Welcome to Cafe and Bookstore spotlight. I invited writers to share what they consider to be a defining moment in their lives that resulted in a major positive change. The current series ends on October 11th and is booked out with some wonderfully inspiring stories.
Today my guest is Sherri Matthews who shares the moment she made the decision to give up full time work and start her life as a writer after uprooting from her life in California to Dorset with her family.
About Sherri Matthews
Sherri is a writer and photographer who blogs at A View From My Summerhouse. She contributes an Unsung Heroes column at online literary community Carrot Ranch, and is published in a diverse collection of print magazines and anthologies. In another life, Sherri lived in California for twenty years, but today she lives in England’s West Country with her family, two black kitties and a grumpy bunny. She hopes soon to publish her debut memoir, Stranger in a White Dress: A True Story of Broken Dreams, Being Brave and Beginning Again.
Shake The Dust Off Your Feet
Montana de Ora central coast California
My marriage to the American father of my three children ended after twenty-two years. I had lived in California for most of them. He worked long and unsociable shifts for the Department of Corrections. With my family all in the UK, my in-laws four hours away in Los Angeles and at one point, the children at three different schools – first grade, middle and high school – I held down the family fort.
I invested in my career as a full-time ‘Mom’ and I loved it.
When it fell apart, I said goodbye to my life in California for a new life in England with my children.
Divorced, early forties, single mum.
It wouldn’t be the first time I had started over, but at that stage of life I found it harder. There were no school mums to make friends with at the ‘gate’ and my children had entered a high school system that was foreign to them and me.
Forget “O” Levels. Now the teachers talked of GCSE’s, modules and resits.
I found a nice house to rent near my mother, and re-entered the work force as a legal secretary for a small firm of solicitors.
I remarried and my lovely husband and I bought our first home together and I changed jobs.
But my youngest was diagnosed first with Graves Disease (overactive thyroid disease). And after seeking help for too long and getting nowhere, was tested for and diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at eighteen.
The strain of working full-time got too much for me at that time, but I was saved the trouble of worrying what to do about it – six months after they hired me, the firm closed the office. For the first time in my life, I was made redundant.
It was difficult not to take it personally, a blow to my confidence.
I found work as a medical secretary, but by then, my youngest’s challenges and resulting appointments increased and my stress levels trying to balance home and work life shot through the roof. There was no balance and I handed in my notice.
As a family, we now faced a crossroads. What to do?
My husband was/is the main breadwinner, but with my middle boy still at university and youngest unable to work and living with us, we needed my additional income, whatever size.
The answer came when I got a job at a local solicitors. The money wasn’t great, it meant working on reception and typing up letters rather than the secretarial role I preferred, but for just two days a week, it would suit me well.
And yet, every doctor’s appointment that came up fell without fail on one of my two working days. I juggled and rescheduled and generally managed, always glad for those three days ‘off’ when I could catch up with all the rest.
It wasn’t ideal, but my family had found a somewhat workable solution.
Until a year in, when my boss came in to work one morning and announced he was retiring and selling the business. He promptly made all the staff redundant.
But this time, something was different. This time, I didn’t take it personally.
Something far stronger than any desire to further a legal career had pulled at me for as long as I could remember.
That desire was writing.
A writer at heart I had always been, yet I hadn’t dared call myself one.
I had signed up for a creative writing course from home, but I dabbled and it simmered on the back burner. For later. Always later.
This time, I saw my opportunity: losing my job would be my way out.
With my husband’s full support, I negotiated with my boss to work my three months’ notice as his secretary (she had left, upon hearing the news, for another firm) for a significant, albeit it temporary, pay hike. This would give us a small cushion for bills after I left.
Though I would no longer be bringing in an income, I had discovered that I would be eligible for a small Carer’s Allowance from the government by staying home and looking after my youngest, which by then was needed and necessary.
We will manage, my husband said. You need to write and the time is now.
The new, take-over firm, offered me a full time position, but I politely declined.
