People are works in progress. We learn, experience new things, change jobs, homes, or relationships. Sometimes, as with COVID-19, change is dumped on us.
Retirement has given me a wonderful lifestyle change. But even before it began on June 1st, I felt a transformation coming that went beyond not driving up to the university five days a week. I knew I would become a grandparent, and that I would probably volunteer, and yes, both those things have now happened.

I’m thrilled to announce that my granddaughter, Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Debra MacNeil was born this past weekend, and that I’m now officially part of the exceedingly special grandparent club. After my daughter’s maternity leave ends next July, I’ll be doing a lot of babysitting so she can resume her career. As a writer, all I need is a laptop, and I can work anywhere, so it’s all good.
Which brings me to my second transformation. As some of you know, I’ve been working on a lengthy urban fantasy novel for some time. Retirement has allowed me to work on it for longer periods each day which has helped me figure out continuity glitches and so forth.
But a new idea for a mystery series has also sprung up and won’t let go, at least yet. I’m making notes and thinking about it, often while doing household chores and yard work. I’m also wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to the Casey Holland series, or perhaps put it on hiatus.
I do have a Casey novella planned for release next year, but after that it might be time to move on. This new series idea, plus the fantasy novel will keep me busy enough, and I do love the idea of exploring something new, so we’ll see. Like most transformations, it will require much more thought and reflection.
Meanwhile, after many years of coloring my hair, I’ve decided to let that go too. I like the silver that started coming in during the first few weeks of COVID. When I finally got to the hairdresser in June, I decided I want to keep it, so I’m in another transition there :).
Other transformations are coming down the road, but they are too far away to dwell on right now. Personally, I’m not afraid of change, as I believe it’s a crucial part of learning and growing. This grandma’s a lifelong learner, and in some ways I’m just getting started.
Congratulations Grandma for embracing all that life has to offer including our time as wise women. Ellie is wonderful! The birth of a child and the birth of a new series just naturally fit together. Your muses are calling! Blessings~
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Thank you, Wendy. Yes, there are, and thankfully I’m paying attention!
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Ellie is beautiful. I love newborns…. You must be ecstatic! What a prospect — all those years seeing her grow up and discovering what she’s really like inside! I loved it when my g’kids each began to talk.
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Thank you! Yes, I can’t wait to watch her grow. When I held her last night, she went right to sleep and stayed that way for over an hour. Brandon and Elida were amazed. I told them that it comes with experience 🙂
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Congratulations, Debra. Sounds like you’re in a very exciting time in your life. I’m really looking forward to your urban fantasy book(s?). Cheers.
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Congratulations! What a cutie!
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Hi Grandma Debra, how exciting that you look ahead. Change is unavoidable, so much better that we acknowledge that fact. Change in fact is the one constant in life. New hobbies, and opportunities ahead for you, how exciting that you have more flexibility now. Choodavidse how you use your time and plan the experiences and places you can enjoy while you are healthy. All the best –
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how did my name get in the middle of Choose at the end. LOL
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Ha! You wouldn’t believe how many times that happens to me, and thanks David. Yes, I really need to think about the choices ahead.
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It sounds like everything is going well. Congratulations on the new grandbaby. Xo
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Thanks, Darlene. Yes, I feel very lucky to have some good things happening in an otherwise stressful COVID year.
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Lot of changes! Congratulations on your grandchild. What an event! Mine is still years away (my kids fault; not mine). I understand the nagging of a new series. My prehistoric fiction series pushed my beloved thriller series right out of the way. I even had the next drafted but it just doesn’t matter when something grabs your attention. If you are looking for a street team for your novella, count me in. Just let me know when it’s ready.
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Exciting times. I can’t emphasize enough how pleasurable it is to write after retirement. I’m sure you’ll find ideas keep coming.
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Thanks, Mallee. It’s such a relief not to be multi-tasking and trying to cram writing time in before and after the day job. I love the new ideas phase, creating plots and characters…
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Lovely changes. I look forward to reading the novel.
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Thank you for the lovely comments, and I’ll keep everyone posted as things develop regarding the book. 🙂
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