#4500

 When I started writing this blog way back in 2010 I wondered if I could find enough topics to write about every day. This is my 4500th post. I started writing to keep a connection with my grandson who had just been born. My idea was that I would start writing about events in my life that were of interest to me and through which he would learn about who I am or was. He is now 11 years old and going on 12 and is a smart, articulate and athlete young man. I am very proud of him as he should be of himself. He is approaching puberty and the hormones that kick in can wreak havoc with your mind and your body. We all went through it and we all survived. So, over the next few years, he should know he is loved and will continue to be loved.

Every day there are new adventures to be started, new journeys to plan for, and new places to explore. The world is a fun, and exciting place, where there is joy and wonder everywhere. Now, I know that there is sadness and pain as well. Life is full of both, but it is our approach and our attitude toward the events that happen to us that determine how we survive.

I enjoy writing and will continue to write every day and am looking forward to writing my 5.000 post on January 11 2024 or thereabouts. By then my grandson will be 14 and starting on a new adventure having shared a few more with his grandmother and I.

Thank you to all of those who read this blog and give me comments that help me understand the world a bit better. 

Intergalactic Phone Book listing

For all those who write and publish blogs, I found your new Intergalactic Phone Book listing!!

It wasn't easy. At first, I looked under Illuminated, but you weren't there. Then I looked under Faith Healer, Magician, and Wild Thing; not there either. You weren't even under Funny Bones. I started to worry. 

Then I had an "ah-ha" moment. I looked you up under people who have their own blog, and who will very, very soon travel... Eureka! 

You make time and space look easy so thank you for your words and thoughts.

3000 and counting

This is my 3000 post. I started with a post about the news I was going to be a grandfather.almost 8 years ago. This was about a month after my grandson was born and my wife was in Australia and I was going to be heading down in about two weeks to see my new grandchild. 

Two things I said in that post still apply.
The first is 'I am not sure if being a grandfather makes me a senior or do I still qualify for being a boomer. I am not yet ready to call myself a senior although I suspect that younger people would think I qualify." I definitely qualify for senior status, but still, refuse to be called a senior and think of my self as a Boomer, or as my friend Ernie called me a "Sonic Boomer".

The second, in my first post, I also talked about my going across the border and being stopped because of a computer glitch and I wrote, "I also enjoyed the idea that I was suspected of setting the world on fire again even if the reason was a computer glitch." 
Boomers are still setting the world on fire, although my peers such as Donald Trump continue to give my generation a bad name. Overall we have done a lot of good over the last 70 plus years, but we could have done better. I am happy that many of my peers are still involved in supporting others through volunteering, demonstrations and being involved in our community. 

I hope to continue writing for another at least 10 years and I thank all of you who read my words and give me feedback. It makes life exciting and interesting

2800 wow

Two days ago I posted blog number 2800, according to the stats I see on Blogger. I started writing this blog on October 6, 2010, in response to the news that I was going to be a grandfather. 

I am a bit of a workaholic and so I made a commitment to write one post a day just for fun not realizing I would be still doing this after seven years. Over the years I have looked at a wide range of topics that I found interesting and I think the readers do as well. I have been approached by people who have asked me to write stories that would be of interest to their demographic, and they would pay me for the work I did. I always decline those offers, because I don't what I will write until I sit down and compose. 

I have, as a result of some reading my blog, asked to comment on issues for seniors and I have always accepted that challenge. When I was at University, I was a student reporter, and I still remember how hard it was to get people willing to talk to you and to be quoted. So I am always open to enquiring minds who want to listen.

I have over the last seven years been faced with some challenges and many joys. Life is good and it continues to be at this stage. I am looking forward to another few years of writing, as it keeps my mind active. Thank you to all of those who have, by reading and making comments, kept my spirits up and my energy and enthusiasm for writing going.

Top online courses to improve writing

In retirement, many people take on new adventures and new hobbies. Some take up writing so the following would be of great interest to those bloggers and writers who are interested in improving their writing skill sets. A blogger named Arthur Gutch has chosen his 10 ten online writing classes. The full story is here, but I have listed the top three from Arthurs list below:

Some of the courses are free, some cost as much as a normal college class, but all of them give you the opportunity for real growth in your writing career

1.           Writing Science Fiction   Offered by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), this class is free and includes all assignments and materials. It's a non-credit class focusing on the world of science fiction writing.

2.           English Composition  Offered by Arizona State University, this class includes a number of writing projects, and helps you to develop research and critical thinking skills. The class is free to take, and students who earn a C or above can pay $600 to receive a college credit for the class.

3.           How to Write About Murder  The Australian Writer's Centre offers this course for true crime writers, as well as crime fiction authors. It teaches how to research murder cases, using both sides of the story as POV. The price is $195.