The other day I conducted a training for a small group on the main campus. They were kind enough to bring in Chinese food for lunch. I had a fortune cookie. All right, I had two. Interesting fortunes inside...
Fortune #1: You will receive unexpected support over the next week. Accept it graciously.
I won't deny I am not very gracious in accepting help even when I so desperately need it. I am so used to being on the giving end and not the receiving end that I feel awkward over it. But I won't deny anything that comes my way will be welcomed with open arms. I read that one to my youngest. He was certain I would (or he would) find $100 on the street. Too cute. Even cuter, he said he would give it to me.
Fortune #2: You have a charming way with words and should write a book.
Really? Charming? I confess I would like to write a book. Do I have the fortitude to do it? I don't know. I fail miserably at commiting my time (remember that 30 days meme I never finished or posted on time?). Yes, I wish I could be a published writer. That doesn't mean I am in the least bit talented or persistent to pull it off. Or the patience. And I tend to believe that my dreams will never come true. I've been disappointed a lot. I don't know if I could ever put myself out there, set myself up for rejection which I know is part of the process. But I can dream...
I have been allowing myself to write small things and then seeing how it could develop into a book. Do I have the stamina to put into it what it would need to be complete. Do I have 50,000 words that are compelling. Five years ago I began to think it was possible. Now I am not so sure. I mean, I can't even manage to post with regularity. But...nothing ventured, nothing gained. Maybe I'll give it a go. Maybe...
Fortune #1. Accepting help can be hard if you are used to getting your hand smacked when you've reached out for it in the past (hmmm...is that my personal experience speaking??? Why yes.) But if does come in the form a $100 bill I say pick it up quick. So sweet that your son said he would give it too you if he found it :)
ReplyDeleteFortune #2: Do it, do it! Or at least give it a try, even if you never publish it. It would be an accomplishment that's all yours, tangible and ever lasting. Sadly not many people have something like that to call their own. You definately have the talent.
Of course you can do it!
ReplyDeleteand let me indulge in one big huge awwwww.....he would give you the found money? how utterly sweet!!
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ReplyDeleteMuzegoddess, it is always hard for me to accept because I am so not used to it. I struggle with the need to give back twice as much in thanks for someone's support. Terrible I know. But there have been one or two people who have been more stubborn than me and insisted...and I am forever grateful.
ReplyDeleteMy son, all three of them actually, are wonderful. Protective. My middle one intends to buy mew a huge house and a Porsche when he makes his first million...
As for the book...thank you for thinking I have talent...maybe I will give it a go.
Beth, I wonder if I really could...like Muzegoddess says, at the very least it would be mine, something I did.
ReplyDeleteYeah...my boys...gotta love 'em.
You can do it! and I would buy it!! Give it a try!
ReplyDeleteand how cute of your son! he will give you the money! :D lol I would spend it right away.... I would feel a little guilty/sorry for the people who lost it...but oh well...
I would SO buy that book!!! You should go for it. It's a scary road (don't I know it!!) and VERY intimidating, but gosh... just to be able to say you MADE IT that far is enough! To prove to yourself and everyone else that, dammit, there's enough inside you to make a damn BOOK then wow... that's more than a lot of people can say for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI can not tell you the sense of gratification I got when I finished a 60,000 word story. Will I submit it? Who knows, but I had a hell of a good time doing it. Go for it Gayl. Work at it at your own pace, enjoy, it is an amazing and satisfying way to spend some time. Gave me...contentment. A real accomplishment, that is all mine.
ReplyDeleteCheers, will catch up on Sessions when I get back.
All the best~
S@ndy, thank you. I really think I will try more for myself than for the idea of selling it. And that means so much that you would buy it!
ReplyDeleteChristi it does seem a little scary to think about but at the very least I think I should do it for myself. Glad to know I have at least 2 buyers! LOL! Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Drew so good to hear from you! Hope your vacation is going well. I do think I might try. As long as there is no pressure I do think it would be rewarding to finish something like that. I've always wanted to write for as long as I can remember. Even my boys are pushing me to do it.
ReplyDeleteNo worries on Sessions and the rest. They are short pieces so it won't be too daunting I hope.
I have heard it said that everyone has at least one good book within them worth writing. So, I say... Yeah! Go for it!
ReplyDeleteThat's really sweet about your youngest wanting to give you his money. My kids are generous-minded like that, too. It just warms my heart whenever they do things like that : )
Colliegirl! Good to see you! I probably have a book in me. Not sure I have the energy but the book...definitely.
ReplyDeleteMy boys are awesome, no question. They take good care of me.