Howdy, Folks! 

A sweet author and blogger named Jamie Marchant just posted an interview 

of my novel and me! The link is here:

 http/jamie-marchant.blogspot.com/2016/11/myrtle-brooks-brings-yellowstone-to-life.html

One author interviewer posed the question: "Are you a plotter or a pantser?" A plotter is the self-disciplined sort 

who outlines the story in advance and for the most part will adhere to the framework. A pantser takes one step at

 a time, letting the story lead the author. I am definitely the latter. My take is: I don't have a clue what will happen

 to me in the next moment: why should my stories and characters be any different? OK... sometimes this spurt 

of inspiration wells inside and all of a sudden I have the perfect ending. Not the ending of a scene: the ending of 

the novel. Or screenplay. So... do I say: Hey, I refuse to know about this? I'm not crazy. Of course I seize the 

blessing, jump up and down and say: Whoopie! Just an exception, folks.

That's me: the pantser with an occasional plot.

Tried this in real life? Disorder royale. Have to make a list. Everything from business, finances, what to buy 

when I go down the street, to what to focus on spiritually in prayer, who to get in touch with... and the time 

I will devote to my love of writing and editing. I retired this past April. Wow! That's 8 hours more time I have 

per day plus commute for the rest of my life. All the time in the world...  BZZZZ! Figured it out. This time is to 

catch up on the stuff I didn't have time for when I was working. OHMYGOSH, it's a mountain!! Alone, my belly 

rumbles with an endless supply of books, short stories, screenplays, symphonies, concertos, songs, tone poems 

and poem-poems I have yet to write. And that's just my art. HELP!!! 

Have a friend, an EAP social worker who once told me: "The usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness. 

What happens," he asked, "When you try to pour water into a cup that is already full?" "Pick out what's urgent and 

important first and leave the rest for later."

Some of the best advice I've ever received. Great! So I can get up in the morning and know what to do first. That's 

all I need. BZZZZ! "The spirit is willing." Yes, but then there's the urge to comment on a thousand news articles that 

tick people off, and be enthralled by the lilt of Candy Crush Soda's classical score. Where am I now? Level 458.

So... real life necessitates my being a plotser. Gotta go. I gave myself until 2:45 today to do some blogging. Love you guys. 

Don't cram the cup too full. And make it sweet.

Some days are given us to reflect: when by ourselves or when we meet others. 

Today I met a lady with a giving spirit, who reached into her satchel and handed 

me two pens and a bottle of water. Understanding that to accept the gifts with 

gratitude brings joy to the giver, it put me in mind of The Scripture: "God loves 

a cheerful giver," and its application to both the one who gives and the one who 

receives. For, what joy does it bring the generous heart that meets with refusal?

Bless the giver. Appreciate the gift. Spread the love.

Howdy, All! And welcome.

Heritage is who we are as a people. It is our cornerstone.To love, respect and cherish one's heritage is our cement: without which the building is reduced to a pile of stones, like a memorial in a desert. Take pride in who you are.