✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 403—“What’s Your Story?”
This blog is shorter and sharper!
Read every word — things have changed.
Always Keep Getting Better than Yesterday!
Read This Entire Blog; It’s Good for Your Brain.
The full blog is here — https://kitsummers.com/blog/
This Blog is Best Read on a laptop rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS—World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Learn More About Kit >> https://youtu.be/eQBnUJgTXts?si=1Qik7VdzscvHsfpS
MY STORY IN A NUTSHELL! 🤹♂️
(and I’m allergic to nuts!)
Once upon a time, I was a world-class juggler.
Making the impossible look possible!
Keeping 7 clubs flying above my head.
A world record—and I was just getting started.
Performing worldwide and loving it.
Then life threw me what I couldn’t juggle.
A truck! I spent 37 days in a coma.
Fighting for my life. When I finally awakened,
I had to relearn how to walk,
talk, and rebuild my entire world.
I could no longer juggle as I did.
My life has been filled with unexpected challenges,
but MY STORY DIDN’T END WITH TRAGEDY!
I turned adversity into opportunity.
Obstacles into stepping stones.
Setbacks into determination.
Today, instead of juggling clubs, I juggle words—
hoping to inspire YOU to discover your potential
and create an extraordinary life!
This week’s blog is about WRITING—
a wonderful skill that anyone can learn
and improve! I began writing long
before computers became part of our
everyday lives, tapping away on an
old-fashioned typewriter.
My tools have changed over the years, but my passion for
sharing ideas has only grown stronger.
After writing 15 books and hundreds of blog posts, I’m still learning, improving, and discovering new ways to express myself. AND YOU CAN DO THE SAME! Everything I’ve written has been guided by one purpose: TO HELP YOU LEARN, GROW, FIND HAPPINESS, AND CREATE GREATER SUCCESS IN YOUR OWN LIFE! ❤️
I’M NOT FINISHED LIVING—
AND I’M CERTAINLY NOT FINISHED
HELPING OTHERS LIVE BETTER!
So, what do you think of my shorter blogs?
My goal isn’t to fill pages with words—
IT’S TO FILL YOUR LIFE WITH INSPIRATION,
ENCOURAGEMENT, LAUGHTER, LOVE,
AND IDEAS FOR SUCCESS!
And remember, YOU STILL MATTER! ❤️
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WASTE WORDS—
BUT NEVER TOO SHORT TO MAKE
A DIFFERENCE!
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PART 1) The subject for the week—
WRITE YOUR STORY!
YOUR LIFE IS A STORYBOOK—
AND YOU ARE THE AUTHOR!
Remember, your book will be about
you; this can be a format suggestion
I DIDN’T JUST COME BACK TO LIFE. ❤️
I CAME BACK TO HELP YOU
LIVE YOUR LIFE BETTER!
With this blog,
I want to help you with your writing skills.
Multnomah Falls Near Portland, Oregon
Lately, I’ve wondered whether my words are making a difference or simply disappearing into cyberspace. I rarely hear from readers, and sometimes that silence makes me question why I keep writing. But then someone sends a few kind words, reminding me that even one life touched makes it all worthwhile. IF SOMETHING I WRITE HELPS YOU, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. YOUR WORDS MATTER, TOO!
I don’t write for applause. I WRITE TO INSPIRE! If one person finds hope, overcomes adversity, smiles more, or discovers a better way to live, I’ve succeeded. MY GOAL ISN’T TO REACH EVERYONE—IT’S TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE! I hope you find writing as fulfilling as I do.
Have you noticed my blogs are getting shorter? Fewer words, stronger messages! I’ve written about love, family, life, death, and everything in between. Think I’ve run out of things to say? NOT A CHANCE! As long as I’m breathing, learning, laughing, and occasionally getting into trouble, I’ll have something worth sharing!
MAKE SOMEONE SMILE!
DON’T JUST OPEN YOUR MOUTH—
OPEN YOUR MIND AND YOUR HEART!
A FEW THOUGHTFUL WORDS CAN TURN AN
ORDINARY MOMENT INTO SOMETHING
EXTRAORDINARY! 💛
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PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights—Inspiration Served with a Smile!
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, my friend! Wherever you are, I’m delighted you’re here! Inspiration doesn’t wear a watch—it arrives through a smile, a loving hug, a joyful thought, or three wonderful ideas to juggle! 🤹♂️ INSPIRATION IS ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME!
YOU ARE HERE, YOU MATTER, AND YOUR Life IS FILLED
WITH POSSIBILITIES STILL WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED! ✨
MY LIFE IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS—AND I INTEND TO MAKE EVERY CHAPTER BETTER THAN THE LAST!
I DON’T JUST WRITE ABOUT LIFE—I LIVE IT FIRST!
AND THE BEST CHAPTER OF MY LIFE? I HAVEN’T WRITTEN IT YET!
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NOVEMBER 7 —
Up early, as usual! While much of the world is still sleeping, my mind is already awake, searching for thoughts, ideas, and adventures to share with you. Right now, I have absolutely no idea what I’ll be writing about this week. But that’s part of the fun! Somehow, one little thought leads to another, and before I know it, the words are flowing across the page. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF WRITING, I’VE LEARNED THAT INSPIRATION DOESN’T ALWAYS NEED AN INVITATION—SOMETIMES IT JUST SHOWS UP!
Here I am again, up early, sitting at my desk and looking out at the trees. I woke up with no idea what I’d write about this week, but after hundreds of blogs and 15 books, I NEVER SEEM TO RUN OUT OF WORDS! Writing has become another way for me to explore life, especially now that I’m no longer traveling in my van. I’ve already written two paragraphs! DID YOU READ THEM? I hope so, because sharing my thoughts and adventures with YOU means so much to me!
