Tag Archives: thank you

The Big 40 – I leveled up

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Today is the big day where I cross the mile marker between heading up the proverbial hill of life to working my way down the other side. Let’s all go sledding, shall we? I mean, I’ve reached the “fun” part of existence, might as well enjoy it. I couldn’t think of a better group to hang out with than my fellow creatives.

However – for today, on the most momentous of days, I’d like to stop and enjoy the view.

Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash

Ahhh … That’s nice.

Have you ever noticed that the harder the uphill climb, the more breathtaking the view seems once you’ve reached the top? It’s the reward for the hard work it took to climb up to the summit. That, mixed with probably a little bit of oxygen deprivation and sheer relief to just get there, makes for a memorable experience.

My path to the summit has been challenging, but very doable. There have been a few boulders to skirt along the way, but I can say I’ve been pretty lucky. In all my forty years I have never had an extended hospital stay, have never had a serious injury, have never totaled a car, and have never been arrested.

Most of that might be because I’m probably far too careful for my own good. You might argue that I’ve missed out – you might be right. But look – I’ve got a whole parcel of years ahead of me to try a few crazy things. I’m okay with this.

Photo by Fabrizio Verrecchia on Unsplash

There are things I’ve done that I’m embarrassingly proud of. I graduated from college, I have three amazing kids (all of which are way smarter than me), I published a book, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve learned a foreign language, I’ve volunteered my time to a non-profit organization, I’ve owned a home, the list goes on.

And I couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends and family.

To all of you, thank you!

Photo by Howard Riminton on Unsplash

Now, who brought the cocoa? If we’re going sledding that’s super important.

Next up – BASE jumping!

Anyone? … Anyone? … Bueller?

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Thank you Terry Pratchett

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The more time you spend working to become an author and to publish, the more you realize just what a big deal it is for your name to be known among the general population. Think about it, there are millions of authors out there who are published, and several million more who are working to become published.

Knowing an author’s name, even if you haven’t read them, means that they have attained a level of success that few can even dream of.  Stephen King, Dan Brown, JK Rowling, and Neil Gaiman, are now household names.

1654Terry Pratchett is one of those authors who have  broken the mold among the fantasy community. Over the course of his career he has published  an astounding 66 books. Forty of these books belong to the globally popular Discworld series.

What makes Pratchett’s writing unique is his firm grasp on satire and knowing just how far to push an illogical situation. Some of his most iconic images are in fact the most silly, such as the Luggage, which is described as this:

The Luggage is a large chest made of sapient pearwood (a magical, intelligent plant which is nearly extinct, impervious to magic, and only grows in a few places outside the Agatean Empire, generally on sites of very old magic). It can produce hundreds of little legs protruding from its underside and can move very fast if the need arises. It has been described as “half suitcase, half homicidal maniac” (Sourcery paperback p22).

tumblr_mn98y9YnC51r3yo7eo1_400Terry Pratchett died in his home last week after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. His courage and wit have inspired millions, including me.

Thank you Terry!

A Thanks To My Mom

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Wow, where do I start?  After reading so many heartfelt Mother’s Day messages, so many caring gestures, where can my little two cents fit in? I guess here is a good as any place.

Mom,

After having kids of my own I’m coming to realize more everyday what a sacrifice it is to be a parent, and even more so to be a good one.  Even as I sit here with my girl on my lap it’s hard to understand what all those years of being there for me, caring for me, feeding me, dealing with my drama, and the thousand and one other things; really meant.

Honestly, I don’t know how you did it, especially if growing up I was anything like my kids are now. I don’t remember a single day where you weren’t dressed with your hair and makeup done before we headed off to school.  You always looked great, even when you felt crummy. One day I might get the hang of looking fabulous no matter what, like you. The lessons you’ve taught me over the years are in my head somewhere waiting for a chance to get out and be used and one day when I can manage to get my feet under me they will be.

As the years pass I value more and more the grace and poise I learned from you. It’s a rare thing to know that when needed I can rise to any occasion, no matter how fancy. That, and a tailored jacket always looks fabulous with the right jewelry.

I’ve also learned the importance of family dinners from you.  Even with all of your various projects and committees, and us, you managed to get a home cooked meal on the table every night and the whole family together to eat it. Although I haven’t quite gotten the hang of planning and cooking dinners like yours yet, I aspire to figure it out.

I could go on and on, and I want to, but Baby D and duty calls.

Mom, I love you and I always will.IMG_1129