month's featured question is:
In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy December, Everyone!
It will definitely be a happy month for me!
I'm flying to Calgary on Sunday to see some of my family.
I haven't seen anyone in my family since the pandemic began.
We are very close, and it has been really hard for me to be so far away.
We Five
Barbie, Bertie, Roy, Me (Louise), and Donnie
Smith's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
August 7, 2019
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
Stresses and delights in writing?
Right now it's very black and white for me.
If I write, I'm delighted, and if I don't, I'm stressed.
November has been a frustrating month for me.
Graves Disease is impacting my eyesight, and my double vision is worsening,
making it difficult to drive and sometimes difficult to read and to write.
This has led to my battling depression.
My glasses that I bought to correct my double vision in late August
are almost useless, because my vision has changed so much.
I look like a turtle with an outstretched neck when driving,
with my head lifted up and my glasses perched on the tip of my nose to see in focus.
And then there's the big pair of wraparound sunglasses on top of my prescription glasses,
because the sunlight hurts my eyes.
Nevertheless, I tackled NaNo and managed 39,605 words.
I'm disappointed I didn't get to 50,000 words,
but I've promised myself I'll reach that 50,000 words
after I return from Calgary and before Christmas.
I'm sorry I neglected my blog this month.
I didn't have the energy to both blog and participate in NaNo
I know I'll get on top of things. This is transitory.
My endocrinologist and my ophthalmologist will work their magic,
and I'll be back to a more normal me.
I'm looking forward to a lot more writing delight!
And I have a new working title for my memoir: Northern Exposure.
This has been resonating with me lately,
because my memoir is about more than Lansdowne House.
My book needs Fritz and John and Two Point on Lac Seul.
Meanwhile, as an IWSG co-host, I am looking forward to making the rounds.
I plan to visit lots of members today!
Northern Exposure 1
Mom, Gretchen (our dog), Donnie, Roy, and Barbie (back)
Baby Bertie, and Me (front)
Lansdowne House, Ontario, Canada
Late Spring 1960
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
Northern Exposure 2
Mom, Gretchen (our dog), Donnie, Roy, and Barbie (back)
Baby Bertie, and Me (front)
Lansdowne House, Ontario, Canada
Late Spring 1960
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
Northern Exposure 3
Bertie (left), Fritz, Barbie, and John (front)
Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada
Summer 1960
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
I hope each of you has fun visiting around today.
Have a wonderful holiday season however you celebrate,
and happy writing to each of you in December!
Till next time ~
Fundy Blue
https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com
Hi Louise. Well done on getting nearly 4,000 words written, that's a lot. Great photos of you all! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteThanks, Valerie, and hugs to you!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of your problem with Graves disease. It's a year since I had my cataract done, and I was celebrating being able to see again. And that was with one eye more or less functional (less in bright sunlight, strangely enough), but it all got delayed because of, you know, covid. But I know the problem of writing & editing with impaired vision.
ReplyDeleteI hope they can work some medical magic and at least get your sight back under control.
Jemima
Thanks, Jemima! Covid has really impacted our lives! I hope you get your second cataract operation soon. I'm very hopeful, because my mother had Graves disease with worse eye problems, and her doctors were able to help with her vision.
DeleteReally sorry you are battling seeing clearly! Hope they can correct both issues.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy seeing your family. It's time.
Boy is it ever time, Alex! I can't wait to hug my brother Roy, my sister Donnie, and everyone else! Fingers crossed that the omicron virus won't mess things up. Have a great day!
