(Creekside Path- Leroy, NY)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: I was reflecting yesterday on Yvonne's death, the fragility of life and implications for my future writing when my brother called.
CALLIOPE: What did he have to say?
JOE: He recently had knee surgery for a torn meniscus.
CALLIOPE: Did it go okay?
JOE: All except for the pre-op tests. He was found to have a very high white blood count which turned out to be due to his having a form of leukemia.
CALLIOPE: I'm sorry to hear it.
JOE: Thanks. It's little early to tell what the future holds. He is having more tests next week and plans will be made pending the outcome.
CALLIOPE: How is he taking it?
JOE: I think he is still somewhat in shock but seems to be taking it in stride. I think it is difficult for a surgeon to be a patient. We're both hoping for the best.
CALLIOPE: Are there any indications for hope?
JOE: There always are. He has a less virulent form of leukemia and does not have any symptoms except fatigue.
CALLIOPE: How are you taking it?
JOE: I guess it has not really registered yet. I'm worried about him of course but will do anything I can to help although I'm not sure what I can do except be supportive right now. I will at least do that. Talk with you tomorrow.
writing
Conversations with Calliope- Goodbye to Yvonne
(Tangled Roots)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was your weekend?
JOE: Saturday was rough.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Carol and I went to a wake and funeral service for her cousin Yvonne.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: She had struggled for years with alcoholism and finally succumbed apparently to an overdose of pain medication.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it.
JOE: It was a tragedy waiting to happen. She had a great zest for life but not much control over her attraction to chemicals.
CALLIOPE: Did her death surprise you?
JOE: Not really but it did sadden me to see her life lost to addiction which remains one of the mysteries I have not been able to crack in all of my years as a psychologist and a writer.
CALLIOPE: Are you still working on it?
JOE: I'm not working on it so much as wondering about it?
CALLIOPE: Do you plan to write any more about it?
JOE: I wrote a novel about sexual addiction which just engendered more questions. I suppose I will work on it some more. Talk with you tomorrow.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How was your weekend?
JOE: Saturday was rough.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Carol and I went to a wake and funeral service for her cousin Yvonne.
CALLIOPE: What happened?
JOE: She had struggled for years with alcoholism and finally succumbed apparently to an overdose of pain medication.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it.
JOE: It was a tragedy waiting to happen. She had a great zest for life but not much control over her attraction to chemicals.
CALLIOPE: Did her death surprise you?
JOE: Not really but it did sadden me to see her life lost to addiction which remains one of the mysteries I have not been able to crack in all of my years as a psychologist and a writer.
CALLIOPE: Are you still working on it?
JOE: I'm not working on it so much as wondering about it?
CALLIOPE: Do you plan to write any more about it?
JOE: I wrote a novel about sexual addiction which just engendered more questions. I suppose I will work on it some more. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Artist's Date
(Rock Waiting for Spring- Leroy, NY))
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Just barely.
JOE: You mean just barely morning or just barely good?
CALLIOPE: Just barely morning.
JOE: Don't pout. I have had a great morning. I was up early to read the paper, write my morning pages and take a walk.
CALLIOPE: Glad you are enjoying it.
JOE: I'm on a roll from yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I mentioned that I was reading Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: You did.
JOE: One of her suggestions was a weekly "Artist's Date."
CALLIOPE: Did you have one?
JOE: Yesterday I set out on a journey with my camera and found quite a few interesting images within a mile of my house. I realized that there were probably many other places within walking distance.
CALLIOPE: Is that where you were this morning?
JOE: Yes. I was scouting new photo sites and walked through a local cemetery where several people I knew are buried. I'm looking forward to more adventures. Talk with you on Monday.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Just barely.
JOE: You mean just barely morning or just barely good?
CALLIOPE: Just barely morning.
JOE: Don't pout. I have had a great morning. I was up early to read the paper, write my morning pages and take a walk.
CALLIOPE: Glad you are enjoying it.
JOE: I'm on a roll from yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: I mentioned that I was reading Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: You did.
