I selected my blog title, For Everything There’s a Season, for a reason. It’s so true and I believe the majority of us
know that the pandemic changed our lives … some for better but some not as good. I think due to Covid we’ve all had to make changes. Being quarantined didn’t help a dern bit.
To begin with, my big publishing house closed my line; but, I’m fortunate to have been picked up by Prairie Rose Publishing, who I’ve done several single title releases and anthologies with. My first new book, tentatively named Santa and the Texan, should be out for Christmas. I’m very excited to be working with these awesome authors and their house.
During the beginning of the pandemic, I broke my tailbone. Yelp, it hurt a lot and I spent most of my days medicated and laying on my side watching TV.
Then if things couldn’t get worse, I ended up tripping over my husband’s dog who typically isn’t in the house. That put me back on the couch with my leg extended, a walker to get around, and a wheelchair. I’m getting much better. That’s good news, but I can’t walk long distances, squat, or lift anything heavy.
Over the last five or six months, I’ve had to depend on precious Sister Fillies, Pam and Linda, to format
and post most of my blogs, as I can’t sit in a chair for any length of time. Thanks to the love and caring of all of the Fillies, I think I’m getting better, but not there yet.
Now for the good news, no knee replacement just continue with shots in my knee and pain meds, which I don’t take anymore than is necessary, and keeping my knee resting on pillows. I’ve never conquered using my laptop on my lap: so, I’m therefore resorting to my iPad to keep up with things.
This is all leading up to there’s definitely a time for everything. After 12 years and 221 blogs as a Filly, I’m leaving the corral. I’m not leaving Petticoats and Pistols, just going out to pasture, so I can get better; and, help my husband who has macular degeneration. He’s very close to having to stop driving. Family first! That’s my moto.
The good news, I’ll still do periodic guest blogs, as well as being able to help any of the other Fillies who needs a fill in. That’ll take a little pressure off of everyone. You’ll love the new Filly who is taking my regular blog spot. Watch for her announcement…you’ll be as excited to have her as we are.
Oh by the way, the Fillies found me a blanket, so I won’t get cold in winter and a computer, so I can keep up on the news while out in the pasture.
My blessings and much love to each of our readers. And, as they’d say in the Old West “Happy Trails to you until we meet again.”
To three lucky winners, I’m giving away your choice of any of my books.
Best wishes for you and sending lots of thoughts of healing mercies.
denise
Thanks, Denise. I appreciate you and your good wishes. Hugs, Phyliss
Wow, you have been through the wringer this last year. Yes, family does come first, and your health and your hubby’s well being is more important then the blog. Glad you will be popping in once in a while. If I lived closer, I would come help you.
Glad you were picked up by another publishing company. Looking forward to see what adventures are in your next book.
How sweet you are, Veda. It’s been a funky year for sure, but in comparison to others who have had to endure worse hardships of the pandemic, we’ve been blessed. Yes, sometimes in life you have to make changes for your family and yourself. I’m excited about my new publishing house which really isn’t new at all. Much love and hugs, Phyliss
We will SO miss you, Phyliss. Don’t be a stranger!
And get well.
Thanks, Laura. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and you’ll see me around for sure. Getting better is #1 on my bucket list.. Hugs and love, Phyliss
Hi Laura. Oh you’ll see me before you know it. Thanks for your comment about missing me. I miss you, too. I sure won’t be a stranger and will be there for any of you who need a blog and I’ll show up as a guest. Take care and it was so good to get to know you. Love, Phyliss
I hope you’re feeling better soon and look forward to seeing you when you can stop by again.
Thank Janine. I’ve really enjoyed your comments over the years and getting to know you. I’ll be back online with blogs before you know it. I’m doing better by the day. May the Good Lord Bless and keep you and yours. Much love, Phyliss
My sweet Phyliss- I’ll be keeping you in my prayers. You’ve been through the ringer this last year. Congrats on your new publishing house. I know you’ll enjoy everything you create for us.
I’m sorry your husband is having eye issues.
Enjoy your time turned out to pasture. It is just a break, not a goodbye. Love you and I’ll continue to pray for you.
Hi my sweet Tonya. Thanks you for the positive comments and I truly appreciate your prayers. My new company is owned by our own Filly Cheryl Pierson and Livia Reasoner, so I’m thrilled to be with them. The publishing industry is changing pretty fast. There were several top shelf authors who lost their spot with my big publisher. I’m just thrilled to have been with them for twelve years. My Hubby’s eye issues are hereditary. Both his mother and one brother had it. My wonderful mother-in-law lived with us her last year, plus lived in town for about 70 years, so we were really aware of what will happen to Bob eventually. I’m beginning my time out to pasture with our oldest granddaughter’s wedding on Saturday. We are flying with wheel chair arrangements and my next to the oldest granddaughter who is a nurse. I’ve flown once with a wheelchair and we flew through the airport. Hope it’s good this time, too. Tonya, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and you’ll be seeing me around for sure. I’ll be doing some blogging whenever I’m better and they bring me back into the corral. You’ll love the author who is taking my place. She’s so nice and I think she’ll be awesome. Take care and blessings to you and yours. Love you to the moon and back, Phyliss
There are different stages of life as well- 2 steps forward and 1 step back at times. I don’t have the personal health issues you have, but 2 months ago, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s so I am picking up some of his jobs around the house. I’m praying for your health issues. You sound like a positive person so keep up thinking positive things.
