Web Words are published monthly on the home page.

February 2007
   I like holding a pen in my hand and feeling the ink glide across the paper. My handwriting hasn’t improved much since grade school, but I can decipher it and that’s what counts.
    I also enjoy holding paper in my hand when I read. Whether it’s a book, newspaper or magazine, I can lounge on the couch under the covers of the bed while the words take me into another place, another mindset, another experience. 
    It’s taking me longer to evolve into a similar relationship with my computer. I like the tapping of the keys as I type and the sturdy reaction to my fingertips. The sound reminds me how quickly the computer can capture my ideas. But I have to admit that if I spend too much time at the keyboard, it also aggravates my tennis elbow.
    Nonetheless, I’m adapting and this Web site is one step in my adjustment. I’ve been communicating with business colleagues and friends for years via e-mail and now I'm moving forward to  launch my site.
    I hope you’ll explore these pages and let me know if there’s something else you would like to see here. If you’re interested in talking with me about a writing project, I’ll welcome your inquiry. Or share your own thoughts related to these Web Words at writerbeth@windstream.net.  

March 2007
    March means tax time for those of us who are self-employed. It’s not the same joyous season that some celebrate in January. Those are the people who know they’ll get refunds and file their taxes early.
    Then there are the folks who live in fear that we may still owe taxes. Even when you’re self-employed and you send in estimated tax payments, they’re only estimates. And even though you can take some deductions the E-Z form crowd doesn’t have, you still don’t always come out on the positive side.
    While I grumble, I also give thanks that I’m actually able to make a living doing something I love. I might rather use some of that tax money for a vacation, but the fact is I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to write about things that I think make a difference. It not only fulfills me, but every time someone new calls me with an assignment or acceptance of something I’ve submitted, I’m reminded of God’s goodness. I try to listen to where God is guiding me and take my writing in that direction.
    So I’ll get out the receipts, dust off the calculator and resolve to have better records to draw from when March comes around next year. Whether the bottom line says to send in more money or wait for a refund, I’ll still be happily working at my desk and wondering where my writing will take me this year.
    
April 2007
    I don’t watch much television but I will admit that when “Dancing with the Stars” begins a new season, I’m hooked.
    I grew up watching old musicals on television with my Mom and I still equate dancing with romance and beauty. When I finally met the Prince Charming of my life, I asked if he would take a ballroom dancing class with me. He surprised me by saying yes. Our experience didn’t turn us into a modern Ginger and Fred. Far from it.
   Reality set in during lesson number one. Jim and I danced a few steps together then the instructors told the men to shift down to the next woman. Although I wanted to learn to dance with the man I brought, the instructors knew what they were doing. Some of us picked up the steps quickly and some did not, often leaving one part of the couple ready to dance and the other still counting out the steps as they watched their own feet.
    So switching was a gamble – either we would get a better dancer who could teach us something or we would have to tutor the partner with the little we had learned. The two high school students I danced with were very good, although one of them only reached my shoulder. Then there was the gentleman who couldn’t keep up with the swing steps. I counted the steps out loud for him, but it worked for only about 30 seconds.
   Once in awhile, Jim and I got the instructor’s attention when we were dancing together. He did advise Jim not to lead me around the room as if he were driving a pickup truck. Since he drives his truck every day, Jim understood and changed his style immediately. Maybe more farming analogies would have helped us.
    When we practiced to Frank Sinatra at home, we thought we felt like we were gliding. After five 90-minute lessons, we dressed n our finery for the culminating ball on a Saturday night. But we were soon sitting to listen to the music rather than dancing. Without someone to tell us which dance went with which music, we were lost.
    Today, I still dream. That’s why I watch the show. And when I do, I know that even the stars who look a little stiff and unpolished in their dancing shoes are doing much better than I could ever hope for.  

May 2007
    In these days of a seemingly shrinking globe around which we can all travel and communicate much more easily than ever before, some people are really good at reminding me how large and varied the world still is.
    My husband and I wrapped up April with a visit from our friend Juana Rodriguez. Juana and I met in the late 1980s when we were both doing communications work for international relief and development agencies. I continued to write about development work and social issues that concerned me; Juana turned her career toward starting village banks around the world. While she worked with low-income people in several languages and climates, I wrote about issues from diverse locations, eventually targeting more of my work on domestic issues.
    Spending time with Juana reminded me of how invigorating it is to go beyond the daily routine in which we can get caught up. There’s so much in our world to explore, consider and embrace. She’s doing just that as she undertakes a trek from Virginia to Tierra del Fuego , Argentina by bus. Along the way, she’ll share with those she meets her own expertise as well as listen and learn. She’s inviting people to join her journey by staying up-to-date with her through www.dreamtrapper.com.
    Juana is also turning the trek into a spiritual journey. When she left here, she had no hotel reservations at her next stop. She said she would simply have faith that the abundance of the world would meet her needs. That’s a spirit I admire.
    I don’t see myself undertaking a trek that long or challenging, but I wouldn’t mind flying down to meet up with her for a week or two somewhere along the way. It’s good to pull away from what’s familiar and challenge ourselves to discover just a little bit more about this world in which we live. We might learn something about ourselves along the way.

