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As a writer, I’ve always felt it was important to be reading while writing. New books, old books, classics, children’s books, in all genres. Each one, even if a reread, is a new encounter. Retirement has allowed me to live up to this.

I’m making steady progress on the word count for the cozy mystery. I’m also still working with the book for grades 3 to 5. The book for grades 5 to 8 has been put aside for now although I’m still thinking it through. I’m afraid I’m going to have to totally rewrite a section and, yes, I’m avoiding it. This progress is a new encounter and the completion of one of them will be a joyous one.

I’ve been reading heavily in the cozy mystery genre and picking up books for lower grades as interesting titles or authors I know grab me. I’m also gobbling up Meg Stafford’s works. She’s an important encounter right now.

President Trump has put us into a war that may change the Middle East, and not for the good. He does not think things through and doesn’t take anything or anyone into consideration unless it directly affects him or his money. His cabinet is completely useless, also only interested in serving their interests. He has his eyes on Cuba as the next target. Any information on his misguided administration is an unwanted, soul-leaching encounter.

With this as a constant backdrop, I need respite from the world. When I read the Lost Story, I was transported away from all of this world back to the one of my childhood where I could suspend reality and live in a book. I am now doing the same exercise with The Wishing Game although this one is harder to fall into, at least in the beginning.

I’m forcing myself to acknowledge weekends. Not pushing so hard for a word count. Handling only essential chores. Instead, allowing those things I value as relaxation to be in the forefront of the two days. Music, classical, oldies, new sounds I hear about. I watch movies, heartfelt, action, animated, award-winning or not. I read and I listen to audiobooks. Desired encounters with an enjoyable purpose.

I make myself think about life as a series of encounters and what control I have over those encounters. I don’t have to scroll through social media every hour. I control that encounter. I cannot control the weather, the behavior of my dog (although I try), nor how my body will function on any given day.

Today is Saturday. Nothing is planned beyond my daily viewing of Mass on the internet. It appears that it will be a day of on again, off again rain. I’m going to see how many relaxing encounters I can find because it has certainly been the opposite all week.