Guess whose name is in print.
Come on.
Guess.
Give up?
Yours truly!
Our dear blogging friend Kate Alexander-Kirk and her colleague Amy Sibley started an on-line literary publication called Zest Literary Journal.
I am in the debut issue. Woo hoo!
I would be honored if you hopped on over here to read my piece in the publication. It is a short essay where I reflect on what to do now that my husband and I are empty nesters. Read the other articles too. I promise you . . . a visit is worthy your time.
Also, check out www.zestlit.com for submission guidelines for future issues. Kate’s blog can be found at Before I Forget. Stop by her blog for a cup of tea.
Thank you Kate and Amy for inviting me to submit to your publication. Good luck as you catapult into literary history!
People. People. Quit pushing. I’ll sign autographs after my spa treatment.
Careful. It is hot off the press. Don’t smudge the ink.
Robin Coyle 
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Congrats!
Thank you, Rebecca!
I love this concept, and your article. I will make a note and may submit something too…and well done you on acepting life is all about flexibility and enjoying what you have
You should submit something. Kate and Amy were delightful to work with.
Great article. Enjoy the period of calm before the manic returns.
I’m sure the Nobel committee are currently in discussions. 🙂
Ya know, they’ve called me twice to confirm the spelling of my name. Finger’s crossed!
Wonderful essay, Robin. I don’t look forward to those days. While I feel confined and annoyed by the messiness of the house now, I know emptiness is far worse. Congrats on your publication!
Thanks, Kate. You get used to, and love, the emptiness very quickly. Sure I miss them, but don’t miss their stuff!
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YEA! (enjoy that spa and adoring crowds)
A very enjoyable read.
You are so much better not doing the cottage restoration…construction gets tiring – and all the noise and dust…and if you start one thing in an old house, it spirals into stuff you never wanted to even know about!
We moved and downsized ( to a better area and better constructed house) but still need to get rid of stuff – (how do you end up with all this stuff? Don’t move. You’ll be forced to deal with it)
We solved the “house is so clean” deal – this dog. Took care of the “house is so neat” problem immediately.
Congrats on being featured in the debut issue!
Yeah, I’m glad we decided to stay put. The girls would never forgive us if we moved. I’m game for a project . . . but not the expense involved with renovating an old house.
How DO we end up with so much stuff. I have stuff everywhere! Good stuff, but stuff nonetheless. Too good to throw away. Too good to give away. Can’t be bothered with trying to sell it. I have silver pieces that were wedding gifts and I’ve never used them. Want ’em?
Very nice! I had to chuckle about the dishwasher and laundry. Looks like my life every day. I think you’re right keeping the house as is. I think it always feels good to go back “home” and visit where you used to live. My mother sold the apartment where I last lived and bought a big 4-bedroom house with a huge yard, to live all by herself in. I’ve never felt comfortable visiting there, never at home. And now I’m not welcome with the kids there, so it’s even less worth it. 😉 Keep the house, I say. Your daughters will thank you later!
Your mom moved from an apartment for a huge house? That doesn’t make sense. It makes me mad that you and the kids aren’t welcome in her house. She is missing out, big time. What is her number. I’ll call her and give her a piece of my mind.
Haha, my mom has her routine and doesn’t want anything to disturb it. She doesn’t even want to stay with us the next time she visits, go figure. I guess we’ll have to come to your house instead. Looks like there’s plenty of room! 😉
Come on over! You and the boys are always welcome. Always.
Moms . . . grrr.
Thanks so much for the incredibly kind shout out, Robin! What lovely, well deserved comments you’ve received so far! One of the great things about calling the magazine ‘Zest’ is that it is so fabulous to see this zingy, creative buzz that has extended all the way over here to you and your readers! 🙂
I loved and continue to love your submission! It pushed all the right buttons and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! 🙂
Thanks so much and congratulations again!
Warm and fuzzy inside is a lovely feeling. I’m glad my piece did/does that to you.
I hope people who read this post watch for your next request for submissions. There are talented writers who hang around this place.
Fab! Congratulations 🙂
Thank you, Polly!
I’m glad you decided not to sell the house. I’m sitting in my brother and sister-in-law’s guest room right now, the site of the crib and changing table they now have for their grandchildren. The cleaning person came yesterday. The house is a disaster today after a visit from their 8 grandchildren and my 9-yr-old son. Stay tuned for your house to be in disarray once again, only this time they will all eventually go home. It sounds like you’re looking forward to this. And I guess it’s a little like having your cake and eating it, too, the grandparent business. I’m already nostalgic for my son’s eventual coming of age. Sniffle….Nice piece. Congratulations!
I bet the house was a disaster after the invasion of 9 children! Yikes!
While I hope to have grandchildren in the future, I’m not ready yet. I am far, far, far too young to be called grannie. Arg. And, the girls are too young to be moms. I know, they are in their twenties, but they have a lot of living to do still!