Those days are over, I said to myself. Never again. Decision made.
On my last day at the office, I finished my work and handed the folder of letters for signature to my boss. We hugged goodbye and wished each other well. I gathered my jacket, slung my bag over my shoulder and walked down the dingy stairwell to the door at the bottom.
It swished shut behind me, and I stopped to greet the sun on my face. Then I turned and walked away and didn’t look back.
Shake the dust off your feet, I told myself that day.
Now you can write, and in time, you will call yourself a writer.
And here I am nine years later, thanks to Sally and her wonderful blog, telling you all about it.
Stourhead Dorset England
Sherri has contributed to a number of anthologies including This is Lockdown which features many authors in the Cafe and Bookstore.
Read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
Connect to Sherri: Blog: Sherri Matthews – Facebook Page: A View from My Summerhouse – Twitter: @WriterSherri – LinkedIn: Sherri Matthews
My thanks to Sherri for sharing the moment she took the momentous decision to make writing her full time career. I know she would love your feedback.. thanks Sally
So lovely to learn about Sherri and how she chose to follow her dreams. Toni x
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Toni.. making those decisions can be a challenge but once made they can be amazing..xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Toni! And so the path continues!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, I really can identify with Sherri – her thoughts and her experiences are not dissimilar to my own. I am going to ‘follow’ her from now on and I have tweeted
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fantastic Joyce.. thanks and enjoy Sunday..xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for tweeting Joyce! It’s great when we resonate like that, isn’t it? At the time we feel alone in it all, but in sharing our stories we discover not so much… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I detect determination at work…Nothing like it The very best of good fortune to Sherri. x .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Joy..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Determination, or sheer stubborness, definitely plays a part! Thank you so much, Joy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done! Thank you for sharing your positive story Sherri. Beautiful photos, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jena..hope all is well and enjoy the rest of the weekend..x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you greatly, Jena, so glad you enjoyed the photos too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure a strange change, but at least for our joy another writer, back in the UK.:-) Thank you for sharing this very interesting story, Sally!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed Michael…hugsxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
:-))
LikeLiked by 2 people
How lovely, thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for writing! Enjoy your week, and stay save! Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too, thank you, Michael, and keep safe too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much Sherri. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are very welcome, Michael, take care 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tahnk you very much Sherri! Very kind of you! Stay save too, we will win the fight against this malicious virus.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Michael, and yes, we really do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
:-))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sherri, I’m so glad you finally got to follow your dream. And now you have many experiences to draw from.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sharon..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Certainly, that is so true. No experience is wasted, is it? Thank you so much, Sharon 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I met Sherri over at Carrot Ranch some time ago and enjoy her occasional posts. I knew her son has Asperger’s and I sympathise hugely, knowing full well what it is like to try to work full time with children which chronic ailments. I am glad her dream finally came true for her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
PS, did you see Jay Cudney’s review of This is Lockdown over on his blog. I have this coming up next on my TBR.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I must go over and take a look.. I enjoyed Lockdown very much and it was interesting to discover the thoughts of many in the community that I see on a regular basis.. Plus some great poetry and short stories… xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for that, Robbie. Me too, Sally, Marje put together a beautiful compilation ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree Sherri and lovely to be a part of it..♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
It really is, a wonderful anthology ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has certainly been a journey with some interesting challenges but Sherri has dealt with them wonderfully… xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
So kind, Sally… ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for keeping tabs on me, Robbie! I really appreciate it, it’s funny, I’ve been blogging for 7 years, but the last 2 or 3 have been sparse (book writing/major upheavals). So I really appreciate you reading my guest posts here at Sally’s and at Carrot Ranch. I really appreciated our recent conversation there as you mention and your kind comment now. Now to press through ith that dream to publication of my memoir 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not a bit surprised at Sherri. Of course she’s a warrior woman with such big decisions and changes she tackled. And a beautiful reward to find a loving husband. ❤ xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree Debby and clearly she was meant to be in a place to meet him…hugsx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly Sal! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Warrior Woman…love that! Thank you so much, as always, Deb. One thing we know for sure, change is here to stay whether we like it or not! But if that means chasing our dreams and shaking the dust off our feet while doing so, then all the better, right? And yes, a true blessing that…loving husband 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
