C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

  • Home
  • Young Adult
  • Middle Grade
  • Teachers & Parents
  • Appearances
  • Contact
  • About
  • Links
  • Blog

No Whining. Ever. Even if You’re Insecure

February 7, 2018 By C. Lee McKenzie 86 Comments

#IWSG

Writers Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers

The brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh

Your Optional Question of the Month: What do you love about the genre you write in most often.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 7 posting of the IWSG are Stephen Tremp, Pat Garcia,Angela Wooldridge, Victoria Marie Lees, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! 

Please stop by and say hi and thanks for hosting this February IWSG First Wednesday.

Also Tick Tock, A Stitch In Time is posting today for it’s first, First Wednesday. I’m introducing my short story, Heartless. Come say hello to us, too.


And now, I want you to meet a lady who’s got my admiration. I had the privilege of meeting Flossie Lewis. She’s a friend’s teacher, and we shared an afternoon together a few years ago. This is Flossie, and this is why whining is just not an option.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comments

  1. J.H. Moncrieff says

    February 20, 2018 at 8:48 pm

    Congrats, Lee! So happy your story made it in to the anthology.

    I started keeping a list of things to be grateful for this year. Most days I remember to jot a few down. It’s supposed to change one’s mindset and help with focusing on the positive, i.e. no whining.

    Does it work? It’s too soon to say, but it’s been an amazing year so far.

    Reply
  2. Jen says

    February 14, 2018 at 11:14 am

    What a wonderful interview and a wonderful lady! She has the attitude I want to cultivate for myself now and myself in 40 more years! Thanks for posting this 😀 It truly made my day and gave me a good kick in the pants!

    – Jen

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 14, 2018 at 11:50 am

      I agree. I want that attitude!

      Reply
  3. Sherry Ellis says

    February 14, 2018 at 10:22 am

    Love this lady! What a great attitude!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 14, 2018 at 11:52 am

      It’s a useful tool–her attitude–when there’s so much to contend with–loss of hearing, wheelchairs…Obstacles that are with you daily.

      Reply
  4. Yvonne V says

    February 12, 2018 at 10:04 am

    OMG! Love this! She is spectacular.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 12, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Thanks for sharing Flossie with your network. I know she’ll be thrilled.

      Reply
  5. Lisa says

    February 11, 2018 at 9:41 am

    I HAD to share Flossie. Thank you for sharing her with us here. Wow. So very true. and yet so easy to forget. While walking yesterday I thought about what kind of person I am, and what kind of person I’d like to be. Flossie was what I needed to hear.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 11, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      She’ll be delighted to know she inspired a writer and lovely lady. Flossie’s darned amazing.

      Reply
  6. Karen Lange says

    February 9, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    I love Flossie! What an inspiration and encouragement – everyone needs to hear what she has to say. 🙂 Happy weekend!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      She’s darned amazing, alright. Here’s to graceful aging.

      Let’s both enjoy these next two days.

      Reply
  7. Juneta says

    February 9, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    Enjoyed the video. Feisty lady.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      I hope she reads all of the comments. I think it will make her quite happy.

      Reply
  8. Olga Godim says

    February 8, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    Thanks for the wonderful trailer. Sense of humor is a must for certain, when you live as long as she does.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 9:37 am

      I think a sense of humor is better than a pill any day.

      Reply
  9. Damyanti says

    February 8, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    We must move through life with a sense of humour. I do whine sometimes, mostly at home, and that’s gotta stop! I needed this today. Thanks, Lee.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 9:37 am

      Whining in private is understandable.

      Reply
  10. Sandra Cox says

    February 8, 2018 at 4:52 pm

    Oh my gosh, Lee, what an amazing trailer. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

    FYI: I’ll officially be back tomorrow:)

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 9:38 am

      We’ve missed you, Sandra! I’m glad you’re back soon, but hope your break was wonderful.

      Reply
      • Sandra Cox says

        February 10, 2018 at 10:07 am

        Thanks, Lee:) I appreciate that.

        Reply
  11. Victoria Marie Lees says

    February 8, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    She’s awesome! My mother-in-law is 93 and healthy as the proverbial horse. It’s just that you can’t tell her that. Thanks for sharing this, Lee.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 9:39 am

      LOL! Glad you enjoyed Flossie.

