Much to cover, so here we go.

Writing

“Stand by your art. Don’t shy away from it, but stand by it.” My son advises. He’s quite incredible, and a far better writer than I am. His work is Pulitzer Prize winning caliber, and I’m not saying that just because he’s mine. He said it’ll take him twenty years to finish his work. He doesn’t exaggerate, so I’ll have to wait.

For him to keep encouraging me when I know I can never live up to the standard he produces, (his writing really is unbelievable) it does keep me moving forward, and humble. Not that humility is a problem when it comes to writing; I am definitely not going to proclaim that I’m a genious at it. I just like it. Therefore, I’ll keep doing it until every book is published, and then I can move on to something else. That little voice, that adult engine that repeats, “don’t quit” is still running strong. The hill is not as steep as it used to be- thank goodness.

Mistakes, there were two big ones in Fridays Up the Hill so I imediately sent it to my editor to proof read it before we move forward to put it in paperback, or make it audible.

That book is not the spotlight story (I don’t think). It was only supposed to set the reader up for the next book, which is much better.

The book originated when so many parents wondered what the homeschooled young adult would look like. We all wondered if we were doing the right thing, taking charge of our children’s education. I will say that was one of the most positive experiences in my life, to be surrounded by people who wanted the best lives for their children, and they were willing to give up a lucrative second income to get it.

We all were in unity of how we wanted to raise our kids and when you’re on the same page, as far as values and futuristic goals are concerned; the friendships and bonding among the adult parents turn priceless. You’d fight for each other’s kids, you just would. We enjoyed grouping with like-minded people, people we could trust. And to this day, they are probably the only people I could call on if I had a real tragedy. I respect them for that.

Fridays Up the Hill touches on that, the closeness of siblings, the respect of values and friendships, unaltered entertainment, and arranged marriages, well, more like encouraged marriages.

In the second book, that subject is addressed, briefly. There aren’t actually arranged marriages in the homeschool community, but the kids are taught how to date a little more carefully, and the parents may, or may not, have a say in who their daughter or son marries. Read the book, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Fitness

I have two books (more like guides because they’re only 4000 words?) on exercise for the aging.

Almost the Golden Years Basic Stretching (You may use a mat or a chair.)

Almost the Golden Years: Abbs and Knees (Exercise information for people over fifty.)

My husband is still working on book covers for these electronic “how to” guides. He enjoys that. I have no idea how to make a book cover.

I have 18 years experience as a fitness instructor in a gym. I have more if you count the years I taught at a dance studio. It all adds up to a total of 25. My oldest daughter took dance at age three. Her dance teacher used to come to my class to get choreography ideas for dances in her own studio. That daughter is twenty eight. I’ve been at this a long, long, time.

I taught aerobics, Jazzercise, toning, should I go on?

Tai Bo, People with Arthritis Can Exercise Too, Back Rehabilitation classes, Pregnancy Pool workout, Spinning, Aquatices, tap, ballet, and jazz.

And now: Zumba, Silver Sneakers, Chair Yoga, Yoga, Barre, Pilates, aquatics, and Pool Zumba.

AND I personal trained, was a certified PE teacher, and was a runner for forty years. I was water safety certified, too. I just recently quit the running.

I’m not a know-it-all when it comes to fitness. Matter of fact, people are constantly telling me how to do it, even though I have that transcript. (I never told anyone about the experience I have- I played the role of a newbie; and in many ways, I truly am a newbie.) I listened, and asked for validation because I truly had forgotten so much. When my last child was born, that was the end of my fitness career. My kids didn’t even know I danced, until 2017 when my daughter took me to HER Zumba class.

A friend of mine now, was teaching it, and the guy, who I enjoy taking Zumba from now, was in training. The class was fun, I was in my forties, so I still had a plethora of energy. I was a serious runner, so Zumba didn’t hook me. And I was attending a Baptist Church. Dancing was frowned upon. I cared what people thought.

I was also still raising kids, so I put all my focus into evening sports activities, church activities, and getting my son ready for college. He accepted a full scholarship at sixteen. He went into college at seventeen. Do I recommend that, no. Don’t do it. You’ll get respect and all sorts of ‘oooooohs and ahhhhhhs,’ but your child needs to emotionally mature. Watch Jody Foster’s “Little Man Tate.” That movie got it right.

Respect, from the fitness community? No, because I didn’t reveal all the fitness that I’d done in my life. I just cared about raising great kids. Did I? Did I.

My son has completed some unique things academically. He has achieved so much. He’s different.

“I’ll never marry,” he said.

“I know,” I said. He nodded, because the respect is mutual between us.

My oldest said, “I want to raise my kids the way you raised us.”

“I know,” I responded. The respect between two moms who know what it takes to raise a good child funded that conversation. She may fail, but she’ll give her life not to, like her mom did.

My youngest daughter, “How can you hate the person you’re exactly like?’

“That’s why you hate them. They remind you of the parts of yourself you don’t like. Believe me, you’re much better. You won’t turn into me. I promise.” There’s respect in allowing someone to grow, and express their feelings. She respects me because I don’t judge. We all have our crosses to bear, or other people’s poisons to deal with.

Respect from religious people, probably not anymore. I don’t do well with the Pharisees. I’ve let them down.

Respect for writing? I don’t know that I want it. I’m a miscrient in the writing world. I’m probably one of the worst authors out there, but there is a place for my writing, and at the end of the day; I can make up some good crap. I’m scared of other authors. I have nothing to give them, but me, and I inately know that’s not enough.

“Stand by your art. Don’t shy away.”

“Stand up to them. Tell them you’re not new, just weathered. You gather all rocks to make a strong foundation.”

“Be who you’re supposed to be, even if there are those who don’t like it.”

“Be the mother your children need. They come first.”

“Keep writing, because you love it. Stand by your art.”

And why should I respect you, people in my life, readers and passers-by? Because you continue to try. Don’t quit. The downhill ride is worth the climb. All the steep hills and mountains, I sincerely hope you continue to climb, and then see things when you get to the top. And I’ll applaud you as you enjoy the downhill run, because it’s invigorating, or so I’ve been told. 🙂

Fridays Up the Hill by V. M. Jenkins,

Almost the Golden Years Abbs and Knees (Exercise information for people over fifty.) by V. M. Jenkins

Almost the Golden Years Basic Stretching (You may use a mat or a chair.) by V. M. Jenkins