This is actually a two-fer, two topics for the price of one, as it were.
First off, who’s up for another bit of Evie Busk wisdom? I believe the last one had to do with not counting your chickens before they hatch—which I practiced on that occasion by not reporting a step milestone until I had actually passed said milestone.
Today’s Evie Busk saying is this: A wise man changes his mind. A fool never does. So yes, it’s another step report, and this time I’m breaking the first rule, because I haven’t quite passed the milestone yet.
Yes, I’ve crossed the 27 million mark. The step score this very minute is actually 27,215,087, but this time I was actually looking at a different milestone—my current step streak.
This is Evie Busk’s bit of wisdom number three: A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. In this case, a streak of a thousand days starts with day number one. I’m currently at day 996. I should pass 1000-day mark on Sunday of this week.
This streak started on November 23, 2021. I have no idea what was happening on November 21st and November 22nd of that year. There’s nothing showing on the calendar, but on one of those days I got 4,031 steps and on the other, 3,479. The only thing I can think of is that I must have been deathly ill, because the streak before that was 457 days long.
In other words, as of Sunday, those two steaks combine to a whopping 1,457 days, and I believe even Evie would be impressed. But here’s the other point about walking—while dealing with the last few years—the isolation of the pandemic, the stress of ongoing health issues, and just plain life, those daily walks have really saved my sanity.
Now on to topic, number two—psychological income. That’s the wonderful part about being a writer that the IRS can’t tax. It comes via the comments on blog posts and on the emails and things people tell me about how items in my books have been especially meaningful in their lives.
This morning I received an incredibly wonderful dose of psychological income when Dan Kritsonis, our personal trainer, walked in the door.
He reported that last night he spoke to Colleen, a cousin on his mother’s side of the family, who told him about a conversation with a woman named Gerri, one of Colleen’s cousins on her father’s side of the family.
Gerri asked Colleen, “Have you ever heard of an author named J.A. Jance?” Colleen replied, “Yes, my cousin, Dan, is her personal trainer.”
It turns out that, for five years, Gerri had been the primary caregiver for her husband who passed away in June of this year. After his passing, she fell into a deep depression. “The only thing that helped me with that was reading J.A. Jance’s books,” Gerri reported. By the time Dan finished telling the story, my legs were covered with goosebumps.
The next thing that happened was my getting on the speaker phone with Gerri on one end and Bill and Dan listening in on mine. We learned that Gerri is blind—something Dan didn’t know until that phone call. She listens to my books through a program that provides books for the blind and physically handicapped, and she’s listened to a number of my books at least three times each.
We chatted for the better part of half an hour. Until this morning, Gerri was unaware of my blog. I’m hoping her daughter, with whom she lives now, will be able to find this one and read it to her. With Dan’s assent, we ended up cancelling today’s workout. I’d used up all our allotted time on that phone call.
So yes, I may be writing genre fiction—books thought to have no socially redeeming value, but if my stories can help people negotiate tough times, then I’m doing my job.
I’m pretty sure that would receive Evie’s stamp of approval as well.
Absolutely!!! YES, YES, YES!!!!
Congrats on your walking streak! That’s an impressive accomplishment. You’re an inspiration to all!
Judy,
This is definitely one of your best blogs ever. What an amazing story. I’m sure you have helped countless others, but to actually hear of the good you’ve done is the cherry on top of the sundae. It’s a perfect way for all of us to begin our day. This “feel good” story has already brought sunshine to me today.
Thanks for your books and your blogs.
Janice
I too have been a faithful follower for years and was introduced to you by my daughter who thought we’d be a good match. I have read ALL of your books and have listened to ALL of them again via audiobooks while riding in a car And I can attest to your responsiveness because I emailed a question to you and within a week I received a reply. Couldn’t believe with your busy schedule that you’d have time for me. I enjoy your blog every and can’t wait for your new book. What a joy!
If we can do what we love, get paid to do it and enrich others lives and give them joy… how much better can it get? Thanks, Judy.
You’ve helped more people than you know. Evie would be so proud.
I’ve read several articles on walking the past couple of days. There are so many benefits to walking any amount. You’ve proven that. Blessings.
Miss Judy,
All one can do is do their best effort to make a place better for personally passing through it. You certainly have in sharing your gift to us through your writings AND Book Talks.
One of the highlights of my life was hearing you talk AND sing , then meeting you.