      Reply
  12. J.Q. Rose says

    February 8, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Spectacular says it all. What a wise woman. Attitude makes a difference. I have 2 amazing women over 90 in my Bible study group. Still active and wise too. I want to be just like Flossie when I grow up.!!!
    JQ Rose

    Reply
  13. Hilary says

    February 8, 2018 at 9:58 am

    Hi Lee – Flossie (and with her name, too) certainly ticked all the boxes! What a great post – loved it … so many wise words, so simple, yet so strong and so relevant for so many people … cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 9:40 am

      I agree, Hilary. There’s no nonsense about Flossie, yet it’s all delivered with the best sense of humor and dignity.

      Reply
  14. J.L. Campbell says

    February 8, 2018 at 8:00 am

    I’d have to come at a time when I can’t listen, but I’ll be back.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 9, 2018 at 9:41 am

      That would be great, Joy. I think you’ll find it interesting.

      Reply
  15. Stephen Tremp says

    February 8, 2018 at 7:57 am

    I’d like to buy this lady a beer. Love that attitude. My thoughts are you’re only old if you need 24/7 care.

    Stephen Tremp
    http://www.stephentremp.com

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 8, 2018 at 8:28 am

      Great definition!

      Reply
  16. Michelle Wallace says

    February 8, 2018 at 5:56 am

    My mother, who is 89 years old, always says that if you have a plate of food to eat, a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head, then there’s no reason to complain. Period.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 8, 2018 at 8:29 am

      That makes perfect sense to me. We have so much, don’t we. Expressing gratitude is much better than complaining.

      Reply
  17. Angela Wooldridge says

    February 8, 2018 at 3:55 am

    What a great lady! Thanks for sharing that 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 8, 2018 at 8:29 am

      Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment!

      Reply
  18. Shannon Lawrence says

    February 7, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    I like her attitude!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 8, 2018 at 8:30 am

      It’s the greatest, isn’t it?

      Reply
  19. Denise Covey says

    February 7, 2018 at 7:42 pm

    Some oldies are just so inspirational. Don’t like whingers and I don’t think I ever whinge. There’s always something to be thankful for.

    Reply
  20. Erika Beebe says

    February 7, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    What a great message! “Growing Old,” it’s so much easier to think about then getting old. Makes me miss my times with my grandma. Have a lovely rest of your week 🙂

    Reply
  21. Liz A. says

    February 7, 2018 at 5:59 pm

    She’s fun.

    Reply
  22. Toi Thomas says

    February 7, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.
    I love this video. Flossie is wonderful. I love that she’s still open to the prospect of romance.

    Reply
  23. Pat Hatt says

    February 7, 2018 at 4:50 pm

    She sure has what it takes it get through life, keep on going through it and having humor is the best way.

    Reply
  24. Jemi Fraser says

    February 7, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    Hmmm… My comment appears to have disappeared!
    Flossie is fabulous!

    Reply
  25. Jemi Fraser says

    February 7, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    Flossie rocks! Haven’t got to your post yet but I’ll get there!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 8:16 pm

      WordPress is great and it’s rotten. Your comments came through fine, however.

      Reply
  26. Lynda R Young says

    February 7, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    I’ve been feeling old lately and Flossie gave me a kick in the proverbial 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      That kind of kick is what we all need!

      Reply
  27. Louise (Fundy Blue) says

    February 7, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    I loved Flossie’s brief but spectacular take on growing old! My grandmother MacDonald always told me that inside she was always seventeen. You have to embrace life each and every day. This isn’t always easy, but life is always a gift! Have a good one, Lee!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      A gift we often to fail to appreciate until we’re reminded. Flossie reminded me, so I wanted to share her with my readers.

      Reply
  28. Crystal Collier says

    February 7, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    Yeah… My grandfather is turning 100 in April, and I’ll tell you exactly how that guy stayed young: by not letting anyone tell him no. When people were taking the elevator, he took the stairs. When people started worrying about broken bones, he was still out water skiing ever season. I think being young is very much in the mind, and if we refuse to be old, we have the key to the fountain of youth.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Absolutely, Crystal. You are so lucky to have such a great example in your own family.