DeleteSo glad you are getting to see your family. I saw mine in September, and it was wonderful! So sorry to hear about your vision problems. I think it's amazing that you wrote as much as you did in November while struggling with your health challenges. Thanks for co-hosting with me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you had a wonderful get-together with your family, Natalie! I'm certainly anxious to see some of my mine. Some will need to be next summer. I was pretty dogged about writing in November. I worked out hard because that made me feel a little better. Have fun visiting around as a co-host today!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting, Louise. I love your stories. Your photographs are always so interesting. I can only imagine what a fantastic childhood you had. Your nano experience is more than I've ever done. Not finishing isn't the point. You tried and you stuck to it. Kudos! Sorry about your eyes. But of course, they'll work their magic.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joylene! Things will get better! My childhood was definitely a good and experience rich one. Fritz and John were Métis, and they remained important people to my family throughout their lives. I miss them both very much. Have a happy time visiting around today. I'm behind, because of course I had a medical appointment today ~ LOL. Take care!
DeleteI'm so sorry about your vision issues. Seeing correctly means so much. As always, I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Thanks, Teresa! I can't manage a post without photos ~ I love photos! Have a great IWSG Day!
DeleteLOVE your pictures, Louise. They say "Family!" I've got tons of them I have yet to catalog. Hang in there health-wise. I so appreciate your struggle. Feel strong and happy holidays!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement, Nancy! I have tons of photos still to catalog too. I'm hanging in as best I can healthwise. One day at a time. Happy IWSG Day!
DeleteI'm so sorry about your eyesight. Can they fix both problems?
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time with your family.
Hi, Diane! Hopefully, both problems are fixable, and I can't wait! I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a Merry Christmas. Take care!
DeleteHow wonderful you'll be with family soon. So important. Covid has made us appreciate family more. So sorry to hear about your eyes. What an adjustment that must be. Be careful. Congrats on NaNo. 39+k words is terrific. Thanks for cohosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane! Family is everything to me, and this separation has been a difficult one. I'm doing my best to be careful. I've been confining my driving to mid-day, and my husband drives me at other times. I know this will pass. Have a happy holiday season!
DeleteYikes--eye problems. A horror for writers. I have glaucoma, vary between fighting and hiding under a pillow, so I understand your worry about Graves Disease. I send you positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jacqui! I'm really sorry to hear that you are dealing with glaucoma. You give me hope because you are amazing! Bug hugs to you, my friend!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI simply admire you and your willingness to keep moving in a positive ray of light.
Enjoy your family. I am very close to my family too and I miss not being able to visit them.
Thank you so much for co-hosting also.
Wishing you a very joyful Merry Christmas and a safe crossover into 2022.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Thanks, Pat! I talk with friends who don't have a close family, and I can't imagine how they persist without one. I am blessed and so are you! I hope that you are enjoying a Happy Hanukkah with your family. Happy IWSG Day! Take care!
DeleteSo glad you finally get to visit your family after pandemic separation. We just returned from a road trip to spend US Thanksgiving with my mom & siblings--a great feeling after the holidays that weren't. I hope your vision problems clear up quickly. Still, 30K+ words in one month is nothing to sneeze at! Happy writing in December.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Sadira. I'm really happy that you saw your family recently. There's nothing better than a big hug from a brother or sister. Happy writing to you in December! Take care!
DeleteI hope the doctors can help with your eyesight! Congrats on NaNo, even if you didn't complete the 50K. I'm a turtle writer and could never tackle that pace.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and thank you for co-hosting.
Thanks, Cathrina! I'm more comfortable as a turtle writer than a roadrunner, but I pushed myself to participate. Merry Christmas to you and happy writing!
DeleteI am moved with your struggle to write and how you expressed your challenge on the page. I went back and studied why you captured my attention. I loved this word picture,
ReplyDelete"...I look like a turtle with an outstretched neck when driving, with my head lifted up and my glasses perched on the tip of my nose to see in focus..."
Yes, you will win the battle. You and your doctors are a power team.
Reading your post inspired me to use more word pictures in my writing. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
Lynn La Vita @ http://la-vita.us/write/
Thanks, Lynn! Your kind and encouraging post lifted my spirits! Have a good one!