June 2007
    Eating local food seems to be the theme of the year. My husband and I attended a conference in Lexington a couple of months ago about sustainability and local food. Now I’m reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver, a book about her family’s experiment in local eating. Part of my attraction to the book is to find out what local foods they ate during the winter.
    We eat all sorts of local foods during the Kentucky growing season. For the past month, we’ve been feasting on strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, kale, spinach, onions and radishes. At least three mornings a week I’m in the back yard garden cutting the greens and pulling onions for the day. And while the strawberries lasted, I picked them in the evenings so I would have a bowlful for breakfast. Now we’re moving onto blueberries and soon thereafter we’ll savor the raspberries.
    As a writer, I love having a garden to lure me outside and away from my work. It also nourishes my body and soul in a way nothing else does. So I miss it during the winter months, but I’ve come to embrace the Chinese philosophy of the seasons that says each season is for a different purpose; winter is for pulling away from the typical routine to give the body, mind and soul a chance to rejuvenate. So I eat what I’ve frozen during the winter (I’ve never become adept at canning) then when we run out of that, I buy all sorts of non-local foods at the grocery store. Maybe it’s time I stop that habit.
    So I’m exploring the possibilities. I want to be a healthy person and a responsible consumer living in a sustainable world. If you have ideas about how to do that write to me at writerbeth@windstream.net.

July 2007
   As I await the arrival of printed copies of the first book I’ve authored, I forge ahead with new writing ideas. One book doesn’t make a career, unless you’re Harper Lee, whose novel I admire greatly. Oh how many young writers have thought, “If only I could write one novel that’s as good as To Kill a Mockingbird . . .”
   Since I was a child I’ve wanted to publish a novel. The one I began two years ago is now complete and I’m in search of an agent. I’m also trying out a nonfiction book proposal on a few publishers. It’s something about dealing with breast cancer that I’m working on with my friend Hatsune, who lives in England and went through breast cancer treatments at the same time I did,
   My dreams are big and sometimes I wonder if I’m reaching for something beyond my grasp. Recently a friend of mine who has had some writing successes told me she believes she can win a Pulitzer for her writing. I love that kind of spirit and it inspires me!
   I’ve had a few conversations with friends recently about how writing ideas, and even talent, aren’t all that hard to come by; it seems to be the perseverance that really counts. Isn’t that true in anything we pursue in life? I’m sure if Atticus Finch had decided to take a different route as soon as the first person told him he was crazy for defending Tom Robinson, then Harper Lee wouldn’t have given us an award-winning novel; it would have been just another book.
   So as we all forge ahead in pursuit of our dreams, let’s make ourselves deaf to the word “no.” We might have to change our approach, polish our talent or rethink the goal, but some sort of prize is out there for all of us.

August 2007
    I’ve spent much of my time during the past month working on articles about health topics – diabetes self management, smoking cessation, infant health, substance abuse recovery and fitness initiatives. The common element among them all is that to succeed, individuals need support. Whether it comes from family, friends, a support group or another source, striving for health as part of a community is of utmost importance.
    Thinking about this fact reminds me of the interview I did with Bishop William Houck for my book, Yes! I am Catholic. In the interview he said: “Jesus didn’t call us or me to follow him as rugged individualists, just me and Jesus. He called all of us to follow him as a community of people who care about one another and who together actually care about bringing Jesus and his message, his goodness, his forgiveness, his justice and service to other people.”
    There have been times in my life when I wanted to be that rugged individualist. I wanted to think I didn’t need anyone. But I think Bishop Houck is right; that’s just not the way God created us. And those of us who call ourselves Christians do have an example to follow in the way Jesus interacted with groups of people.
    This summer my “communities” have been interesting and varied.  I’ve enjoyed reading a book with a friend with whom I could ponder its application in my life. I walked in a July 4^th parade with a whole community of peace-minded folks. And we’re often opening the doors of our family community by inviting friends to come and share a meal from the garden with us.
    Whether we are seeking better physical, emotional or spiritual health, being part of a community can provide us with the support and challenge we need. 