What it took personally to get to the point to be able to drive from Yuma to Sun City West was to meet you that day was miracle. Your writings had helped fuel that endeavor.
Thank you, Evie….
Thank you, Judy…
Thank you.
Maravelous story. What wonderful feelings you give to each other. May the Lord continue to bless each of you.
That is incredible. You are a wonderful writer
thank you….hitting home once again
You can count me in as one of your “clients”.
I have laid on the couch in your virtual office of psychology many days. Taking comfort in your mother’s words of wisdom and motivation to get up and move with your step counts.
Remember the commercial, “Take me away Calgon”? When I can’t physically leave I can spirit away into a book.
That’s what your stories and blogs do for me. I too am a repetitive listener to your books
Great blog about a great career. Yup, your writing goes far beyond simply spinning a tale. Thanks for all you’ve written. Please keep it up.
Oh, yes, you are definitely doing your job. I’ve started the Beau series again, as well as the Ali series, because, though I “mark time” by reading other authors in between your books being published, there are none that are so SATISFYING as yours. Right now I’m in a Celiac flare, so there’s a lot of pain, but for some reason there’s something comforting about listening to a JAJ, even though they’re about murder, so I’m treating myself to Web of Evil to help me get through to feeling normal again.
What a wonderful story! You are one of my favorite authors. I think I’ve read all of your books. In my opinion, good fiction is very important food for the soul. It helps us understand other people, other cultures. It helps us visit other places, even if we can’t travel.
My aunt Anna went blind and I got the player from my library and made flash drives for her, she said it changed her life around with the books I recorded. She especially loved your and Linda Castillo books. It was so wonderful to hear how happy she was with the books. Thank you for your books, I love them and can`t wait for a new one to come out, sadly my aunt Anna passed last year, but the recorder and the books made a big difference in her last years.
This is a bit off topic, but I thought I’d post it as it’s about walking.
The State of Iowa is urging everyone to walk for 30 minutes on October 2nd. It is being sponsored by several companies in an effort to make Iowa the Healthiest State in the Union. I moved away from Iowa many years ago, but plan to walk here in Connecticut.
I don’t know if you’ll ever understand how your words have impacted and inspired so many readers. We’ve lived vicariously through your characters, experienced their highs and lows with them and welcomed Beau, Ali and Joanna into our lives as old friends.
Our world is a better place because you have shared your gift of the written word with us.
Count me among those J. A. Jance’s books have helped. I’ve become an avid reader, and more than once I’ve come upon a part in a book that was so right on point to something in my life I was prompted to write her. To my amazement she wrote back. I didn’t think authors really replied back, but she did. Thank you for your books and your blogs. They so entertain my brain. Even helps it through some of its issues.
Oh you are absolutely doing your job. Not only are your books a welcome escape and always a “don’t want it to end” read, you have introduced so many wonderful characters for us to know and love. Your stories and the character’s come alive when you write and I relate to so many of their life joys and sorrows. Thank you. And thank you Evie!
I too have read and/or listened to (on audio books) several of your books multiple times. I thought I was reading every book as it came out, but apparently I did not. Or my memory isn’t what it used to be. I love that your books always have a great story and a happy ending. I never have to worry about your characters. I know they will be fine in the end! I like that in a book.
What a lovely story! And congratulations for making such a difference in people’s lives with your work with “no redeeming social value.”
Wonderful story. I’m sure it made your day. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so very much for your blog. Your humanity shines through and gives me a smile every time. I’ve met you several times, listened to you lecture many times and read every one of your books. But there is nothing like your blog that makes me appreciate you so much.
Dusty Friedman
Green Valley AZ
You have helped me this week with finding help for my Australian Shepherd.
I remembered a story about Lucy and her going to The Academy of Canine Behavior.
I looked them up on Google and made an appointment for Piper. I met with the owner Colleen this week and she did more for Piper in a hour appointment than all of the advice I received from friends and family in the past year. Thank you for all your little tidbits. They help us all. Colleen said to tell you hi.
Please send me an email so I can tell you the Angel story regarding the Academy of Canine Behavior.
