Lila Johnson's Blog

Hello everyone! First things first. I want to say the past two months were hectic ones. As I worked a contract that handled the last vestiges of the Covid-19 virus, the hours became long and tiring. It was nothing to work 21 hours, rest one day and return to it all over again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining because that is what we, as nurses, do. The medical profession, in times of war and disease in years past, have worked the non ‘standard hours.’ Couple that with a part-time job while working on the manuscript of my sixth novel, well, you get the picture.
So, for two months I had to step back and breathe. Things began to change and I had to make some decisions that were for the best. As I complete the final book in the Fat Girls Club series, I will step away from writing. Self-publishing is tough despite what you may have read or heard. You are the author, editor, publisher, advertiser, seller and bookkeeper. Behind it all, you have to be your own cheerleader, believing in your work and self. I guess I’ve just run out of steam.
This holiday weekend, I hope you do as the title of this article says—breakout! This is also the title of one of my favorite songs by the group, Swingout Sister. Get out there and have a great time with family and friends. Hug and kiss one another while shouting with all the air you have in your lungs that you are grateful to be alive and healthy. Let the sun kiss your lips and wash its energy all over you.
And me? I’m heading to South Carolina to find myself again. It was the first time I worked as a travel nurse, twenty-four years ago. I dared to place my writing in front of people as a freelance newspaper writer in Orangeburg, SC and I developed a passion for photography in the same area. I need the sand on my feet and the smell of the ocean. I look forward to finding my favorite lighthouses along many shores and taking the stairs to the top. The need to explore has taken a hold of me so I plan to follow the path of discovery.
Have a wonderful, safe and fantastic Fourth of July!

Spring has stirred up feelings of renewal. With the blessing of Easter and life anew, the purging of winter is falling behind us. Prior to an odd burst of snow yesterday, gardeners had prepared their flower beds prior to, so that bulbs could break ground and bring colors to the surface. Fresh vegetables grown in other gardens will provide food for many tables.
I have to admit that even I got caught up with the need to feel productive as I assisted my sister and father. We raked leaves, cut the lawn and rid the yard of old shrubs to make room for the new. Later, I purchased and planted Boxwood and Butterfly shrubs with the excitement of settling these plants into fresh soil to prepare for months and years of growth and beauty.
Working outside awakens my senses to the smell and feel of toiling the soil, the feel of the sun on your skin and the fresh air that I inhaled. Being aware of my surroundings brought to mind what needs our attention.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is celebrated April 18-24. A flyer I found at my local post office listed several direct services for Victims of Crimes; Love is Respect for dating abuse, National Elder Fraud Hotline or Cyber Civil Rights Initiative are just a few. It also listed information and referrals as well as training assistance and other services. It also takes a lot of people and finances to maintain these programs. Let us not forget to give a helping hand to those who help others.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”- John Holmes

I had no idea that the month of March was a month of purpose and recognition until I did my research for this newsletter.

Besides being known as Irish American Heritage and National Women’s History Month, I’m sure you weren’t aware of a few quirky celebratory days that were recently recognized; March ninth, International Fanny Pack Day or the thirteenth, National Earmuff Day or National Panda Day that was celebrated on the sixteenth of this month. If you missed these, don’t fret, there are a few more on the way. The twenty-first is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, and the twenty-third is Meteorological Day.

On a personal note, I endured a frightful experience while traveling from Springfield, MO to Kansas City. When a pickup truck, that did not have some items secured in the bed of it, moved in front of my vehicle, a hard plastic board flew up and obliterated my windshield on impact. I thank the Lord I wasn’t distracted because I could have easily rolled my truck had I not been in control of the steering wheel.

I’ve also been deep into unpacking as I push my way through a wall of containers, clothes, boxes and so many other things. It’s been a while since I’ve rented an apartment and dealt with all the work that goes into organizing and carrying out this task which involves movers, family and friends that volunteer their time. When things get a tad bit overwhelming, I’ve found solace in watching Peppa Pig!

Don’t judge me until you’ve watched a few episodes. This cheeky little piggie has helped me wind down from the stressors of Covid-19 news, staffing shortages and now moving. Sometimes the mind needs to wander, and the body needs laughter to heal.

“A good laugh heals a lot of hurts”- Madeleine L’ Engle

Although it’s February and everyone feels that it’s the month that love is in the air, here in Kansas and other parts of the country it’s three-degree temperatures and snow! Now that the celebrated day of all things related to love has come and gone, there’s one thing we must remember. Our hearts.

February is known as American Heart Month. This organ, the size of your fist, serves us well and remains true to us more so than any lover or spouse could ever dream of doing for us. For example, here are a few facts I learned while researching the Cleveland Clinic website.

The heart pumps two gallons of blood throughout our bodies per day.
The heart can continue to beat even after it’s disconnected from the body.
The blue whale has the largest heart. It weighs 1500 pounds!
People can suffer from a broken heart. It is the result of life situations that can trigger temporary heart failure.

So, take care of your heart, so it can take care of you

Working as a travel nurse has kept me on my toes. With numerous employees and patients that contracted the COVID-19 virus, I’m thankful for my health and the ability to continue working. Because of so many positive cases, all remaining staff members had mandatory testing for which my results were negative. All praises to God for that.

So, I’m celebrating my birthday month in two ways. The first, is by giving back. I did this six years ago in Maui, Hawaii at their local food bank and food kitchen and enjoyed it. For a second time, I have committed to using four hours of the days that have off to help out at the Ozarks Food Harvest. It’s a rewarding feeling to know that a person or family will not go to bed hungry because of your efforts.

