The Power of Excitement and Enthusiasm

After last week’s escapades in flying through turbulence, I was refreshed by this thought from poet Samuel Ullman:

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.

So true! Heaven forbid we wrinkle our soul, so we better find something to maintain our enthusiasm for life.

And this week I did.

For the first time, I was invited to a book club to participate as an author! The Hereford Zone Book Club treated me to a lovely dinner and evening where we talked about my book, its themes, and the twenty years it took for me to finally finish it! Their thoughtful questions and insightful comments energized me. Thank you, Sheree, Jan, Lisa, Judy, Camillus, Carla, Alison, and Judy for making me feel so comfortable and welcomed!

Then, I got the chance to see my Madison. For the first time since she began her new residential and day program, I was able to visit with her during her thirty-day review meeting.

She. Looked. Great!

And my, oh my, has she been busy. Every weekday she is out in the community. Activities include helping with Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross, on-site sandwich preparation for another meal service, and trips to parks, a nature center, and even a visit to an exotic wildlife reserve.

The possibilities seem endless for my Madison. I am so grateful for her caregivers, the programs, and for your steadfast support throughout the ups and downs of this long journey.

So what’s next that will keep that enthusiasm building?

Pathfinders for Autism’s Zoo Run is on Sunday. I plan to be there in honor of Madison and to cheer on my family and friends!

Then, I’m off to the Baltimore Book Festival. Find me in the Maryland Writers’ Association tent, P26, near The Baltimore Visitor Center 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I’ll have books to sell and sign at a special Book Festival pricing. It’s only a short 4 miles to the Festival from the Zoo, so I hope you’ll keep the momentum going and come visit me. Or, if you’re heading to the Orioles game, come early and see me!

That’s what’s keeping my soul from wrinkling—firsts and possibilities and plans—and the chance to be with family and friends, old and new! How about you? What keeps you enthused? Tell me about it. I’d love to know.

P.S. New! Rookie writer here has just discovered all the places that carry Rethinking Possible! Check it out here! In the INDIEBOUND link you can sort by your zip code! So exciting!