Entry 90: What We Leave Behind

I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call Entry 90: What We Leave Behind.

Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.

My morning writing before I started Entry 90: What We Leave Behind

This morning, I wrote my way through another chapter of Amazing Buchanan and The Beast. I hope I like these pages when I read through them again. I have a bad head cold. Everything is stuffy right now, so I’m not sure what I’m coming up with will make sense when I feel better. Will and Amazing are about to attend a big charity gala after Will goes to an important board meeting. We are coming to a big climax.

I managed to write one Cascade poem yesterday and started another. You could say I’m making a little progress.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 90: What We Leave Behind

I started another Salinger book. Salinger carried The Catcher in the Rye under his army uniform when he went into battle during World War II. It is the only novel he ever wrote and first published as a serial. I’ve read this book before but wanted to do it again while in a Salinger frame of mind.

Holden Caulfield writes his story from where he is sent for therapy after being expelled from Pencey Prep. He refuses to talk about his early years or family life. He seems to admire his older brother but is disappointed he prostitutes himself to become a Hollywood movie writer. Caulfield walks o his history teacher’s house to say goodbye. He is slightly disappointed because the older man lectures him about his lack of motivation. The reader can sense Holden’s alienation and angst even in these opening chapters.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 90: What We Leave Behind

I put on a Platters greatest hit CD this morning. This group was around before I was born. I remember hearing their music on the radio while driving in one of my dad’s cars when I was a kid. I don’t know how this CD got added to our collection, but I’m glad we have it. The music brings back memories.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful my daughter’s father-in-law is doing better. He survived a heart attack last night.

This old lady says

You never know how much time you have left. It is important you live each day to the fullest. We need to consider what we leave behind. Did our life create madness and pain, or did we create something beautiful by being here?

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

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