Who knows what today will bring? An unexpected encounter, an old memory, or perhaps something outside my window will inspire another story. I’ve spent much of my life juggling objects; now I juggle thoughts, memories, and possibilities! LIFE ALWAYS OFFERS SOMETHING NEW TO DISCOVER! My adventures may have changed, but my curiosity hasn’t. AND BELIEVE ME, I’M FAR FROM WRITING MY FINAL CHAPTER!
I’ve spent hours at my computer today, experimenting with new ways to make my blog more enjoyable for YOU! I’ve been adjusting the formatting, rearranging words, and exploring fresh ways to bring my thoughts to life.
I hope you’ll notice the changes as you read! What began as a little experimenting has sparked ideas I hadn’t even considered. AFTER WRITING 15 BOOKS AND HUNDREDS OF BLOG POSTS, I’M STILL DISCOVERING NEW POSSIBILITIES! And that’s what makes writing—and life—so exciting!
I would love to read YOUR story someday! Think of all the memories, adventures, friendships, and lessons you’ve collected throughout your life. No one else has lived your experiences, and no one can tell your story quite like you. WHY NOT WRITE YOUR FIRST SENTENCE TODAY? You might be surprised where it takes you. And who knows? Perhaps one day I’ll be reading your book with a big smile on my face! ❤️
Today, I accomplished a couple of little things that made my room more comfortable. First, I hung a poster on the wall showing an open window with a beautiful view. It looks wonderful and makes my room feel more open and inviting. Sometimes, the smallest changes can make a big difference in how we enjoy our surroundings!
I also finally tackled something I’d been putting off. I installed a screw on the side of my bed to hold my nighttime pee-pee container. Yes, you read that correctly! I’ve written about this before, and I still think it’s a great idea for men. Sorry, ladies—this particular trick is a little easier for us guys! 😂
I keep a thermos-style container beside my bed for those middle-of-the-night emergencies. Instead of getting up, walking to the bathroom, and disturbing my sleep, I use the container. In the morning, I empty it into the toilet, and I’m ready for another night. Of course, it’s a dedicated container—NOT one I’ll ever be drinking from! No one will ever know what this thermos is used for, and it won’t smell.
SOMETIMES IMPROVING YOUR LIFE DOESN’T REQUIRE A GREAT INVENTION—
JUST A LITTLE CREATIVITY AND A WELL-PLACED SCREW! 😂❤️
My asthma is getting bad again, and I’m frustrated because I don’t know what to do to get it under control. I want to be active, get outside, run, and enjoy the freedom of moving my body. But right now, I can barely walk outdoors without struggling to breathe. I’ve overcome some enormous challenges in my life, and I’m determined to overcome this one, too.
I DON’T JUST WANT TO BREATHE EASIER—I WANT TO LIVE FULLY! I WANT TO WALK, RUN, JUGGLE, EXPLORE, AND ENJOY EVERY WONDERFUL BREATH LIFE HAS TO OFFER! MY ASTHMA MAY SLOW ME DOWN TODAY, BUT IT WILL NEVER TAKE AWAY MY DETERMINATION TO MAKE TOMORROW BETTER! ❤️
It’s only November 7 at 3pm, and I’ve already written so many words! I write about life as I experience it, sharing my thoughts, adventures, frustrations, and discoveries. My problem isn’t finding something to say—it’s knowing when to stop! I keep trying to shorten my writing, but somehow, more words always sneak onto the page. Perhaps I need to learn that GOOD WRITING ISN’T ABOUT HOW MUCH I SAY, BUT HOW MUCH MEANING I CAN PUT INTO FEWER WORDS! ❤️
Then again, I’ve always had a lot to say.
And apparently, my keyboard hasn’t
learned how to tell me to be quiet! 😂
Saturday afternoons at Legacy can feel painfully slow. Today, the hallways are practically deserted, and I imagine everyone is tucked away in their rooms. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here wishing I could be outside, exploring the world and enjoying another adventure. Unfortunately, my asthma has other plans. Even walking can be difficult, and that’s frustrating for someone who has spent so much of his life on the move.
I MAY NOT KNOW WHAT TOMORROW HOLDS,
BUT I KNOW THIS: I STILL HAVE PLACES TO GO,
PEOPLE TO LOVE, LIVES TO INSPIRE, AND A
WHOLE LOT OF LIVING LEFT TO DO! ❤️
Dinner tonight was vegetable lasagna, and I must say, it was delicious! Unfortunately, having no lower teeth makes chewing difficult. At one point, something caused me to cough repeatedly. A lady at the next table asked, “Are you alright?” Not once, but twice! It reminded me of my recent blog about people automatically asking, “How are you?” without really thinking about the question.
When she asked if I was alright, I replied, “No, I’m coughing!” I was telling the truth, but my answer seemed to bother her. Apparently, I was supposed to say, “Yes, I’m fine,” smile politely, and pretend nothing was wrong.
But why ask a question if you don’t want an honest answer? I genuinely appreciated her concern, but when she asked whether I was alright, I told her the truth—I was coughing! Apparently, she didn’t expect honesty. I’ve never followed society’s unwritten rules just because everyone else does.
IF YOU ASK ME A QUESTION, BE PREPARED FOR AN HONEST ANSWER! After all, wouldn’t life be more interesting if we stopped giving automatic answers and started having REAL conversations? ❤️
I DON’T ALWAYS GIVE THE ANSWER PEOPLE EXPECT.
I GIVE THE ANSWER I BELIEVE IS TRUE! ❤️
And if that makes me a little different, GOOD!
