LOVE POETRY, LOVE TO WRITE

LOVE POETRY, LOVE TO WRITE

There are times when the hurt in life is too deep to express with mere words, and I've found that writing down the emotions has helped me to deal with the pain.

I started writing poetry and prose years ago, when I was starting a new life, divorced from a man who was abusive, mentally and physically. It had been the most terrifying experience of my life, and has taken years to recover from it. Writing is great therapy, and I recommend it highly to anyone who needs to "let go" and continue living.

In my first book, which I self-published, I wrote of the pain of being a "battered wife", of finding (and losing) love again. Over the years, my outlook on life has changed, as well as my outlook on love. I've found that children, family and friends can be the most satisfying relationships you can have.

Not that I have given up on love. I just think now that my list of requirements for a "significant other" is a bit too long for anyone to live up too. I've thrown myself into work for years, and now that I'm a tad over the hill, I write. Thank God that I have developed a sense of humor, and have learned how to forgive and forget. At sixty-seven, I forget more than I forgive, and I still write about remembered pain. Yet there is newfound freedom, and joy in life.

With the advent of retirement, I have been able to devote more time to writing. I found Stories.com, and quickly became addicted. It has been great to write and have other members of the site come back with comments and suggestions. I love the contests, and have sponsored a few of my own. I've tried forums, which are great fun. To my surprise, one night I turned BLUE - and so far, have been able to retain that lovely color!

My Lifesaver Group was started to share experiences, that as a former dispatcher, I was aware of. My goal was to help others learn what to do in an emergency situation. If it has helped one person, I am happy.

There is also a Senior Citizens Forum and group that was really active for awhile. Back to work at two part-time jobs, there's been a slowdown in my own participation. Life still goes on, busy as all get out!

I started a Veterans group, being a veteran myself, and wanting to communicate with other veterans. There is also a Country Music Lovers Group and forum, which has been a lot of fun for me, and created because I was trying to remember how to set up a forum and group for another member who wanted to start one. It has done well, and a couple of members have written some great new songs!

Rattling on, my experience at Writing.com has been satisfying. I have found new friends and still enjoy participating in contests and forums.