Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for the latest news updates:

1. As our health costs spiral, living off two pensions is a struggle, requiring careful budget savings. Sometimes harsh reality catches us out. We are now having to pay $860 p.m as our monthly ground rent has been increased by $65 p.m. Fortunately, my brilliant wife made a major grocery saving by getting us accepted for meals on wheels.
2. Our house move plans are progressing slowly.
3. My care team are still aiming to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips. But now they intend to avoid depending on commercial therapists, by us all learning simple massage techniques to help straighten my knees.
4. I’m now planning with my wife, for when I move on/pass. When we lived in Wales, we found a woodland cemetery, where we wanted to be buried. In Idaho, there is no such green option. So, I’ve been dreaming of being in Sussex again with my wife, somehow.

Probably. two cremations, one urn shared with our fur-babies. Wakes in Idaho and Sussex so everyone who wants to entertain with memories is welcome.

On to the writing… well, briefly as this month’s question is a departure from scribbling.

For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun.  The next episode is due in three weeks around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

However, first I’m working on yet another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/.

So much has happened over the last few weeks, notably the announcement about Western jets, relevant to my 2022 Night Witches as they face returning to Ukraine,and now on June 6th the destruction of Nova Kakhovka Dam .

The post should be up next week.

Slava Ukrayini

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Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

Clue:  Before reading more, decipher my photo clue and mention your thoughts in a comment. Please. Then read my answer.

June Answer: When I stopped photography, I found time to write. Therefore, photography might be my replacement for writing.

I gave up professional photography when my Canon pro-camera became too heavy to use due to my declining health. My wife agreed especially as all my lenses made the equipment too bulky to carry around.

We bought a lighter Lumix, which my wife still uses. The photo from our office window in North Wales of the view towards Snowdon is hers, and I asked her if I could use it for ‘Writing Wings’.

However, I still struggle to lift some things – like the Lumix.

Solution: 4K Digital Camera for Photography and Video Autofocus 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card 3” Flip Screen Flash 16x Zoom Anti-Shake Travel Camera for Beginner.

            However, this small camera offers possibilities beyond stills. So, prepare for videos and vlogging. Will this get me out of my bedroom into the wider world? First though, I have transfer photos off the camera successfully.

           Then decide how to target Sussex into my plans…remotely. I need to find a UK base unit.

Clue Answer: Selfie taken in family graveyard, at All Saints, Highbrook, near where we plan to rest forever, with a view over the Sussex countryside… once we’ve finished vlogging.

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The awesome co-hosts for this June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine,Diedre Knight,Olga Godim,J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!