I’ve spent my life juggling things. Why not juggle
a few social conventions, too? 😂
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NOVEMBER 8 —
HERE WE GO AGAIN! I’m usually up by three or four, without an alarm. I keep the blinds open in my little studio at Legacy because I love watching the trees come into view. At 3 a.m., though, I’m mostly admiring my reflection. By breakfast at eight, I’ve usually written enough to make my editor wish I’d slept in.
I nearly missed CBS Sunday Morning because I forgot it was Sunday. I looked at the clock just as the show was starting. Good timing for a guy who’d already been awake for five hours! I love a show that sends me away with something new to think about.
LOOKS LIKE MY TOES
Speaking of things to think about, WHAT EXACTLY IS A SPIRIT?
Where does it live? My brain? My heart?
And if it’s living in my studio, DOES IT PAY RENT?
(To the right is another kind of spirit.?
I spent most of Sunday in my room, reading and writing. Weekends at Legacy can feel like hibernation season. Even the alligator by the pond seems to have a busier social calendar. My asthma has made it harder to get out lately, and I miss waking up in my van and deciding where to go next. Some days, the loneliness gets to me.
So I wrote to Legacy and asked what it would take to live independently again. What goals do I need to meet? Who decides when I’m ready? What can we start working on now? I appreciate the people who help me here, and I want their help making a plan. I’m 67 and aiming for at least 100. THAT’S 33 MORE YEARS, AND I’VE GOT PLANS! ❤️
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NOVEMBER 9 —
HERE WE GO AGAIN, PARTNERS! The sun hadn’t even cleared the ridge, and my brain was already juggling a whole saddlebag full of ideas. I figured I’d sit down and write a few words before breakfast. Of course, when I say “a few words,” you might as well pack provisions.
I’ll follow one little thought around a bend and come back with three stories, a question for you, and no recollection of what I sat down to write in the first place. The hallways at Legacy may look the same every morning, but the trail across a blank page is anybody’s guess. That’s half the fun.
Last night, a band of hallway comedians put on a show at one in the morning. Just when I figured they’d packed up and ridden out of town, they came back for an encore at three. I’m as fond of a good laugh as the next fella. I’ve even been known to cause a few myself. But who booked ’em right outside my bedroom door?
I’ll ask management to remind folks to keep their voices down after bedtime or move the show someplace where the audience is awake by choice. At three in the morning, the only thing I want to hear from the hallway is somebody quietly passing through it.
On my way to breakfast, I saw a woman fall from her chair and went straight for a nurse. The wisecracks can wait when somebody needs a hand. Seeing her on the floor got me thinking about all the little things I count on being able to do for myself.
I like deciding when to head out, where to go, and how long to stay. I’ve still got country I want to see, stories I want to write, and folks I want to teach how to juggle. And if I can get a laugh out of somebody along the way, so much the better. I’ve got plenty of reasons to work on getting stronger.
At therapy, we rode the same old trail in a different room—one so cramped you’d have to back a horse out of it. I worked on my balance, then came a word exercise about Thanksgiving. One minute I was trying to find my footing, and the next I was thinking about stuffing. I’ll give that session credit for covering some ground! I appreciate the folks who work with me. I want to sit down with them and rustle up a few fresh challenges, especially ones that help me feel steadier when I’m out walking. I’d like to see what I can do when the work asks a little more of me.
Meanwhile, the chow at Legacy is coming straight to our rooms to keep folks from getting sick. I’d like to know what prompted the change and how long it might last. I miss sitting down with people. Around a table, somebody can say one unexpected thing, and suddenly you’ve got yourself a conversation that lasts clear through dessert. Eating in my room, I mostly hear my own fork. I also wish we could ask for a smaller helping. I know how much I can eat, and it goes against my grain to throw away good food just because the plate came piled higher than my appetite.
Then somebody stopped by about shower day and laundry day. I told her I handle both, and I sure wish somebody would put that in my records. I’d be glad to save her a trip and save myself another round of explaining. As for the washing, THIS OLD COWBOY STILL KNOWS WHICH SOAP GOES WHERE! 🧼😄
Come suppertime, I’d already tucked into chicken, pasta, and vegetables from my freezer. When somebody came by and asked, “Beef or pork?” I tipped my imaginary hat and said, “I’ve got supper covered, thanks!”
That little sentence felt better than I expected. I’d looked in my own freezer, picked something that sounded good, and eaten when I was ready. After a day of schedules, exercises, and meals coming to the door, I enjoyed making that small decision for myself. The chicken was pretty good, too.
GOOD NIGHT, WORLD! I’VE STILL GOT SOME MILES LEFT IN ME! ❤️
And to the hallway comedians, how about a matinee tomorrow? I might even come on purpose. If you’re any good, I’ll stay for the encore.
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NOVEMBER 10 —
Yesterday, I sat down to write a few words and accidentally launched another book. This morning, I went back in with a red pen and a flight plan. I’d cut the sentences that took three orbits to make a point, jettisoned a few details, and found out why I kept passing the same moon.
I figured I’d be back by breakfast. Then one sentence opened a hatch to a memory I hadn’t visited in years. Another held a lesson I’d learned the hard way and wanted to pass along. By the time I made it back to Earth, I’d circled half the page and deleted three words. At this rate, the abridged edition will be out in 2147.
I CAN FIND A STORY IN EVERY CORNER OF THE GALAXY.
SOMEBODY SHOW ME THE LANDING PAD!
