As we consider our fond retrospective in honor of JoAnn, the post I choose to share is about the day that forever makes me think of her.
JoAnn is perhaps the hardest-working writer I know. Simply reading her to-do lists leaves me exhausted. Among the 'read, write, revise, organize,' there's always: shoveling snow for a neighbor or cleaning up litter in the park or marching at a rally with her equally hard-working sons and husband. All of this is accomplished with good cheer and a sunny, 'Wish me luck.'
JoAnn doesn't need luck. She's got guts and gumption. Further, she always takes time to stop and smell the flowers -- literally, and usually with the dog's leash in hand.
At Vermont College, I remember trekking around campus with JoAnn in that first glorious summer. I said to her one day, 'I don't know why I keep wanting to call you Judy.' She replied, 'Well, I do have an identical twin named Judy.' At the time, I was working on Mind Games, which has semi-psychic identical twins among its cast of characters. It was one of those providential moments that made me feel both lucky and inspired.
So, in honor of JoAnn, let us March Forth into spring with big plans, big motivation, and big smiles. We are lucky to know you, JoAnn! --Jeanne Marie
Where I live on the shore of Lake Michigan, city snow has turned that end-of-winter smoky brownish gray. Everyone I know has lost at least one mitten. Even diehard winter sports enthusiasts grow weary of ice, cold, and shovels before any hint of green decorates the landscape.
One change is visible, though—about this time of year, sunlight takes on a different quality. Could it possibly be brighter? Animals seem to notice. Crows group up and flap around, cawing. Squirrels make desperate leaps to the bird feeders. Owls hoot for mates at night. My favorite season is just over the horizon. I look forward to spring with such relish that I always celebrate the date that feels like its true beginning to me: March 4th.
Get it?
March 4th is more than a date—it’s an attitude. For me, it’s a reminder to take the bull by the horns and take care of business. Blaze a trail and follow it. Harness the horses and plow ahead.
You get it, right? March forth!
Come spring, I keep my eyes and ears open for warblers and orioles. I peer beneath snow trying to spot the first daffodils, walk around searching for snowdrops and crocuses, peek into gardens where scilla spreads. Any day now, we’ll all surrender to one of those glorious afternoons when everyone rejoices in the world and we all leave our jackets on the playground. Troubles seem trivial, problems feel petty, and all we want to do is drop everything, run outdoors, and soak up the sunshine.
Now is the time to pick up your pen or your paintbrush or your hammer. Plunge ahead with determination. Join me—and the wrens and the wildflowers—and celebrate spring, the season of renewal and opportunity. March forth!
Writing Workout
Think up your own personal holiday and write about it. Answer these questions:
- When would you celebrate your s
Wow, what a cool story about the name "Judy" and the "twin connection" to MIND GAMES. (Cue the TWILIGHT ZONE theme song.) :-)