So sorry I haven’t been here much lately. I haven’t forgotten this blog — my favorite hobby! It’s just that I have been busy not only writing, always writing, but also Changing My Life.

I am here for a quick announcement: looks like I am getting back into journalism, folks!

For now I am freelancing, mostly for a really really cool community journalism startup called “Patch.com.” With corporate headquarters in New York City, Patch is growing fast, spreading its ultra-local news coverage across many states. Check out their website right here www.patch.com to see if your hometown is covered, no matter where you are. Honestly, even if I didn’t get involved with them, even if I didn’t have an interest in news altogether, I think I would still get addicted to their updates, their quick little locals’ profiles,  their chatty, easy style. I am not one of those people who watch local TV news in the A.M., but I love getting a head-start every morning on the happenings down the street from me — which stores are closing, what new restaurants are coming, what the super-involved-interested-responsible citizens are worried about that maybe I should be worrying about too . . . Not to mention the weather!

I have only just written my second article for Patch so far. (Here they both are, if you are curious http://barnegat.patch.com/articles/bulldogs-victorious-in-first-game-at-new-home-field and http://barnegat.patch.com/articles/not-a-temple-but-a-community) I can already tell you — I think I am in love all over again.

Here is what I love  about being a journalist:

1. I feel like such a part of things, yet at the same time, I can still be A Mirror. I get to talk to all sorts of people, yet, mostly I watch and listen and observe. I love recording the life around me.

2. The rush of getting the story just right.

3. People appreciate me! They want more articles from me! I can’t believe it — but I am happy to oblige.

4. Writing and reporting on every story is a challenge — I imagine it’s like being on stage — you are always a little nervous. Yet, at the same time, there is an ease to this job for me — it’s also a little bit comfortable, like stepping into your favorite pair of boots. I know how to do this.

3. Instant Gratification. One hour or two, a day or two, okay, let’s  say a week or two max, depending on the story, and boom, it’s out there. You’re Published! People are reading it. And they’re even leaving comments! I have to admit it’s a nice feeling. Compare to revising and revising a story for years, knowing it STILL isn’t quite there yet, fearing that maybe it never will be.

Not to worry now, my faithful readers and followers! I am never giving up on my novels. I am totally not allowed to. (Even though, if you asked me whether or not the thought crossed my mind, I’d be lying if I told you “no.”)

But I’ll keep writing. It will be a challenge — sure. I will need to re-figure my schedule (yet again)! I will have to find a New Balance.

But I will do it. I will. Sometimes it isn’t so easy to find your way in this work-in-progress we call Life, to find which path to follow. But once we do, at that point we are okay, you know?

I figure we can’t go wrong when we follow our true passion. I am glad I explored my other options — gave the teaching dream a shot — spent years home with my kids, injecting them with my time, my love and my parental wisdom. (Not that I am going anywhere. Mama is still here, kids!) 🙂

I am glad I have discovered writing fiction. It taught me so much, and will always continue to.

But now, I also love this new feeling — it’s as though I am back in the world, I am out of my PJ’s and in my nice jeans, with a dab of lipstick on my mouth and a notebook in my pocket, the spring breeze blowing newness across my face. 

It’s good to be back.