Family Time

  The second weekend in June is our family time at a cabin. We have made many memories over the years. There was a point where the Burkholder family cabin was too small and we had to find a larger one. That one became full too, but we always managed to find a place for everyone to sleep. 

   This year we had the smallest crowd we've had in a long time. I saw this day coming years ago and knew the grandchildren would have lives of their own and not be there all weekend as before. This year five of the adult grandchildren were either living out of state or in another country. Some had other activities and some came for part of the time.

   The younger grandchildren had a good time and got along really well. Cheryl was in charge and had planned several activities for them. We had a good time visiting with our children and catching up with each other. It is a blessing to have a family that gets along so well. The pictures speak for themselves.

Abi loved the water balloons

Emma learned how to make a pom pom

Cheryl directed the tie dying

The generations blend with granddaughter Abi and 

great-grandson Elijah who are both two years old.

The five youngest grandchildren

Jay and Nick played a game

Abi rode her tricycle on the deck

while the adults sat and visited

and Gerald made chicken bbq for Saturday supper.

Now don't you wish you were a Stauffer?

Writer's Conference

    I am catching my breath today after being in Virginia for a two-day Writer's Conference sponsored by Christian Light. The first time I went was in the 1970s. I missed some years but have been there many times. It is always like a shot in the arm to get refresher courses from the speakers in various workshops. There are workshops on various kinds of writing and art, but I stick with the ones on story writing. It is also a place to "talk shop" with other writers and meet old friends I rarely see anywhere else. I came away feeling a bit overwhelmed and like I don't have a clue what I'm doing. I have a lot to learn.

   One of the best things that happened this year was an interview with some editors. I was feeling very confused with what I was trying to do and got some answers. Now I have confidence to move forward and continue. However, they also raised some more questions about future writing I will have to think and pray about. It doesn't look like they are willing to let me retire. I am not opposed to continuing to write but only if they are short pieces. I will not attempt another five-year project.

   The conference this year was especially sweet because both of my sisters were there. The three of us wore matching dresses both days, blue polka dot the first day and black print the second day. Sisters days are special no matter what we wear. I owe my youngest sister a debt of gratitude for taking me and making it possible for me to be there.