Exploring – April 6

We were exploring.  Marilyn and I had taken our children down to the Arroyo to explore.  We weren’t sure what we were looking for, but we were exploring.  The stream in the Arroyo had overflowed the banks.  Sandra, my daughter,  and Andy, Marilyn’s son, wanted to wade in the stream and explore the pathway through the clusters of small trees and shrubbery that were now surrounded by water.  I handed my watch, my keys and my baby to Marilyn and waded in with them.  The water was too high to let children wade by themselves.  Andy was shorter, so I held his hand as we moved upstream into areas where the water came up to my waist. Was it time to get out? I wondered.  No, it was not. They were having an adventure and we continued exploring.

Exploring is an adventure that takes me to new places. 

Although I had four daughters who enjoyed art, I never thought that I was artistic.  I would pat myself on the back and remind myself that I had provided them with art materials and lessons.  They were artistic.  I was not.  Then my mother-in-law expressed an interest in taking an art class.  I registered the two of us for a class before she could change her mind.  As I learned new skills, I was amazed at what I was able to accomplish, at the things I was able to draw.  I invested in watercolors and continued the adventure.  I am still amazed at what I can do.

When I was a child, I wrote simple poems, and when I was a teenager, I wrote atrocious stories—most of which have fortunately not survived for others to view.  During the years when I was busy raising seven children, I wrote occasionally.  Having arrived at the stage of my life when I had to admit that I was now a senior citizen, I decided to take a creative writing class.  I explored different genres and surprised myself by writing Maryalise and the Singing Flowers.  That book ended up being the first book in a middle-grade trilogy. I also published Who Was There: A Nativity Story for Children (a picture book). All four books are available on Amazon. I have joined writing groups and the writing adventure continues as I participate in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. 

My journey from volunteer storytelling to professional storytelling and then to Zoom storytelling is an adventure and a story to tell another time. 

I like to explore. I hope I never get too old to explore.

3 thoughts on “Exploring – April 6”

  1. As a fellow senior citizen, I believe that exploration is what keeps us vital and keeps our senses keen. Well, keener than they would be if we were sofa spuds. I hope I never become unable to explore my area and the world!

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