THOUGHTS ON PUBLISHING NOVELS

August 27, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
I may have one of my nine novels published soon.  During the 1970's and 1980's, I was a very prolific writer.  Besides my newspapering and magazine work, I wrote fiction at night.  I also took care of my housework and cooked for my late husband, Ralph, and son Barry.  Finally, I became "burned out", and took a long break from writing, except for an occasional free lance assignment.  (I did sell three romance novels to a German publisher during that time.)
My typed novel manuscripts are in mailing boxes.  Barry and Tam are involved in the process of getting things ready for possible publication.  It's been 20 - 25 years since I wrote the novels, and I had forgotten some of the titles and names of characters.  As I've looked over the manuscripts, I think they are good, and I am usually my most harsh critic.  The characters of the novel came to life for me and I wrote about them.
I could die happy if my novels were published while I have my wits about me.  At the same time, it would be frosting on the cake if Barry could be happily married, too.
See you next time......
(As told to Tam)

ME AND BARRY'S DOCTOR VISITS AND TAM'S FLORIDA HOLIDAY

August 22, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
Son Barry hadn't had a physical exam in about two years.  So, he was a bit worried that the doctor would find something wrong with him during his exam yesterday.  He was relieved that his office exam went fine.  But, he had lab work and will have that report soon, and hope it will be good, too.
I also had an appointment with our primary care doctor for a follow-up visit I had a month ago.  I discussed with the doctor my various aches and pains.  She gave me samples of medicine to try for my IBS.  This medicine has had good reports for IBS treatmemt.  I've tried so many such medicines to no avail.  So, I'm a bit skeptical about it, but am giving it a try.  My blood sugar monitor was ten years old.  So, the doctor gave me a new monitor.  Barry and I tested our blood sugar last night and both had good results.  He said I'm pretty tough for such an old lady!
Tam had a long weekend holiday at Pensacola and Destin, Florida last week.  She went with her daughter-in-law and her mother to visit friends.  Tam said, "We had a blast and the weather was gorgeous as was the scenery."  I'm glad she had a good trip but I missed her.
While Tam was on holiday last Friday, Genevelyn, my neighbor and friend, came over and visited with me and fixed my lunch.  She's a jewel!
See you next time
(As told to Tam)

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

August 15, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
It's amazing how a small blue pill can make so much difference in my life.  It goes back nearly 25 years ago when I was going through a difficult time.  It made me feel better through good and bad years.
Several times I tried to quit taking the drug.  I took newer anti-depressants that didn't keep me from feeling awful.
This drug didn't keep me from having health problems over the years, but it helped me to survive.  I was beginning to feel happy again after my lengthy hospital stay with double pnuemonia last spring.
And then, out of the blue, we began having problems with the pharmacy we had used for years.  An apparent mix-up between the pharmacy and my doctor, resulted with me being told my old medicine was no longer being made.  For three weeks, I suffered to the point I thought I was dying.  I lost ten pounds during that time.  Barry and Tam decided something had to be done.  Tam made phone calls Monday to the new pharmacy we had switched to and was told they would have no problems with getting the old medicine.  She then called the doctors office and in a few hours I took my little blue pill and as I write this, I'm almost back to normal and am beginning to be happy again!
I dislike being so dependant on a medicine. But, I am 84 years old and think I should be allowed to be happy during the time I have left on this earth.
See you next time.

(As told to Tam)

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

August 9, 2012

By Olivene Godfrey
I've found over the years when I've given someone a gift that makes that person happy I feel a warm glow of happiness myself.  And some people seem to have been born with the knack for accepting gifts graciously.  Son, Barry has that gift, and so does Tam, my caregiver and dear friend.
Barry and I had been discussing what we could give Tam for her year anniversary with us, and we thought she would like a personal computer as the one she had "died".  Barry's friend, Kym (and mine) had bought her mother a new computer recently.  Barry asked if he could have the old computer, as he enjoys tinkering with anything electronic.  Kym gave it to him and Barry couldn't find anything wrong with the computer.  But, the monitor had burned out.  It so happened that Barry had a good monitor in a closet.  And, he was able to get the computer and monitor to work.  That was last weekend.  On Monday morning, I told Tam to look in my office at her "gift".  When she saw it, she shouted "It's Christmas!" and then she cried and laughed at the same time.  I feel good knowing she was so happy.  Tam can do most anything, and that night she had the computer working before she went to bed.
Tam has done so much for us this past year, and we can never repay her.  Since I can't do much anymore, she has taken on doing extra things to help me.  She takes care of my medical prescriptions, which was a load off my mind.  She also took on the role as my personal secretary, and drives me to doctor appointments and any where else I need or want to go.
Barry and Tam make it possible for me to remain in my home.  See you next time.
(As told to Tam)