You got that right Sher. By the time this mess is all over, we’ll be lifting park benches! Lol ❤ xoxo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha…definitely, Deb lol! 🙂 ❤ xoxo
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
What journey! Supportive partners are wonderful, especially when they make space for us to follow our dreams. That’s pretty wonderful. A lovely story from Sherri. I enjoy learning about how other authors find their calling. Great share, Sally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know that without David my books would have never seen the light of day… it has been a lovely series and it is inspiring to read the stories. xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your and David’s story is truly inspiring, Sally. I look forward to catching up on other shares here in this delightful series ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sherri and it is interesting to see how many of us have that one defining moment…♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, Sally. I’m so grateful to my husband for suggesting, “Why don’t you write a book?” I don’t think he knew what he was saying. Lol
LikeLiked by 2 people
♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Diana, so true!. And that moment when we answer the call…and then write about it years later… I am beyond grateful 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s something special. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love stories like this because they call on a person to have unshaken faith in themselves. I admire anybody with the heart to try.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree Pete sometimes you have to take a leap of faith…x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Pete! I have struggled with imposter syndrome and chronic self doubt along the way in my pursuit of publication for my debut memoir. Not for the faint hearted. But you and Sally are right…it’s all about that giant leap of faith… 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, just goes to show how determination and perseverance can help one to achieve their dream. Bravo, Sherri. Thanks for sharing your story.
Reblogged on Improvisation – “The Art of Living”
https://williampriceking.tumblr.com/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks William and for sharing…hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thank you so much, William, and for the reblog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Hats Off’ to you Sherri, for moving across The Pond and taking many leaps after. How lovely to find a supportive partner and a reward for your continued courage. You have a huge heart and the writing world is blessed with your words. Thank you, Sally, for sharing. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jane… lovely to have Sherri here..♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Jane, I am very touched by your lovely words ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Truly inspirational! Congratulations on challenging the situation in which you found yourself and breaking free from it to follow your dreams.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much Alex.. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words, Alex! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on A View From My Summerhouse and commented:
Today, I am delighted and honoured to guest post at Sally Cronin’s Author Spotlight Life Changing Series with ‘Shake The Dust Off Your Feet’. You never know when you’ll face a life-changing decision, nor who’ll be there to support you when you do. Huge thanks and shout out to Sally for her amazing support of bloggers and authors everywhere, and as always to you, dear friends and readers, thank you ❤
LikeLike
A truly positive changing moment for Sherri – can’t wait to read her memoir.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Mary. I’m heading over to you now to catch up. And thank you so much about the memoir. I really needed to read that today. Big hugs ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure it will be a wonderful book Mary..xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Sally ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for featuring my post once again, Sally. I always love spending time here with you and your wonderfully supportive and encouraging community. It’s good to write about these life-changing moments, not only to share and encourage others, but also to remind ourselves of how far we’ve come 🙂 Big hugs to you! ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delighted to have you over Sherri and thanks for sharing your story, it is inspiring especially for those still wondering if they should take the plunge or not.. like you I have a great support team and could not do it otherwise..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great support team is vital isn’t it? I am honoured to share my story here, Sally, thank you again so much for featuring me, I loved spending time here and I have been greatly touched by all the wonderful, kind messages. If anyone feels ready to take the writing plunge as a result, then I am even more thrilled! 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to hear Sherri.. and I think the strength of the community has been evident in the last few months..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definintely, more than ever. Have a lovely weekend, Sally, and take care. We’ll be hunkering down in wind and rain but that’s fine by me 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
