WE CAN MAKE OUR PLANS...

 "Writers begin with a grain of sand, and then create a beach."
~ Robert Black

When my last blog posted, I was blessed to be in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My plan for today's post was to share about long strolls on the beach gathering seashells because I just can't help myself.

But sometimes our plans don't take us where we think we'll go. Although I did have many long walks and did gather a collection of seashells, other things happened in the Atlantic Ocean that were opposite of my peaceful strolls. As we enjoyed the beauty and serenity, we kept informed of what was going on with Hurricane Irma's monstrous path through the Caribbean. We wondered about evacuating if she headed up the east coast. We thought about the destruction she had already brought to fragile islands. We recalled the times hurricanes had ravaged the Outer Banks we love. We even remembered the hurricanes my husband was called out to be a first responder as an electric utility employee. We wondered, as did meteorologists, where Irma would impact the US. And I mulled over how I'd be able to write about the beauty of the ocean and beach, one of my favorite places, while Floridians and Texans were picking up the pieces of their coastal lives and homes from Irma's and Harvey's wrath.

Then I decided that instead maybe I could write about the 2017 Northern Ohio SCBWI Regional Conference on Saturday (9/16/17). I definitely was inspired, encouraged, and edified by presenters at the four breakout sessions I attended and the fabulous opening, midday, and closing addresses. During the closing address, "Off the Beaten Path," Jill Santopolo spoke about her path that abruptly changed, yet she knows she's where she's supposed to be. It was then I figured it out.

By writing about my process over the past few days, my thought patterns, my experiences and observations, I'd illustrate how our plans don't always take us where we think we'll go, but we end up where we're supposed to be. And by doing so, I've touched on all I contemplated.

How ironic that the quote I chose for this post ties writing and sandy beaches together!

Thanks again for stopping by.