Every morning as I check my email I end up deleting all my free gifts from Walmart and Harbor Freight. I’m always amused that companies I don’t use are so eager to give me gifts.
And then there are the folks who write to me pointing out that there are some problems with my website. They’re all happy to tell me that, for a fee, they would a: redesign the website from the ground up or b: fix it so it’s number one on Google. The truth is, I have absolutely no desire to be number one on Google. I delete all of those, too.
My website is a tool for staying in touch with my fans and readers. In case you haven’t noticed, there is zero advertising. It is designed and managed by a former daughter-in-law who is also my permanent IT person. She runs the website in her “spare” time. In her real life, she’s a professional architect with a three-hour commute. I’m incredibly fortunate to have her assistance.
But the junk emails that really “gar my greet,” as my mother would have said, are the ones who are interested in offering their services as “guest bloggers.”
When I left Bisbee to go to college, I was in Tucson and only a hundred miles away from home, but every Tuesday, my mother would sit down at the kitchen table after she got the other four kids off to school and write me a letter, always done with her perfect, old-school penmanship. And despite having only a seventh grade education, her grammar and spelling in those missives were always perfection itself.
As for the content of those letters? There was never anything of earth-shattering importance. She’d relate the latest news from Yuma Trail— what was going on that week with the Weatherfords or the Hancocks or the Dunkersons. She’d let me know what was happening in the lives of both my older and younger siblings. But most of all, she took the time to write and that showed she cared.
Every Friday morning, I would race back to Pima Hall from class, hoping there’d be an envelope waiting in my mailbox at the dorm reception desk, and there always was—every single week for all four years.
Did I keep any of them? No, because I was young and stupid at the time, but nonetheless I’ve treasured receiving them each week in my heart ever since.
And that’s what my blog is all about. They may not be handwritten, but my posts are a way of letting my readers know what’s going on in my life on a weekly basis.
Since I’m writing about my life experiences, I don’t require the services of a guest blogger. Why not? Because it turns out I already have a ghost blogger filling that spot.
Her name is Evie Busk. Every week, when I sit down to write these little pieces, I know my mother is looking over my shoulder and nodding her approval.
I get texts like that. I ignore them also
Love this! My late mother-in-law attended a one room school for only a few years before being forced to drop out when her father died and she had to go to work. She was only 12 years old, but she had started when she was two, and had skipped three grades. Like your mother, she had outstanding penmanship and grammar, as well as an extensive vocabulary. Knowing her forced me to learn a lot more about the world than I did when I met her, as she was better informed than many college graduates I knew. We all still miss her. Thanks for sharing these updates on your day-t0-day life. I look forward to them every week.
And, so happy you care, take the time for a chat, and each Friday when I wake up, THERE YOU ARE!!! Love our chats…sometimes it’s one sided, sometimes I write back. A lovely friendly “tradition”…traditions are the glue that keeps us connected. Have a wonderful week.
I agree with Marianne–I look forward to your blogs every week. When I sit down at my laptop on a Friday morning, and I see that your blog is arrived, I feel a lift in my spirit, and read your blog before I do anything else.
Anyway, today’s blog brought back grateful memories of my own mother. I hated school so much that I was eventually sent to a boarding school, which I absolutely loved. However, it was too far away to see my family except for Christmas and summer vacations, so, of course, I missed them. But yes, Fridays when I would go to the mail cubicle, there would almost always be a letter from my mother. No earth-shattering news, just home-y stuff about the family or the church or the town. And, like your mother, she never graduated from high school, but her handwriting was beautifully legible. Her spelling and grammar were also immaculate, even though English had been her second language. Thank you for re-awakening grateful memories of my mom, who died 21 years ago this month.
I look forward to your blogs each week . Feel like I am getting a letter from you. I never got letters from my mom as I never left the city I was born in–Seattle–and neither did my parents. But, I remember my mother saved all the letters my oldest brother wrote to her while he was serving in WWII. And, I’m sure she wrote to him also.
Thank you for your blog today. It brought back sweet memories of my grandma who would write me once a week at college and I would faithfully write her back once a week. I still have a few of those letters almost 50 years later.
Love this!
My Mom had perfect penmanship, too. It never changed over the years. I’ve saved a few letters, but should have saved more. She always signed them Your Mom and drew a smiley face in the loop of the “y”.
She graduated from high school in 1934. She told me once that she’d liked to have been a librarian, but there was no money for college.