      Reply
  29. Beverly Stowe McClure says

    February 7, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    Flossie is precious. Her attitude is wonderful. Something to remember in our “golden” years. There are three ladies in my Sunday School class that are in their 90s. They’re all very active. Thanks for this great post.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      I do believe that staying active and involved–in anything– brings us joy and keeps us thinking young, even when the calendar says we’re not.

      Reply
  30. Jemima Pett says

    February 7, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    Loved this – thanks for posting it!

    Reply
  31. Cathrina says

    February 7, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    I love Flossie!!!! I can only hope and pray I can muster enough dignity and grace like Flossie during my aging process. Thank you for this Lee.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      She does have style, doesn’t she?

      Reply
  32. Jennifer Hawes says

    February 7, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    No whining. Ever? But, MOMMM!!!! Okay, I’ll try to behave. I think that’s all I’ve done since January. Whine and complain inwardly. Outwardly, I’m full of love and fun and pranks. Ugh. Welcome to the writer’s life.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:22 pm

      I’ll have to report you to Flossie if you don’t behave. 🙂

      Reply
  33. Anna says

    February 7, 2018 at 12:13 pm

    Funny. I feel years young than I am as well. It’s good for my health but I do get funny looks once in a while. 🙂

    Anna from elements of emaginette

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      Those are probably looks of admiration or they like your smile. Happiness attracts a lot of looks.

      Reply
  34. ChemistKen says

    February 7, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Hey, I hope I’m still writing at 91. Couldn’t ask for anything better that that. Here’s to Flossie!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      You’re right about that, Ken. I want to remain as nimble of mind and spirit Flossie.

      Reply
  35. Loni Townsend says

    February 7, 2018 at 11:55 am

    HAHAHA. She is adorable! Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      I’ll tell her.

      Reply
  36. Cherie Reich says

    February 7, 2018 at 11:31 am

    Flossie is awesome! Thanks for sharing about her!

    Reply
  37. Pat Garcia says

    February 7, 2018 at 11:25 am

    Right ON, Flossie! You made my day. I have shared that video on my FB.
    So now I am on my way to Tick Tock.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:11 pm

      Maybe Flossie will go viral. Thanks, Pat.

      Reply
  38. Christine Rains says

    February 7, 2018 at 11:17 am

    What an amazing woman! She reminds me of my Nana. So full of character. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:11 pm

      You were lucky to have a Nana like that.

      Reply
  39. Carrie-Anne says

    February 7, 2018 at 10:36 am

    Flossie has such a great outlook on life and growing old! A lot of older people are more active and sharp-minded than they’re often given credit for.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      Yes indeed. A wrinkled face doesn’t mean a dull mind at all. And the history they’ve lived is always better to learn from them than to read in a textbook.

      Reply
  40. Raimey Gallant says

    February 7, 2018 at 10:34 am

    Flossie Lewis is my new hero. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this! I already followed A Stitch in Time on Facebook, but I’ll have to check out the site. http://www.raimeygallant.com

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      Thanks, Raimey. So glad Flossie is heroic in your eyes. Mine, too!

      Reply
  41. Jacqui Murray says

    February 7, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Kudos to Flossie! I had a 95-year-young woman who took dance lessons from my studio. She was a kick!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:14 pm

      Don’t count the years; count the blessings. I’m quoting my sage of a grandmother.

      Reply
  42. Stephanie@Fairday's Blog says

    February 7, 2018 at 9:37 am

    I love Flossie. What a great attitude! She reminds us to be kind to others and spread happiness. Our words have the power to make others feel better. So true! I am in my 40s- but often feel like a teenager, or a twenty-something- depending on the day. 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 10:07 am

      I hear you. I’m younger or older on any given day. I keep wondering how my children became as old as they are? That’s a shocker.

      Reply
  43. The Happy Whisk says

    February 7, 2018 at 9:28 am

    This is BRILLIANT!
    I would love to a movie of this.
    And that she still feels 15.
    Great when she asked about viral.
    Just love her. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:35 am

      There was joy in that moment, wasn’t there? I think Flossie finds joy wherever she is.

      Reply
  44. Tamara Narayan says

    February 7, 2018 at 9:00 am

    What a great video! I hope I can have her attitude, even now.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:34 am

      Yes. I agree. I wish I’d had it when I was twenty!

