As I’ve hefted heavy crates of beer at my night job, stacked cases of booze, and slung pizzas while ringing up customers and cradling a phone between my ear and shoulder, the stress of all I handle, the people I work with around the world, the three-way calls to England, Canada, or some such, and the mountain of online/pc work I do while striving to grasp that ever elusive carrot in publishing has had me to the quitting point.
Here I am at an age where I look back on the smoking ruins I’ve left in my wake, the black smoke curling around memories both good and bad; whereas, others who know me insist that my past is a learning curve, that I have so many who rely upon me, look up to me, and consider me mentor and friend.
I’ve thought a lot about my past. I’m a hick in the middle of the Appalachian foothills, I use a wringer washer and I make green tomato jelly and other strange concoctions. I maintained a 3.8 GPA at one of the toughest colleges in the U.S. but had to leave my education unfinished. Now I always have more kids around me than sense, and I feel that I can relate to David, who, upon seeing Goliath step out to kill him thought, “Oh, crap! If that size 54 sandal steps on me I’m a grease mark in the sand!”
My oldest daughter saw this contest and insisted that I enter it. “Mom, you gotta do this! Do it for you,” she said.
Sometimes teenagers know what buttons to push. In this case, she pushed me to do something for myself. Even if I win the ring or one of the other prizes, I know I’d share it with my daughter.
May 12th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Thanks for the entry and sharing your story. I have received it and added it to our contest. Have a wonderful week.
May 24th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Woot! That daughter of yours…she’s a keeper. Give her a big smooch for me. I’m glad you entered, care to share which one? Will keep my fingers crossed for you no matter what contest it is.
Your #1 Fan *wink