July 25, 2015
The nature I see around me. . . ‘is’.
The butterfly doesn’t question, “Should I be a tree?”
The tree doesn’t question, “Should I be a bird?”
They know who they are. Their purpose is solid like that tree trunk.
male goldfinch– female in background
I envy their sureness, for I am a wobbler swaying in the breeze.
I have heard it said, “Do what you love, the rest will come.”
For the first time in my life, career-wise I am doing what I love– writing for children– but, like a ship lost at sea, the rest has not come.
Instead, rejections have come. . .
sailing in with ease sometimes in multiples of two.
I have practiced The Secret:
- I know my books will be shelved next to Curious George in the public library.
- I have scotch-taped my book titles to book bindings on my home bookshelf.
- I have typed sweet words of affirmation, received on my blog, onto notecards and read them while washing dishes.
- Farmer Tom sends me daily postcards filled with encouraging words. 🙂
I have prayed.
Earnestly.
male monarch on swamp milkweed.
Yet, still. . .
I wait.
Maybe, I am not good enough.
I wobble.
Maybe, my passion is meant to be a hobby.
I wobble more.
I have spent the better part of two years learning the trade: taking classes, attending conferences, studying published works.
I write, and I write, and I write: before the sunrise, in the blackness of night, in my dreams.
I have completed every suggestion for publication: joined facebook, started this blog, joined a critique group, completed several manuscripts.
With each tap on the keyboard, my writing improves; yet, still. . .
I wait.
Maybe, I should give up.
Watching my dream fade into the sunset, I feel miserable.
When I feel miserable, I have learned it is my soul telling me I am heading in the wrong direction. I am old enough to listen.
Attempting to change my misery, I wonder, Should I continue writing?
Immediately, with this thought, I feel better; thus,
I continue. . .
flying towards the sea. . .
in search of that lost ship.
And in the pursuing, comes joy.
Maybe I will die a wannabe writer, but I am not going to miss out on the joy that writing brings.
Regardless of judgment, do what you love.
Always.
Can I just say that these pictures are breathtaking? Also, I feel that many people feel themselves wobbling in aspects of their life; it’s a universal struggle amongst humans. You offer a sense of hope for them, a light at the end of the tunnel, and inspire others to keep moving. Just remember to take your own advice and keep doing what you love!
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Yes, you can say that. 🙂 And thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment.
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Oh Julie. It’s hard isn’t it? I try to measure success in the joy of the creative process. But it’s easier said than done. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
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Well then, I guess that makes me very successful. 🙂 Thanks for the new angle.
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Yep!
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keep writing…keep smiling….stay strong….!!!
may be u dnt knw how much more the children loves your books…!
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You are sweet. Thank you for your kind words.
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amazingly beautiful photographs too….
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nothing can appraoch such natural beauty~
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My heart goes out to you. Wishing you success, and appreciating your depth and strength.
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Julie, Please keep writing, if that gives you joy. As you say that to write makes you happy, there’s no question – you should keep writing. 🙂 Wonderful combination of text and photos!
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Thanks Fabio for your encouragement and kind words.
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Very wise words. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful photos too.
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Thank you for visiting.
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I believe Dr Seuss got rejected a couple times ! We really do think your writing is wonderful. Bob and Joy
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Thank you. I think you are wonderful and appreciate the encouragement.
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Don’t ever give up
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It always makes me happy when I see a hawk fly by. Today, I saw two. Thanks for the follow.
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Keep writing. You have found an audience with your blog! Your audience for your children’s books will come, too.
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Thank you Marla.
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You have found a part-time job that will allow you to follow your dreams and provide you with inspiration every time you look out a window. You will even hear countless peacock calls as you are working. I think this is a sign that you need to continue writing. All writers are rejected. Your blog has never been rejected by me. I immediately read and treasure every word. Your words make me think about life differently. I think that is the goal of a lot of writers. As I typed the last period, I heard a peacock call. Obviously, they agree with me.
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Thanks Becky. I will be thinking of you during this upcoming busy week. I hope all goes well.
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Yes, keep doing what you love above all else and keep finding joy in the journey – your words and photos are so beautiful and inspirational. You are reaching others right now, and I hope that sustains you while you keep going.
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Thank you Kelly. I am glad you enjoy and appreciate your words of encouragement.
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I’m doing the same thing. Maybe we should work together somehow. I also have studied the secret. SIGH. So I took a big step and self-published.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
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The beauty in picture and word is incredible. They make me feel so alive! I hope you continue to pursue these gifts! Peace be with you!
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Thank you sweet Barb.
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What can I say! Your photos are breathtaking and your words are from the heart. It will happen .. I know you have faith. The wobbles will stop … Your blog is such a joy
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Your words will be on my windowsill. Thank you. I thought of you the other day when I lost my lens cap.
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Ah a fellow lens cap loser! 😃
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The stories you give us with their stunning illustrations suggest to me that you shouldn’t give up, but I know it must be dispiriting to get rejections
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I’m not giving up. 🙂 Friends, like you, have encouraged me.
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We all wobble. We all question what we are meant to be when we grow up. We all wonder if we are meant to be doing something else. But remember that old saying “To thine own self be true”? I think your answer lies right there.
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Yes, I think you are right. Thanks for sharing.
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Your photos are stunning and I enjoy your beautiful writing! Keep it up and thanks for sharing. 🙂
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