Your mother was a gem! Memories will stir and smiles will come to your heart and face. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful gift your mother was and is to you and all of us!!! Thank you, Evie. And thank you, Judy, for sharing your life with us through your writing windows.
We are truly blessed to be blogged by you!!!
I wait for your email your newsletter each week. You are so personable and I feel so getting to know. Thank you for being who you are.
JA, I look forward to your weekly blog just as you did with your Mother’s weekly letters!
That’s how I feel every Friday, what’s the latest from you. Never disappointed as they remind me of things in my life. Thank you for keeping me up to date.
Must tell you I just finished reading “Moving Target”.
Couldn’t put it down. As I was reading I felt like it was a real life story. You write the best stories and your attention to detail is fantastic. Love your books!!!
me, too….just finished…would make a great film…
I save all of your blogs because I value them so much!!!!
I wake up each Friday remembering Blog Day, YAY! Love reading them and today’s was especially heartwarming. Loved it. My mom never wrote me, even when I was away at collage, as I came home every weekend, but today’s blog reminded me of her and what a warm wonderful feeling that was.
Thank you!
I totally relate to this story. I joined the Air Force upon graduation from high school and left home for the first time. A daily letter from someone was so important but especially from Mom. Thanks for sharing.
I love reading your weekly blogs to us. Today’s memories of your Mother’s letters evoked memories of my own Mother’s letters to me. I don’t remember the frequency, most likely like yours – every week. I was in Vietnam at the time and Mail Call was a very special time. It was bringing a piece of home to us in a small envelope. Or, at times, in a big package – we called “Care Packages.” Those contained goodies from home, most times packed using popcorn; which got eaten even though stale, it was from home.
Thank you for the smile I got from your blog and also thinking about my Mom and her letters. I too was young and stupid and didn’t save them. But she saved all mine I wrote and gave them to me, which was a treasure.
I had a similar experience when I was in college and also wish that I had saved those letters but as you say they’re in my heart and in my mind. Thank you for sharing.
One Cent
aka Penny
You’ve shown us one more reason how and why writing is imprinted on your soul, or as my grandma B would put it “You come by it honestly.”
Thank you for your special words and thoughts.
Great story, J.A. I spend about 15 minutes a day filtering through email between 2 different accounts. 85% is junk.
But am glad you have someone looking over your shoulder when you write you blogs (which I love by the way).
Have a great weekend.
Very powerful and potent blog, which evoked many, many memories of letters received over the years from various people…and a very unique one from my Mother. Enough said. I saved them all and have totes filled with them and greeting cards, not too mention my shrinking storage allotment on my computer. My kids keep urging me to delete, purge, and shred, but how can I when each missive is so very special. Thank you.
Awww. That is so sweet and so telling. I love these stories. And I’ll just bet she had a bunch of sayings, as well as ‘gar your greet’! I’d love to hear more of those. One of my older sister’s friends passed away last week and I am reminded of one of sayings, when she was frustrated about something. Kathryn would put her hand on her hip and say,”well, if that don’t make my belly want a dip of snuff”. I was never quite sure about that but we knew she was ‘put out’!
A lovely share. Between you and me, I periodically greatly regret the selfish, self-centered person I was at college age. I also had a giving, thoughtful,
articulate mother who saw me through. I hope I’m more like Josephine (Josie, to her friends) now.
Don’t change a thing.
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom!!
I’m glad that “old school” communications haven’t died out – just changed the format. I’m one of the remaining few who still sends handwritten thank you notes and Christmas cards. Due to deaths or no response, the list has shrunk from about 75 down to about 30 but it’s still important to me.
With the loss of much of my social life (I’m a caretaker for a family member with cancer), your weekly musings are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us.
So very true. The art of communication is lost. Even something as simple as commenting in reply to a email or text message letting the sender know you received it and are thinking of them. I do appreciating you sharing with us weekly. Your audio books are a great part of my walking, traveling and resting activities. Anxiously awaiting each new release.
Loved this episode! Thank you
Even though I don’t need to race back to the dorm, I still look forward to your Friday blogs. They are always a breath of fresh “news” and I always come away feeling good and having learned something. Thanks.
Love this!!! I had a mother like that!!!???
