Published at last! I think...

In looking back over my posts and the purpose of this stream-of-consciousness-trying-to-get-published writing journal, I see that I have failed to mark a pivotal moment in my writing career. Two pivotal moments, in fact. And my mind is spinning as to WHY?

Why did I not jump for joy to immortalize that wonderful feeling that had seemed so unattainable and evasive?

Why didn't I take careful stock of my emotions and share my newly-found PAL (Published and Listed) status so coveted by SCBWI members?

Why did I somehow dismiss and diminish my accomplishment?

In October, 2015, Highlights High Five Magazine accepted not only my first poem, but THE first poem I submitted to them! I did a happy dance around the house.

I texted my son and my hubby who both shared my joy. I was finally-technically- a published author!!!! But was I really?

Yesterday, October 22, 2019, I found out that another poem, "Busy Bees" appeared in the April 2019 edition of Highlights Hello Magazine. I had missed my authorial debut! I cannot believe it...

Which begs the question: What does it mean to me to be a published author?

Wait... What?

After quite a long time of not writing for this blog, I am happy to be back... A great deal of time has passed, but it has not been entirely wasted. I have done a lot of soul-searching and thinking about my hopes and aspirations. I have found strength and acceptance through meditation and silence. I am adopting an attitude of gratitude each day.

I have also accomplished a few things:

• I took a wonderful poetry writing class with the amazing and talented Heidi B. Roemer 
• Submitted several poems from Heidi's class and am thrilled to report that my poem, "Spider", has been acquired by Highlights, High Five Magazine
• Also discovered that my poem, "Busy Bees", appeared in April 2019 Highlights Hello Magazine
• I'm preparing myself for a successful, second participation in NaNoWriMo
• I am participating in workshops and webinars
• I am attending Prairie Writers & Illustrators Day (PWID) on November 2, 2019
• I hope to attend SCBWI's Winter Conference in NYC in February, 2020
• I am honored to support my fellow writers' successes and attend book signings and launches:
• Eileen R. Meyer (The Superlative A. Lincoln, Charlesbridge Publishing)
• Mary E. Sandford (Unwanted, Ambassador International)
• Sara F. Schacter (Just So Willow, Sterling Publishing)
• Proudly support Assistance League Chicagoland West annual fundraising event: Books & Brunch (November 12, 2019)

Life is good...