Recently I was asked what love has to do with writing a good novel. It was argued that action and adventure makes for a better read and love is an empty sentiment used to hook the lonely. I acknowledged it was an interesting premise. That I too enjoyed the fast paced ride one of those action/adventure novels takes me on. But when I really think about it, they all seem to start and finish from love.
The most popular novels and movies, for that matter, where sacrifice or quest are the prevailing theme, love is the spark that starts the journey. Love, when it is put to the test alongside mystery, suspense, or adventure, makes for some very exhilarating and unforgettable reading. After all, feelings, like love, are what draw us to a novel. The rush of emotions as we frantically turn the pages, our hearts racing until they are quenched by the characters final words and feelings.
So, my answer to the question, “What does love have to do with writing? In this humble author’s opinion…everything!
What is it about the sparkling lights of the holidays that make the most ordinary spaces magical? Is it the twinkle of the lights? Or perhaps the way it changes the mood of those who gaze upon the constant glow.
I think it’s much more than that. To me, it’s the promise that the New Year is right around the corner and the anticipation of the possibilities it will bring.
So, as you sit by the light that illuminates each of your lives, I wish you the very best in the coming year. May your dreams come to fruition and the light of the season be ever present as you hold tight to what truly matters. For each of us there is no limit to what we can achieve if only we follow the light in our own heart.
Ever had one of those days where you just start off behind. You wake up an hour late for work, or an important event, and try as you might, things just don’t get better.
You spring out of bed and race into the bathroom with hopes of getting back on track, only to have your hairbrush fall into the toilet. Convincing yourself that tangled locks matted from menopausal night sweats is a good look for you, you move on to the toothpaste which seems to be hermetically sealed in the tube.
Squeezing with all your might, it finally propels out with the force of a speeding bullet decorating your mirror. As you smear it from the mirror to your waiting toothbrush, and start brushing, it doesn’t take but a moment for you to realize… it is not toothpaste at all… but hemorrhoid cream. This is the when it dawns on you, It's going to be one of those days.
As you frantically rinse your mouth out and wonder if you have swallowed enough to call the poison control center, you have a choice to make. You can let the rest of the days events get to you, (Oh yes, there is more coming, there is ALWAYS more coming!) or you can try and see the humor in it all.
Humor is your only defense in times like these and will keep you from becoming a highlight on the six o’clock news. Keep things in perspective. Know that this is just today ( OK, maybe it’s been the whole week) but it will pass. Have faith!
So here’s to you my friends, to keeping our humor intact and not taking life to seriously…Even when our mouths smell like our backside!
For the last few weeks I have felt much sorrow for my fellow man. All the fighting and despair going on around the globe is hard to ignore. I can’t imagine the pain someone must be in to decide the way to religious freedom and superiority is through fear and intimidation.
The routine we find ourselves in, the numbness we feel when hundreds even thousands of our fellow human beings are harmed, will continue to be our way of life if we don’t do something soon.
Now is the time to pray for tolerance, understanding, and love. We are all from one source. Let’s use our collective voice and connection to turn the tide for peace. To reach a place where humanity is more important than our possessions or the differences that seem to deeply divide us.
As the daylight hours get shorter and the nights a bit more chilly, we all start to think about the end of summer. Our children are busy making their lists of school supplies and the adults planning one last get together barbeque. Fall is knocking on the door so enjoy these last few days of summer. Sit on the back porch and watch the sunset while making memories that will last until summer comes to town again. And don't forget the sweetest part of life is not the things we have but spending time with the people we love...And perhaps a heaping bowlful of strawberry shortcake!
When we were young we tried many new things. Sometimes these things were easy for us but more often than not we would find ourselves failing miserably the first time. Figuratively (or literally) picking ourselves up encouraged by those who loved us to try again,
As we got older and our lives became our own, the cheering section we had in our youth was no longer there. Our failures and ultimate success became a matter of our own determination and choice. Would we keep trying if we didn't find success the first time or simply move on leaving the dream and some of our self-worth behind.
I have been reminded as of late the importance of trying when faced with defeat. To keep going even if it seems you’re going nowhere. It’s better to see no change than to never have tried. Our greatest success come in the space between try and quit. Don’t let yourself be denied the future you want because you believe it isn’t possible. Possible is the child of try and the reason each of us dream.
Each of us came into the world innocent and full of promise. Our cries in the delivery room signaling we had arrived. Tucked in a warm blanket, wrapped in our mother's arms, we begin our journey.
Some of us go home with two parents, some with only one, while others with parents who adopted us. A celebration as we take our place in the family.
From infancy to adulthood we grow, influenced by our surroundings and the people in our lives. Our life choices mapped out by the love we receive ( or lack of ) and the feeling of connection.
If we are lucky, we have support when were fragile, words of encouragement when we are vulnerable, and rest when we are weary.
As we come toward the end of life, our travels and problems seem less important as we look for ways to embrace what does. Those who have stood by our side, those who we brought into this world, and those whom we hope to meet on the other side.
No matter how much material wealth we have our soul is all we can take with us. We turn from our pursuits, precious time better serves elsewhere. We love the ones who love us, give thanks for what we have, and embrace those who are lost. For each of us came into the world innocent and full of promise. Hopefully we leave full of grace and unyielding love for all.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a short piece about dreaming and staying true to your dreams. I have been asked to post it again...So here you go...Let go of doubt and go for it!!!
When we are young, we are full of dreams. Dreams are part of our daily lives. But when we grow into adults, we seem to shy away from dreaming and the things that we want. We begin to make excuses about why we don't go after our dreams. We don't have time, we have too many responsibility's, and our dreams never come true anyway. But if we could just stay as optimistic as those children we used to be. To still see our lives as an adventure and something magical, we may find our dreams have been right there within our grasp all along. So start today...Dream big...Dream often... and don't ever believe that you can dream a dream bigger than you deserve.
Susan has been writing ever since she was a child. Her love of writing, and belief that love exists everywhere, has inspired her to create characters that are full of life.