Just Keep Swimming

September salutations!

I’m back from my summer of fun and wouldn't you know it, there’s some great stuff out there to blog about —

Yes, I’m talking about the goal that Diana Nyad can FINALLY cross off her Bucket List.

In case you missed it, yesterday she completed a 110-mile swim from Cuba to Key West. When she made it to shore after 53 hours of battling currents in shark and jellyfish-infested waters, she said she had three messages…

1. We must never, ever give up (Yeah, she would know a lot about this one — she set the Cuba to Key West goal back in the ‘70s and failed to accomplish it on four previous attempts).
2. You are never too old to chase your dreams (Diana turned 64 last week… that’s 64, as in sixty-four… I’m thinking it’s time to put down the Doritos and get off the couch).
3. It looks like a solitary sport, but it’s really a team.

Without a doubt, this is some news that every writer, artist, and Elbow bender can use!

So… 

1. Right now, recommit to that dream of yours.
2. Ditto, ditto, ditto (I don’t give a wit whether you are two or 107).
3. Just like swimming, the writer/artist life looks like a solitary sport. It is not. Start building your team today by finding a critique group, joining an organization like SCBWI, for example, or writing with friends at a local coffee shop.

And in honor of Diana Nyad’s awesomeness, I’m thinking that old Beatles tune needs a chorus change…

When I get older losing my hair,

Many years from now.

Will you still be sending me a Valentine

Birthday greetings bottle of wine.

When you've been out for 53 hours

While I wait on shore,

Will you still be kicking butt in shark-infested waters

When you’re sixty-four?

Yeah, it needs work, I know…

But I will never give up.

PROMPT: Never.Give.Up.