Ongoing projects
I have several ongoing projects, as I work best that way. The third book in my memoir/ MBS series, called, ‘Making Miracles’ is scheduled for publication before the end of the year; and the first of my fiction series, Lisa Somerville is being rewritten; these are my next two book projects for 2017.
But I also have some editing on-board for my mother, who has a lot of books to finish; plus – of course – all the usual routines and expectations which go with being a wife and mum – who is, let’s face it, rather tired, slightly over the hill and needs and enjoys a rest and a laugh, away from the usual pressures of routine. The older I get, the more I relish simple laughter, the more I find that relaxation keeps me going, deeply and more meaningfully than I realised before: what is the point of living so hard that we haven’t the time to laugh?
I’m keen to keep these projects going over the summer holidays; and yet, I really want a holiday too. From previously finding the time away from term routines bothersome, now I welcome the excuse to leave behind my usual shape and form, and move outside to different places, where I can feel refreshed, meet new people and benefit from a wider perspective. I don’t feel that any of that ‘gets in the way’ the way I used to – now it feels like a life-saver.
Perhaps that is one major advantage of getting older. I’m less bothered by what I suppose people expect, I simply want to feel happy, and that can happen in lots of simple ways: it’s not the expensive purchase, the delicious, exotic meals; it is simply setting routines aside for a day, or a weekend, and enjoying being happy, doing simple things like catching up on reading, warming my shoulders in the sun, phoning someone for a leisurely chat.
Thanks to all my friends for making life more fun than I ever thought possible; and thank you to Life for bringing the Summer vacation, during which I shall work, play and laugh at every opportunity. I hope to swim in the sea, dance carefully at nightfall and eat simple food sitting in the sun. Simple pleasures, and valuable.
Thanks for reading.
Please share:
Jane Risdon
June 30, 2017 @ 1:28 pm
Beautiful painting. I agree Fran, the simple things and the peace and quiet to enjoy them too all mean so much more. I am impressed with all your projects and wish you much success with then. I have lots on the go too. I think as we get older, it is important to share memories and get them down, it helps clear the fog in our brains too. Puts everything in perspective and again, you realise that in the great scheme of things, those closest, the simplest of things and the time and space to enjoy them is what matters most. Shame it takes getting older to realise all this.xx
Fran Macilvey
June 30, 2017 @ 1:34 pm
Hello Jane – thanks for your lovely comment! 🙂 I agree, though I can’t say I regret getting older, except, perhaps when climbing the stairs with armfuls of laundry! it’s the little things that make the difference.
Yes, it is a wonderful painting, so atmospheric.
Diane Dickson
June 30, 2017 @ 1:38 pm
I agree that there is nothing nicer than simply laughing and relaxing and feeling the sun on your shoulders, especially as the shoulders get a little more worn, a little more creaky. I hope you are able to enjoy a lovely summer.
Fran Macilvey
June 30, 2017 @ 1:43 pm
Thank you so much, Diane – I shall, I promise! And then come back and write all about it. ((xx))
Elouise
July 7, 2017 @ 9:24 pm
I hope this finds you relaxing and enjoying a wonderful break from routine! I’m enjoying your book–one delicious chapter at a time. 🙂
Love and hugs,
Elouise
Fran Macilvey
July 7, 2017 @ 10:15 pm
Hello Elouise – thanks for popping by to read this post. Holidays?! I’ve never been so busy! 😉 Thanks for enjoying my book. It makes all the hard work worthwhile, to get your kind of support for my projects. Bless you.
Fran xxx
Tom Breheny
July 18, 2017 @ 6:39 pm
Hi Fran,
I’m happy to say that I agree with so many of your constructive thoughts in your book and have been doing some of them for quite a while. Happiness is so important in this world for staying on track and not getting bogged down with so much negativity as we see on the daily news that we can’t always change. We had a lovely meeting with an Indian family last week after befriending their son Tanmay Gupta, a student I met in the sauna early this year. His mum is an engineer from the Punjab with a very wicked sense of humour and very good company. They toured the highlands and Islands and fell in love with Scotland. When will we see you in the sauna at Warrender again?
Fran Macilvey
July 19, 2017 @ 10:26 am
Hello Tam, Thanks for your comment – you always have such interesting things to write about. Thanks for being so supportive of my book – that is a real boost. I’m glad you agree happiness is important, even if we can’t manage it all the time. 😉
I’ll be back to Warrender asap. Who knew we could be so busy during holidays??
Take care of yourself. ((XXX))