First Blog Post of the New Year

Delinquent Blogger:
Believe me when I tell you that I wish I could blog twice weekly, but given my current schedule, that's not going to happen. Some of you are probably saying, "Thank you, God!" and others are thinking, "Aw, that's too bad. I'd like to see more." I seem to be lucky to sit down and write once a month for this purpose, but will continue to issue new posts as often as I can get my act together.

Christmas Holidays, 2009:
We had a wonderful visit in the Albany, NY area with friends and family. Our advanced ages are beginning to get the best of us, however, as we sometimes become exhausted with the schedule. We simply want to cram as much into the visit as possible and love seeing everyone. We always enjoy a sleepover with adjoining rooms at our hotel with all three grandchildren. Now that they are 14, 11 and 8, I keep wondering how much longer they'll even think it's fun to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa! They grow up so quickly.

Novel-in-Progress:
Most people who have read Eyelash ask me at one time or another, "When is your next book coming out?" One of my new year's resolutions is to finalize the manuscript for book #2 this year. So far, it has had a few different working titles, but right now I'm leaning toward Never Say Perfect. Once you read it, you'll surely know why.....I'll keep you posted on the progress, but I feel that the first draft is approximately 3/4 written at this point. Once complete, it will require review, editing and re-writing, but finishing this year is a distinct possibility. I maintain a list of projects that I would love to sink my teeth into, but I have to resist the urge to begin anything new until the present projects are "in the can".

Help 4 Kids:
Friend and neighbor, Sandi Blood, and I co-chair the electronic newsletter production for Blackmoor, our beautiful community here in Murrells Inlet. I usually interview a long term resident and a newer resident for each issue, and when I spoke with a resident this past week, they told me about an organization with which they are associated. It is called Help 4 Kids, and they volunteer in the program called "Backpack Buddies", which serves 10 Horry County schools and approximately 1,000 underprivileged children. Snacks are donated or purchased to send these children home with juice boxes, mac & cheese, oatmeal, cereal, crackers, pudding, applesauce, breakfast bars, etc.--anything that is small and reasonably nutritious and can be placed in these special backpacks for them to take home for consumption over the weekends. These children receive a free breakfast and lunch at school, but are in danger of going hungry on the weekends.
When school is not in session during the summer, outdoor camps are held and the children have fun doing projects, Bible schools, and other activities. They are given a hot lunch and plenty to drink during this time. Volunteers are especially needed at that time.
Once school resumes in the fall, new book bags are filled with supplies, new shoes and clothing. Help 4 Kids works with Toys for Tots to make certain that these children will not be forgotten at Christmas.
I visited their location in Murrells Inlet and met Barb Mains, the dedicated founder of this organization. Her goal is to provide the necessities for these children in a manner that will not embarrass them. She is energetic and amazing, and told me about a benefit that will be held on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Villa Romana Italian Restaurant, 707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 at $8.00 per person. Tickets will be available until February 2, 2010. If you would like more information, please call (843) 651-4310 or visit www.help4kidssc.org. Barb's e-mail address is barb@help4kids.org. Monetary and snack item donations are always welcome at 12053 B Hwy 17 Bypass South, Garden City, SC behind Bedding World, next to the K-Mart parking lot of Inlet Square Mall. Their office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please give some consideration to helping these children!

Choices:
I am determined to get into the habit of making better food choices during 2010--more fruits, veggies, water, and fewer diet drinks, cookies, and chips--more walking, less sitting. Of course, I HAVE to eat popcorn at the movies, but that's a given.
Also, I would like to be more conscious of how I can be helpful to others this year. Even a kind word, understanding smile, listening ear, and an offer to pray for more folks would be a good start. It's always beneficial to have a goal.....

God bless you, and

Until the next time:
"Flatter me and I may not believe you; criticize me and I may not listen to you; but encourage me and I'll never forget you." Anonymous