Monday, June 29, 2020

June Open Spaces 20.6


Open Spaces   Vol.: 20.6
By John W. Vander Velden

June 29, 2020

Hello dear friends.
June is very nearly in the rear view mirror and we are less than a week away from Independence Day.

How will you be spending your Fourth of July?

Will it be different this year?

Each of us have faced a variety of changes in the way we conduct the normal things of our life. Certainly Covid-19 has had its effect hasn’t it? But we need to remember that this pandemic will not haunt us forever. But even though we understand that this disease’s grip upon our lives will soften, we must remember that point has yet to arrive.

So I hope that each of you continue to take care, and by taking care you will help to protect yourselves and more importantly the vulnerable that surround you. Especially those which fit within the category of increased risk.

And yet there are other events that have pushed their way into our world. Though it might be difficult for us to understand the frustration that has driven others to make their voices heard, should we not take the time to listen? Those of us that have never been forced to face the bias that others need to deal with each day, might minimize the need for dialog. But those voices ask for more than just words, or promises, they expect action. But it is this man’s opinion, the change that will at long last end their suffering, must begin within each of our hearts.

Some years ago conversations I had with two very different individuals helped me to understand the situation more clearly. That freedoms I take for granted were not allotted to every citizen. Those conversations have changed me and I hope that you honestly consider the life of others and try to see things from their point of view. And in doing so perhaps you will be able to feel for their needs as well.

Yes, we live in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people, but it is up to each of us to do what we can to move things in positive ways. Hopefully one day everyone will look deeper to see beneath the surface, and no longer label others based only upon preconceived concepts.

Is it too big a dream for our country? I would hope not.

As for this writer in Northern Indiana, I have remained busy.  Busy is good. Yet it sometimes feels as if the things that keep me busy also separate me from the tasks I wish to do. Finding time to mutilate the keyboard has been more difficult these last weeks.

Yard work is SO demanding.

However there have been other responsibilities tugging at my life. And that’s OK it’s life after all. So with one project on a deliberate hold until September, I work on another project, a standalone, when I can find the time. There’s not much I can share about these projects. But know that the writing has not stopped.

But I have tried something new. Have you seen the videos?

With the cancelling of my Author’s Events and Book Signings I felt the need to reach out to readers all the same. My internet provider was so gracious to offer its customers a larger amount of data for the months of April and May, which helped. I never filmed a selfie-video before let alone posted it online, but mine require a sizable chunk of my data allowance so I don’t post them often. If you haven’t taken the time, please check them out on my Facebook Author’s page, John Vander Velden Author. Let me know what you think. I might post them on YouTube if I find a way not to use a month’s worth of data in the attempt.

So as I close this newsletter. It is my hope and prayer that you and all those that you keep within your heart remain well. That you remember that life’s adventures are not tied down to the usual events or expectations. That you open yourself to experiencing each day. For each day is a gift from God, a time to be savored filled with possibilities and events that are often unexpected and yet profound.

So until next time,

Blessings,
John W. Vander Velden
Author of Misty Creek and Elizabeth’s Journey 




    

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