I want to give you a good story without making you pack rations for the trip. IF YOU SPOT A DETOUR I CAN CUT WITHOUT LOSING THE HEART OF THE STORY, TELL ME! I’d ask my brain for coordinates, but it’s already picking up a signal from the next planet. ❤️
Meanwhile, strange days here at Legacy Station. I just stepped out to arrange to meet someone at 11. It’s 9:40 now, so I’ve got an hour and twenty minutes in my room to write a few words. Knowing me, that’s enough time for two chapters and a sequel announcement.
I worked with Prichelle for the first time in OT today. We did several exercises with six pounds in each hand. My arms switched to autopilot. Then she gave me a puzzle, and I found myself wishing for a few more pieces.
I’d come in hoping for something that would make me look at it and think, Can I actually do this? By the end, I was wondering if they’d run out of ideas for me. Even Prichelle seemed to be wondering. “Well, what else can I have you do?”
Then Corin came by, and we worked on getting the garden together. We could use some planters and soil before we can get anything growing. I’m looking forward to the day I can walk out there and see what’s come up. Of all the things we could build in the future, I’m glad there’s still room for a little patch of green. 🌱
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NOVEMBER 11 —
Last night began most wretchedly. As is her custom, about nine of the clock, a woman comes to my chamber bearing two pills to help me sleep. Each night she utters the selfsame words, “I have thy medicines.” Then she sets them down and departs.
Last night, when she came bearing the two pills, I said, “Pray, say but ‘Good e’en, Kit,’ and leave the pills.” I meant to make the visit a little merrier. “Tell me not what I must do!” quoth she, and out she went. In my anger, I flung both pills across the darkened chamber. Yet I sleept soundly! This morn I could scarce spell the word. Slept, good reader, takes but one e. The other, I daresay, went flying with the pills.
And there ends my railing for the day. Tonight, when she comes again with those two pills, I may hold my tongue and let her visit pass in silence. Or I may draw a breath and ask, “Pray, what are these for?” The longer I ponder it, the more I wish to hear her answer. 😂
‘Tis eleven minutes past five in the morning, and still dark without. I can scarce make out the trees beyond my window. Here I sit in my chamber at Legacy, wondering what to write. I might tell thee what made me laugh yesterday. I might reach back forty years and fetch a memory I’ve long since left untouched. Or I might write of what I do at this very moment: sit in the dark, wondering what to write. Lo, it seems I have chosen already!
LOOKS LIKE OLD ENGLAND TO ME
I am fond of these early hours. Ere breakfast, ere footsteps fill the hall, I can follow a thought long enough to see where it leads. Sometimes I begin with some little thing that befell at luncheon, and by the third paragraph I am back in my van, waking in a place I’d never laid eyes on before. How came I there? Heaven knows. I’m generally glad I went.
There’s a whole world to write of, and I need only choose one thing. Though to ask a juggler to keep but one thing in the air is asking rather a lot. So I shall begin with the darkness beyond my window and see what comes of it. With good fortune, I shall look up anon and find the sun has risen. With better fortune still, I shall remember to go to breakfast!
Then I bethought myself that they are bringing our meals to our chambers here at Legacy. It seems some folk on our floor have taken ill, so the staff is limiting who may come up and bringing our meals to our doors for the present. Behold, a table for one, and I never so much as sent word ahead!
Lo, they bore my breakfast unto my chamber. Upon the tray lay eggs and bacon, and of all that fare I could eat nary a morsel. I asked for one humble English muffin. By the look I got, thou wouldst think I had asked for the crown jewels.
“Begone, then,” quoth I, “and take thy bacon with thee. It hath come farther than ever my muffin shall!” Yet ere the morning was out, there came a knock upon my door. Behold! An English muffin, with sausage for company. I ate with great contentment and hereby declare the kitchen restored to my good graces. Too much sausage, but I ate it all.
Lo, as I stepped into the hall, one of the women who cleans looked at me and said, “What dost thou out of thy chamber?” Her words stung. Am I now expected to abide in my chamber all day? I had ventured forth merely to ask a therapist whether I was to meet with anyone that morning. One would think I had crossed a moat!
Yet what troubled me most was how small that question made me feel. I have a name, a mind of my own, and things I mean to do with my day. In that moment, it seemed all anyone saw was a patient who ought to be in his room.
How shall I hence, to wander free?
Wilt thou, dear friend, come fetch me?
Beyond these walls of Legacy,
What life awaits? Come, let us see!
This day I took up the weights once more with Prichelle. Alas, my left elbow did protest mightily at every lift. My right elbow, I am glad to report, hath lately grown much less swollen. “I can draw off the fluid,” quoth the physician. But seeing how much the swelling hath already gone down, I think there is little need of it for now.
Lo, I took to the exercise bicycle as well, and for five full minutes I pedaled with all the purpose of a man riding toward breakfast. Round and round went my feet, though the bicycle itself moved nary an inch. “Had this contraption any notion of travel,” quoth I, “I might be halfway out of Legacy by now!”
Then my asthma rose up with such force that I had to stop. I would fain have ridden longer, for my legs had more miles in them, but my lungs had called an end to the journey. So there stood my trusty steed, in the very spot where I had found it. Five minutes in the saddle, and I daresay I earned every one of them.
I wrote this in Old English, and now I find myself wondering.
Is there, perchance, a New English?
If there be, what hast thou done with “thou”?
And why such haste, though?
Poor “thou” had scarce time to bid us farewell!
Methinks the sickness hath run its course, for once more we take our meals in the dining hall. And what a pleasure ’tis to dine with proper silverware again! I had near forgotten the joy of a fork that can spear a potato without bowing before it.
