On the Write Path...
But she's 77 and he's 82...well past the age of consent, so I wish them well.
And you have to admit, no matter what way it goes...there is a story in this.
A friend of mine told me a story about an elderly fellow who ran away from the nursing home with his girlfriend. Staff called the family to report the gentleman missing, though they were pretty sure he'd be back. He'd left in such a hurry, he'd forgotten his teeth.
On the bright side- no matter how old you get, as long as you're alive, the heart still works and wants to be loved.
I'm also getting my second son (Cole) ready for graduation. It's so wrong that he's so excited and the whole thing just bums me out. Let's all say it together...where DOES the time go? I swear, he was in a car seat forever, then I let him out, and I turn around and he's shaving.
Sigh.
I'll quit whining now and move onto to my Write Path post.
Carrie Butler and Pk Hrezo are allowing me to add my two cents on how I stumbled onto my Write Path and share it in a letter to newbie writer me.
Dear Younger Me,
Put this on a post it note and pin it to your forehead, or your desk...you pick. But write this down word for word and duct tape that puppy where you can see it every day.
"Cry me a freakin' river."
Here's the deal....
You get to publish a book. Then another and another and another, which totally means you're on the Write Path.
But it's a tricky path, with plot holes, twists, turns, and the whole hike is up hill...both ways. I suggest you put your hiking boots on. Don't want to get blisters and quit. Pack your compass, so you know what guides you...love of writing goof...not cash. Geesh. Quit obsessing over money. Just keep going. I know, I know...you feel lost at times and think you should turn back, fortunately you have great friends who won't let you.
Friends? You ask...yes, you have friends! You know that blog you didn't want to start? Turns out it was your life line. Maybe you should ask them to remind you to Cry me a freakin' river.
What's the river of tears all about? Golly, you're so impatient! Don't you remember? You think it every day right now...every time you read a blog post whining about sales, marketing, and contracts...you think to yourself, Cry me a freakin' river. My day started with rejections, want to trade me places, ya freakin' whiner?
Remember these days...there are writers who would love to have your problems.
Oh, and seriously, can you just pause every now and then and appreciate the scenery while you go? The trip is half the fun. I swear.
Love,
Future You
P.S. Swap the chocolate with carrot sticks as writing snacks right now! And buy better sunblock. You get pastier every year from the lack of sun exposure, so when you go out, wear a brand with an armor factor.
Dear Younger Me,Put this on a post it note and pin it to your forehead, or your desk...you pick. But write this down word for word and duct tape that puppy where you can see it every day.
"Cry me a freakin' river."
Here's the deal....
You get to publish a book. Then another and another and another, which totally means you're on the Write Path.
But it's a tricky path, with plot holes, twists, turns, and the whole hike is up hill...both ways. I suggest you put your hiking boots on. Don't want to get blisters and quit. Pack your compass, so you know what guides you...love of writing goof...not cash. Geesh. Quit obsessing over money. Just keep going. I know, I know...you feel lost at times and think you should turn back, fortunately you have great friends who won't let you.
Friends? You ask...yes, you have friends! You know that blog you didn't want to start? Turns out it was your life line. Maybe you should ask them to remind you to Cry me a freakin' river.
What's the river of tears all about? Golly, you're so impatient! Don't you remember? You think it every day right now...every time you read a blog post whining about sales, marketing, and contracts...you think to yourself, Cry me a freakin' river. My day started with rejections, want to trade me places, ya freakin' whiner?
Remember these days...there are writers who would love to have your problems.
Oh, and seriously, can you just pause every now and then and appreciate the scenery while you go? The trip is half the fun. I swear.
Love,
Future You
P.S. Swap the chocolate with carrot sticks as writing snacks right now! And buy better sunblock. You get pastier every year from the lack of sun exposure, so when you go out, wear a brand with an armor factor.
"I give permission for my entry to be included in the e-book compilation without royalties and/or separate compensation."
