Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
New Year’s Ambitions from a Dreamer
Words constantly swirl in my mind trying to make connections. The words are glimpses of possible stories to write. Unfortunately, I have this unending problem with doubt like a wall that springs up to divide the possible from the actual endeavor.
I read a New Year’s reflection from a dear friend and feel inspired to write my own. On a blank page, I stare at the possibilities my fingers hold before me only my brain deters me. I watch television with my daughter instead of write.
Two days later, I have now finished watching the first two seasons of BBC’s Downton Abbey with the up and down romance drama between Lady Mary Crawley and Matthew as they struggle with their own pride but love each other all the same. The early 20th century depiction of life, even with the disparaging differences in social classes in Britain captures my heart. The show depicts how connections bring us together. I do not know that I would have been happy being an aristocrat or a servant, but I so dearly wish to live in the British Isles for a time, then or now. There is just a tranquility throughout the land with the rolling countryside, and the simple way of life.
I would love to sit out in Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top garden, sipping tea, reading, enjoying the vivid colors of the roses and evening primroses, daffodils and daisies. I would even love to watch the bees hard at work moving from plant to plant. Being able to afford a life in an English cottage with my own garden growing wildly around me, writing without negative thoughts, would be a dream come true for me.
I have a Facebook friend, someone who I have not seen in over a decade, who is living in England with her family. They recently visited York, a town often mentioned and visited by characters in Downton Abbey. Her pictures of the stoic York castle, gently flowing waterways, bushes and grassy areas, red brick buildings, and the Norman Castle of York, made me yearn for travel. I suppose that should be one of my goals for 2020: experiencing new adventures in far away places.
Something to save up for then and so worth the wait while we fill our travel jar with spare change here and there. Every quarter saved is a treacle tart at afternoon tea in that British cottage.
Apart from longing to be in the British countryside, my heart yearns to connect to more writers and readers. I have recently been more active on Twitter and now have 54 followers, up from the 17 I had before Christmas. I am so grateful to my new followers and the opportunities we have to share with each other. #writingcommunity
Many of my friends and family have read my novel, Married to an Atheist A Love Story from Idaho. I am so grateful for their support, especially when they’ve told me they have shared it with others. Now I want to grow my circle of readers.
Of course, there is the next novel I need to finish…
I started a memoir about growing up with sister twenty-two years ago. This story continues to sit in my heart. I must finish it this year. I have work to do definitely but will gladly revisit it knowing that I will feel relief when I can finally have the story in print for all to read. I have seen far too few stories about how families live with a disability, especially a sister with special needs and parents who refuse to give up on giving her the care she needs no matter the cost. I sat in many a hospital rooms as a child watching my sister get poked and treated for this and that, all while trying to balance a “normal” life. This is not a sad story though. It is one of honest love and lessons to keep a person humble.
Like that expression “find joy in the little things”, so are the feelings within my soul when I look back over a lifetime of memories.
For now, I will take each new day as an opportunity to live out my dreams. I may not be able to afford a trip to England by the end of this year. Even so I will do what I can to promote my current book and finish my new one. All the while, I will cherish my family and friends for the memories we create together.
#janellescreativelife
I always think of tea time and tea parties when I think of England and all things English, like Beatrix Potter.
I can’t wait to read your next book.
Oh yes! We should have another tea party with the girls this spring!