3 breakups, 2 jobs, hepatitis A, and 2 1/2 strokes. Thank heaven for e-books when I was so impaired that holding a book and turning pages were beyond me. You’ve also been along on vacations, holidays, and family get togethers. So for the good, the bad, and the ugly Beau, Joanna, Ali, and the Walkers with all of their cohorts have been there. Truly a blessing.
jajance@me.com
Yes, you are doing you job…thank you! I’m sure Evie gives her stamp of approval. So do I.
I loved this post! Your books are eagerly awaited each time a new one appears. I love your talks and have attended many–including at the Dog House, which makes me old, I guess. It is easy to feel a personal connection with your characters and I find their lives fascinating. I feel that you are an old friend that I get to catch up with every Friday!
Oh, YES!!! I remember so well where I was at when I discovered “After the Fire”. Although, I had read Joanna Brady and J.P. Beaumont for years, enjoying their stories and gleaning lessons, “After the Fire” taught me how to walk through my own past “fires” and to never become a victim, no matter what. Your steps reports figuratively enhance those same messages…the best remedy after finding oneself, inadvertently, into yet one more potential “victimhood” is to create. Create something positive, even if it’s something simple like ordering a long overdo new screen door, or sewing missing buttons on a blouse. I continue recommending “After the Fire”.
When I was writing those poems on the dining room table at Three Points in the sixties and seventies, I did so in an effort to make sense of my own life. I’m always incredibly gratified to know that relating my own experiences in life has helped someone else. Thank you.
Not only Evie Busk’s stamp of approval, but that of all of your fans and blog readers. As for your genre of writing, as Mr. T said, “I pity the fool” who would dare refer to it as having no redeeming social value.
You are always so uplifting, even if you don;t know everyone personally. What a miracle to touch so many lives. Thanks.
I just finished reading all your books for the fifth time. (I read other authors also). They give me a sense of family and thoughtfulness. Thanks
as a survivor of the “Mercer Mess”, I was amused and enchanted by your description as seen by Beau, and since then I’ve read every one of your books I could get my hands on — thanks to you, and your family, and your virtual families as met in your books — I pick one up and reread it any time my spirit needs a lift
Thank you so much for all your books. They are the highlights of my days. I just finished the Walker family books. I enjoyed each of them and learned so much I read one of these books by flashlight during the power outage of hurricane Beryl. My sincerest regards to you.
Blessings! Your books touch many people. I know that my son, Christopher, loved J P Beaumont! Chris dealt with alcohol and drugs most of his life. He passed away last year – a month before his 58th birthday. I was always pleased that he and I loved the same author (you!).
My favorites: JP, Joanna, Walkers, and Ali – in that order. Thanks again for your dedication!!
Thank you so much for your continued efforts to write such enjoyable books. I disagree that your books have no social value, just the joy I get from peacefully sitting and reading is worth so much to me, and to your other readers as well. Many of my family and friends are also avid readers, especially of all of your different series. I have honestly read every one of your books, in order, and they have given me such pleasure. Keep up the good work, keep on walking, and continue to post such enjoyable blogs. You seem to be such a lovely woman, and your ability to relate to your readers. I love hearing about your mom! What a woman!
Your blog post today gave me goosebumps. Thank you. I just finished Girl’s Night Out and enjoyed it so much. I was in a ‘funk’ when I started reading and it just made everything that was depressing in my mind, all better. I wanted to read more about Twink!
You are so inspiring to me. Your step count is amazing and makes me want to do better with my body. I am 3 months post knee replacement surgery and can now walk and do so much more. I’m inspired to get those steps in, thanks to you!
Remember, if straight walking is too much, your watch or phone will also count marching-in-place steps done while seated. After injuring my feet in a fall, I was able to keep going by doing that for some of the daily total.
I am a very dedicated, long time reader. Your story about Gerri hit a chord with me. Could you tell me how to locate the service that provides audio books for the blind, please? My sister, who lives in Tacoma, is totally blind. It happened almost overnight, with no warning whatsoever. From “I think something might be wrong”to total blindness in less than a month. This also involved a three week stay in Harborview with UW and Harborview’s best tending to her. A cause has not been found. Meanwhile, she is an amazing woman, adapting to her new life with heroic bravery. There is a lot to learn, including what help is available to her. Harborview, UW, and Lighthouse for the Blind have been an enormous help. But they have admitted to her that she is rather uncharted territory. Most of their clients lost their vision gradually, perhaps through macular degeneration, and they were able to learn while they still had sight. Don’t get me wrong, they have been and continue to be enormously helpful and supportive.
