Christmas Day, 2024
December 26, 2024
CHRISTMAS DAY, 2024
I have not written a newsletter in almost 3 months. I apologize for this, but I've been extremely busy.
In early November, my daughter's husband left, right before my grandsons came home from college for winter break. He returned for their 19th birthday with all his pretense. He left again just in time for my daughter's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
To help her and me, I gave my notice at my apartment complex on December 1. Breaking my lease, I had to pay out the wazoo, but she needs help and company. In all honesty so do I. I'm no spring chicken and in pain all the time. I still have the apartment and ensuing bills til the end of January. I'll be finished moving by then, but I've been at my daughter's since December 1 or 2.
I have a very nice spacious room, with a couch and wall-mounted TV. My dog is happy here and my daughter and grandsons love him. I hate moving but this is a slow process, allowing me to adjust. In the past, I've often cried when the old apartment was empty. I'm not sure why – maybe it is just the symbolism of leaving.
But I didn't intend to miss writing newsletters.
WHAT'S NEW IN POETRY
Lots of new publications which are in my link tree on down this page. A chapbook is pictured on the "My Works" page. Click on the cover to go to the site.
I'm writing more poetry for my novel-in-verse, "Dreams to Visions." Also, more poetry almost every day.
I am now the president of Poetry Society of Indiana. The former president quit unexpectedly. The 1st VP took over for a week or so, but she doesn't have time. I was the 2nd VP and now I'm President for a year. We are in the middle of elections for secretary and treasurer. The other offices are up next year.
President by default.
The Vice President and I have plans to make a few changes. We have not told anyone yet.
I have applied to be at a book fair in April put on by the county libraries. I'm getting 10 copies of each of my books to sell. An art jury makes the decisions. I should know if I get in by February sometime.
WHAT'S UP WITH MY FICTION
I doubt very much if I'll ever write another novel, except in verse. I was really tired of the one I wrote before it was finished. If I think about another one, I get sick. I've received nothing but form rejections from agents and that's probably ok. The more I read about it, the less I want to go the traditional route. I've sent the novel to a few small presses and got a couple "no" responses. Others I haven't heard from yet.
However, I do have a short story in mind. I'm going to try to make it a longer short story. We'll see.
WHAT I'M READING
I'm embarrassed to say I'm not reading any books right now. I have read a few things online and I often read the work of others. Not sure how much that counts.
STAR TREK
I'm a member of a couple Facebook groups for Star Trek. I join the groups when I can to watch episodes or movies then discuss. We are between shows now that Lower Decks is finished after 5 seasons. It was never my favorite, but I liked it. The main thing LD was is a love letter to all of Trek. There were always so many references (Easter Eggs) to other Trek shows and people. The writers were extremely clever. The next installation of a Star Trek show or movie will be out soon.
PUBLICATIONS SINCE LAST SCENE BREAK (ALL ON MY LINK TREE)
Self-Centered (chapbook)
https://bottlecap.press/products/self-centered
She Birthed the World
https://thehooghlyreview.com/issues/murals/
Random Cogs, Mentone Avenue, Brain Connections
https://www.empyreanliterarymagazine.com/poetry.html
Lost at 27: Musicians, Artists, Mortals
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1966275013?ref=yb_qv_ov_prnt_dp_rw
2 small poems
https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-october-2024
Wind in the Pines
https://thebigwindowsreview.com/
A Love Story, pg 9-10
https://thebigwindowsreview.com/
I am River
https://www.lastleavesmag.com/last-leaves-issues
Crowdog
https://justeliterary.com.ng/crowdog-by-mona-mehas/
Wind in my Hair
https://paddlerpress.ca/issues-trip-log/
Cracked Sidewalks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ6SQ8MC
Grandmother, I Never Knew my Grandma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0vQZb2AXnw
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
It's a little hard to explain without sounding conceited. I have learned that people like my writing and respect my opinion. I never dreamed I would recognize those things about myself. I've always had a mostly low opinion of myself and what I do or say. It's humbling and I'm often not sure how to handle it. But I do appreciate it.
TODAY'S CARD
I have 4 decks with me; the rest are still at the apartment.
The 6 of Swords from "Baroque Tarot Deck" by La Muci.
Right of passage, changes, problem solving.
This rings true since I am moving in with my daughter.
THANKS FOR READING!
https://linktr.ee/monaiv