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alpha males, blogs, books, gratitude, kitties, list, Melia Alexander, romance writers, Thanksgiving, writing
It’s Turkey Month, and there are so many things to be grateful for in a world filled with seemingly more bad stuff than good. So at the height of some self-imposed deadline pressures, I’m taking a reflective moment. *Clears throat* In honor of Thanksgiving, here’s my Baker’s Dozen list of things for which I’m most grateful (in no particular order):
1. I’m grateful for self-imposed deadlines. Without them, I’d be floundering through life and would probably get to the end of it wishing I’d done a few things like, oh, gee, I don’t know . . . write and publish a few books? (Must remember this the mornings I wake up bleary-eyed!)
2. I’m grateful for kitty puke. ‘Cause this means my three are still around. (Yeah, I tell myself this while I clean up said puke.)
3. I’m grateful when I wake up to snores from Hubby. Same reason I appreciate kitty puke. 🙂 Hmmm. . . I wonder how he’d feel being compared to puke?
4. I’m grateful for CrossFit workouts. (And I’m not just saying it in case my coach decides to read this post!) Even though I’m generally miserable in the middle of one, I also know I’m getting stronger. At least, that’s what I tell myself while I’m gasping for air.
5. I’m grateful for my writer friends. They “get” me and the various convoluted story scenarios I come up with. (Generally, their imaginations end up just as twisted!) They’re so willing to share their time and talent with others, and drive me to keep on going.
6. I’m grateful for a really great book. I know how hard it is to write a book, let alone a really GREAT book. Hats off to authors who make me smile, make me cry, make me want to live the story along with the characters.
7. I’m grateful for chocolate and a good Cab Sauv. (Did you really think this wouldn’t make the list?) Coupled with a fireplace or a sunset – maybe both – it’s the perfect start to a romantic evening. (You listening, Hubby?)
8. I’m grateful for my day job. I couldn’t imagine working with a better group of alpha males guys who prove over and over that they’re each the butt heads heroes of their own stories. They fuel my imagination, and occasionally snippets of who they are sneak into a scene. (Head out of the gutter, dudes. I don’t know any of you that well!)
9. I’m grateful for red pens. Heaven knows I’ve gone through boxes of them while cleaning up a manuscript. Maybe I should invest in a red pen factory. Huh. There’s a thought. . ..
10. I’m grateful for my mom. Because of her example, I’ve turned into the woman I am. ‘Course, not every guy I work with appreciates that.
11. I’m grateful for the love and support of family and friends. (Yeah, I’m quickly heading into sappy mode. *Groan* Bear with me!) No, seriously, without them in my corner, I’d have probably given up on the writing thing a LONG time ago. (Okay, okay. So I’m lying! Sigh. You peeps know me too well.) It is true that they’re the best bunch of people I could possibly surround myself with.
12. I’m grateful for manuscript requests. . .. and rejections. Strangely, for the same reason: someone cared enough to want to read my work. ‘Course contracts would be greatly appreciated, too. Just sayin’ 🙂
13. I’m grateful for others’ time. Like yours. In a world filled with a thousand different things you could be doing, you’ve dropped by my blog. I am honored. Thank you!
So. What are you grateful for?
Happy Thanksgiving,
Melia
I’m grateful I’m finally getting my hand surgery week after Thanksgiving!
And I hear you about the red pens. I tend to hoard them at work!
eSPECIALLY LOVED THE KITTY AND HUBBY CONNECTION!
Absolutely LOVE this, Melia! You took a really different approach by talking about some seemingly yucky things (kitty puke and husband snoring and rejections) and turn them into things to be thankful for. You are amazing! I’m sending good thoughts for a book contract for you. Hang in there!
I’m grateful to have a husband who likes managing the tedious details of everyday life, (paying the bills, knowing when to get the tires rotated, scheduling flights to get the kids home from college) so that I can I focus on my weird little imaginary world.
Love it Melia! Make sure hubby reads this so he can get the fire started an the wine poured ;))
Viola
I’m grateful for you, for the critique group you generously invited me to join, and most especially, to your stock of red pens. They make some of the most insightful comments I’ve ever been lucky enough to receive. And I had no idea you were a Cab lover too. In a region of Pinot Noir snobs, it’s good to know I have a soul mate. Hugs to you, and I hope you’re feeling better! (And yes, I’m writing.)
Heal quickly, Eilis! Gotta put your red pens to work, right? 😉
Hugs and happy writing,
Melia
Yeah, I married one really special guy!
-Melia
Thanks, Maggie, for the kind words, and for your good thoughts! I so appreciate you!
Happy writing,
Melia
Ah, Tammy, you definitely have lots to be grateful for! Looking forward to seeing you soon.
-Melia
Thanks, Viola! And many, many thanks for stopping by. Look forward to seeing you soon!
-Melia
Awwww, Mer! I think you’re one of the few critique peeps I’ve worked with who can handle my bull-in-a-china-shop approach to marking up an ms. Sigh. I must learn to be more subtle. Can I blame my mom if I fail? 🙂 Seriously, I’m so glad you’re part of our group, and I’m even happier that you’re writing! (Putting whip away now. . ..) We shall have to toast with a good Cab at one of these meetings. Think the people at Starbucks would notice?
Hugs,
Melia