Writer's Notebook - James Rafferty Blog

First Day of Spring

It's the first day of Spring and a guy's thoughts naturally turn to Baseball!  Well, actually, a bit more than that at the moment.  The NCAA basketball tournament is going on and my favorite Uconn Huskies will be playing on Saturday, so I need to put aside time to check that out.   I've also been delinquent in watching the woman Huskies this year, who are heavily favored to win it all in their tournament, so I need to figure out when they'll be on.  

After a long winter, spending more time outdoors will be welcome. In my family, we like bicycling, so we'll be heading out to the back roads of our small town.  My youngest son plays baseball, so that season will also be starting up soon and we'll be out to root for him.  Winter laid a big load on Southeast Massachusetts this year, so the outdoor Spring cleanup is beginning and will keep us busy, but also give me another reason to get outdoors, which is a good thing.  

As a writer, I'll still spend time writing new pages in my spiral notebook and editing existing pages in my PC, but most of this will be in the evening, when the lure of the outdoors and a taste of Spring are not so prominent.  

So, Spring has arrived and in New England, we'll savor it all the more after the past 4 months of a severe winter.  

Taking on the Bleak Midwinter Blues

I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of reading, hearing and seeing bad news.  The financial pages have turned into a contest to see how bad it can get in countless industries.  In this kind of environment, I'm thankful to have a job, but companies expect more from those of us who are still in the ranks.  

This is a fine time to have a hobby you care about or to devote time to your friends and family.  There is also excitement in the air about the Obama administration and the winds of changes that will be coming.   So, on the personal side, it's not all bad news and it's important to try to keep your head on straight and spend time doing things where your efforts can make a difference.  

I'm in the wedge generation, with aging parents and kids that I'm still raising.  Whatever happens in the office or financial pages from day to day, my family still needs me to do those little things, such as being at the dinner table to talk about our days, helping my youngest son with his homework, and watching a movie on DVD with my wife.  

So, the next time you don't like the news, turn it off and pay attention to what's going on around you.  You'll probably find there's any number of things you can do that will make a difference in your life or for your friends and family.