Verily, they make a fine dish of spaghetti here at Legacy. I took one bite and thought, “Well now, this is a supper worth lingering over.” I wound another forkful, then another, and ere I knew it, I was chasing the last noodle round my plate. Had someone come by and asked whether I wished for a second helping, I should have said, “Aye, good friend, and pray leave the serving spoon within reach!”
Lo, the afternoon came and went, and there was no therapy to be had. I had hoped to spend an hour working on my balance, building a little strength, or trying some new exercise that might carry me a step nearer to walking wherever I please. The clock, at least, got its exercise. Its hands went round and round all afternoon.
And so the old question came knocking once more. What the devil am I doing here? I would fain have something to work toward. I still have roads I mean to travel, stories I mean to tell, and a few good tricks left to teach. Give me something that makes me work for my supper, and I’ll gladly give it a go. I can sit still well enough already. I daresay I’ve had all the practice I need.
In that, I cannot write much because nothing has happened; I am on my computer watching YouTube. Sitting at my computer, I have a good view of the cement path that goes around the building. Something strange to me. There are a couple of guys here who use motorized wheelchairs, and they like to ride on the path around the building.
Dinner time. I went and looked at tonight’s menu. I said, “No, I’ll make my own. I went back to my room and cooked grilled chicken with marinara and Parmesan. I was really quite good.
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NOVEMBER 12 —
A little good news this morning. The swelling in my elbow is finally going down! I’ve been gently massaging it, and that seems to be helping. I’d gotten used to checking my elbow and thinking, “Yep, still swollen.” So it felt good this morning to look down and see a difference. I’ll take that as a win!
I also met with my doctor and her nurse, and we went over some of the medications I take. I told my doctor I’d like to cut back if I can, and she agreed to help me figure out what I can safely reduce. I was glad we had that conversation. When you take the same pills every day, it’s easy to get into the routine of swallowing them and getting on with breakfast. It felt good to sit down together and talk through what I’m taking and where there might be room to make a change.
And, of course, Paula and Alex both learned to juggle! You know me. If there’s a little time and I’ve got scarves handy, somebody’s going to learn to juggle. They both said they’d keep practicing, and I hope they do. One of my favorite moments as a teacher is when someone gets a few catches in a row and realizes, “Hey, I can actually do this!”
I give everyone I teach three scarves so they can try again on their own. Scarves float down slowly enough to give you time to think about the next throw. Of course, they also drift just far enough that you find yourself halfway across the room wondering who moved the furniture. The scarves are free. Chasing them around the room is part of the lesson!
Now, once you start throwing knives, heavy machetes, and whole automobiles into the air, the stakes get much higher! Juggling three simple scarves is easy for anyone to picture. BUT FLIP A SHARP KNIFE ABOVE YOUR HEAD, AND SUDDENLY EVERY EYE IN THE ROOM IS GLUED TO YOU! Pull out giant machetes, and folks in the front row quickly decide to move back a few rows! 😂
Here is Kit performing in Balboa Park in the 1970s.
Whenever I mention tossing a Volkswagen, somebody always asks, “Are we talking a classic Beetle or a camper bus?” I love that they’ve already accepted the idea of me juggling a car. They want to know how much headroom I need. A BEETLE, OF COURSE! WE HAVE TO KEEP THINGS PRACTICAL! Besides, if I drop a camper bus, somebody’s vacation is over. 🤹♂️❤️
Just talked with my daughter, April. Of course, it was great to hear from her and see her here on video call. And there was my granddaughter, Penelope (Penny). I hope she calls again soon. 
It was so quiet at Legacy today that I kept checking the time, figuring I must be late for something by now. No therapy sessions, no meetings, and no sex. I was expecting at least one of those three, and I’ll let you guess which one. By midafternoon, I’d gotten so used to having nothing on the schedule that I was starting to look forward to checking the schedule again. So what did I do with all that free time? I sat down to write about my day. Only I could take a day when absolutely nothing happened and still find a way to make it longer.
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NOVEMBER 13 —
I sit by the window and look out into the dark. I can make out the tops of the trees, but everything beyond them is still a mystery. In about two hours, the sun will be up, and I’ll be able to see all the familiar things that disappear every night and reappear right where I left them. Funny how much I notice the trees when I can barely see them.
Ah, two whole hours. My mind is usually juggling three ideas before my feet hit the floor, but this morning I let them drop. I settle back in my chair and watch the same patch of sky for a while, to see if I can catch it getting lighter. Every time I look away and look back, I think it’s changed a little. Maybe it has. The rest of the day will get here soon enough. For now, I’m happy right where I am. Shhh…
My beautiful daughters.
Jasmine on the Left.
April on the right.
(And Penelope tucked inside April.)
My daughter April called me yesterday, and I’m still smiling about it. We don’t get to talk very often, so it felt good to hear her voice and catch up on what’s been happening in her life. There’s something about hearing your daughter’s voice that takes you right back. For a moment, I could picture April as a little girl, and there she was now with a little girl of her own.
Penelope was there, too, and I couldn’t believe how much my granddaughter had grown. I know that’s the sort of thing grandpas say every time they see their grandkids. Well, now I know why! In my mind, she’s still that tiny baby I remember, and every time I see her, I have to update the picture a little.
I kept thinking about April and Penelope long after we hung up. It felt good to hear my daughter’s voice and have a chance to catch up. And then there was Penelope. I knew she’d be a little bigger the next time I saw her, but somehow I was still surprised by how much she’d grown. I found myself looking at her and wondering how she’d grown so much since I last saw her.
I went on with my day, but every so often my mind went right back to that call. I’m glad April picked up the phone. I’d been missing her, and hearing her voice did me good. Getting to see my granddaughter, too, gave me something to smile about long after I’d hung up. If you ask me what the best part of yesterday was, I’ll probably be smiling before I even get the words out. ❤️
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PART 3) BLOG 403—“WHAT’S YOUR STORY?”
