R.S. Westeren Studio

Not Norman Rockwell By R. S. Westeren    The snow, like a fuzzy white blanket, has tucked in the frozen ground for the evening. Through the frosty window we see the whole family gathered in the living room stuffed from the grand Thanksgiving feast of turkey with all the trimmings. Smoke from his pipe circled Grandfather’s head like a halo, while he rocked slowly in his leather upholstered throne in front of the roaring crackling fire. Grandchildren and great grandchildren sprawled on the musty carpeted floor playing with old toys that they only see this time of year. Uncles, aunts and the cousins are all quietly chatting with each other comparing stories and adventures of the past years activities. The black long haired cat prowls in the corner near the fireplace preparing to attack any unawaring trespasser and the family yellow Labrador is curled up near the fireplace enjoying the warmth from the fire. The first Christmas music is playing on the old radio giving a wonderful

This morning while working on my current novel I started reflecting on what I have done and where I still want to go. I have actually had only a few jobs in my entire life and one of them for twenty four years. I been a janitor, auto parts salesman, inventory control clerk, traffic controller, broiler cook, multiple levels of restaurant management and multiple levels of hotel management. I been a General Manager of a restaurant and the Director of Hotel Operations for a couple hotels. Not too bad for a person who was not very good in school and barely got a high school diploma. My work ethic is simple - do the best you can and pay attention to everything. Soon I will be embarking in to something new, I am not sure what that will be. It really doesn't matter what. I am ready for a new challenge and new opportunities. That will pay the bills and keep food and shelter over our heads. But then there is what I want to do for myself. I am going to finish the novel I am writing and get