Tuesday, September 9, 2014

3, 2, 1... Relaunch!

In the summer of 2013, as I prepared to retire and devote full-time to my writing, I launched this blog. Not completely sure of what I was doing, I pressed forward because everyone advised, "You're a writer; you need a blog." Okay then.

Every other week like clockwork I put up a new post. I blogged about the writing process, a one-man show about Ben Franklin on which I was working, mused on the value of a writers' critique group, and provided links to short stories, videos and my books.

My last blog post was in mid-December, a time when my wife had just come out of the hospital and my mother-in-law was hospitalized. The prognosis for my mother-in-law was not good and she died on Christmas Day. The day after her funeral my wife re-entered the hospital. Little did I realize at the time that she would pass away nine days later. Sad times!

To say that my life felt like it had been kicked to the curb is an understatement; more like being catapulted into the void between Mars and Jupiter. In the last few months I sold our place in Maryland, downsized for the move, and settled into a comfortable new condo in Florida where, when the snow starts flying up north, I expect to see visitors. :-) Every day I shake my head in wonder at all that has transpired. I've learned a lot about resilience. My life is good, just not what I expected it to be few short months ago. I'm grateful for family and old friends who have seen me through tough times, and for new friends and acquaintances who have welcomed me to my new life.

I'm grounded by my writing. Stirring those "creative juices" keeps me going. I've re-titled this blog, LIFE'S A MYSTERY. Perhaps that truth is why mysteries resonate with readers. My take away from the past nine months is that our time together is fleeting. I want to enjoy all that life has to offer and plan to use this blog to share my thoughts about this incredible journey and how "life's mysteries" infuse my mystery writing. My hope is that you'll join in the conversation with your comments. 

You can see more about my books and short stories at www.rayflynt.com.

6 comments:

  1. I've made a note to myself: "Don't read Ray's blog at work unless you really want to be sent to employee health for a fitness-for-duty evaluation because you were blubbering on the job!" As always, Ray, your words are eloquent, heartfelt and poignant. Congratulation on your re-launch. Thank you for being my friend on this journey...this mystery...we call life!

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  2. I promise no blubbering on my next post! :-)

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  3. As always, I'm impressed by your strength and resilience, Ray. I'll look forward to reading more of your blogs.

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