YOUR LIFE IS A STORYBOOK—AND YOU ARE THE AUTHOR!
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK—STEP BY STEP!
From your first idea to your finished masterpiece!
WRITE, YA, R-I-G-H-T
Writing allows us to preserve memories, share knowledge, and inspire people we may never meet. Best of all, anyone can develop it! I’ve written 15 books and hundreds of blog posts, yet I’m still discovering better ways to express myself. My first book, Juggling with Finesse, sold more than 25,000 copies worldwide. When I began, I knew little about writing or publishing. I learned through practice, mistakes, and persistence. That experience taught me something important:
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE
A GREAT WRITER TO BEGIN.
YOU BECOME A BETTER WRITER BY WRITING!
Have you considered writing a book? Perhaps you have adventures to share, memories to preserve, or lessons that could improve someone’s life. Writing reminds me of juggling. You don’t begin with seven clubs flying through the air! You start with one, practice, and gradually improve. And fortunately, trust me, there are easier ways.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET HIT BY A TRUCK
TO FIND SOMETHING WORTH WRITING ABOUT!!
You don’t need to know everything before beginning. You need the courage to start.
WHY WRITE A BOOK?
A book can preserve your experiences, strengthen your thinking, teach valuable skills, and encourage future generations. Imagine someone reading your words years from now and discovering the inspiration needed to overcome a challenge.
YOUR WORDS COULD CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE—INCLUDING YOUR OWN!
SECTION ONE: FIND YOUR TOPIC OR IDEA
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR SUBJECT
Decide what you want to write about and why it matters. Consider your experiences, knowledge, imagination, and intended readers. Ask yourself: What do I want to say? Who am I writing for? What should readers gain?
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Describe your book’s purpose in one sentence.
STEP 2: COLLECT YOUR IDEAS
Write down memories, stories, lessons, and observations related to your subject. Don’t worry about organizing them yet. For a memoir, consider childhood, relationships, adventures, accomplishments, and turning points. For instructional writing, identify what readers need to learn.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: List 20 possible topics or stories.
SECTION TWO: ORGANIZE AND BEGIN
My own life has provided plenty of material for writing. I once traveled the world as a professional juggler, making objects dance through the air as though gravity had taken a vacation!
Then, on April 3, 1982, a truck struck me. After 37 days in a coma, I had to relearn how to walk and talk. My performing career seemed finished. But my story wasn’t over. I rebuilt my life, started businesses, wrote books, and discovered new ways to inspire others.
I DIDN’T GET MY OLD LIFE BACK. I BUILT ANOTHER ONE!
Your experiences may be different, but they also contain lessons worth sharing.
STEP 3: CREATE YOUR OUTLINE
Arrange your ideas into chapters. Give each a working title and list three to five important points. For memoirs, follow your life’s timeline or major turning points. For instructional books, organize lessons logically.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Create your chapter titles and main points.
STEP 4: WRITE YOUR FIRST DRAFT
Begin writing without constantly correcting yourself. Your first goal is to capture your ideas, not achieve perfection. Remember, nobody masters juggling seven clubs on the first attempt!
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Write 300 words without stopping to edit.
WRITE FIRST.
POLISH LATER.
PERFECTION CAN WAIT!
SECTION THREE: DEVELOP YOUR WRITING
STEP 5: BRING YOUR CHAPTERS TO LIFE
Use specific details, meaningful conversations, emotions, and humor to make your writing memorable.
Instead of saying, “I had a wonderful childhood,” describe an unforgettable afternoon. Help readers picture what happened and understand why it mattered.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Rewrite one paragraph with vivid details.
STEP 6: ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
I often begin writing before the sun has even considered coming up!
You don’t need hours every day. Just 200 words a day can add up to about 73,000 words a year.
Consistency matters more than occasional bursts of enthusiasm.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Choose a daily word goal and maintain it for seven days.
SMALL DAILY EFFORTS CREATE EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS!
SECTION FOUR: IMPROVE YOUR MANUSCRIPT
STEP 7: COMPLETE AND REVISE
Finish your first draft, then review your manuscript for missing information, repetition, confusing passages, and unnecessary material.
Strengthen your message by rearranging, expanding, or shortening sections.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Identify three improvements for each chapter.
STEP 8: REQUEST FEEDBACK
Ask trusted readers what interested them, what confused them, and what they wanted more information on. Consider their suggestions, but remember that the final decisions are yours.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Ask two or three people to review a chapter.
STEP 9: EDIT AND PROOFREAD
Improve awkward sentences, remove repetition, correct errors, and verify important facts. Read passages aloud to discover problems you might otherwise overlook. Consider professional editing if your budget allows.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Complete an editing pass and a separate proofreading review.
GOOD WRITING ISN’T JUST WRITTEN—IT’S REWRITTEN!
SECTION FIVE: PUBLISH YOUR BOOK
STEP 10: PREPARE FOR PUBLICATION
Choose a compelling title and description. Research traditional publishing and self-publishing to determine which approach best supports your goals. Consider cover design, formatting, copyright information, and ISBN requirements.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Choose your preferred publishing approach.
STEP 11: PUBLISH AND PROMOTE
CONGRATULATIONS—YOU’VE WRITTEN A BOOK!
Now help readers discover it through your website, blog, social media, interviews, speaking engagements, and personal connections. Focus on how your book can entertain, educate, or improve someone’s life.
✍️ YOUR ACTION: Identify ten ways to reach potential readers.