JOE: One of her suggestions was a weekly "Artist's Date."
CALLIOPE: Did you have one?
JOE: Yesterday I set out on a journey with my camera and found quite a few interesting images within a mile of my house. I realized that there were probably many other places within walking distance.
CALLIOPE: Is that where you were this morning?
JOE: Yes. I was scouting new photo sites and walked through a local cemetery where several people I knew are buried. I'm looking forward to more adventures. Talk with you on Monday.
Conversations with Calliope- Mysterious Deaths
(New Orleans Cemetery)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: I've been thinking about death this morning.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: Two people I know recently died under suspicious circumstances.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: Chemical abuse seems to be involved in both deaths.
CALLIOPE: Do you know that for sure?
JOE: No, but I know that both people have struggled for years with substance abuse.
CALLIOPE: What are you thoughts about this?
JOE: I wonder why people would risk their lives to get high.
CALLIOPE: Maybe they are trying to get our of a hole rather than high.
JOE: Entirely possible. I hadn't thought of it that way.
CALLIOPE: I notice you have never written about drugs or alcohol.
JOE: True. I haven't understood it well enough to express any opinions.
CALLIOPE: What about writing about the mystery of drug use?
JOE: It's something to consider. Talk with you tomorrow.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you this morning?
JOE: I've been thinking about death this morning.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: Two people I know recently died under suspicious circumstances.
CALLIOPE: Tell me more.
JOE: Chemical abuse seems to be involved in both deaths.
CALLIOPE: Do you know that for sure?
JOE: No, but I know that both people have struggled for years with substance abuse.
CALLIOPE: What are you thoughts about this?
JOE: I wonder why people would risk their lives to get high.
CALLIOPE: Maybe they are trying to get our of a hole rather than high.
JOE: Entirely possible. I hadn't thought of it that way.
CALLIOPE: I notice you have never written about drugs or alcohol.
JOE: True. I haven't understood it well enough to express any opinions.
CALLIOPE: What about writing about the mystery of drug use?
JOE: It's something to consider. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Playing in the Dirt
(Sunflowers- Leroy, NY)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might.
CALLIOPE: Where were you?
JOE: Playing hooky or more accurately playing in the dirt.
CALLIOPE: So I see from today's title. Tell me a little more.
JOE: I told you I was starting to read Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: One of her suggestions is to relearn how to play. I set up a play date for myself yesterday on impulse.
CALLIOPE: How did that develop?
JOE: I was shopping and decided to buy some vegetable and flower seeds as well as a bird feeder and seeds for my feathered friends, especially gold finches and woodpeckers.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting.
JOE: Not just interesting but critical. When I spend all my time slaving away on my writing I tend to lose track of my creativity and playfulness.
CALLIOPE: God forbid.
JOE: My thoughts precisely. The seeds are planted. Today I will stock the bird feeders. Talk with you tomorrow.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. I missed you yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might.
CALLIOPE: Where were you?
JOE: Playing hooky or more accurately playing in the dirt.
CALLIOPE: So I see from today's title. Tell me a little more.
JOE: I told you I was starting to read Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: One of her suggestions is to relearn how to play. I set up a play date for myself yesterday on impulse.
CALLIOPE: How did that develop?
JOE: I was shopping and decided to buy some vegetable and flower seeds as well as a bird feeder and seeds for my feathered friends, especially gold finches and woodpeckers.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting.
JOE: Not just interesting but critical. When I spend all my time slaving away on my writing I tend to lose track of my creativity and playfulness.
CALLIOPE: God forbid.
JOE: My thoughts precisely. The seeds are planted. Today I will stock the bird feeders. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- The Next Frontier
(Rocky Mountain Pass)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Starting to feel back to normal as my cold recedes.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. What's on your mind today?
JOE: Not a great deal. I feel at peace this morning.
CALLIOPE: That's a good feeling.
JOE: Indeed. It seems from reading the news that not too many people feel that way right now.
CALLIOPE: I agree. What brings you a sense of peace?