We will be doing likewise.. rerun of the West Wing and plenty of soup…xxx♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds perfect. Breaking Bad rerun for us lol! Enjoy! ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great series..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely! Have a great week ahead, Sally, I’ll be catching up with you asap. Big hugs 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was never easy, hon, was it? But if it had been, you wouldn’t have a fascinating memoir to tell. Wishing you every luck with it, Sherri, and here’s to the next book. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, my dad always told me I’m a born survivor! I hadn’t realised at the time that meant nothing would come easy 😉 But then, what does if it’s worth it? Thanks so much, lovely Jo, greatly appreciate your support 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a great life changing moment. I hope to write full time too, in the not too distant future! Can’t wait! Wishing Sherri much success and happiness in her writing and in life in general. It’s been lovely that Sherri and so many friends, (including yourself Sally, ) have been part of This Is Lockdown. I count myself very lucky to have so many lovely writing friends. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Marje and it was a wonderful project and a challenge I am sure to get us all in sync I am sure, but well worth it and a book to be proud of. ♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Sally. I loved it. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Marje and thanks so much. I’m honoured and thrilled to be a part of This Is Lockdown and it’s a great opportunity to help continue to spread the word here at Sally’s. I feel just the same as you about our lovely writing friends, they are all really wonderful. Take care, Marje, and I send the very same wishes for you and catch up soon hopefully! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Sherri. Yes we writers are a rare breed! Take care and hope to catch up soon when covid is under control. xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Definitely, Marje! And yes, I really really hope so! Keep safe! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post, Sherri, full of your grit and grace. I’ve been with you behind the scenes, writing, and know how hard you work at both your craft and marketability. Your Hub is also a wonderful and supporting partner! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Charli..hugsx♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sure have, Charli, right there with me in that grit and grace and I thank you greatly for it! ❤ As for my Hub, he deserves a medal for all he's put up with, I don't know how he does it! But yes, he truly is a wonderful support 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, Sherri, it is wonderful to read your words, they always ut a smile on my face.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for dropping by..
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so glad to hear that, Ste J, and likewise, your lovely comment has put a smile on my face in return. Thank you for coming over to read at Sally’s. Take care, keep safe and have a lovely weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – September 27th – October 3rd – Don Shirley, Salsa, The Pack, Books, Reviews, Health and Laughter. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
It is wonderful to see Sherri here, Sally and read about the events that shaped her ability to call herself a writer. I look forward to reading her memoir.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much Norah.. she will be delighted to hear that..hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Sally. Hugs back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Sally, and I am indeed thrilled to hear that! Huge apologies for my terribly late replies in catching up here…trying to ease back in… big hugs to you and hope all is well with you ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries Sherri.. we are good thank you.. plenty to keep us busy..hope all good with you too..hugs ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear all is good with you, Sally. Always so much to keep us busy isn’t there? I’m hanging in there, looking forward to seeing my boys at long last for a Christmas bubble 🙂 Hugs! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That will be wonderful Sherri and hopefully the vaccine will filter down to us all eventually…♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sally, and yes, eventually! Hugs ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well this must be my new record for waaaay too long to reply, can’t believe it ugh. Norah, thank you so much for your lovely comment here at Sally’s… I can’t tell you how thrilled I will be when that day finally comes to get it in print!!! And thank goodness for SMAG 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m looking forward to seeing it, Sherri.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ll be truly honoured, Norah 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a delight to hear dear Sherri’s story! Though I’m not at all surprised by her fearless determination and her honesty in writing that I’ve come to appreciate so much! 💚
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much for your comment.. I am sure Sherri will be delighted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am indeed, Sally, thank you again so much… more big hugs… ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww Karen, I’m thrilled to find your lovely words here at Sally’s, thank you so much . I’ve been away from blogging and social media since early October, hence my horribly late reply for which I apologise. A full, gut wrenching revision of my memoir, now off for copy edits. Just about come back to earth. I will catch up with you and send hugs! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person