58 years ago when my husband and I were long distance dating, we wrote letters about every 2-3 days for over a year. We both saved every one. Now, after downsizing several times, he’s wanted to toss that box of love letters out a number of times and I wouldn’t let him. I know now that after 56 years of marriage when one of us is gone, they will be cherished ( at least by me!). Enjoyed this blog, and have read every one of your books! Anxiously awaiting the next one.?
Judy, you are so sweet and sentimental, as well as so down to earth. I think we all love that about you! Thanks for writing to us each week. We treasure your communications with us, and I hope you know whether we respond each week or not, that you are truly appreciated.
I love it. You nailed it. The “services” offered anew every morning are such a nuisance. I mean seriously, I don’t need hair replacement ads or, worse than that, ed medication (with graphics!!!). It should be illegal to invade someone’s cyber-world without invitation. Deleting 75 to 100 unsolicited emails is ridiculous.
I just started getting those “you have one” ads. They’re so annoying.
But yes, I love your blogs and one of the reasons I do subscribe to them. Besides loving your books is I just like reading about what’s going on in your life and it is a bit like if my mom was writing me a letter. So thank you very much.
Right on Judith…… from your Northern Arizona Stalker……still alive and kickin’….as always Dann
Just wanted to say thank you for getting me through hurricane Beryl. I managed to read 2 of your books in the 4 days the power was out.
Remember your Mom and Dad. I’m sure they were so proud of you!
Hey there, Famous Author!
I rarely sit down and read emails, but I’ve read several of yours. This one tickled my fancy. I just loved it. The thought of your mom taking the time to write you every week “warmed the cockles of my heart”….
I remember devouring my own mom’s letters when I was off to college. I didn’t get homesick until I heard from home. Life is funny that way….
In the last 10 years I’ve read and organized 2 collections of mother-son letters, both written during wartime. The first set was of my father-in-law and his mother, he died a number of years ago. The second set I read just a few years ago of my own father and his mother.
And, just like you, I had a glimpse into the love that motivated the writings. Mundane daily happenings, sealed with love and stamped with affection.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful blog.
Aleta
And I am so happy you do. I always look forward to reading your posts and your books. Thank you!!
I love, and look forward, to hearing from you every week! We’re of an age. Graduated White River High School, Buckley WA 1963
I also had someone that cared. For over 80 yrs my sister Alice, wrote me every Tuesday. Only the last 20 years I saved the letters. This year she passed away at 102+ years . The first few years I was not good about answering-but that all changed. She was the oldest, I was 12 yrs younger. So I’m 90 + and I’ve read all of your books many times. All the letters were hand written.
I love how you use family names for your book characters. I have the complete series of all of your books.
Now that the political season is upon us, I have started BLOCKING many emails. I don’t mind simply DELETING emails that are trying to sell me something (that I don’t want) or letting me know about an upcoming event (that I have no interest in) but I will do everything in my power to stop receiving political emails.
I do so enjoy seeing your name as a sender in my email. I’m pretty close to your age (72 this year) so email came into my life later than most. I was required to use it in my work or I probably would not have become proficient using it. I do so miss receiving a hand written note or letter, another thing lost to the technological advances we have experienced.
Thanks for the wonderful books you write!!
Thank you for sharing your weekly newsletter with me (and all your other followers). I enjoy the update from one of my favorite authors. Having read all of your books makes me feel like we are friends with shared experiences. Looking forward to next week!!!
I get those spam emails as well, though my ISP does a pretty good job of filtering them out so i never have ti read them (I glance over the Spam Folder every couple of weeks). When i had an active website, I got the guest blogger requests as well.
Like others have expressed, I look forward to Fridays too, because of this blog. Yours is the only one I consistently read anymore. I’m sure glad your former daughter-in-law takes care of your IT needs.
I understand how treasured some things are that we didn’t realize would come to be as we got older. I have collections of letters, postcard, cards, and photos. Some I didn’t keep though, but the memories remain constant. Wish I’d believed more of what my Mother counseled me on in her gentle and kind way. I guess I thought I knew better, but I didn’t. Would have saved some pain and loss had I heeded her ideas. She wasn’t one to push though; understood we each had our own way of learning about life. Thank you for this J.A.
Young and Stupid – I am crying – because your mother was so wise and always loving. I enjoy your sharing so much in addition to your books.
Way back in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond it cost too much to call loved ones when they lived in another state or in another city in your own state.
You wrote letters to keep in touch unless it was a special occasion or an emergency and even then, I remember at Christmas, being told to hurry up and pass the phone if a loved one called or if we had called them.