DeleteCongrats on 39,600 words! November was my first attempt at Nanowramo. Too much got in the way. Hope I have better luck next year. Writing for others gives me stress. Writing for myself, delight. Thank you for co-hosting. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Adrienne! I admire anyone who tackles NaNoWriMo. It isn't an easy challenge. I like it, 50,000 words or not, because it focuses me and encourages me. Have a happy holiday season! Take care!
Delete39k with all you've got going on is great. Be proud of yourself. And enjoy your trip! Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! Your kind and encouraging words gave me a big smile! Take care!
DeleteEnjoy your trip and enjoy catching up with your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachna! I can't wait!
DeleteGrave's Disease is tough. Do what you can do today. Don't worry about visiting me back after this comment. I am okay. I know what it's like to be exhausted and feel awful and have it be something that my thyroid gland is doing to me since I have Hashimoto's Disease with hypothyroidism.
ReplyDelete30K words in a month is awesome! Celebrate the success!
Rest and write as you can and live and seek joy. You are an amazing lady and God loves you. (Hope that does not offend, but it's a truth I believe.)
Thank you for your compassionate words, Tyrean! Hearing that God loves me could never offend me! Two of my sisters have hypothyroidism, so you have my full sympathy. Thyroid issues are not fun, but we have to keep putting one foot in front of another and keep walking. Have a joyful and meaningful Christmas!
DeleteHave fun, fun, FUN in Calgary, Louise! Sorry to hear about your vision woes and hopes that improves. I'm sure that seeing your family will help lift your spirits again! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra! I'm counting the hours till I leave, and I don't have to worry about fun because my family always has fun together! Hugs back at you!
DeleteWonderful news, Louise! Enjoy your visit. It is so tough when we can’t see family regularly. Thanks for cohosting this month.
ReplyDeleteLouise, my husband suffers from Grave Disease and double vision, too. We live in the United States. Currently, my husband is under a new treatment that is helping. It’s an infusion every three weeks called Tepezza. If you have questions, contact me through my website. I’m praying for you, my dear.
Thank you for sharing the information about your husband's treatment, Victoria Marie. I will ask my endocrinologist about it at my next appointment, likewise with my ophthalmologist. I'll remember your kind offer of information. My periodontist told me yesterday that he is seeing more and more patients with Graves Disease and thyroid conditions. He was wondering if we're diagnosing thyroid problems better now or if something else is going on. I am so ready to see my family! Wishing you a Merry Christmas with your loved ones!
DeleteOh that sounds tough to deal with (the Graves issues). I hope that the solutions will come soon & you'll be able to put that depression aside for a bit. I have to say how much I love love love your family photos. I am in awe of you managing to write that much during NaNo with those challenges. Thanks so much for co-hosting this month - I hope it gives you lots of pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your uplifting comment, Debs! Regardless of my current thyroid issues, I am optimistic! I'm happy to know you loved my family pictures. I can't post a blog without visuals. Take care!
DeleteDang, that eyesight problem sucks. Good job getting in NaNo word count! That's awesome! Hope you have fun with your family, and thanks for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteDang, for sure, Loni! But onwards and upwards! I will get to my 50,000 words, just a little late. Take care!
DeleteVision problems - yikes! Eyesight is among our most precious senses...
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were able to visit - and hug - multiple relatives in a Midwestern visit last month! The constraints of Covid stifled socializing as well as being a threat to health and welfare.
May 2022 bring you all you need!
I'm so glad that you were able to visit family last month. Family is everything to me, as it is for most of us. Our eyesight is precious, and I am hopeful mine will improve. I'm sorry, but couldn't find your website to read your blog. Have a happy holiday season with your family!
DeleteI loved the picture of your family, and it's easy to see you're related--those smiles!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the double vision. That has to make writing difficult, especially if you're tired. I know my own vision goes south after a few hours now, so I have to stop and take breaks more frequently.
Great job co-hosting today! And have a wonderful trip to Calgary.
