If You Don't Know Jack.....

You should--Jack McDevitt, I mean. I am fortunate to have met this man, courtesy of Judy Kurrasch of “Read Me Again Books” in downtown Waycross. A book signing in that wonderful local home for books of all shapes, sizes and topics, afforded me the opportunity to meet the award-winning Science Fiction author for the first time. Following that, he agreed to conduct a motivational seminar for the managers I work with and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was also thrilled that he and his lovely wife Maureen attended the dinner theater performance of my little play, “The Portnow Trilogy”, and were even kind enough to be complimentary.

And now, as proof for his unlimited tolerance of my apparently never-ending requests for his time, Mr. McDevitt has agreed to address our little group of aspiring writers of the newly formed “Okefenokee Writer’s Guild”. He has shared his knowledge with writers all over the country, and even the world--and now we are fortunate enough to have him share in our little corner of the globe.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love celebrities, especially when they turn out to be warm, friendly and intelligent. Of course, I don’t have a lot of experience to draw from, but I still haven’t gotten over the fact that I actually got to have one-on-one time with the late and great Ossie Davis. My daughter lives in New York City where seeing celebrities is a daily occurrence; not so much in Waycross, Georgia. On the other hand, the same experience here tends to be a much more intimate experience. Residents who know and have met the other well-known actor from Waycross, the late Pernell Roberts, have great stories to tell as well.

I know we miss out on a lot of cultural opportunities living where we do; but I think that might just enhance what we do experience. “Read Me Again Books”, Plant Café, and Okefenokee Heritage Center are local resources that have allowed the upcoming Dinner With Jack experience to happen. When I visit New York next week I might get to see someone famous; I know I will absorb all the culture I encounter. But it’s also great to know what I have to look forward to when I come back home.

Bibbity, Bobbity, Boo!

　

　

So here I am trying to write because I ought to, dag nab it, I’m a writer!! Honestly, I don’t have enough to say to blog every day and there are so many days where my brain is just too full of clutter to try and write fiction. I’ve been away for most of the week, so I should have lots of new material.

I attended a seminar sponsored by the National Kidney Fund, for healthcare professionals. Some of the classes were excellent and informational--others not so much. There were several on “mindfulness” which is really a good concept and a good tool. The last one however was---well--really just silly. There were several “relaxation” excercises (naptime!), “meditation”, and one “walking meditation”. Really. Was I the only one that wanted to play Zombie? You have to hand it to healthcare professionals (Social Workers, anyway); they do it all with a straight face.

My primary realization over those few days was, once again, how old I am--and how long I have been doing the same things. So much of this learning is exciting and new for the “youngsters” (that is anyone under 40). A lot of the bright young minds in this profession are doing great things and I do applaud them. Some are re-inventing the wheel I have been turning for ---- years (the number scares me). Occasionally I also find a little bit of respect for the knowledge I do have, my reward for perseverance.

The seminar was held at a Disney Hotel in Orlando, the “happiest place on earth”. With apologies to the anti-commercialization population, I do love Disneyworld. Everything is bright, clean, colorful (and expensive, of course). All the employees (or “cast members” as they are called) are friendly and seem to be genuinely enjoying their jobs. It’s a pleasant break from reality, which is where we all live. I think if I was Emperor of the World I would guarantee that every citizen had a couple of breaks like that every year. Disney is actually considered a role model for many companies, including the one I work for. I will avoid commenting on how well they pull it off.

One hotel restaurant we visited had Pluto and Goofy visiting each table, allowing photo ops for all.

　




Maybe if I could dress up as a cartoon character every day I could be more energized about going to work every day. I wouldn’t want one of those big head characters--I think it might be very hot and uncomfortable in there--but I wouldn’t mind something like Snow White or Cinderella. I might do better as the Evil Stepmother/Witch, but that probably wouldn’t enhance my professional image much; in fact, for some it just might validate what they already think of me. Actually, I think the Fairy Godmother would be the best choice. I would accomplish wonders with my magic wand and give everyone what they asked for. I might not even tell them it would all end at midnight.