Thanks, Karen. We’ll make it work thanks to our friends and family. We took care of my uncle when he had Parkinson’s and my prayers are with you and yours. It’s harder on caretakers sometimes than the patient. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. I’m typically a positive person, but like you said at times there is definitely 2 steps forward and one back. For my age, I really don’t have any major health issues such as heart, but osteoporosis isn’t an easy battle. Thanks for your positive thoughts and many, many blessings to you and your family. Blessings and love, Phyliss
Will miss your posts. Take care and heal quickly.
Hi Estella, thank you. I’m getting better by the day, now that the doctor has changed my pain meds (3 times now). I’ll be doing posts on and off but not a regular one, so you’ll see me around. Thanks for all of your years of support and much love to you and yours, Phyliss
I tripped the other day and while I did not fall. I hit a counter. Getting better. Hope you are as well.
Debra, bless your heart. I’m so thankful you didn’t fall. I’ve hit the counter and other things since my fall and am so worried I’ll do more damage. I’ll pray for your quick recovery and may the Good Lord bless and keep you and yours forever and forever, Hugs, Phyliss
Dear sweet Phyliss, you have been a true joy to know these past twelve years. But your leaving is eased for me because I know you are only a text message away, right? 🙂
Enjoy that wedding!!! I’m so happy you and your husband are able to travel. Your family will take good care of you, and there’s nothing better.
Hugs, my friend!
Pam, you’ve been such a great leader and mentor to me and the whole crew. The majority of the Fillies, as well as readers, don’t know that you have family ties to my hometown; and that your niece and my granddaughter, who is getting married Saturday, were friends in high school. So, texting has become a norm for us. Our daughter, mother of the bride, made arrangements for us to have wheelchairs, plus as I said before, our next oldest granddaughter is a nurse and flying with us, so it should help a lot. I did go to a shower in Dallas with a wheelchair and it was a zoom through the airport. Pam, thanks for everything you do for all of us and especially helping me the last few months. I can’t say how much I love and appreciate you and Linda for everything you all have done for me Much love, Phyliss
We will miss you so much, but family and health comes first. I have been through the broken tail bone myself and its not fun. I thought I had hurt my back really bad when I broke mine many years ago. I use a Coccyx Cushion right now in my computer chair and it does help. Wish you the best of luck and take care.
Hi Quilt Lady, so glad you reading my blog and responded. I’m gonna miss you all but will be able to read all the blogs. Then you know how much a broken tailbone hurts, and it was caused by my granddaughter’s puppy who pulled me down o the step. Then my other falls were caused my Hubby’s dog. I do use a cushion for my computer chair, but I should check into the specific one you use. Thanks for your good wishes. Many blessings to you and yours, Phyliss
Phyliss, I am so sorry you have gone through so much. Pain can really work on you but I know with time and prayer you will make it back and be much better.
You will be missed but you are right, family first.
Best of luck to you and your husband. Better days are ahead!
Hi Melanie, thanks for much for your support and caring. We’re on the mend, thanks to the love and prayers of so many friends. I’ll sure miss you all, but won’t be far away and will be able to keep up with you all. For sure, better days are ahead. Thanks and hugs, Phyliss
Blessings and prayers for a speedy recovery!
Thanks Teresa for your well wishes. I’m on the mend. Thanks for your prayers. May the Good Lord bless and keep you and yours. Hugs, Phyliss
You are very brave and strong. I hope that you heal and get back on your feet. Your family and health is your priority.
Hi Laini, thanks for leaving a comment. Your comments are so supportive and I’m thankful for them. Yes, family and health should be everyone’s priority. If I’m down then I can’t help my Hubby. I’m getting stronger by the day. Thanks for your good wishes. May the Good Lord bless you and yours, Phyliss
Best wishes to you. That is certainly a lot going on. May your body heal and your heart have peace.
Hi Jess, so good to hear from you and thanks for taking the time to reply. I felt bad putting out there all of my ailments but felt I had to explain. If it didn’t hurt so much, it’d be kinda funny how I broke my tailbone. It’s healed now, so I’m just left with this dern right knee. Take care of you and yours May the Good Lord bless and keep you. You’ll see me around I’m just out resting in the pasture! LOL Phyliss
Best wishes for a happy and healthy summer and fall. I am sorry about your extreme difficulties which make life such a struggle.
Sharon, thank you for the kind thoughts. I think the rest of the year will be better for all of us. This pandemic sure wasn’t fun, especially when our only trips outside were limited to doctor appointments. We got our shots early and wore a mask anywhere we went. Still do. May the Good Lord bless and keep you and yours. Phyliss
Phylss, don’t be a stranger! We will miss you here at P&P–you’ve always been such a “force” here with us! I’m thinking of you and hoping you recover–the tailbone…oh, that makes me just cringe to think of it. You’re right–FAMILY FIRST, and that’s the important thing.
