Amy plays TriBond
It’s time for another column of random thoughts and observations. Longtime readers know that sometimes, I must fit three things that don’t relate to each other into one column because my brain decided to be “zingy.” Here we go!
Editor’s note: One of The Reporter’s owners (who shall remain nameless) worked at a small-market radio station when a board game named “TriBond” was first released. The game involved determining the connection between three seemingly unconnected things. For example: What do these three have in common? Jigsaw Puzzles, Pistol Packers, Toupee Touters. Answer: Pieces. So thank you, Amy, for that flashback.
- Good People
I was thinking about all my wonderful writer friends recently. Up until a few years ago, I never got together with other writers. We would see each other at local book sales, but that was about it.
Thanks to my friend and fellow columnist Jan, who introduced me to the concept of writers’ conferences and groups, I’m slowly making more writer friends and seeing them at least once a month.
One group, the Central Indiana Writers Association (CIWA), meets online the third Monday of every month via Zoom. My friend Paulette introduced me to them a year ago. I couldn’t believe that I’d never heard of CIWA – they’ve been around for almost 50 years!
CIWA has already given me a bucketload of info and encouragement. I’m hoping the group gets together in person at least once a year, because they’re such good people. You can learn more about them at centralindianawritersassoc.org.
Another group is my Word Warriors, consisting mostly of Reporter columnists. These ladies are delightful. We meet up at Debbie’s Daughters to share resources, ideas, and laughter. They’re good people, too.
In fact, most writers I’ve met are good people. And hoop dancers. And musicians. And so many other “circles” of individuals. Hmmm. I’m starting to truly believe that, yes, most people are good and helpful, and it gives me hope during these challenging times.
- Exoskeletons
With it being mid-August, central Indiana gets to hear the cacophony of cicada sounds every evening. Personally, I don’t mind, unless one of the critters sits right beside me to split my eardrums.
The numerous cicadas bring exoskeletons, or shells, from the nymphs climbing out of the ground and molting into their adult form. If you’ve been outside at all lately, you’ll see that these suckers are everywhere.
Not only do we humans see them, but dogs do as well. Elli and Sasha love to sniff and gobble them up on our walks before I even know what’s happening. It’s like they’re getting “treats on the go.” At first, I was horrified and worried that they would cause my girls some issues.
Thankfully, I searched and found that they’re generally harmless for dogs if they don’t eat too many of them. I’m determined to work on stopping them in the weeks ahead. I’d love to hear tips from readers how to make this happen.
- Sailing
As you’re reading this, I’m finally up in my happy place – Lake of the Woods in Bremen, Ind. Today is my first sailing lesson. I’m grateful for the cooler weather and light winds in the forecast for northern Indiana.
One of my goals this year as an empty nester was to learn how to sail a catamaran. I grew up sailing with my brother-in-law, Mike, but never learned to do it on my own. I’ve done my reading and studying, and now it’s time to put everything into action! I’m excited about this new venture, and I’m sure you’ll hear more about it in a future column.
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.