September 2007
   The biggest excitement in my life these days is the arrival of my book, Yes! I Am Catholic. I ripped open the box, held the book in my hands and felt like the world should be rejoicing with me.
   Many friends have sent notes of congratulations and it’s always great to be in touch with people who make this journey on earth a pleasure. I’ve also heard from a few of the interviewees in the book, primarily expressing humility and thanks. I owe all of them a huge thanks for being willing to share their faith stories for the book.
   For me, one of the best parts of being a journalist is interviewing people. Everyone has stories to tell, but because we live in such a fast-paced society we don’t always slow down to tell those stories or to listen to the telling. Sometimes I find that when I start asking questions, the interviewee begins telling a tale that he or she hasn’t put together before. In the end, it turns out to be a story of value to many people.
   As summer fades and fall beckons us to begin slowing the pace for the coming winter, let’s sit with those we love and those we want to know better. Ask questions. Listen to the stories that follow. And if you’re so inclined, write them down. You might want to revisit them again some day.  

October 2007
   I’m just back from the Kentucky Women Writers Conference in Lexington and what a marvelous experience that was. Every time I attend I discover writers whose work I wasn’t familiar with before. And every time, I find writing that inspires me to push myself to be better – to read more and write more so I can create pieces that move readers as the women I have just heard do so effectively.
   So this month as I begin my own book signings for Yes! I Am Catholic, I’ll be reading Strange as this Weather Has Been by Ann Pancake, My Sister Disappears by Lee Merrill Byrd and 19 Varieties of Gazelles by Naomi Shihab Nye. What are you reading?

November 2007
   I’ve been enjoying the final few days of sunshine and semi-warmth before the frigid weather sets in. I know it’s near; this morning I went out to the garden to cut lettuce and finally gave it up because the cold, wet leaves chilled my fingers!
   This week I also went to the acupuncturist for a Wei Qi treatment. It’s my third winter for this seasonal treatment, one of the five seasons in Chinese medicine. I’m sold on the procedure because of the way I’ve gotten through the past two winters in good health, despite an immune system that was compromised by chemotherapy.
   I’ve also learned to appreciate the Chinese approach to the seasons which encourages living in harmony with the circumstances around us. As in nature, autumn is a time of shedding what we don’t need just as trees shed their leaves. Then when winter comes we can hibernate, relax with a hot cup of tea and a good book, and reinvigorate ourselves so we’ll be ready to bloom when spring returns.
   So eliminate the unessential and stockpile what can make you happy this winter. 

December 2007
   During the past two months I’ve had my first experiences at book fairs with my book, Yes! I Am Catholic. I’ve enjoyed meeting the other writers at these events and, even more, talking with the readers who drift by. Some don’t drift at all but come straight to the booth to tell me it’s my book they came for. Wow! That’s the kind of encouragement a writer needs.
   The most interesting reaction I’ve gotten from book fair attendees, however, is that a few of them have told me I’m brave. Why? I wanted to know so I asked. The answer was that they thought it was brave to stand behind a “Catholic” book in a region, and an industry, where the evangelical Protestant movement has become so strong.
   Some of my friends who are not Catholic (evangelical Protestant and otherwise) have read the book and enjoyed it. They appreciate the stories of real human experiences and how they connect with faith. It seems to me that we all, regardless of religious background, have a lot more that unites us than divides us. So in this Advent season of “waiting” for the arrival of the Christ child, let us all practice patience, love and hope.  

January 2008
    On January 1, 2008 I found myself reading an essay about using the gifts God has given each of us to reflect God’s love and goodness to the world. I hadn’t sought out that particular topic when I picked up the book of essays, but it certainly seemed an appropriate subject for reflection on that first day of the year.
    The essay ended by emphasizing one word to focus on – trust. It wasn’t a word I would have chosen for meditation when also thinking about “gifts,” but I realized it was quite appropriate. Sometimes using our gifts doesn’t fully coincide with the way society calls us to act. Our society doesn’t always reward people, monetarily or otherwise, for doing what we feel we are truly called to do, making it difficult at times to pay the bills and to feel satisfied with our contribution to the world. But with trust that God will lead us, we can move confidently forward, sharing our gifts in whatever way seems most fitting.
    By the time I reached the end of the essay I realized it was giving me guidance for not only the first day of the year, but perhaps for the entire first month of the year. So as I listed my work projects and goals for January, I also wrote at the top of the board “trust.” I hope you all find that trust this month so you can boldly offer your gifts to a world that is hungering for them.

February 2008
   Wow! What a start for 2008. New projects keep showing up in my life every week and that's energizing to me. I love the excitement of beginnings!
   During this past month I worked on articles for two magazines I haven't written for previously -- one of which is a brand new publication that will bring health and fitness news to central Kentucky. I look forward to seeing the premiere issue in February and when it's available online I'll let you know.
   I also began work on a new novel, drawing inspiration from a story a friend told me. Then I proceeded to begin a one-act play that danced around in front of me until I finally stopped, listened and put the words and actions on paper. Just this morning my husband and I talked about another creative idea that needs to be committed to paper. Like I said, wow!
   These work projects keep me smiling as I look out the window at the grayness of winter and dream about preparing the backyard garden for spring seeds. I'm about to put in my seed order and if the weather is favorable, we'll start preparing the soil this month. But in the meantime, I'll keep planting those words on paper and letting them take root in the minds of readers.
   What's energizing you at the start of 2008? Let me know at writerbeth@windstream.net.