JOE: Knowing that I am doing what I have chosen to do. Sometimes I think I would like to have more money but then I see people gnashing their teeth about lost money and realize it's not that important.
CALLIOPE: What is important to you?
JOE: Like I said, doing what I have chosen. I can spend my time writing and expressing myself. I know that I am reaching some people. I have come to realize that no matter what I say, some people will like it and agree and others won't.
CALLIOPE: Can you accept that?
JOE: I can now. I think it takes maturity to reach that point.
CALLIOPE: One advantage of living long enough.
JOE: I agree. I'm not sure where I am heading next but I enjoy knowing I have a choice. Talk with you on Monday.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Starting to feel back to normal as my cold recedes.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. What's on your mind today?
JOE: Not a great deal. I feel at peace this morning.
CALLIOPE: That's a good feeling.
JOE: Indeed. It seems from reading the news that not too many people feel that way right now.
CALLIOPE: I agree. What brings you a sense of peace?
JOE: Knowing that I am doing what I have chosen to do. Sometimes I think I would like to have more money but then I see people gnashing their teeth about lost money and realize it's not that important.
CALLIOPE: What is important to you?
JOE: Like I said, doing what I have chosen. I can spend my time writing and expressing myself. I know that I am reaching some people. I have come to realize that no matter what I say, some people will like it and agree and others won't.
CALLIOPE: Can you accept that?
JOE: I can now. I think it takes maturity to reach that point.
CALLIOPE: One advantage of living long enough.
JOE: I agree. I'm not sure where I am heading next but I enjoy knowing I have a choice. Talk with you on Monday.
Conversations with Calliope- Blog Police
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(Freize- Santilana, Spain)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's this about blog police?
JOE: I post my blog on a number of sites as you know.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: We are in the habit of discussing writing, publishing, marketing and sales. One site apparently took exception to my mentioning Booklocker as a place where I might get my next book published as a free e-book.
CALLIOPE: How did they take exception?
JOE: By removing my blog mentioning the idea.
CALLIOPE: That seems a bit extreme.
JOE: I thought so too, but I suppose everyone has their rules.
CALLIOPE: So how to you plan to handle it?
JOE: I think I will stop posting my blog there and notify my associates of the change.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel about these developments?
JOE: I wasn't sure how much people cared about my blog with you.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: It's nice to know I stirred up some reaction. Talk with you tomorrow.
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(Freize- Santilana, Spain)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's this about blog police?
JOE: I post my blog on a number of sites as you know.
CALLIOPE: Yes.
JOE: We are in the habit of discussing writing, publishing, marketing and sales. One site apparently took exception to my mentioning Booklocker as a place where I might get my next book published as a free e-book.
CALLIOPE: How did they take exception?
JOE: By removing my blog mentioning the idea.
CALLIOPE: That seems a bit extreme.
JOE: I thought so too, but I suppose everyone has their rules.
CALLIOPE: So how to you plan to handle it?
JOE: I think I will stop posting my blog there and notify my associates of the change.
CALLIOPE: How do you feel about these developments?
JOE: I wasn't sure how much people cared about my blog with you.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: It's nice to know I stirred up some reaction. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Back to Work
(Inside a Beehive)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Feeling energetic for the first time in over a week. My head is clear, I can breathe and the wheels are turning in my head.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. Were you able to work yesterday?
JOE: I was gone until early afternoon to a funeral and reception. After that I felt energetic and got to work on our book, Conversations with Calliope: A Writer's Year With his Muse. At least that's the working title.
CALLIOPE: I'm honored. How far did you get?
JOE: I made all the entries for the whole year. Now I am going back to make sure I didn't miss any and am also revising the format for consistency.
CALLIOPE: What are your plans for this book?
JOE: I plan to approach Booklocker with it. They will publish writing related e-books without a setup charge.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good.
JOE: I think so.
CALLIOPE: What's after that?
JOE: Good question. I have some ideas. I'll elaborate when we talk tomorrow.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Feeling energetic for the first time in over a week. My head is clear, I can breathe and the wheels are turning in my head.
