SGSWrite.com

Did I actually type that? Wonderful Monday?

An explanation. Saturday, and most definitely Sunday, are down times for me. I enjoy true family time with my wife Lucille and daughter Stefanie, and our two miniture dachshunds, Jeffrey and Little Lady. I’ll read both the Star-Ledger and Sunday New York Times, we might take a day trip (this past Saturday afternoon, we traveled to New Brunswick, NJ), but most of all it is all about togetherness.

This down time fuels me for Monday, and the opportunity that waits around the bend. And today, it (opportunity) indeed abounds in the form of three or four possible new projects.

Before I go fill the bird feeder — the sparrows are waiting — I wanted to briefly, in this forum, congratulate my daughter Stefanie. A Montclair State University freshman, she has written for the school newspaper, The Montclarion, since issue two this fall, and she may officially become Assistant News Editor soon. My congratulations are offered not for her possible new title (yet), but for her embracing opportunity.

I wish everyone a Monday filled with light and love.

Steve

For our family, and neighborhood for that matter, this was an interesting week as, for the first time, we spotted a Red-tailed Hawk in our back tree. Not being a professional photographer, I did my best to snap some photos, this one being the best, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?pid=1105349&id=1173146773.

As I look back at this spotting, which appears for some that I’ve heard from to be commonplace near their homes, I marvel at it. This bird, to me, was a beautiful animal, Rather than fly, it glided, its wingspan wide, the flapping of those wings an art.

The miracle of life. A wonder of nature.

Prior to my writing day, my normal mode of prepartion is meditation and prayer. This routine puts me at ease and readies me for whatever is in store, makes me feel really good about what I do for a living, but more than anything, places me hand-in-hand with my Creator.

Today, on this gorgeous Saturday morning, I was awoken by the filter of bright sunlight filtering through the mini-blinds adorning my bedroom window, and the chirping and “singing” of the birds outside. They needed to be fed.

Grabbing two pieces of wheat bread, I exited the back door and headed to the bird feeder, greeted by about 10 — 15 birds of various species. They waited as I filled the feeder, and pounced (not an exageration) on it, devouring the bread in minutes.

I decided then and there, as I stood in the brisk cold and bright, early morning sun — so bright that I had to squint while watching the birds– that this, my few moments with them in our side yard, and returning inside and writing this blog, would be my meditation and prayer for this day.

I need this. I firmly believe that WE need this. I’ll call it “The Great Escape.” And, it need not be so great. It can just be a tiny stroll through our backyards or neighborhoods, our very realms awash with nature if we just truly open our eyes and “see” it.

Yes, a different form of meditation and prayer, but I will say a quick prayer:

“Thank you.”

I often look at holidays two ways: as a celebration and an expense.

Valentine’s Day is special. Today, many will be professing their love (for the first time, or again) for someone else with a hug, a kiss, and maybe a gift. Most will also dine out with lovers and\or family members, which is where the expense (diamonds, special menus) comes into play. Tonite, I and my family will dine in historic Morristown, New Jersey, at a spot where we favor their burgers. However, feasting on these may not be an option; a special, upscale menu is offered. Oh well.

The above being said, I often wonder if we REALLY focus on the “love” that’s supposed to be celebrated this day. What does it truly mean to love somebody? For example, I just kissed my wife before and wished her a Happy Valentine’s Day but, as I do often, I asked myself briefly, “How well do I really know her?” “Do I show her enough love?”

Also, how does she define love? Am I meeting that expectation? Is that expectation too high?

My definition? Well, I guess it can range from the anguish of unrequited infatuation to being comfortable with that one, special someone and wanting to do everything with he\she, or them. As a freelance writer, I get invited to a lot of events, many where I can bring a guest. I’m thankful that my wife can come along and, if I can bring another, my daughter is also welcome. I enjoy spending my time with them.

Speaking of writing, volumes of love poetry have been published, but are those words YOUR beliefs? Some of them sparkle, have stood (and will continue to stand) the ravages and tests of time, but have you grabbed a pen and paper today, and jotted down why your loved ones are special to you on Valentine’s Day? Have you written YOUR poem of love?

Enjoy love this day, however you define it. If today is yout first date, engagment day, wedding day or anniversary, feel and spread love.

This afternoon I’ll be attending the First Annual Asbury Park Writers Festival at Restaurant Plan B on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.

As a kid, I vacationed many summers in Asbury Park, but my fascination has always been with its boardwalk area. Today, I’ll be away from the beach a bit for what should be a superb event at a truly terrific eatery run by wonderful folks.

My Ed Hitzel’s Restaurant Magazine column, “View From The Center,” will feature today’s event in the spring issue.

If you are there, please say hello!

I was a guest on Sue Waldman’s “Coaching To LOVE” (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coachingtolove/2010/01/25/inspiration-and-writing) Blog Talk Radio show last night and had a ball! I will also be leading my second writing workshop this upcoming Wednesday, 1/27, at Sue’s office in Verona, New Jersey. Please visit her website, www.SueWaldman.com and click on the “Events” page for more information.

I thank Sue for her kindness with the invite, and for doing such a wonderful show.

While on Sue’s show last night, I had the chance to read some of my published poems and a brief rambling, while also detailing to an extent what the writing life — and the different realms of it – is truly like…for me.

Prior to getting into the meat of my current article assignments and other projects, I wanted to reach out and thank my colleagues and mentors in this field who support and aid me with advice.

I also want to thank my beautiful wife, Lucille, and my wonderful daughter (and fellow journalist) Stefanie, for their encouragment and understanding as well.

Onward and upward…

Join me this evening as I talk inspiration and writing with Sue Waldman: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coachingtolove/2010/01/25/inspiration-and-writing. Sue is a very good friend and an outstanding Life Coach whose broadcasts, events and programs I highly recommend!

I enjoy, as a writer, being busy. Being “busy” means there are people putting their faith in me, trusting me. It also means that I’m serving people by doing something I love — writing.

I’m currently redoing a website project, finishing up a newspaper piece, and working on five dining pieces, and I just wrapped up an article for a fitness magazine, as well as a press release project.

Life is good…

It’s that short week between Christmas and New Years, the week prior to the “fun” beginning anew in 2010.

I’m all set for my novel rewrite, in addition to the upcoming assignments I’ll have for my print publication clients.