March 2008
   I welcomed the month of March at an artist’s retreat at the nearby retreat center and what a joyous welcome it was! Retreat leaders Fr. Norman Fischer and Beth Ettensohn always do a fabulous job of creating a space where even a word-artist like me feels free to explore all sorts of artistic endeavors – painting, batik, linoleum prints, pastels, etc.
   Every time I attend the retreat (this was my third) I discover another form of art that excites me. This year it was batik. I learned to sew as a child and grew into a teenager and young working woman who made a lot of my own clothes. I especially enjoyed shopping for fabric when I lived in New York and could walk during my lunch hour to the Garment District to find materials for my dreamed of creations.
   Working on my batik scarf drew me back to my interest in sewing, something I’ve done little of during the past several years. Now that I know I can create my own fabric designs to sew with, who knows what projects my sewing machine and I will tackle.
   Do you have a hobby from childhood that you haven’t picked up in awhile? As we move through these final days of winter before the excitement of spring overtakes us, spend a little time exploring a forgotten love. It might also introduce you to a new joy in your life. Share what you discover at writerbeth@windstream.net.

April 2008
   These days my office looks as much like a greenhouse as a writer’s den. The window next to my desk gets the best sunlight in the house, so my seedling pots keep me company as I work, reminding me that with patience and care, a seed can become a thing of beauty. I like the green reminders that the season of new life is upon us.
   The plants also prompt me to take a break and go outside when I’ve been looking at a computer all day. When I put my hands in the dirt, words and sources and editors all become part of another life. I immerse myself in the joy of cultivating something in nature, allowing my garden to give me a place to transition to an evening of peace that prepares me for tomorrow’s assignment.
   I hope you, also, will find a bit of peace this spring.

May 2008
   Life is filled with activity these days. Between article drafts and research projects, I’m in the garden planting tomatillos, cucumbers and corn. I’m still babying the tomatoes I raised from seed and coaxing on some tiny flowers. If it’s a rainy day, I break from the desk work with some spring cleaning inside.
   Several weekends this spring have me at book events – book fairs and talks and reading celebrations. I’ve become accustomed to seeing some of the same author faces at each event and when I’m finished promoting my book for the year, I’ll miss seeing my compatriots every few months. Get a group of writers together and there’s a special energy that emerges as ideas and experiences merge in lively conversations. It even happens online with a few of my colleagues who I know especially well. We share our frustrations and triumphs, happy to have someone who speaks our language.
   So whether you’re speaking the language of spring’s glorious gifts, keeping your house livable or writing a dream project, I hope you, too, find compatriots with whom you can share your complaints as well as your joy.

June 2008
   I'm late this month with posting something new in this spot. I get so absorbed in spring gardening that updating a web site is not my top priority. But the garden is now well on its way to producing abundant vegetables, some of which are already beginning to overtake the refrigerator. I feel like a wealthy person during these warm-weather months of plentiful choices for meals.
   I was reminded recently of how blessed we are to live in a society where we do have choices about many things. Reading Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns absorbed me so deeply that I had to finish it before I could rejoin the world I inhabit daily. The women in the story illustrated the lack of choices that people, especially women, have had for some time in Afghanistan. As I hear news from that country daily, I remember my sisters there and pray for peace. 
   I also pray these days for so many who are suffering due to earthquakes, floods, war. It reminds me that one choice I need to make daily is to ask what role I can play in making the world a better place. Growing good food is one contribution, but I feel sure there is even more that God is calling me to do.

July marks three years since my cancer surgery and subsequent months in chemotherapy and radiation. The anniversary offers me an opportunity to reflect on how that experience has changed many aspects of my life, most especially my work life.

June 2008
   Although I had long been interested in health and wellness, I had never delved too deeply into writing on those topics. That has definitely changed! I’ve now written for a number of publications on wellness topics such as local food, art and healing and staying healthy through the winter. In September I’ll have articles in both Kentucky Living and Kentucky Monthly magazines on art and wellness topics. And monthly, I write for Total Health and Fitness magazine, which serves several counties in central Kentucky.
   September will also see the publication of A Cup of Comfort for the Breast Cancer Survivor, in which I have an essay called “The Hoopla about Hair.” The essay offers a humorous reflection on my experience of wearing wigs and I hope it will bring comfort to others who lose their hair.
   Each occurrence in our lives adds to our human experience, often stretching those experiences in some way. That was definitely true of my encounter with cancer. I hope to continue drawing from my enthusiasm about healthy living to share stories that will help lead readers to positive new encounters in their own lives.