Oh yes, I had so many of those days listening to other people's problems when I'd be happy to have them. And now, I'm aware people would happily take mine.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mum enjoys Alaska :-)
I remember when I had fifteen blog followers...I couldn't even get everyone in my family to follow! How sad is that? Yeah, we have come a long way.
DeleteDoes this mean you won't let me whine either?
ReplyDeleteMaybe your mom needs a chaperone to Alaska?
And congratulations to your son!
Nope. You're not allowed to whine either...there are tons of people who would love to swap you places!
DeleteI'm proud of my son. He's graduating without a criminal record and everything!
I enjoyed your letter to yourself, so many points about feeling lost can relate to where I'm at now. I'm getting there though.
ReplyDeleteOh, and to be able to whine about sales and contracts! So far from that yet, but I'll try not to moan about it ;-)
You will get there Heather. Just keep wacking brush out of your path and keep going. And trust me you will whine about marketing...go ahead and remind yourself now to remember you're lucky to have the new head aches.
DeleteMaybe your mother should meet mine. They might be kindred spirits. My mother is well, let's just say she's never lonely. And yes, it's inspiring to know that old age doesn't mean being consigned to daytime television and a shriveled up heart! :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother has been lonely since my dad died and this fellow seems to make her happy. I have told her she was 77 going on 16...but it is nice to know that life doesn't end in our older years.
DeleteI read a romance novel--it was told from the son's perspective after his mom ran off on an adventure with her boyfriend. The son was intent on tracking her down and dragged a woman along with him that he blamed for introducing them. It was a great story--and you couldn't help but fall in love with the elderly mom!
ReplyDeletePeople keep telling me to write it into a book, now I can say that plot line has been taken!
DeleteIt was Phyllis Bourne's Every Road to You. I'd say it's all been done before--it's your spin on it that will make it unique! It is interesting that she was able to tell an older couple's story without making it about the older couple--the contrast between new love between a young couple and seniors was interesting...
DeleteI do love a good side story in my romance. I mean you know the happily ever after is coming...a little more meat just makes it more satisfying. (And that sounds a little dirty, but you know what I mean. LOL)
DeleteThank you for the reminder that other people would love to have my "problems." :)
ReplyDeleteAnd good wishes to your mother and her boyfriend. I hope my husband and I have as much oomph to go off and have an adventure at that age!
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
I hope it goes well too. My mom has been pretty unhappy and if this makes her feel renewed, then it's a blessing!
DeleteYour mom is gutsy. Most people when they get older don't want to up and move to Alaska. I hear it wild and cold up there. But those could be vicious rumors meant to keep us from exploring the most temperate climate on earth.
ReplyDeleteLove your letter. The truth is that writing is hard. Every.Single.Part. But whining doesn't help. And there are moments that are joyous. Really appreciate those because most of it is uphill in the snow wearing high heels.
It is very gutsy...that's for sure! My mom has always been keen on adventure, so it is a good thing that she has this opportunity.
DeleteIn high heels in the snow...how right are you!? Yep, every step is work. If you love that work, you will make it. If you're in it for the glory or the cash, you will fail. It's just too hard unless you are obsessive enough to be willing to brave the snow in the open toes.
Bah, Alaska is too cold for me, too much snow. But the heart wants what the heart wants. Story in there indeed,
ReplyDeleteI can't whine? damn it! Now what do I have to write about lol
Clever Pat, you always seem to come up with something original and amazing, so no need to whine. Though you may wine if you like.
DeleteYour letter is so clever! I enjoyed every sentence of it. We do tend to cry rivers and whine way to much. But I think that's just part of the process of being a writer. haha I love your PS!
ReplyDeleteI wish your mom much happiness! And you're right, I think there's a story there that can be written. ;)
Thank you so much Chrys! I wish I could go back in time and get early writer me to take that PS advice...getting rid of extra pounds is way harder than not gaining them in the first place.
Delete*wink*
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed
Thanks Mac!!
DeleteYour mum sounds like a feisty and adventurous lady... who won't be kept from doing what she wants...
