Writer's Group

I showed up at Writer's Group today. Sarah was there. In fact, she was the only other woman. Roger, Allen, John, and a new guy, Bob, were there. Bob's an emergency-room doctor who entertained us with interesting details of the recent helicopter crash on top of the hospital. Apparently an Aeromed helicopter encountered some problems, clipped a radio tower, something, and went down. Both men aboard were able to escape with minor injuries, but the explosion, fire, and debris raining down caused quite a situation for a couple of hours. Supposedly jet fuel even washed down the hospital's elevator shaft. My husband could see the black smoke from his office nearby. The photo is one I "borrowed" from the Grand Rapids Press coverage of the event.

Bob's play, however, wasn't quite as fascinating. The title is great: "Cancer: The Musical." But he didn't seem to know how to stage a play, with stage directions and bits of exposition that set up the play. No cast of characters. It's got possibilities, though.

Allen's short story is typical of Allen, who is fascinated by the supernatural. I too have a fascination with the genre, but my attempts thus far at writing for that audience/genre are not so successful. Currently I'm working on a series of essays that I'm calling Tales from the Front Porch. Each segment or essay (creative nonfiction) will be connected to Aunt Susie's front porch. We'll see how that goes.

I emailed Mary, with hopes of chatting with her this weekend, but no response. She doesn't always check email, and she also takes vacations where she is not in contact with people. Must be nice. I've fallen victim to cell phone addiction. I use my cell phone only rarely, but I feel that I have to have it with me, even if all I'm doing is walking out to get the mail. Shades of "I've fallen and I can't get up!"

My Older Son and his wife will be having their anniversary in about a week. Twelve years. That's a long time to be married without having children, but a baby is likely not going to happen. They've spoken about adopting a baby at some point. It's their life, not mine, so despite loving the idea of grandchildren, I can't impose my needs and desires onto them. So if they have one, adopt one, or just get another cat, that will have to be their decision.

There, don't I sound mature? Deep inside, though, I keep hoping that they'll have a baby and that it will be a girl. My dear friend Kay has one granddaughter and another is expected in about six weeks. Ellie has a grandson. Heck, even Mike and Pam will have grandchildren before I do! The way Jordan and Andy are growing up, who knows? Every time I see a picture of them, it seems that both children have gotten three or four years older, not just one year older. Amazing how that happens to other people's kids.