Happy Winter Solstice!
Writing life is ups and downs. From what I’ve heard, that never changes. Send a submission to a publisher, get ten rejections, then eventually (hopefully) an acceptance. Get five great reviews, then be devastated by a nasty review. I’ve had encouragements and setbacks since I began this writing journey, but the phenomenon was brought home to me December 6 when I received a rejection from a publisher and an hour later the same short story won first prize in a contest.
It seems a fitting reflection for Advent with its contrasts: the end of a calendar year but beginning of a new church year. A time of busy-ness and also quiet reflection. When you hear “Are you ready for Christmas?” it generally refers to buying stuff and baking and decorating. But being ready in a Christian sense means preparing for Jesus’ return. The world and your social calendar are urging you to rush around and the church is calling you to Be Still and you’re pulled in both directions.
Like the voices of encouragement inciting you to keep writing, that great feeling when you finish a draft or make a revision that feels just right, and then you get three more rejections in your inbox. Highs and lows. Ups and downs.
I hope right now you’re feeling the high: encouragement, love, joy, peace, hope. If you’re feeling the low, may it pass soon. Happy Christmas, Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings, and best wishes for your next year in whatever you celebrate and however you mark those special times.
This is homemade egg nog. Wish I could send you some. Truly, if you hate that stuff in cartons, mine is way better.
And yes, this is a Christmas tree in a tire on a car trailer. Probably a spare tire, not a race car tire, but definitely a race car hauler.