ReplyDelete(Sounds like somebody else I know... )
Great letter!
Congrats on your son's achievement!
Who me? Oh certainly you don't mean me ;)
Delete"Cry me a freakin' river." That's perfect! I'm a champion whiner. I know just how you feel about the temptation to quit and the friends that keep you going.
ReplyDeleteI deserve a trophy in my ability to whine. And sulk. I can be very sulky. I pretend it's me being artistic and introspective, but really I'm just feeling sorry for myself ;)
DeleteGood luck to your mom, she sounds spunky! :) And that is a great letter, I love the reminder of perspective!
ReplyDeleteIt is very important. I remember too well reading published writers complain and just wanting to smack them.
DeleteOh, Elizabeth, you're so generous - I'm referencing your final note, which cracks me up. Honey, you didn't go all carrot sticks, did ya? No, no, no girlfriend! We must talk!
ReplyDeleteBack to the other stuff, I can understand your mixed feelings about your baby graduating. Geeze. They're never supposed to leave the carseat. I think that's why car seat rules are getting more stringent. My nephew, who, at 7, is nearly my height, still has to sit in one. I never had to...Anyway, I could ramble.
What I mostly want to say is this: Where did you find that penis book you almost bought for your sister and mentioned on PatHatt's blog? xo
I can never walk away from chocolate. It's in my blood- pretty sure of that, still waiting for the results of the lab tests.
DeleteOh, those car seat rules are much more restrictive than when my kids were little, but they survived!
Go check out the Daydreamers page on Facebook. I hooked you up with the book. Please note, it comes in hard back in case you want to use it as a coffee table book.
Another baby bird grows up and flies away from the nest. When Favorite Young Man went to college, I got a collie. Your "write path" is very good.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thanks Janie!! I already have two pooches, maybe I'll get a hamster.
DeleteOh my gosh, I love you, Elizabeth! I truly do . . . your mom is moving to Alaska, your son is too happy about graduating, and cry me a freakin' river! Brilliant and great advice :-)
ReplyDeleteYou make me so happy!! I love you too!!!
Delete:)
"My day started with rejections, want to trade me places, ya freakin' whiner..."
ReplyDeleteLOL This made me want to borrow a car and drive over to WV just to hang out with you. You are all kinds of awesome, Elizabeth! :) Thank you for participating in the project!
P.S. Congrats to your son!
I have a car! We'll have to meet up one day. Just promise me all the lions and tigers and bears in Zanesville have been hunted up :)
DeleteCongratulations to your son. And well, let's wish your mom for a wonderful time and happiness since that's the only possible thing one can do.
ReplyDeleteFriends that won't let you quit. That sounds so familiar. Must be some kind of deja vu. God bless those friends that won't let talented people quit.
So nobody whines here? Bummer. I was thinking on opening a whining club too.
Nope. There is dragon fire for whining!! Though the idea of a whining club is appealing...or were you imagining that club as a weapon?
DeleteI'm like snickering big time! Sounds like you're talking to me!! Hahaha... I love you girl. And am so happy to be with you at any age in your writing and yes, the mom thing is wacky like we discussed but dang if she isn't old enough to make discussions!! Lol
ReplyDeleteI think we all have the tendency to whine in common! And yes, she is old enough to make her own choices.
DeleteHaha, whining is all part of the process! :p
ReplyDeleteI know. I truly am the biggest whiner. You guys just don't have to live with me, so you are spared...somewhat.
DeleteThis writing journey is tough but invigorating and satisfying too.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. I think the true secret to making it is loving the challenge and finding satisfaction in the small victories.
DeleteLOL. I love it! Cry me a freakin' river... Oh my.
ReplyDeleteI'm laughing about your mom--not because it's funny, but because life can be so unpredictable. I hope she's safe and has the time of her life...and that the experience doesn't scar you too badly. I totally look forward to seeing that story personified on the page. =)
I was going over with my hubs all the things I need to get done in the next two weeks and I said, "I need to pick up Mom's boyfriend at the airport"...now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say!