We love you, Phyliss, and we are going to miss your sunny presence.
HUGS, my friend!
Hi Cheryl, another precious friend. Thanks for the beautiful comments. Makes my day better already. Oh, I’ll be around the corral. Yes Family First, and it has to be that way. I’ve tried to be a friend to all of the Fillies and our readers but I didn’t always succeed! I’m excited to work with your and Livia again. Flying off to my oldest granddaughter’s wedding on Thursday 3:00 a.m. Yes a.m. Hubby and I have wheelchair accommodations, plus our granddaughter who lives here will be with us and she’s a nurse, so we’ve got it made. Cheryl, I’ve really enjoyed you as a friend and hope to get even closer as time goes by. Much love, Phyliss
Phyliss, I never begrudge a friend and have been happy to help you through some of these trials. I know that whatever God has in store for you, it’ll be awesome. You’re not near done yet so don’t even think you are! The Pandemic affected almost everyone in some way. It put me in a deep depression. Thankfully, we can all get out now and be with people and it’s made all the difference in the world to me. It was so good to see you while I was in Amarillo. I’ll love you forever!
Linda, thanks so much for being my friend, not just through P&P and helping me out, but taking me out and helping me through the depression that hit me. I can’t thank you enough as my BFF, along with my other BFF, Jodi, for grocery shopping and helping us out. Rarely in life does a person have such great friends, not just as a Filly but life long. I miss you and can hardly wait to hear about your hot air balloon experience!!!! Love you and miss you.
Phyllis, we will miss you. You were here when I started reading Petticoats & Pistols. Take care of yourself and your family. Sending best wishes and hugs.
Thank you Sally. I’ve enjoyed you as a reader. Thanks for the best wishes and a ton of hugs back at you. Hugs, Phyliss
Please get well soon! I think “for everything there is a season” is very wise. And thank you for talking about your latest publishing journey, I am always interested in how everyone gets their masterpieces into the hands of the adoring readers! Please feel better soon~
Thanks, Abigail. Publishing isn’t as easy as most peope think. I was fortunate to get with a big publisher thanks to Jodi Thomas. I was taking her class at night. After I graduated she asked if I’d like to do an anthology with her Linda Broday and the last DeWanna Pace. We began with one, then they wanted another and Jodi said no … two. We ended up with six, the last our Christmas made me a NYTimes USToday author. And, I took the class to learn to write a cookbook. Thanks you for you kind remarks and I sure plan on doing everything I can to get up and going. Blessings to you and yours. Phyliss
Hope u are well i love to read westerns
Thanks, Emma. Westerns are the best! I’m on the mend but still need good thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you and yours, Phyliss
Wishing you the very best… get well…
Thanks, Colleen. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you over the years. I think I’m on the path to recovery and thank you for your best wishes. I’ll be back with guest blogs before you know it. Hugs, Phyliss
Healing prayers to you my friend. We will miss you , and we will be very happy the times that you will be joining us. You’ve got it right, Top Priority for me is always family. God Bless you and your family. Have a Great week and stay safe.
I am so sorry to hear of all your problems and will miss your regular posts, but glad you’ll still be popping in. Health and family issues seem to be a common thread in households these days. I’m having to reshape my life as well to hopefully recover and get back to as normal a life as possible. I know from personal experience that taking care of a loved one will mean more to you than anything else and is something you cherish forever. Hope things continue to improve for you!
Best wishes and hope you are feeling better soon.
Thanks, Diana. I appreciate your best wishes and hope for recovery. May the Good Lord bless and keep you always. Hugs, Phyliss
Diana, thank you for the good wishes and thoughts. Take care of yourself. Hugs, Phyliss
Hoping for a speedy recover and good luck!
Thanks, Teresa. I think I’m on the mend. Appreciate you. Blessings to you and yours. Phyliss
Best wishes to you in your new season! I hope you continue to heal from your injuries and that this time caring for your husband is a wonderful time for you both.
Megan, thank you so much. MyHubby is a jewel and easy to take care of, although he wants to do too many things he nees to stop doing so I’m always on the lookout for him. May the Good Lord bless and keep you and yours
You will be missed. I deal with knee injections and pain medications as well. I am not able to have knee replacements. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
We will miss your regular posts but look forward to you coming in from the pasture occasionally. Top Priority is family and glad that you will be able to be a part of this joyous occasion with yours. It sounds like you have special granddaughters. May God bless you and your family in this new season.
Goodness, Phyliss, it seems you can’t win for losing. I am so sorry your body has taken so many hits recently. Both of those injuries are most painful and make it so hard to function. I’m sad to see you leave the Junction, but you are doing the right thing for yourself and your family. Lucky for us you will still be around and we’ll being seeing you, if not as often. Take extra good care of yourself and heal well.