I’m sorry this is so lengthy. I brought my sister a book on CD to see if she could navigate that, but something online would be easier, I think.
Thank you for your help.
Rita King
P. S. I look forward to seeing you at TFOB.
Call her local library, they should be able to help. We did when I was (long ago) a public librarian in Missouri.
Please contact the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Judy, you are so kind to have called Gerri! Getting to know you better through your weekly blogs has been something that I look forward to each week. Your daily life is an inspiration to so many of us.
A couple of other take-aways from this week: I have let my son know about the Academy of Canine Behavior so that they can take their dog there. I hope they do.
Also, I need a personal in-home trainer too. I wonder if you could email me your trainer’s info or someone he might recommend. We’ve emailed each other before, so hopefully you have my email. If not, please let me know. Thanks.
I’m sure Evie would have approved!
yes my husband has altheimersand your books are life savers. escape from the reality of life
What a wonderful, sweet thing to do, calling Geri and talking with her. I’m sure you lifted her Spirit more than anyone could have! You are a Blessing
What a wonderful, sweet thing to do, calling Geri and talking with her. I’m sure you lifted her Spirit more than anyone could have! You are a Blessing to all of us.
Your books do have a socially redeeming value. They give your readers, me included, a great deal of pleasure. I don’t know how that could be anymore redeeming. Thanks for all the enjoyment you’ve given me over the years. I truly enjoy your books and look forward to reading each new one.
God bless you J.A.Jance ?
I did not put a question mark at the end of my message. It was a beautiful purple heart.
Linda
For me, there is huge value in your “genre-fiction”. It’s has taken me so many places to meet interesting people and all their foibles, in interesting situations. I never tire of the adventure. The escape of a good read like yours is priceless. Besides, I am now up to 7000-8000 steps/day, after years of your pushing me in that direction with your reports. I doubt I’ll ever eclipse your impending record, but I’m not in a race with you, just getting my joints and muscles back (and pain free!) after 74 years of neglect. And I owe you thanks both for your writing and your encouragement.
Yet another reason to love you, Judy! Thank you for being a real human, and a compassionate person, and a thoughtful writer. I aspire to emulate your example.
Your books have helped me get through some rough times. I have read all of your books except your poetry book. Thank you for your wonderful stories.
Amen JA your books make my days better and it’s a good way keeping in touch with you…… cause as you know I’ve to many of your book signings and you have autographed many many many of your books for me and have been known to follow you around the state of Arizona at many numerous book signings but I have become to know you better by your writings…….so keep penning away and I’ll keep ready…….. your one and only “Arizona Stalker” as always Dann??
Congratulations on being such an all around woman!
One thing that sets you apart from so many others is that you make yourself available. What a gift!
On an incredibly more trivial note, you improved my life this week as follows: I was in an unfamiliar grocery store and noticed Dukes Mayonnaise which I had never seen in my “home market”. Remembering your mention of it I bought a little jar. What a revelation! My tomato sandwiches are so improved, I’ll never go back to my old brands.
Ceci
Ceci, where did you find Duke’s mayo for sale? I checked around here in Connecticut and no one has it. I like the idea that it has no sugar in it. I could make my own mayo, but hate to wash the blender.
I found Duke’s mayo for sale in stores here in Connecticut. The problem is they are in distant towns and I don’t shop there. Will send for it.
Here in N Virginia we have 2 big local chains, Giant and Safeway, neither of which are on my usual route, but I was at the Giant recently and there were these little jars of Dukes! It’s wonderfully tangy.
Ceci
I just checked Amazon..,there was Duke’s mayonnaise …several sizes, reasonable price.
Now, I will try it.
???
Great story! And yes, your books have rescued me from the depths of worry and woes to the heights of glorious genre fiction.!
I have several I read and re- read. I’m old so that’s ok!
Sunday evening and I just got home from the airport. First thing first, check my emails for this week…46. 2 from you…44 emails left to go.
You are such a wonderful person JA, and I cannot thank you enough for being who you are. So happy I get to consider you my friend.
I think Evie and everybody who knows you and those who read your books gives you a BIG stamp of approval. You have made a great difference in someone’s world who was going through difficult time. In my estimation that would be a five star ?? approval ( the highest) !
Love your messages today. Love you!
I absolutely love this story and how you handled it.love your books.keep on writing.love Cathy m