CALLIOPE: Glad to hear it. Were you able to work yesterday?
JOE: I was gone until early afternoon to a funeral and reception. After that I felt energetic and got to work on our book, Conversations with Calliope: A Writer's Year With his Muse. At least that's the working title.
CALLIOPE: I'm honored. How far did you get?
JOE: I made all the entries for the whole year. Now I am going back to make sure I didn't miss any and am also revising the format for consistency.
CALLIOPE: What are your plans for this book?
JOE: I plan to approach Booklocker with it. They will publish writing related e-books without a setup charge.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good.
JOE: I think so.
CALLIOPE: What's after that?
JOE: Good question. I have some ideas. I'll elaborate when we talk tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Openness to Experience
(San Juan Surf)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: On the mend finally. This cold just doesn't seem to want to let go.
CALLIOPE: What's up today?
JOE: Plenty. I have a full schedule and hope I have energy for it all.
CALLIOPE: For example?
JOE: I have yoga class at 10:30, lunch with a writer friend at 12:00, my daughter coming for help preparing her taxes at 2:30 and a funeral home to visit tonight.
CALLIOPE: Is that it?
JOE: No. I have some calls to make in between.
CALLIOPE: Any time for writing today?
JOE: I might be able to work on our book for a while.
CALLIOPE: How far are you?
JOE: I have finished our conversations through July.
CALLIOPE: That sounds good.
JOE: I'm glad I am this far. I try to work on one month each day. It should be finished next week, or at least the draft should. Talk with you tomorrow after I catch my breath.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: On the mend finally. This cold just doesn't seem to want to let go.
CALLIOPE: What's up today?
JOE: Plenty. I have a full schedule and hope I have energy for it all.
CALLIOPE: For example?
JOE: I have yoga class at 10:30, lunch with a writer friend at 12:00, my daughter coming for help preparing her taxes at 2:30 and a funeral home to visit tonight.
CALLIOPE: Is that it?
JOE: No. I have some calls to make in between.
CALLIOPE: Any time for writing today?
JOE: I might be able to work on our book for a while.
CALLIOPE: How far are you?
JOE: I have finished our conversations through July.
CALLIOPE: That sounds good.
JOE: I'm glad I am this far. I try to work on one month each day. It should be finished next week, or at least the draft should. Talk with you tomorrow after I catch my breath.
Conversations with Calliope- Making it Through the Week
(Rain Clouds- San Juan)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Hanging on by a thread. I keep hoping to be recovered from my cold but it won't seem to let go.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it. That must be a drag.
JOE: It is. Looking back over the week, I'm glad to have accomplished anything.
CALLIOPE: Not a stellar week?
JOE: Sometimes survival is a feat.
CALLIOPE: Any plans for today.
JOE: Tentative ones at best. I have managed some chapters of our new book, based on our blogs together. Maybe I can continue working on it.
CALLIOPE: Don't push yourself. Sometimes it's best to relax and let nature take its course.
JOE: Sound advice. I don't have too many expectations. However I will be ready for any energy which passes my way.
CALLIOPE: Take care of yourself.
JOE: I will. Talk with you on Monday.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Hanging on by a thread. I keep hoping to be recovered from my cold but it won't seem to let go.
CALLIOPE: Sorry to hear it. That must be a drag.
JOE: It is. Looking back over the week, I'm glad to have accomplished anything.
CALLIOPE: Not a stellar week?
JOE: Sometimes survival is a feat.
CALLIOPE: Any plans for today.
JOE: Tentative ones at best. I have managed some chapters of our new book, based on our blogs together. Maybe I can continue working on it.
CALLIOPE: Don't push yourself. Sometimes it's best to relax and let nature take its course.
JOE: Sound advice. I don't have too many expectations. However I will be ready for any energy which passes my way.
CALLIOPE: Take care of yourself.
JOE: I will. Talk with you on Monday.
Conversations with Calliope- Getting Ideas to Work Together
Floating Bridge- Curacao)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A little better than yesterday. I am holding my own in a struggle with the first cold I have had in ages.
