What does one do, when life intrudes to disrupt one’s creative energies? I’ve had an idea for how to proceed with a sequel to BEGUILED. But, my life has taken a different turn. I’m in the downsizing, decluttering phase of life. And, boy, that takes a lot of mental (albeit, not creative) energy.

Just going over all of my (our) stuff, collected over decades on trips, gifts from dear, sometimes departed, friends. Birthday and holiday presents, even though I have no use for them. My husband when he was “courting” me, once bought me an expensive pair of ancient gold earrings, just because I said “If you ever want to buy me something…” when we passed an antiques store in Harvard Square. So, where would I wear them these days? Do I keep them? Do I frame them? Do I donate them to a museum of ancient art? Photos. Art work. Books that I’ve loved, but I won’t read again. A couple bequeathed us a collection of little carved whalebone sculptures that we keep in special cases. There are so many of them. Having them reminds me of a trip we four took to Russia back in Gorbachev times. When Russia was a cultural destination, rather than a dirty word associated with hacking of the US election process.

And pictures that my late brother painted/drew and gave me. Although they’re not the sought after oil paintings that his gallery gets lots of money for, they’re still meaningful because of my connection with him. Original prints, charcoal drawings from his youth, pastels, and even a drawing of me for one of my birthdays that my husband prevailed upon him to draw (although he insisted he doesn’t draw on demand.)

Not to mention books I’ve written that I still have a few boxes of in my basement. Women Riders Who Could… and Did, my 2nd of 3 published books, is enjoyed by many of my equestrienne friends. It tells the inside story of a dozen top level horse women, some of whom endured mental and sometimes sexual abuse to get to the top of their game as riders in a male-dominated business. Anne Kursinski (Olympic jumper) recently came out publicly as having been 1 of many girls who was abused by Jimmy Williams, her mentor in a high class barn in California. How can I dispose of these? Those women trusted me with their hearts when they told their stories.

So, the next thing is to write my second novel. But, these things are taking precedence. I just want to tell you.