DeleteI'll keep you posted. ;)
Elizabeth, maybe we shouldn't have let them out of the carseats? Lol! Mine is 3 years on the other side of graduating.
ReplyDeleteI think the writing path always has those moments. Each point on the path has it's tough spots to navigate. Being published doesn't remove the obstacles, it adds different facets. :-)
Sia McKye Over Coffee
So true...about the car seats and the road bumps. There are always new and different road bumps. If the world was perfect, then it'd be Heaven.
DeleteI love, love, love, love, LOVE this blogfest! It's seriously exactly what I need to hear! You are so super amazing! And that "cry me a freakin river" is cracking me up!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leigh! Leave it to Carrie to come up with awesome ideas, right?
DeleteMy work here is done. As long as it makes Leigh laugh, I am accomplished!
Lol about the chocolate. And I understand about the tears. Together we could make a river mightier than the Mississippi!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Liz.
Love you too Emily! You know I think you're all sorts of awesome :)
DeleteWe could get some rafts and some icy drinks and float on our mighty river. why fight it? We'll go with the flow.
Oh Elizabeth, I love coming to your blog - you always make me laugh! The stuff about your mom moving (and being beaten like a baby seal) literally had me laughing out loud.
ReplyDeleteAs did the cry me a freakin' river. LOL. Great blend of advice and humor, as always!
Ah thanks Liz! You made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :)
DeleteI love warm fuzzies!!!
"Cry me a freakin' river" -- Love it!! You always make me laugh!
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired by everyone's letters to their younger selves. This is awesome!
Best of luck to your mom, I hope she turns out happy...
I can't believe one day I'll be in your shoes looking at my little boys graduating and thinking, "where has the time gone?" They do grow too fast, for sure!
The world needs more laughter, so YAY!!!
DeleteI hope this makes her happy too. She deserves to be happy.
They will grow up fast Kristin. Enjoy them now for sure!
"a brand with an armor factor" - loved that.
ReplyDeleteBest of wishes for your mom. It is good that the heart lives and years for love.
Congratulations to your son and to you!!!
Thanks. I have a pale red-head so we are always looking for the armor factor.
DeleteThanks for the kind thoughts. :)
Ha! Your mom is running off? That sounds so young of her. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice, and I completely agree. Remember the reasons for writing and don't get too hung up on money.
Yep, she's running away from home. Slowly...cane in hand.
DeleteWe have to remember we love it. If it's for the money, may as well just start buying scratch off tickets and pray hard.
I want to hear how things with your mom turn out. Hope she finds happiness.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your son! Time flies and speeds up faster and faster. I feel like May just started and it's past 1/2 over already.
Writing is always a struggle. Things don't happen the way we want just because we want them to. Some days I find it discouraging then I know I'm going to keep writing anyway. What else can I do? I'd be more miserable not writing. Many of us are hiking uphill together... on a upward climb that never seems to end.
I'll keep everyone posted...promise.
DeleteYes, there is no other option but to write. It probably counts as a mental disorder, this addiction to make believe, hardship, and rejection.
Your mom is running away to Alaska? Go, her! That's awesome. I want to run away now...somewhere warmer though.
ReplyDeleteThey do grow up fast. Your kids are the same age as my grandkids but I'm still 25. Something must be wrong with the space-time continuum to have such a discrepancy.
Yep, it has to be a time/space continuum anomaly. I too am still way younger than reality. I'm thirty...the year of youthful angst liberation.
DeleteI enjoyed reading this very much! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by Gina!
DeleteHey Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delay in yet another one of my eagerly anticipated comments.
Your mother is really running away? Alaska if that's true. Did that attempt at humour (humor) work?
Congrats to Cole and stay calm, mom, um, mum :)
That river now flows with past tears and it flows with the positive writing journey.
Notice I didn't say, Arrrgghhhhhh!!!, not another blog hop, make them STOP! LOL
Gary :)
I always wait patiently for your arrival Gary! Yes, you may Alaska...your humor is always welcome here.