My mother would sit down and write to her mother and her 1/2 sister whose mother had died in the 1918 Spanish flu every week and my grandmother and aunt would do the same.
I’m sure my mother was as happy as you were to receive those letters. My grandmother was born in 1885, married in 1927 and had her only child, my mother in 1928. When my mother married and moved away in 1948 they began writing until my grandmother’s death when I was just 15.
I wish I had all the letters that my mother wrote to both her mother and sister and especially the letters that my grandmother wrote to my mom. Letters that were filled with just the day to day happenings, thoughts, dreams and love.
Thankfully it is incredibly wonderful that our loved ones live on when we remember and think of them.
As always, thank you and your mother.
I love your blog; your books, too, of course, but this is about the blog. You are absolutely right, you don’t need anyone else to write it. I sometimes forget that I don’t actually know you because I so often identify with what you say. I look forward to it every Friday just as you looked forward to your letters. Keep it up!
Amen to that! My Mom wrote me every week even after I was married. I always looked for to those letters as well.
So now we know the reason the Blog comes out on Friday-
What a sweet history of love and connection….
“Gar my greet-” I love that! Is it Scandinavian or South Dakotan, or a mix of both?
My late Mother-in-Law had only an 8th-grade education, but was smart as a whip- She always won Trivial Pursuit contests- She was also an excellent judge of character-
Like just about everyone I know, I am inundated with political fund-raising emails- Some of them start out with: “Is there ANYTHING I can say……”
I feel like telling them, “Yes- You can say you know I am not a multi-millionaire-”
Of course I delete them, which is a full-time job-
Yes, every Friday.
Oh, what memories. Your comments today brought back memories of the many postcards I received from my Dad when I was away at college in the early 60’s. They didn’t say too much–just a thought or a note of support, very brief and in m y Dad’s labored and distinctive handwriting (scratchy to say the least).
I went to an all girl’s college, lived with a local family as a ‘big sister’ who helped with the children to pay for my room and board. Other girls who lived in the dorms were amazed when they’d see me with cards from my Dad. Their fathers were only involved when paying the bills. I did not keep them, either. How I wish I had! Now, I send notes and sometimes goodies to my grandchildren when away at college–yes, actual “Snail Mail”, and they love it!
A smile bringer! I look forward to reading every Friday, thank you for sharing your world with us
Ah Judy. You did it again! About every second blog post you touch my heart and bring a tear to my eye.
I’m 80 now (how did that happen?) and your blog posts bring back old childhood memories.
Love to you.
Joe
In our family my father started a Family Bull when the oldest, my brother, went off to school in 1964. We have a memo-graft copy of each along with the ones I received three years later when I left home for college complete with notes from my Mother ,usually of encouragement. Boy did I need it, too. It is a national treasure to use in memoirs of a sort, with phone calls while we siblings are still around. We do long e-mails once in a while to each other with a big story especially at major holidays.
I like the note regarding not keeping your letters.
While I was in the Air Force 1966-70 my wife and I exchanged letters often – took them a several weeks or so to get them to and from Korea. We both keep them all.
One day soon we are going to sit down and re-read them – much more personal than the modern texting versions.
I think we will burn them at some point – some are more personal than our kids need to read.
Thank you for another feel good Friday read and for sharing your life with us. Any day I get to hear an Evie Busk story is a good day.
Good afternoon, J.A. Jance. Your story reminded me of an incident in my teen years that I remember with biting clarity. I was stuck in a school away from home that i didn’t want to attend, and then contracted hepatitis /yellow jaundice. They had to put me in the infirmary at same school, and no one could come visit me. I sent a letter to my father, which he returned…along with his comments in red both on my grammar and spelling. I can look at that event many years later and laugh….but I certainly didn’t write to him again.
You are a fortunate woman to have these wonderful memories of your mom, mother, friend. I enjoyed reading this today.
This was very enjoyable reading. I love stories of your family, especially your Mom. ? we enjoy your Friday messages!
Love your messages! Very homey feeling
Oh the treasure of letters! Loved your post and smiled. Not at all being a total pack rat 🙂 …..at 73 yrs old I still have letters from both grandmothers. One so sweet and unassuming, one told me and all family members how to “shape-up”….. both so faithful in sending out news and love! One true treasure I have is an album of every letter written during WWII between my dad and my grandmother…..the sweet one. I will pass these on to my grandchildren, even if the ability to read cursive is also a lost art.