CALLIOPE: I hope you win.
JOE: So do I.
CALLIOPE: I am anxious to know how you resolved your difficulty with your column yesterday.
JOE: First I had to figure out what the problem was.
CALLIOPE: Did you?
JOE: Yes. I had several distinct ideas which refused to communicate with each other and form a coherent piece.
CALLIOPE: That is a problem. What did you do about it?
JOE: I wrote as much as I could. When I realized I was getting nowhere, I put aside the column to let it percolate while I worked on other projects.
CALLIOPE: So what happened?
JOE: I trusted the process which I have used before. Later in the day, the connections appeared and the ideas started working together.
CALLIOPE: To what do you owe the honor?
JOE: To you, I expect. Thanks for the inspiration. Talk with you tomorrow.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A little better than yesterday. I am holding my own in a struggle with the first cold I have had in ages.
CALLIOPE: I hope you win.
JOE: So do I.
CALLIOPE: I am anxious to know how you resolved your difficulty with your column yesterday.
JOE: First I had to figure out what the problem was.
CALLIOPE: Did you?
JOE: Yes. I had several distinct ideas which refused to communicate with each other and form a coherent piece.
CALLIOPE: That is a problem. What did you do about it?
JOE: I wrote as much as I could. When I realized I was getting nowhere, I put aside the column to let it percolate while I worked on other projects.
CALLIOPE: So what happened?
JOE: I trusted the process which I have used before. Later in the day, the connections appeared and the ideas started working together.
CALLIOPE: To what do you owe the honor?
JOE: To you, I expect. Thanks for the inspiration. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Parts is Parts
(Morning Rain- San Juan)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Okay, I guess. I went all winter without a cold and today I am struggling with one. My head is a little foggy today.
CALLIOPE: Will it slow you down?
JOE: I think it already has.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Yesterday I was working on my column for this Saturday. I talked with you about the idea last week, "Lessons from a Nude Beach."
CALLIOPE: Yes?
JOE: I thought it would be an easy column to write. I had a few clear ideas in my mind and thought I could compose a coherent column with ease.
CALLIOPE: Not the case?
JOE: No. I found the ideas harder to put into words than I realized and ended up with some disconnected observations which did not form a coherent piece.
CALLIOPE: How did it end up?
JOE: It didn't. At least not yet. I decided to put it aside and work on it today.
CALLIOPE: Is it still waiting?
JOE: I think of it as aging or marinating. I will get it out when we are finished and see whether I can pull it together. I'll let you know the results tomorrow. Talk with you then.
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Okay, I guess. I went all winter without a cold and today I am struggling with one. My head is a little foggy today.
CALLIOPE: Will it slow you down?
JOE: I think it already has.
CALLIOPE: Tell me about it.
JOE: Yesterday I was working on my column for this Saturday. I talked with you about the idea last week, "Lessons from a Nude Beach."
CALLIOPE: Yes?
JOE: I thought it would be an easy column to write. I had a few clear ideas in my mind and thought I could compose a coherent column with ease.
CALLIOPE: Not the case?
JOE: No. I found the ideas harder to put into words than I realized and ended up with some disconnected observations which did not form a coherent piece.
CALLIOPE: How did it end up?
JOE: It didn't. At least not yet. I decided to put it aside and work on it today.
CALLIOPE: Is it still waiting?
JOE: I think of it as aging or marinating. I will get it out when we are finished and see whether I can pull it together. I'll let you know the results tomorrow. Talk with you then.
Conversations with Calliope- Refocusing
(New Yorker Cartoon)
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine but still a little groggy from my trip.
CALLIOPE: Did you get much accomplished yesterday?
JOE: After writing our blog and posting my most recent newsletter, I started thinking about revisions in my website and continued reviewing The Gift of Years. That's about it.
CALLIOPE: At least you got something done.
JOE: True. Today is fairly busy. I have yoga this morning to refocus my mind and a trip to Batavia this afternoon to drop off a copy of my book and do some shopping.
