What Happened to my Handwriting Skills?

My computer sits on the desk waiting for me. I have my writing area near a window so I can glance outside from time to time and enjoy the view of the neighborhood. People taking leisurely walks, children creating fun designs with sidewalk chalk, and delivery trucks stopping to leave packages on doorsteps.

I try to write(type) every day. Stories, devotions, articles and more. Most of that writing is done on the computer. However, I do enjoy writing snail mail to friends and family. A postcard, a note, a special celebration card or thinking of you card are all included in my daily writing.

Lending a Helping Hand

Last weekend, my husband was taking care of landscaping in the front yard. Alan had finished cutting the grass and using the weedeater. He was gathering his tools and preparing to put everything away. With the mower and weed eater back in the garage, he walked to the front yard to pick up the extension cord and wrap it around the holder.

A group of about ten children were playing in the yard next door and across the street. We are blessed to have a wonderful neighborhood filled with loving families.

Sharing A "Made Up" Story

When our son Mike (who is now 37 years old) was a young boy, I often “made up” stories to share with him at bedtime and/or nap time. Each story was different and often, was created at the last moment. As our son placed his head on the pillow for rest, I pulled the covers up for him and watched as he began to relax.

I’m not sure if Mike remembers any of the stories. That’s okay because I remember some of them. 

Writing While Moving to a New Home

Have you ever tried keeping up with writing goals while moving to a new home? That is exactly what is happening with me. 

My husband and I decided to purchase a new home in the same neighborhood, just a different section. We moved to South Carolina about three years ago and have been renting until we could choose our “forever” neighborhood.

Waiting, Writing, Waiting, Writing...

In my home office, I sit at my desk and write new stories. Devotions, articles, children’s stories, fiction, blog posts and even snail mail letters and cards to friends and family.
When the coronavirus news entered everyday news and conversation, I noticed writers asking questions like, “Should I put aside my writing for now? Publishers are not
looking to acquire any new stories. Maybe I should not write anything new.”

These were conversations found on social media and in writing groups. I am thankful to writers and publishers who are encouraging writers to keep writing. Every day brings the opportunity to write. This is a great time to encourage other writers.

While we wait for restaurants to open for inside dining, stores to open without taped lines on the floor directing us where to stand, the social distancing requirement of staying six feet apart to end and other ways we are being affected, keep writing.

Yes, keep writing. Jot your story ideas on a notepad, make a list on your phone, create a colorful folder to keep at your writing desk and fill it with ideas for stories.
Whenever a story idea comes to your mind, be prepared to save the thoughts. Distractions can easily make us forget a great story line. Don’t let distractions take away your creativity.

While we wait, let’s write. Write about the impact of the coronavirus, write about things you hear or read that have an affect on daily life, write a joyful article that will help people during this time of sadness. Write about the compassion you witness or hear about.

During this waiting time, remember to write, write, write. Encourage authors by posting reviews for their books. Comment on social media posts and send uplifting words to another writer. Your words can have a positive impact.

During this waiting time, remember to write, write, write. @mimionlife #seriouslywrite

Are you writing today? Share some favorite topics you will be writing about in the future.

Blessings,
Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. She contributes articles and devotions to various magazines and websites. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near son, daughter-in-love and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Website and blog : http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Amazon link to "Licky the Lizard"
Facebook : Melissa Henderson, Author
Pinterest : Melissa Henderson
Twitter : @mimionlife

Hello! I'm New Here!

Hello! I am super duper happy to be a new regular contributor to this site. Nice to meet you all.
Let me share a bit about my life and my writing.

Reading and writing have always been an important part of my life. My parents shared their love of reading with me. We visited the local library and bookmobile weekly. Newspapers, magazines and books were read everyday. I frequently positioned myself beside my parents and waited for them to finish reading pages of the newspaper and hand sections to me.

Literature classes in school were always my favorite. I was blessed with encouraging teachers who noticed my love of reading and writing stories.

#Reading and writing have always been an important part of my life #seriouslywrite @mimionlife

As an adult, I continue to have a great love for the written (or typed or spoken) word.

My husband (Alan) and I moved from Virginia to South Carolina in 2017. We had not planned on relocating. Yet when we learned our son and daughter-in-love were expecting our first grandchild, we made the wonderful decision to pack up our belongings and move from Mechanicsville, Virginia to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

The Low Country of SC is very different from Virginia. We are learning about lizards, alligators, flooding, hurricanes and more. Finding the best grocery stores for our needs, choosing physicians and meeting new friends has given us many opportunities to explore the area. We are blessed with caring, compassionate neighbors. Family from Virginia have been able to visit and explore the sights and sounds of the Low Country.

I write inspirational messages and pray the words will lead people to a closer relationship with God. My first children’s book, “Licky the Lizard” was published in 2018. The story is based on my personal experience with lizards. The way the small creatures jump from place to place and run faster than I can blink made me a little fearful. Pausing and remembering God created lizards
and God created people gave me a different perspective.

The lizards are fun to watch. I don’t want them to find a way inside the house but I do enjoy watching them from a distance.

The question is asked. “When is your next book coming and what will the story be about? I am considering a story about alligators. I’m putting on my thinking cap and waiting to see what happens.

Let’s keep in touch. Hope you’ll stop by and enjoy a read on the fourth Monday of each month. I’ll be here to share with you.

Our family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Henderson’s”. Check out my website/blog
and read some of the interesting experiences.

Here are ways we can connect.

Website and blog : http://www.melissaghenderson.com
Amazon link to “Licky the Lizard”
Facebook : Melissa Henderson, Author
Pinterest : Melissa Henderson
Twitter : @mimionlife

Looking forward to getting to know you better.

Blessings,
Melissa Henderson