Yes, they, and you, have plenty of time. If I were you, I’d spend a lot of time traveling and writing until you land the grandparent gig.
Excellent idea. Travel and writing are two of my favorite things to do.
Congratulations, Robin! You certainly belong there! 😎
Thanks, Judith. Katy was kind to invite me to submit. She is a doll!
Congratulations!
Going to read it now.
An excellent piece, Robin!
We are almost there – Spud goes off to uni in 18 months’ time. 😦
Thanks, Tilly! It was fun to write. Trust me . . . you will enjoy being an empty nester. It is amazing how tidy the house stays.
Woohoo! Congrats. It’s so exciting, isn’t it?
Totally exciting. It feels good to say, “I’m published.”
I’m happy for you. 🙂
What a humungous accomplishment!!!! Kuddos to YOU!
Thank you! I love the word “humungous.” It is fun to say!
Congrats! I know the feeling and it is wonderful!
I loved the article and understand those feelings as well. Except, the part about continuing the romance…sad there…oh well.
Good post, great article, excellent future. I have bookmarked the magazine.
Scott
Thank you, Scott. I am pleased to be able to say I am published. Gosh, that feels good!
Yep!
I did read your piece yesterday when Kate posted the magazine, and thought it was great. I haven’t read the whole mag yet. I might be inspired to submit something myself at some point!
Oh, you should submit! Kate and Amy were delightful to work with.
Read your article and, as usual, your writing is impeccable. Here were my favorite bits:
“For all those years, the house was filled with the hum of
make-believe, sleepovers, blow dryers, and homework. The
rooms were in a continuous state of disarray and the dishwasher
was perpetually full, no matter how many times I emptied it. I
could never wash, dry, and put away all of the laundry in one day.
The bathroom the three girls shared always looked like the makeup
department at Macy’s after a catastrophic explosion. The
dinner table was a riot of giggles, arguments, and re-caps of the
day. Comfort was administered for a broken heart, complaints
about teachers fielded, and parental grilling over a failed test
often brought tears.”
“Rather than food flying out of the house as fast as I can buy it, it seems to multiply
in the refrigerator and leftovers never disappear.”
“My vision was to find a charming cottage where we could
make our new nest. Perhaps it would need updating or loving
restoration. I was up to the task. I would buy myself a pair of
coveralls, dust mask, and sander. I wasn’t afraid to refinish floors,
repair banisters needing reinforcement, or paint walls desperate
for a new coat. With painstaking attention to detail and adherence
to the home’s architectural period, I would make the cottage
worthy of an episode of This Old House. I would tenderly take a
tired, yet structurally sound home filled with another family’s
memories, and make it a cheerful place to begin our next chapter.”
“We stay put, close off a few rooms, revel in the freedom of no
kids at home, take pleasure in a kitchen that stays clean, and
continue to enjoy the romance that started thirty years ago. And
maybe we’ll take a trip to Paris.”
A good writer can take an interesting subject and keep it interesting. A great writer can take a well-worn path that might lead to sleepy eyes and make it a truly worthy read.
Well done and all joy. HF
Oh, Harper! Thank you. Your kind words mean the world to me. Truly. I may frame your comment or have it tattooed on my arm.
I give you permission to edit it before you get the tattoo. I doubt if your arm is long enough for all of it and the pain would be extreme. Maybe go with “Worthy Read.” In fact, I might make that my next tattoo! I have five and am looking for my sixth. All joy. HF
I may change the name of my blog to “Worthy Read.” But then again, I don’t want to be charged with perjury.
Oh, I liked your story, Robin! As the dad of a seven year old, I sometimes reminisce about the days before the house was always messy and noisy. I both long for and fear the Empty Nest Era.
I never thought I would say this but I rather miss the backpacks and soccer cleats dumped in the family room. Well, maybe not.
You have kids, you blink, and they are out the door and off to college. How does that happen?
Congratulations honey! 🙂
xx
Thanks, Vikki! It feels pretty darn good.
What a wonderful piece–my nest is not empty all the time, but empty enough that I have an idea of what you are talking about — love the idea that your home will expand and contract to meet the needs of your family down the road–you give me hope and a new perspective
Thank you, Lou Ann. The piece wrote itself.
Yes, I will always want the kids to feel like they are coming home to THEIR home, not their mom and dad’s home.
I loved the piece in Zest and having been through the same when our last left the nest, I can sympathise with you… how ever since our baby married long ago and has kids of his own.. I’d advise not to down size… they all seem to descend at the same time and that big empty nest then seems just so small.. when 2 adults becomes 8 and the kids become 7 all of a sudden one thinks about getting a bigger place, a second wash machine and a third fridge… really enjoyed the story… but then you are a great author…
Ha! Maybe we will need to put on an addition!
