I googled the word imagination. It’s defined as the faculty or action of forming new ideas, images, or concepts of external objects not present to the senses. The ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful. Adequate, but to me, it seems a little lacking.

I don’t know whether we’re born with it or it develops over time. Maybe both things are true, although I never remember being without one. I did become more aware of it when I learned to read. Words printed on the pages of a book allowed pictures to spring to life in my mind.

One of my favorite authors discovered early on was Ray Bradbury. He embraced imagination, viewing it as the essential “miracle” of human existence and urging people to “stuff your eyes with wonder”.

I love all his books, but my favorites will always be Dandelion Wine and Something Wicked This Way Comes. Stories about two young boys. Jim Nightshade and Will Holloway share the kind of friendship that only comes along once in life. I was transported to Greentown, Illinois, in the 1930s. I met their family, had meals with them, and learned about life from them. He could put you there with words. It was magical.

I know some of you know what I mean. Words speak to you and always will. They transport you to the past and to the future, to places you’ve never been and to adventures you never expected.

In loving memory of Daylon Jones Royal

February 15, 1945 – October 20, 2015

While channel surfing a while back, I happened to catch the end of Close Encounters. I never see that movie that I don’t think of my husband. Especially now that he’s gone. It was one of his all-time favorites. I never really thought about it until today, but now I understand why.

In the movie, Richard Dreyfuss plays Roy Neary, an average middle-class guy who loves his family and works hard to provide for them. Only there’s another side to his character. He still believes in magic. When Roy experiences a close encounter, he doubts his sanity. But he can’t let it go because deep down inside, he wants it to be true. So he makes up his mind to prove it.

My husband was the same kind of man. He worked hard, took care of his family, and lived a quiet life. But, like Roy, there was more to him than met the eye. The casual observer never saw his keen sense of adventure. He had a fascination for the mysterious, the unexplained. The idea of travelers from another world was intriguing to him.

He would have loved the chance to do what Roy did. So it isn’t hard to visualize him standing on the runway at the end of the movie like Roy, all smiles. Reluctant to leave his life on earth, yet filled with nervous anticipation at the thought of going on an adventure beyond the stars.

I like to think that’s exactly what he’s doing right now. I’m certain he’s enjoying every minute.

And someday, I’ll join him.

I can’t believe it’s February already. Where does the time go?

Like everyone, I began last year with good intentions. I told myself I was going to post on my website regularly, finish another WIP and another novella, get them published, along with a laundry list of other things.

But 2025 had other plans. It was my year for technical problems. I had to learn to use a new phone and a new computer. I got locked out of WordPress for a while, lost the ability to move photos from my phone to my desktop, and struggled with one IT problem after another. My cover artist stopped doing covers. I lost my formatter. I could go on, but you get the drift.

The good news is that this year, my health is better, and I have a great support group to help me with things I can no longer do. AndI’ve been busy. You can’t imagine what it does for my ego whenever I can mark something off my to-do list.

I hope your year is going well. See you again soon. I promise!

Story in Trouble: 5 Signs You’re Ignoring Your Antagonist – by Colleen M. Story…

8 Keys to Becoming a Successful Author – by C.S. Lakin…

Writing About Magic – Guest Post by Jaq D Hawkins…

Keep Tensions High by NOT Resolving Your Character’s Relationship Conflict – by Becca Puglisi…