CALLIOPE: Any plans for literary activities?
JOE: I would like to work some more on my website revisions. I also have a radio interview to post on my Sliding Otter Website.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like enough for today.
JOE: I think so. I am beginning to realize that there is no pressure to get things done. My livelihood doesn't depend on it. I can work at my leisure.
CALLIOPE: That's a nice feeling.
JOE: It is. I was frantic for too many years.
CALLIOPE: And now?
JOE: I can just enjoy the process of what I am doing without the necessity of working on a schedule. Talk with you tomorrow.
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JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Fine but still a little groggy from my trip.
CALLIOPE: Did you get much accomplished yesterday?
JOE: After writing our blog and posting my most recent newsletter, I started thinking about revisions in my website and continued reviewing The Gift of Years. That's about it.
CALLIOPE: At least you got something done.
JOE: True. Today is fairly busy. I have yoga this morning to refocus my mind and a trip to Batavia this afternoon to drop off a copy of my book and do some shopping.
CALLIOPE: Any plans for literary activities?
JOE: I would like to work some more on my website revisions. I also have a radio interview to post on my Sliding Otter Website.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like enough for today.
JOE: I think so. I am beginning to realize that there is no pressure to get things done. My livelihood doesn't depend on it. I can work at my leisure.
CALLIOPE: That's a nice feeling.
JOE: It is. I was frantic for too many years.
CALLIOPE: And now?
JOE: I can just enjoy the process of what I am doing without the necessity of working on a schedule. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Leaving on a Jet Plane
(Serenade of the Seas)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Having trouble concentrating on matters literary.
CALLIOPE: Why's that?
JOE: I'm leaving for a cruise on Friday and will have a chance to get away from my usual routine. I'm afraid my mind has already left.
CALLIOPE: Not surprising. It is rather exciting.
JOE: It is. I have been on a fair number of cruises before, but it's always a marvel for me to live aboard a floating town for week.
CALLIOPE: Will I hear from you while you are gone?
JOE: Probably not. If I can find a way to send a post I will, but no promises. It might be beyond my mortal powers.
CALLIOPE: I can't help you there. Muses are versed in inspiration but not technology.
JOE: I'm glad you understand.
CALLIOPE: Maybe I need a little break too.
JOE: Perhaps. If you do take one, say hello to the folks at Mt. Olympus for me. Talk with you on February 16 if not before.
Conversations with Calliope- Finding Balance
(Towel Swans)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Not bad.
CALLIOPE: Not too talkative either I see. What's going on?
JOE: Not much. I guess I sometimes get a little discouraged.
CALLIOPE: On what account?
JOE: I spent quite a bit of time preparing the launch of my newsletter but have had very little early response.
CALLIOPE: What did you expect?
JOE: I guess more than I got.
CALLIOPE: Did you go all out in announcing it?
JOE: No. It was a rather modest presentation.
CALLIOPE: How do you expect to get attention that way?
JOE: Good point. I am annoyed by all the "in your face" ads I face everywhere and did not want to add to the barrage.
CALLIOPE: I understand but it looks you went to the opposite extreme.
JOE: I can't argue there. Like everything else, I guess I still need to work on moderation and balance. A remaining challenge. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Vacation Posting
(San Juan-Condado Coastline)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Rested after a peaceful and interesting weekend.
CALLIOPE: How did you spend it?
JOE: Doing a little tweaking on my website on Saturday and entertaining friends at night. Yesterday I got out the cross country skis, did some reading and watched the Super Bowl.
CALLIOPE: And now you are back at the computer.
JOE: You noticed.
CALLIOPE: I did. What's up this week?
JOE: I will be away next week and I am busy trying to decide how much to keep in contact. Gerry would suggest I leave my correspondence and writing behind for the week. Carol already did suggest this.
CALLIOPE: What are you considering?
JOE: I thought of an autoresponder for my email. I am considering continuing my blog although I have never used a shipboard computer. I might try sending some blogs but haven't decided about this yet.
CALLIOPE: It might be an adventure.
