Here I am, six years later from my last blog. During this time, I've been journaling, reading and taking notes, practicing exercises, and listening to authors. A few times I returned to this blog, read the old posts and changed some things, and then…it just petered out. Why? I lost focus on writing. 

 My writing style has changed, in 2016 it was breezy; most of it was done in one draft. (After the fourth on this post I lost count). Is it memory and six-years-older brain power or is it I’m more critical now after these years of reading? Maybe a little of both.

 I keep thinking about writing purpose. This world is full of words. Why do mine make any difference?  A while back, I started reading Nomadland by Jessica Bruder. I’ve been watching videos about living out of a vehicle for a couple years. I would love to try a short weekend camp, but because of my disability it’s hard to visualize. Then a writer friend on Facebook built out the inside of a school bus including a lift to adapt her wheelchair(s) and voila! It can be done. Since then, she's moved on to a smaller van. I've added a link to Corbette O'Toole's blog below called rollingjoy.

 I also found a man who uses a wheelchair and makes how- to videos about building his utility trailer pulled by his truck. Check out Bob at 1 Foot in the Grave at the end of this post.

 So their writing and vlogging made a difference to me and I know I’m not the only one.

 The mobility of the particular form of muscular dystrophy I have is interchangeable with a walker, manual chair and power chair. Since I’m using my walking muscles as long as possible, (getting harder) it does make for complications with transport. But it builds patience and adaptability. I've had to learn to Be Here for each step.

So, once again, I come back to focus on writing. Listening to what I need to write. I decided to keep my reading focus on Women's Studies for this year; reading some second wave classics, Sexual Politics and now The Second Sex.

Reading some authors I wonder if I could ever be that good, and get fired up enough to try. I just want it to have some excellence, some wit, not get bogged down by the internal and external distractions. 

 So, readers and writers, how do you struggle?  I need criticism and accountability. Writers and artists- what or who has helped you the most to stay focused on your art/craft and to just keep on?

https://rollingjoy.blogspot.com/  Corbett O'Toole 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCLmGV3C3SQ Bob at 1 Foot in the Grave