September Open Spaces Vol. 20.9

 

Open Spaces

Vol.: 20.9

By John W. Vander Velden

 

So the summer of 2020 has officially ended. We have been so blessed to have had a string of delightful days of late. And though it remains incredibly dry, the recent days of cooler temperatures have aided in the preservation of greenish grass. But even now the first signs of autumn are appearing. The crops, corn and soybeans are changing. Here and there fall’s presence can be seen in trees as well. Yes, friends the season is changing.

Many will be pleased that we have nearly completed another month. Each of us look forward to turning this pandemic, we are enduring, into a memory. It is hard not to allow COVID-19 to be in our thoughts, yet even now, after the months beneath its shadow, we must remain diligent. Remember that we are all in this together, and if we unite in our actions, perhaps we can eliminate COVID’s threat once and for all. But it will take a UNITED effort, for together we WILL surely stand, but if we are divided success is less certain.

Jackie and I have remained well, which is incredible considering that she works in the public. Let no one tell you differently, masks, hand sanitizers, and frequent hand washing DOES help. For our continued health is proof enough for me.

It is our hope that you and yours have been spared from the harsh effects of COVID. That you have found ways, perhaps new ways, to enjoy the summer now behind us. One thing is for certain these last months will leave memories and stories we will share in the future.

As for us we have taken a few outings, not far, not long. Always using our best efforts in social distancing etc. Even so we have had those moments when our obligations have placed us in groups which left us a bit concerned. Yet we, as I said before, remain spared. But August was a month where tragedy came too often to our little family, and those we care deeply about. We are praying that the rest of 2020 will spare us the pain August gave.

Now for a bit of writing news.

This month I began the first round of revisions of a book length work, tentatively titled House on the Lake’s Shore. You may remember I finished the draft in May and it has been set aside and waiting. Putting things on the back of the shelf is one of the steps I use to turn ideas into publishable materials. I have been working, in the interim, on another book length piece titled Severed Ties. The plan was to put down that project while I revised my primary objective. But you know how plans go. By the end of August the first draft of Severed Ties was so near to completion I continue chipping away at it in small snippets of my writing time.

As for the revision it goes pretty much according to plan. It is a lengthy draft, and to do a thorough job it will take time. My editor has let me know she is anxious to set her teeth into the work. But she understands that with my many obligations it takes me more time than other authors. But 1^st revisions are just one of the many steps House on the Lake’s Shore must endure. So my friends be patient as the story moves forward...slowly but surely.

So I see by the word count that I have nearly used my quota for this month’s Open Spaces. Let me close with these few thoughts. As the year winds down, I wish you contentment. Contentment is a greater goal than happiness. For if we are content, happiness will surely follow, but it we continually chase after happiness we will never be content. I pray that God provides you with what you need, for so many are left short of the basics we take for granted.  And lastly, that the Master of the Universe protect and keep you safe in this world that has so many dangers, known and unknown.

Blessings,

John 

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