JOE: It might but it might also entail aggravation and expense I do not need.
CALLIOPE: I guess I'll have to wait and see.
JOE: I guess so. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Newsletter Launch
(Otter at Play- Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Ready to relax.
CALLIOPE: From what?
JOE: A busy week of working on my writing and its business aspects. I'm sure my friend Gerry would think I am going overboard with it.
CALLIOPE: What did you accomplish this week?
JOE: I overhauled my website at www.slidingotter.com, put the finishing touches on my free newsletter, Sliding Otter News, whose inaugural issue goes out today, sent a column to The Daily News. Those are the major things.
CALLIOPE: You have been busy. Why the newsletter?
JOE: I have been sending copies of my column to people around the country. I thought It was about time I formalized it and used it as a way to communicate with people interested in my writing.
CALLIOPE: I see. Now what?
JOE: It's time to relax, at least a little.
CALLIOPE: I guess you earned it. How will you relax?
JOE: I am planning a week in the Caribbean on a cruise.
CALLIOPE: Will I hear from you during the trip?
JOE: Good question. I'll try to keep in touch but no promises. Talk with you on Monday.
Conversations with Calliope- The Aging Purple Cow
(Original Wall- Tower of London)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: I'm fine other than being a little sore from shoveling mounds of snow.
CALLIOPE: That's what you get for living in Western New York. You have a rather intriguing title for our discussion today.
JOE: You noticed. I suppose you would like an explanation.
CALLIOPE: Indeed I would.
JOE: Okay. I have been reading two books recently, Seth Godin's Purple Cow and Joan Chittister's The Gift of Years.
CALLIOPE: What do the two have in common?
JOE: Not much on the surface. Godin's book is about marketing and how what works is being unique and appealing to those who appreciate your uniqueness. Chittister's book is about reevaluating aging, looking at as the freedom to be creative after the demands of earlier life are relaxed.
CALLIOPE: Got it. So what's the connection?
JOE: I'm working on marketing for my writing and also not getting any younger. Aging is an opportunity to let my uniqueness shine without worrying so much about what people will think about it. It's a freeing idea.
CALLIOPE: What do you plan to do about it?
JOE: Stop censoring my ideas so much and start making better use of the unique insights I have gained over the years.
CALLIOPE: Sounds good.
JOE: Stay tuned. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- Newsletter
(Sea Lions- Pier 39, San Francisco)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A little sluggish.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: Hard to tell. Sometimes I get off to little slower start. Today is one of these days.
CALLIOPE: What are you up to today?
JOE: Now that I have my column on perfection finished for Saturday, I will turn to other matters. I have been thinking about a newsletter.
CALLIOPE: What are you thinking?
JOE: I have been sending my column to a growing list of people. I have considered making it into a newsletter with quotes, photos and writing news as well as the column.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting. Who would you invite?
JOE: People already on my mailing list as well as people I have met in various online groups and whom I have established as friends.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good start. How are you doing otherwise with making people aware of your work?
JOE: I've been thinking about that too. I haven't done any local publicity for my book yet but have started exploring options for radio stations and the newspaper. I am also looking at a reader forum at church.
CALLIOPE: So at least the wheels are turning.
JOE: They are. Now I'm ready for the day. Thanks for listening. Talk with you tomorrow.
Conversations with Calliope- The Beam in Your Eye
(Muir Woods, California)
JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's this about a beam?
JOE: I was reading the newspaper yesterday and noticed all the criticisms people come up with regarding public figures.
CALLIOPE: Including our new president?
JOE: Especially him. It seems some are looking for any flaws they can find.
CALLIOPE: And the above title?
JOE: I was reminded of the bible passage, "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to see the beam in your own eye?"
CALLIOPE: I see. Where are you going with this?
JOE: I plan to use this theme for the column I am writing this week.
CALLIOPE: What will be the message?
JOE: Take care of your own business before looking at others' shortcomings.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good focus. Good luck with it.
JOE: Thanks. I've got a lot to do today. Time to get to work. Talk with you tomorrow.
