Thursday, March 22, 2012

Why I admire Steve Jobs and my mother...

   I'll get to why I admire my father, later.
   My first experience with computers was with the Apple IIe in my Career Explorations classroom. I looked at that shiny red apple emblem and thought I had gone to Heaven. For the first time, all those lessons my typing teacher drilled in my head were put to use. I could type and remove mistakes. I was thrilled.
   Not only the machines, but I was using Steve J. and Steve W. as examples in the Career class. I read the details of their work in a garage and how they struggled to make their dream a reality. I used the details to inspire my students to pursue their interests.
   We bought an Apple IIGS at home. I thought the keyboard was the cutest thing I'd every seen. But, alas, along comes Tandy with a PC that's all one piece...no seperate keyboard, monitor, or processor and soon, Apple computers weren't replaced with newer models. Steve Jobs' name appeared in class presentations less often. It seemed Apple computer company had disappeared.
   Behind the scenes in the business world, Steve Jobs never gave up. We have proof of that today. His story is more inspiring than ever. Why? Because he had faith in himself. In his product. In his ability. He proved this to the world. He never quit.
   That's why I admire my mother's efforts so much. Things I never considered as a child are evident, now. The challenges my mother faced weren't as huge as those faced by big business, but to our family, to my father, her unfailing support meant everything.
   I wish I had realized all this while she was living.
We rarely get a chance to thank those who influence us most while they are alive. I thanked my mother for some of the things she did, but as time passes, as memories surface, I realize each day how much I owe her my thanks. My love. My respect.
   You see, like Steve Jobs, my mother never quit. Through snow storms and baking summer heat, she worked along side my father to support her family. I never realized all she did until now. It's her grit that keeps me going when a rejection letter arrives in the mail. She never quit. How can I?
    Steve Jobs made many of our tasks easier to accomplish because he never quit. My mother's determination reminds me every day to work hard for goals I want to achieve. Failure is not an option. If one idea doesn't work, try another angle.
    I never met Steve Jobs, but he changed our lives, changed the world.
    My mother changed my life and helped shape my world. Thanks to her love and perseverence, I learned the skills I need to pursue my dreams and use the tools Steve Jobs and Apple, and by their challenge, other companies created.
    I admire my mother and Steve Jobs for never giving up.
    As a writer...these two people are the good examples of great role models. How about you? Who do you admire?
     

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Writing...

   And life have distracted me again!
Spring is coming...feel the fever? Soooo many things to do and so little time in the day...lol
Well, you know the drill.
   So, finally, I'm steaming along on the next book...not the follow up to Cupid...that idea is simmering on the back burner, but I can't wait. I love writing about dogs. In the next book in the Cupid series our favorite little pooch is still a star [at this point!!!]
   I'm writing and reading some wonderful books to keep up with 'market study'! [So much fun. Sometimes I forget to write and just keep reading.] That's actually a good thing. I'm expecting books to judge for a contest to arrive anyday and reading will be required! Goody!
   So, how do I write? I have files and files of ideas that always seem to hit when I'm in the middle of a manuscript. It's almost like my subconscious is taunting me to try another idea. On the current ms. I'm pulling out my hair...struggling for one page at a time. And then, wham-O. Days when my fingers can't keep up with my thoughts.
   Fingers crossed, stage set, hoping for another surge that will push the story to the mid-point with a lot of questions needing answers.
   Thanks for dropping by...leave a comment.
    How do you write or read? In surges or one big lump until the end?