      Reply
  45. Bish Denham says

    February 7, 2018 at 6:06 am

    I love Flossie! She reminds me of some wonderful older women I’ve been blessed to know in my life.

    Reply
  46. Alex J. Cavanaugh says

    February 7, 2018 at 6:02 am

    Cool you got to meet her. She has a great sense of humor!

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:34 am

      Isn’t she a kick?

      Reply
  47. Natalie Aguirre says

    February 7, 2018 at 5:53 am

    So awesome that you got to meet Flossie. She is such an inspiration because she tells it like it is–the good and the bad of getting old and finding a point in it all. It’s harder to do as we lose our loved ones and see our bodies start falling apart. I love that she’s still open to meeting someone at 91. Why not? Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:33 am

      I’m so glad you found Flossie inspiring. I know I did. And love at any age is a treasure, isn’t it?

      Reply
  48. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says

    February 7, 2018 at 4:46 am

    How exciting that you guys have your website up – off to check it out now 🙂

    Reply
    • C. Lee McKenzie says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:30 am

      Great! We look forward to your visit.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Jacqui Murray Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Find Lee Online:

Email Facebook Twitter

LinkedIn GoodReads Google+

The Adventures of Pete and Weasel

Blogroll

  • A Bit About Britian
  • Alex J. Cavanaugh
  • Bish Denham
  • Book Sage Reviewer
  • Books in the Hall
  • Cathrina Constatine
  • Christine Rains – Writer
  • Denise Covey
  • Diane Burton
  • elements of emaginette
  • Elephant's Child
  • Evernight Teen
  • Everyday Writer, Tyrean Martinson
  • Everything Must Change
  • Fantasy, Myth, Fiction
  • H.R. Sinclair
  • Happy Ever After
  • Insecure Writer's Support Group
  • It's Rhyme Time
  • J.H. Moncrieff
  • JQRose Book Blogger
  • Julie Flanders
  • Just Jemi
  • Kidbits
  • Laws of Gravity
  • Lee Lowery Murder Mystery
  • Life As Only I Know It
  • Literary Rambles
  • Mama Diaries
  • Mark Noce Stories
  • Musings
  • My Hogwarts Sabbatical
  • My Pet Blog
  • Nick Wilford, Speculative Author
  • Olga Godim
  • Patricia Lynne, Independent Author
  • Pen & Pro$per
  • Pensive Pen
  • Play Off The Page
  • Positive Letters …. inspirational stories
  • Quiet Laughter
  • Sandra's Blog
  • Shady Dell Music & Memories
  • Shooting Stars Mag
  • Summer Snowflakes
  • Susan Says
  • Tamara Narayan, Author
  • Tara Tyler Talks
  • The Cynical Sailor & His Salty Sidekick
  • The Happy Whisk
  • The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow
  • The Story of a Writer
  • The ToiBox of Words
  • The Warrior Muse
  • Thoughts in Progress
  • Uniquely Holden
  • Welcome to My Magick Theatre
  • WordDreams…
  • Writing In The Crosshairs
  • Yvette Carol

Archives:

Recent Comments:

  • C. Lee McKenzie on December’s First Wednesday & Holiday Treats
  • C. Lee McKenzie on December’s First Wednesday & Holiday Treats
  • C. Lee McKenzie on December’s First Wednesday & Holiday Treats
  • C. Lee McKenzie on December’s First Wednesday & Holiday Treats
  • C. Lee McKenzie on December’s First Wednesday & Holiday Treats

Tags

2009 Deb Blog Tour 2009 Debs' Tour 2013 A-Z Blog Challenge Alex Cavanaugh Alligators Overhead Arlee Bird AtoZChallenge2015 AtoZChallenge2016 Blog Hops Book Signings C. Lee McKenzie Christmas Contest cover Damyanti Double Negative Email Connect Halloween hat's of corner Heather M. Gardner Her Grammarness Insecure Writer Interview IWSG Jeremy M.J. Joachim marketing Middle Grade Monday Monday Miscellany Monday Moods New Books Nicole Ayers Pam Small Things Hop Stephen Tremp Story Collection Throes of Thursday Tina WEP WIP writing YA Young Adult