Thanks, Lee. I have to take breaks as well when writing. And when I'm tired, my eyes refuse to focus, and I'm done, like it or not! It's frustrating, but I am adapting. Getting older never gets easier! I hope you have a Merry Christmas with your loved ones! Take care!
DeleteSorry to hear about the eyesight. Anything that would disrupt your reading or writing abilities would be hard to take. You may not have finished NaNo, but you came close enough for congratulations.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting IWSG this month!
Thanks for your kind words, Ken! My mother experienced more severe eye problems with Grave's Disease, and they were managed, so I hope mine will be managed as well. Fingers crossed! I hope you enjoyed IWSG Day!
DeleteEnjoy Calgary and congratulations on 39k words for NaNo! It's quite an achievement considering your challenges. May they all subside real soon. I love the pictures you share. It's like gazing at your mantlepiece, pleasantly personal ;-)
ReplyDeleteDo enjoy your family and the holiday season. Thanks for co-hosting!
Thanks, Diedre! It always makes me happy when someone enjoys my photos. Take care!
DeleteHealth issues are a huge trigger for depression, yet you've persevered enough to get so many words on paper. Sounds like you're doing amazing to me. I hope the trip to visit your family refills your cup. That's a long time to not see them. I'm certain you can get to 50,000 by the end of December. Much luck to you and safe travels!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Shannon! Have a happy holiday season with your family! Take care!
DeleteEnjoy getting with your family. I know what you mean about being away from family for so long. Have a wonderful holiday and here's my wish for improved health.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! I appreciate your kind comment! All the best to you!
DeleteI'm sorry for your vision problem. I can't imagine a worse fate for a writer than an inability to read. I hope the medics can fix it, preferably soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd you still managed NaNo. I'm in awe!
Thanks, Olga! I should know a lot more about my vision when I see my eye doctor on the 21st. He was the one who realized what was going on with me. My primary care doctor was checking everything except my thyroid because I had had normal thyroid tests for decades. It came on very fast! NaNo pushes me, and I like that! Wishing you a wonderful and happy Christmastime!
DeleteEnjoy your visit with your family! I hope you have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics!
Thanks, Jemi! I'm counting the hours! I hope you have a happy holiday season with your family!
DeleteCongratulations on such great progress! Those would be respectable numbers for someone without extra obstacles to overcome. You should be proud! @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Thanks, Samantha! I do feel good about what I accomplished. Happy creating in December!
DeleteHi again Louise! I’m so sorry to read about your vision problems. Especially when driving, writing, and reading, we need to rely on those eyes. Do you get headaches as well? On a positive note: congratulations for writing so many words during NaNo. I’d call that a succes! You’re over 30,000 words closer to your 50K goal, which will be achieved when you return from your trip. Have fun with your family! I know how it feels to not see loved ones for years.
ReplyDeleteYou do know, Liesbet! I will be so happy to feel those family bear hugs. I don't get headaches, thank goodness! I will get those 50,000 words! Meanwhile, enjoy your sojourn in Southern Arizona!
DeleteThanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteVision issues are tough, but you're still moving forward.
Congrats on Nano.
As always, love the pictures.
Thanks, Toi! "Next step, next step," is my mantra. Maybe it should be "Next word, next word!" Happy creating in December!
DeleteI hope the doctors can do something to fix the double vision. I can imagine that would be infuriating!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate! It is infuriating at times, but I am optimistic that my vision problems can be fixed. Have a wonderful summery holiday season!
Delete39000 words + !! I'd say you're a winner. That is a true accomplishment. Especially battling the eye problems. You sound hopeful and actually positive you will be better soon. Enjoy your trip to Calgary. Love those old photos of you and your family. You can do this! Thanks for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement, Janet! I have confidence in my doctors, and I know I will feel a lot better and see better in a few months. Calgary here I come! I can't wait! Take care and enjoy Christmastime with your family!