SECTION SIX: KEEP GROWING
STEP 12: BEGIN YOUR NEXT BOOK
Every writing project teaches you something new. Your first book doesn’t have to be your last! At 67, I’m still writing, learning, and exploring new possibilities. After 15 books, I continue discovering ways to improve—and I hope I never stop!
✍️ YOUR ACTION: List three future book ideas and one writing skill you’d like to strengthen.
THE MORE YOU WRITE, THE MORE YOU LEARN. THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE BETTER YOU BECOME!
SECTION SIX: FINAL THOUGHTS:
I’ve traveled through all 50 states, explored America’s national parks, survived devastating accidents, built businesses, and experienced extraordinary friendships and heartbreaking losses. Through it all, I’ve discovered that every life contains stories worth telling.
Someday, someone may read your words, laugh at your adventures, understand your struggles, or find the courage to overcome a challenge.
THAT’S THE WONDERFUL POWER OF WRITING!
WRITE ONE PAGE TODAY! — My Challenge!
Describe a childhood memory, someone you loved, an unforgettable adventure, or a lesson life taught you. Tomorrow, write another page. One becomes ten, ten become fifty, and eventually you may have an entire book! But remember:
WHILE YOU’RE WRITING ABOUT YESTERDAY,
DON’T FORGET TO MAKE TODAY WORTH REMEMBERING!
Fill your life with kindness, courage, laughter, friendship, adventure, and love. Nobody else has experienced the world through your eyes, and your perspective is worth sharing. Others must learn from your doings.
YOUR LIFE IS STILL UNFOLDING. YOUR STORY IS STILL WORTH TELLING. AND YOUR NEXT GREAT CHAPTER MAY BE WAITING FOR YOU TO WRITE IT!
NOW, GO CREATE SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
LIVE FULLY. WRITE BOLDLY. INSPIRE OTHERS. NEVER STOP GROWING!
Your next great adventure might begin with a single sentence.
KEEP WRITING. KEEP LEARNING. KEEP IMPROVING. KEEP LOVING.
AND ABOVE ALL—LIVE UNTIL YOU DIE!
YOUR WORDS MATTER! ❤️
“PICK UP YOUR PEN. TURN THE PAGE. AND MAKE
THE REST OF YOUR LIFE THE BEST OF YOUR STORY!” 🌟
— Kit Summers
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PART 4) 🔥 THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are mental spark plugs! 💥 They awaken your mind, ignite your courage, and turn “I CAN’T” into “WHY NOT?” ONE POWERFUL THOUGHT CAN SPARK A CHANGE THAT TRANSFORMS YOUR ENTIRE LIFE! ❤️
But inspiration alone isn’t enough. Words can motivate you, but ACTION TRANSFORMS YOU! Don’t just read inspirational words—BECOME THE INSPIRATION! Put those wonderful thoughts into action, and let your enthusiasm encourage others to do the same!
And while you’re at it, brighten someone’s day! Instead of automatically asking, “How are you?” offer a genuine compliment, share a cheerful thought, or say something that brings a smile to their face. DON’T JUST EXCHANGE WORDS—EXCHANGE JOY, KINDNESS, ENTHUSIASM, AND LOVE! ❤️
It’s time to start your book.
First—write the outline of what the book will be about.
Pick a title for your book (this will inspire you)
Write a table of contents.
Now start writing for each chapter. YOU’VE GOT A BOOK STARTED NOW!
AFTER ALL, THE BEST WAY TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
IS TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE ELSE’S! 💛
YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE IN ONE DAY.
JUST FIND ONE WAY TO MAKE IT BETTER, DAILY!
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WOODSIDE MOTION! 🎬❤️
MORE THAN A MOVIE—A CHANCE TO CHANGE LIVES!
My heartfelt thanks to Christopher >>
(christopher@woodsidemotion.com)
and Woodside Motion >>
https://woodsidemotion.com/
For believing in my story and its potential to inspire millions!
Woodside Motion—in Motion >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdkMWoRBMVs
I’ve survived devastating accidents, a 37-day coma, and challenges that once seemed impossible to overcome. LIFE KNOCKED ME DOWN, BUT I REFUSED TO STAY DOWN! Instead of giving up, I discovered new reasons to live, grow, and succeed.
I DIDN’T SURVIVE TO TELL MY STORY.
I SURVIVED TO HELP OTHERS WRITE A BETTER STORY OF THEIR OWN!
Imagine someone leaving the theater with renewed hope, the courage to face adversity, and the determination to pursue a dream they once thought impossible. Perhaps that person will be YOU!
THAT’S WHAT I WANT THIS MOVIE TO ACCOMPLISH!
My life may provide the story, but the lives we inspire will be the film’s greatest achievement. Success won’t be measured simply by ticket sales, but by the people who discover their greatest chapters are still waiting to be written.
LET’S MAKE MORE THAN A MOVIE—LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE! REMEMBER: YOUR PAST DOESN’T HAVE TO DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES LIFE KNOCKS YOU DOWN, YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A REASON TO RISE AGAIN!
NEVER GIVE UP ON LIFE—
YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE
MAY BE JUST BEGINNING! 🎬❤️
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THE MARVELLOUS CINDY MARVELL—
AN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT WITH A HEART OF GOLD!
Some people amaze me with their talent.
Others touch my heart with their kindness.
CINDY MARVELL HAS DONE BOTH—
AND SHE HOLDS A SPECIAL
PLACE IN MY LIFE! ❤️
Having spent much of my life performing and
teaching juggling, I’ve met some remarkable
people. Cindy stands out not only for her
accomplishments but for the friendship
we’ve shared.