I really enjoyed your piece in Zest, and saved the other contributions for more enjoyment later 🙂 It’s interesting to hear about empty nests from your perspective. Only a week or so ago I commented to the G.O. after a stay at my Dad’s that it’s not home to me. Due to circumstances Dad and my stepmother moved several times since I left home and now live in the house left to my stepmother by her mother (in which she only lived in later years) – so it feels more like home to my half sisters and half brother but even for them it’s not the same house(s) or the stuff they grew up with. It was smart of you to investigate the options – the only way to make sound decisions. Having done that it’s good the decision to stay put feels right for you & your husband – you two sound like you could be happy anywhere – but for your kids and grandkids to come it will be wonderful to be able to access that history and belonging.
I know what you mean. Not long after I moved out of my parents house, they moved to a new house. Going home didn’t feel like going home. I went to their house. I don’t think our kids would forgive us if we moved. They are very attached to this house. For that matter, so am I! So many memories.
Woo hoo! Congratulations for making the debut issue – your autograph please… 😀
Thanks, Dianne. My autograph may be valuable in the future so take good care of it. Or, use it as a coaster.
Just read it. Loved it. They did a wonderful job with the magazine too. Congratulations.
Thank, Lori. I feels pretty darn good saying, “I’m published!”
Yes, Robin – I’ve read it with recognition and pleasure – your usual; witty style… and you’re right – they do come back. We did downsize at one stage – big mistake – had to move again to a bigger place… they come and go and it’s really rather heaven – heaven when they come, and heaven when they go!!!
Two of our girls were home over Easter and I know exactly what you mean. I love having them home but am glad when peace is restored to the land when they leave. They are usually ready to leave too.
That is so cool! Congrats, Raghbin
Thanks, Lynn.
Congrats – I’m off to read the articlel …
Oh, I enjoyed that, and while I also miss three girls, I also revel in the quiet and living life to my own schedule. I often ask, what next? but then shove it aside to let next come when it may, to be faced later.
Thanks for reading, Lynne. The girls were home over Easter. Another thing I noticed is how much more garbage we make when they are home. The big toter is overflowing while usually it is half-full. How does that happen?
I downloaded the issue this afternoon and am looking forward to reading it. Congrats on making the debut issue!
Thank you, JM. I’m so proud of Katy and Amy. They did a bang up job on the publication.
I’ll loose my oldest in 3 months . . . she’s turning 13 . . .we had a good ride while it lasted;-) When my youngest turned 9 in January, I cried like a baby as I thought about us being halfway done. Tears of joy. HA! Kidding! Congrats on your name being in print *shoves Carrie^ out of the way for an autograph*
How do you loose your oldest at 13? Did you mean 18? Or do you kick the kids out of the house as soon as they are rotten teenagers? Not a bad idea.
Now, now. No shoving. Be careful . . . Carrie has a powerful left hook.
I find myself locking every moment away when we are all together knowing it is fleeting. Time goes to fast but the dude and I sit and dream of being alone– there is alot of peace.love and comfort in this journey we call marriage.(and fun)
ps your piece was so awesome my thoughts were drifting away that I forgot to say CONGRATS
People ask me if I’m sad the girls are gone. When I say, “No!,” they look at me like I am capable of eating my young. It isn’t that I don’t miss them. I just enjoy the simplicity of just the two of us. Plus, there comes a time when it is time for them to move on. I can’t be sad when they are doing the things they love.
College girl actually said to us this weekend — you know I still live here — we started using her room for storage
We redecorated the girls rooms after they left. My middle says, “It is no longer my bedroom. It is the brown guest room.”
You are so right to stay put if you can. Husbands and babies do fill grandparents’ houses. I enjoyed reading this, Robin. You have such a clear and welcoming voice.
Awwwww. You just made my day.
Congratulations! I enjoyed reading your essay. I especially liked all the little details you added.
I’m so glad. Putting my writing out there is a little nerve-wracking! What if the world goes boo-hiss!? Thank you for reading it.
Well look at you. A lovely smile on your face and your cheeks all rosey. Two thumbs up and congratulations, Robin. Now I’m going over check out some good reading. Sheesh, what a crowd. You sure have a LOT of fans fighting to get to the front of the line.
Thanks, Tess!
Be careful. My fans bite.
Not really. My two fans are the nicest people on the planet.
Great piece, Robin. My husband and I will be facing this in 5-6 years. Odd to think it will just be the two of us again. Well, that’s assuming we don’t have any adult children living with us… But whenever I groan about having to pick the kids’ stuff up off the floor or having to remind them to brush their teeth or whatever, I remember that someday those things on the floor won’t be there, and the reminders won’t be necessary, and I get a bit sad. Such is the circle of life, I guess.
Well, they come back for visits and their backpacks are on the floor, the bathroom is a mess, and the fridge is empty 2.5 seconds after their arrival. The memories come flooding back. And, I wouldn’t change a thing. Gosh, the time while they are young is fleeting.
It really is, isn’t it? And I guess when you think about it, they’re only home a couple decades of our lives.
Unless they come back because they can’t find a job.
Um, yeah, let’s hope that doesn’t happen…