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Topsy Turvy Moment with Donna McDine

We've all had moments when our life, career, or writing journey turned topsy turvy. Things change - many times for the better, although it might not seem so at the time.

Today my guest is Donna McDine. Let's read about her life-changing moment when I asked, "Have you had a time in your life, career, or writing journey where everything turned ‘topsy turvy’?"

My goodness, I don’t know a person who could say 'no' to this question. As for me, the Fall/Winter of 2009 went all ‘topsy turvy.’ What began as a cold turned into a sinus infection, then bronchitis. The doctor immediately put me on antibiotics which I had an allergic reaction to and had to come off pronto. With my immune system not up to par, I then came down with the dread swine flu. I thought was sick before. Boy, was I wrong! My energy level was zapped. My body was telling to me to rest, but my head was swirling with what I wanted to accomplish to keep my writing momentum going. I foolishly struggled to partake in social networking and answering emails and then exhaustion would set in.

My husband and children stepped up to the plate and took over the household duties (which I won’t bore you with, since you all basically do the same mundane tasks), and friends helped out with the driving the girls to their extracurricular activities. Once my husband was aware of me sneaking computer time when he wasn’t home he had the girls lock the computer with a password. I know this sounds terrible, but he saved me from being my own worst enemy. It forced me to take the well needed break to focus on my health. Besides, what good would I be to anyone if I relapsed and got worse?

What I was forced to realize was my world would not stop if I didn’t work, write, etc., and that everything would be waiting for me upon my return. It took about four weeks to feel myself and another few weeks after that to get back into the groove of my life.

Even though life was ‘topsy turvy’ for awhile it all settled back into place after I got my health back in check. Three cheers for supportive family and friends! 

I'm so thankful that Donna is back to normal. She is such a wonderful part of the children's writing community and since I made the trip to St. Louis, a friend. - Donna S.

All about Donna McDine:


The Golden PathwayWritten by: Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
PUBLISHER: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
PUBLICATION DATE: August 2010
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-081-1
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-082-8




SYNOPSIS: Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa.
 Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.
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NWFCC Publicist and Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids
Member of SCBWI and Musing Our Children
Donna’s Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com
Write What Inspires You Blog: http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/
The Golden Pathway Blog: http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com

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18 comments:

Donna McDine said...

Hello Donna:

Thank you for hosting me as your guest blogger today. It's a true pleasure. I'll check back in later.

Best wishes,
Donna (Dee)

T. Forehand said...

Donna, thanks for sharing your topsy turvy time. So glad your health is back on track because your writing is so important. Love your new book. You are an inspiration.

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Terri!

Nicole weaver said...

Donna,

Thanks for sharing your life and thoughts! You ladies ROCK!

Nicole Weaver

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks, Nicole! Nice to rock! ☺

Lisa Simmons said...

My topsy turvy moment was a gradual one. I realize about 5 years ago when my youngest child (my only daughter) started high school that I was soon going to be out of a job... "MOM". I had been a stay-at-home mom for about 25 years and loved it, but knew that some day it would end. That time was bearing down on me like a freight train. So I began doing what I had always wanted to do, slowly at first and gradually picking up steam...writing, singing, mentoring young moms. Now that my daughter is a freshman in college, I'm so glad that I started early in preparing myself for "empty nest". I have enjoyed every stage of motherhood and am enjoying this one as well. You can listen to some of my "mom songs" at www.reverbnation.com/greasingtheskids. My blog has become "notes" on Facebook, since I found that most people will not follow links as much as they'll just stay on FB and read a note. But I do keep the blog for occasional posts. www.lisaslyricsandlines.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

So glad everything is back to normal for you. Topsy-Turvy health issues are no fun. Thanks for sharing yours with us.

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Lisa, I'd like to feature you, too! That's a great 'topsy turvy' moment.

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Nancy, thanks for stopping by!

Bill Kirk said...

Yep. Definitely a Topsy-Turvy experience. I started sniffling and sneezing just reading about it. Glad you survived to get your writing groove back on, Donna.

Bill

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks for stopping to visit Topsy Turvy Land, Bill.

Donna McDine said...

Terri, Nicole, Lisa, and Bill:

Thanking for taking the time out to visit with me and Donna. I appreciate your support.

Lisa...thanks for sharing your topsy turvy moment too.

Best wishes,
Donna

BarbaraB said...

Donna,
Please take care of yourself and stay well. We want more of your interesting stories.

Kate Dolan said...

Topsy Turvy has a whimsical sound to it, but really it means that things are out of balance and that can be dangerous. Thanks for the great reminder of the need to prioritize. Health has to come first or nothing else will work! Glad your family helped put you on the road to recovery.

Cheryl said...

Sorry I'm late to the party. Crazy day.

I remember you being sick, Donna. How awful. Amazing how you've bounced back and done so many wonderful things since then. You're truly and inspiration.

Cheryl

Mayra Calvani said...

Wow, Donna. Thanks for sharing this. So glad you're better now. I think your hubby was wise to lock the computer! I'm an addict as well.

April said...

First of all, I have to say that I LOVE this website! Soooo cool!

Donna, what a wonderful story and reminder to each of us that we sometimes need to slow down and concentrate on ourselves and our health. It is so hard to get wrapped up and caught up in things! So glad that you feel better!

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks to Barbara, Kate, Mayra, Cheryl, and April for stopping by! I appreciate it and I'm sure the 'other Donna' - Donna McDine does, too!

Thanks for the good words about the blog, too, April!

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