Learn about Cindy here >> https://cindymarvell.com/about-cindy-marvell/
As the only woman ever to win the International Juggling Competition
She is also the founder of the Boulder Circus Center.
Cindy has achieved what many jugglers only dream about.
Her creativity and dedication continue to inspire others.
Watch her remarkable talent >> CINDY IN ACTION!
BUT WHAT I TREASURE MOST ABOUT
CINDY ISN’T HER JUGGLING—
IT’S HER HEART!
LIFE’S GREATEST TREASURES ARE THE PEOPLE
WHO BELIEVE IN US AND STAND BESIDE US.
As I work to bring my life story to the screen, Cindy’s friendship and encouragement have meant so much. She understands that this movie is about more than my survival.
IT’S ABOUT HELPING OTHERS FIND HOPE, COURAGE,
AND THE DETERMINATION TO NEVER GIVE UP!
Cindy, your belief in me has helped keep this dream alive. I hope that one day we’ll watch this movie touch thousands of lives, knowing we helped turn my difficult experiences into something meaningful for others.
You’ve reminded me that even after life’s hardest moments,
wonderful friendships and new possibilities are still waiting to be discovered.
CINDY, I LOVE YOU, I TREASURE OUR
FRIENDSHIP, AND I’M GRATEFUL THAT
OUR PATHS CROSSED IN THIS AMAZING
ADVENTURE CALLED LIFE! ❤️
THE WORLD KNOWS YOU FOR YOUR
REMARKABLE TALENT. I KNOW YOU
FOR SOMETHING EVEN MORE
VALUABLE—YOUR FRIENDSHIP!
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF MY LIFE
AND HELPING ME TURN MY STORY INTO
HOPE FOR OTHERS! ❤️🌹
YOUR FRIENDSHIP IS PRICELESS.
YOUR KINDNESS IS UNFORGETTABLE.
MY GRATITUDE IS ENDLESS!
THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! ❤️🤹♂️💛
Kit and Cindy in the woods in Colorado
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PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>
BLOG 404—TREES
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NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Don’t just read my words—share yours! I genuinely want to know what you think, what you’ve experienced, and what inspires YOU. Your thoughts and ideas matter to me, and your message might spark my next blog or inspire someone else’s life. So don’t wait—WRITE TO ME TODAY! Let’s learn, grow, and make life better together! Write to me right now at >> kitsummers@gmail.com
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🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
BECAUSE THE BEST OF YOUR LIFE IS STILL AHEAD OF YOU!
Every new day is another wonderful opportunity to grow, discover, laugh, love, and become even more than you were yesterday! JUGGLE JOY AS NATURALLY AS YOU BREATHE, chase sunsets as though they’re hidden treasures waiting just for you, and laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen!
LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS TO WATCH IT PASS—GET OUT THERE.
MAKE MEMORIES, SPREAD LOVE!
TURN EVERY DAY INTO AN ADVENTURE WORTH REMEMBERING! ❤️
Remember, the horizon holds possibilities beyond anything you can imagine today. Whatever challenges you’ve faced or obstacles that still stand in your way, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO KEEP GROWING, IMPROVING, AND SUCCEEDING! You can apply this attitude to every area of your life.
YOU CAN DO MORE!
YOU CAN BE MORE!
AND YOU ALREADY
ARE MORE THAN
YOU REALIZE!
Your present circumstances do not define your future. Where you are today isn’t the finish line—IT’S YOUR STARTING BLOCK! Every sunrise brings another opportunity to grow, improve, and discover something wonderful about yourself. So keep moving forward, welcome new adventures, share your kindness generously, and spread your love wherever life takes you. YOUR GREATEST POSSIBILITIES MAY STILL BE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED!
HELP! 😂❤️ OPERATION KIT FREEDOM!
I’ve escaped a 37-day coma, survived being hit by trucks, traveled across America in my van, traveled the world, and rebuilt my life more than once. Surely, I can find a way to move beyond assisted living!
But this escape requires more than opening a door. I need a PLAN!
- REBUILD MY STRENGTH!
Work with my therapists and doctors to improve my balance, memory, breathing, and independence. - FIND MY NEXT HOME!
Explore independent living, a small apartment, or another arrangement where I can safely take care of myself. - RETURN TO SPEAKING!
Get back onstage and inspire audiences with my stories of overcoming adversity. - KEEP WRITING!
Finish my books, expand my blog, and put my life story on screen. - FIND ADVENTURE AGAIN!
Travel, explore, meet interesting people, and maybe even find someone special to share the journey with.
And please, don’t be a stranger! I’d love to hear your thoughts, your stories, your dreams, and what you’re doing to make your life a little better each day. Perhaps something you’ve learned could inspire me, just as I hope my words inspire you. AFTER ALL, LIFE BECOMES MORE MEANINGFUL WHEN WE SHARE IT WITH OTHERS! So take a moment and WRITE ME TODAY! ❤️ kitsummers@gmail.com
Above all, don’t simply count the days you have left—MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT! Fill your life with curiosity, courage, laughter, kindness, and LOVE! Don’t wait for happiness to knock—open the door and go look for it! Keep dreaming, keep learning, keep improving, and keep creating a life that makes you excited to get out of bed each morning. THE BEST PART OF YOUR STORY MAY BE THE CHAPTER YOU HAVEN’T WRITTEN YET!
❤️ LIVE AS THOUGH YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURE
HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN—BECAUSE IT TRULY HAS! ❤️
❤️ ABOVE ALL, ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS:
YOU MATTER, YOU ARE LOVED,
AND THE WORLD IS BETTER BECAUSE YOU ARE IN IT! ❤️
❤️ ALWAYS KNOW—I LOVE YOU! ❤️
