If You Show Me How to Get Up Off the Ground
This afternoon I find myself in front of the keyboard to write my first ever blog entry for my new site. It’s late August in the Pacific Northwest. I just dumped ice water on my head in support of ALS and have a towel at the ready. Funny how a quick splash of cool water can cleanse the pallet and clear the mind. Okay, maybe just me.
That challenge is for a good cause but meant more to me that I thought. It was a shock to the system. My dog, Sydney, sure enjoyed it as she continues to lick my leg. I guess I didn’t need that towel. 2014 has been about change and tackling new challenges that a year ago I didn’t think were possible. Almost twelve months ago I took a creative writing class taught by my friend Tess Thompson. I’d always been interested in exploring that avenue of creativity but never pushed forward with it. As I sit here today, I’m glad I did.
Over the course of those twelve weeks of class I started down a new path. I found myself looking forward to each and every Tuesday night. I was back doing homework for the first time in, well let’s just say quite some time. Weird thing was, I liked it. A creative part of me I thought maybe I had lost woke up and was ready to face the day. I work at my day job to live. I was now writing in the hopes of sharing. What a great feeling.
During the class I began to write about one of our two dogs, Sydney. My wife and I always joke that she acts more like a person than a dog. “Why don’t you write about her,” my wife said. Just like that, I was off. I put pen to paper—okay showing my age—and my weekly assignments started to pile up. “Hey,” Tess said. “You could have a book here.” With encouragement and inspiration surrounding me I continued to write. Our class ended but my writing continued into the New Year. By February I had a story completed. I submitted the book to a friend and in a month I was offered an opportunity to have the story published. Mind blown! Little did I know this was only the beginning.
In the spring I found myself picking an editor, illustrator and book manager. Wow, this was really happening. Then came a dose—turns out much needed—of reality. I got my first set of edits back. Do you remember being in school? Maybe you’re about to start school in the coming week? Well, suddenly I was back in school looking at all the notes a teacher would normally leave on your paper. This was different, right there in the file. Hmm, a couple on the first page. Not too bad I thought. Oh, here’s some more on the next page. And the hits kept on coming.
Sometimes you take a step back to reflect only to emerge stronger than before. I believe that’s exactly what I did. After the initial read through of the edits I discovered the notes were there to help. I laced up my Converse and went to work on revisions. Made it through the second round of edits and final touch ups and what emerged is a book that I’m completely proud of. As I type this blog the book is being proofed and before I know it fall will be here and a new children’s book will be available.
In the last week my wife and I participated in what I’m calling a doggy photo shoot. The sister of my best friend from high school, Kara Roberts, came out to act as our instructor and told us to smile at the camera, and for Sydney to turn her head in agreement every time Kara mentioned the word bubbles. I never thought in a million years I would find myself having my picture taken from my friend’s sister. We lost touch over the years but I’m glad we reconnected again and proud to still call her my friend. Life has a funny way of working out sometimes.
Now I’m ready for the next challenge. I’m about to be a published author. A little story about a cockapoo and her misadventures will be available for any and all to read. I don’t know where this little book will lead me and my family but like that splash of water earlier this afternoon I’m ready for that next challenge. Let’s do this.