Second, I’m treating myself to a wonderful birthday celebration. Although I celebrate the whole month, on the day, I have gathered a half dozen balloons to decorate my hotel room. I will dine at a restaurant that I’ve never tried before and will raise a glass to toast myself with one of my favorite Riesling’s. Dessert will consist of a slice of the original cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory as well as my free Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

I’m a kid at heart so I will be cashing in on those freebies that I’ve signed up for; free meals and shopping discounts that will round out my birthday month. So, readers, stay safe, remain joyful and know that I appreciate each and every one of you!

Whew. What a crazy, insane and sad year we have been through. Mask mandates, riots, extreme unemployment, hunger, politics and a pandemic with a reported death toll of 300,000 as of December 14th 2020.
On this Christmas day, a sign of hope is needed. For some, it’s found in the new COVID-19 vaccines that have been released by the FDA. For others, it has been through personal prayers at home, work and in places of worship. As Americans, through all the ugliness that has transpired, kindness has outshined the dark and placed a sign, a light, that shows that we are strong and caring.

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus

It’s been nine months since Covid-19 invaded our land. Unfortunately, the number of reported cases continue to grow and too many deaths are a result of it. I have personally worked with a few of these cases in the outpatient dialysis setting. I’m thankful to say that those patients have survived and moved onward with their lives. This past Sunday, while watching several renowned ministers on television, the one factor they stressed that I know for sure is that we must BELIEVE. As Dr. David Jeremiah stated, “Get your mind right.” We must push out the negative and speak on the positive.
For example, to help my dialysis patients take the focus off of their anger or disappointment of being on treatment, I wear crazy hats. They never know and look forward to what I may have on my head. It could be a pizza or taco hat. Throughout October I wore an array of spider, bats and even a haunted house headband that lit up. On Halloween day, I came dressed as a disgruntled plumber; a plunger hat with toilet paper hanging off of it, a coat with toilet paper and baby wipes with a note, ‘Do not flush the baby wipes down the toilet,’ and other plumber related statements. It was a hit!
This simple act helps me keep my mind right; sharing a laugh, making others smile. It allows me to stay positive and know there is always hope and light even in the darkest nights or tunnels of life.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let us not only celebrate safely but be thankful for our health, life in general and for strength to push forward in our dreams and determination to survive. Here is a wonderful quote from one of my favorite books by Paulo Coelho.
“And, when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.” The Alchemist

What a crazy wild ride the past six months have been. Masks, no masks. Will school start after Labor Day or will it start at all? Parents are having to unexpectedly don the hat of a teacher while college campus life has been chaotic for students. Our lives are like escalators; up and down and at times, totally out of control. Even the big box stores can’t decide if we should enter through one door on the far side of the building or not!
In the meantime, I’ve asked numerous people, how are you keeping your sanity during the madness? Some state that they are glad to have returned to work, others continue to do physical exercise for their sanity and yet others have taken to serious hobbies like sewing, painting and gardening. Visiting from a distance with masks have helped others to cope with the feeling of isolation that this whole shutdown has generated in people of all ages. I’ve noticed that with some of my dialysis patients, the staff is the only other human contact they have outside their homes.
During this continued time of uncertainty, let’s not forget about our friends and family members and reach out to them by phone if not in person to make sure they are okay. Do they need anything; groceries, a ride to the post office or doctor’s office? Almost four months ago, I lost my high school best friend to pancreatic cancer. A quick call or text to her family let’s them know I’m concerned and willing to listen as they continue to deal with their grief.
As fall and the change of the season approaches, let us move forward with blessings and thanks for our health, safety and for those who are able to work, employment. We know that life goes on so let’s enjoy our favorites that welcome the fall season. For my sister, it’s devouring all things pumpkin spice! For myself, it’s doing the research and drafts for the final book in The Fat Girls Club book series and raking falling leaves.
I want to say “thank you” to all my readers of this newsletter. Stay safe, healthy and positive in mind, body and spirit.

As we continue to plow through the high temperatures, rules regarding wearing masks and the need to enjoy at least some remnants of summer, I’m happy to give thanks to the Lord above and my readers because The Fat Girls Club: Hawaii Five-NO made its debut on June 28th.

As an author, I couldn’t wait to release the fourth book in the series to my anxious friends (I consider my readers as friends) but found that I was biting my nails, hoping that the book will satisfy their curiosity while answering questions regarding their favorite characters; Angela, Sissy and Nicki. I’m already working on the final book in the series with a wham bam finish.

I have a secret to share. As stores like Walmart and Target begin to stock their shelves with back to school supplies, I have to contain myself. I am a huge paper fanatic! I love notebooks with loose leaf paper, twenty-five cent spiral notebooks and composition books. All that fresh paper sends writing jitters through my veins and I’m off into a new world of characters and situations.
See on the other side of the pen!

The Hawaiian word means hello or goodbye. It can be used in the spirit of love, affection and kindness. During the research for my new book, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO, I immersed myself in the lifestyle of Maui and all that it offered.
Hiking with newfound friends lead me to high ridges to look at plants and trees that I’ve never seen before. Walking deep in Haleakala Crater provided views to its uniqueness. But it wasn’t until I sat high above the clouds at Haleakala’s summit to view a majestic sunrise, my belief in God was confirmed. For nine months I explored, observed and tasted many things that make Maui, Lani and Oahu the unique islands that they are. And now the new book will be released later this month.
During the last three days, I was sequestered in a hotel room with nothing more than the basics; food, water and DVD’s of the original Hawaii Five-O. When I emerged back into the real world after submitting the manuscript to my editor, I was introduced to more changes that were going on in the world. It was no longer one submerged in constant reports of COVID-19 but of deaths, race riots, curfews and the National Guard called to duty.
I’m not going to discuss my views on the above because they are my private affairs. All I want to say to you, my readers, is to remain safe, stay healthy and be mindful that all lives matter despite what race, creed or color they are.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls” -Aesop