DeleteThat is sure a great amount of words indeed. Hopefully the vision gets better, it can, that I know. Enjoy the family visit and the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to some family time, Pat! I bet you'll have lots of family fun too. You celebrate double time with Hanukkah and Christmas, as I recall. Your twin nephews are the perfect age to enjoy the festivities. Have a ball, my friend!
DeleteBut that’s an impressive word count! Well done! I hope the doctors can get your health back under control. I’m praying for you <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Gwen! I appreciate it! Take Care!
DeleteYou have a wonderful view out that window! I'd be gazing out instead of getting my work done!
ReplyDeleteតើឡូកឡាក់ Onlineជាអ្វី
តើហ្វានតាន Onlineជាអ្វី
Sometimes it's hard to focus, Ratana! Thanks for visiting. I tried to return to your blog with the links, but I struck out. I think you're writing in Khmer, so I'm guessing your are from Cambodia. I visited Cambodia over a decade ago, and I loved the country. I'd love to return. All the best to you!
DeleteCongratulations on writing over 39,000 words. I hope your eyesight improves and thank you for the wonderful photos and for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kalpana! I'm optimistic that I will get better! Have a good one!
DeleteSo sorry you are battling vision health issues! And you still got almost 40k words written for Nano, now that's inspiring. Hoping you enjoy your trip to visit family and that 2022 brings you much writing delight!
ReplyDeleteJulia Quay
Thanks, Julia! I am really looking forward to writing a lot in the new year. Have a lovely holiday season. Stay healthy and safe!
DeleteI hope you had a great time with your siblings in Canada. Those are wonderful photos--what it must have been like to experience that world as a child.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jeff! It's so good to see you! I had the best childhood, and the North was amazing. I hope all is well with you! May you have a meaningful and joyous Christmastime!
DeleteCongrats on making it that far in NaNo. I hope you have a great time and feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteAnne from annehiga.com
Congrats on your NaNo word count! Almost 40K words is nothing to sneeze at.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're having health issues. I hope your doctors are able to sort those out, and you feel better soon.
Love the pics and the memoir title!
Hi Louise!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read about your eyesight and health challenges. Take care of yourself.
I have to congratulate you on your NaNoWriMo success - 39,605 words is an awesome amount!! I always say - every word counts!
Congrats also on the working title for your memoir. That's a great title.
Thank you for taking the time to read my recently-published educational article, and also for leaving such a thoughtful comment about the article on the last blog post.
Your comment on the post resonated with me: "A very wise teacher of children with severe emotional problems told me as a beginning teacher that you can’t deal with the academics until you’ve dealt with the emotions." This nails it! It's a universal challenge which actually dictates that a global re-visit of educational aims/policies etcetera, is urgently needed. It's an educational nightmare and there is no immediate solution.
Anyway, for as long as I continue teaching, I will continue to try and do the best that I can, in my little corner of the globe.
Have a Merry Christmas and Peaceful & Prosperous New Year!
it is traumatic to hear about your double vision problem dearest friend Louise !
ReplyDeletei think this is the beginning stage of this issue and it makes difficult for you more ,at second stage when after some time we are more familiar with disease it is lot easier to face it properly with absolute focus and strength and i am really sure that you will be fine as you said your doctors will help you to get back to normal ways of life .i want you to stick with this faith ,take all possible care of yourself and rest leave on Creator He will surely turn it into great for you i believe !
missed you i must say and was caught in many things so could not visit you ,but you were always in my mind believe it or not :)
thank you for treasured photos i am always extremely happy to see you all together in one image ,it makes my heart filled with bursting joy may you all be same way in life ahead amen!!!
i too am sure that you will be on the top of the things ,how can i have doubt about it as i know my amazingly talented ,brave ,strong and sweet friend who has always winner despite of all odds :) love you for your shining strength that encourages me always on many levels .
thank you for being most kind friend Louise ,it was more than pleasure meeting you!
hugs!