DeleteSorry about the blog fest. I know it makes your brain hurt. But look on the bright side...many people don't get to have a brain to pain...so there is always a bright side.
Ha! I love your letter to yourself! Great inspiration here=)
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie!!!
DeleteThat's a fantastic letter to yourself! I love your post-script too. I wish my younger self would really get into veggies! I want to hear how things turn out with your mom too. I've always wanted to go to Alaska. It's beautiful up there.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you posted on the Mom saga. I wish I was the type who craved carrots over chocolate. Sigh.
DeleteHa! Awesome letter! I will make sure to paste that note everywhere in my apartment.
ReplyDeleteGraduation is a bitter sweet thing. On the one hand: Woo! Freedom and stuff!
On the other hand: Mom was right about everything. I need your help now but I'll act like I don't and live off of bread and peanut butter for a while so the electricity bill gets paid on time. *exhales*
I probably should switch the chocolate and carrot sticks but...yeah, I won't. :D
Happy Thursday!
Sam
Writing Through College
I don't think any of my boys have seen the bitter part. They were both just ready to move on. I guess that's a good thing.
Delete(My son left his check book with me, so he still doesn't pay his own bills...well, he earns the money, but I cut the checks. How's that for spoiled?)
Your mom sounds adventurous. Yay for your son.
ReplyDeleteBlogs can be lifelines. My blog has done so much for me.
My mom always has been the adventurous type. She gets bored very easily, unlike me. I have to be one of the least exciting people on earth.
DeleteI love blogging. I can't believe I was so resistant.
How did I miss this?! *shakes head*
ReplyDelete"And you have to admit, no matter what way it goes...there is a story in this."
I had to laugh. You are most definitely a writer.
I also chuckled at the comment about the car seat and shaving. Mine aren't shaving quite yet, but one of my twins' voice is changing. Sometimes when he says something from behind me, I jerk to attention and think, 'who said that?!'... then I relax and realize it's him. LOL
Great entry in the hop. Love the part about the sunscreen. Darn, I with I could see my laptop screen outdoors. I'd sit on the porch more often. ;)
Oh I do wish I could take the laptop outside. It would be so nice, but yeah...totally blinding and unreadable.
DeleteThey grow up so very fast. I've been looking back over the pictures and I'm just stunned. I have one that is going through the voice changes...my baby! Ugh.
So is this geezer going to be our efather-in-ice, er law?
ReplyDeleteWow.... but yes, you have a great story there...
Ps... when I read "Put this on a post it note and pin it to your forehead, or your desk...you pick" I really winced.
I did!!
You don't see it?
Have an unrelated male read it to you :)
I is toooo funny :)
Oh my....I do see it...leave it to my twisted bro to notice that ;)
DeleteI guess you'll have and e-step-father...hadn't really thought of it. Oh my goodness...I am a child of a broken home!! I never saw that coming. A step father? Oh how odd to get one in my forties.
HI, Elizabeth...
ReplyDeleteLOVE the sun block paragraph. LOL...
What an amazing story with your mom! THAT IS SO COOL! I think it's great she has someone to spend her remaining years with to share in love and life. It's so true, you're never too old.
Love is so easy for humans to create... sadly many of us have no one to share it with and that can tear a person apart. Humans need to be love and they NEED to love. No matter what age. Children and parents aren't enough. We need the other part of our selves to be truly happy.
ALL THE BEST to your MOM! Give her a HUG from me!
You are always wise and thoughtful Michael. You're right...there is no age limit on the need to be needed and loved.
DeleteHugs Michael! you're aces.
Elizabeth, I'm glad I read this. The encouragement factor is great, but reading about the guy who ran a way and left his teeth made me chuckle. Hope things work out well for your mom. Talk about following your rainbow.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that funny? Now that's excitement...tops every teen run away story I've ever heard!!
DeleteYeah, worth remembering that whatever problems you think you have, there's someone out there who'd love to have those problems to deal with :)
ReplyDeleteMost certainly. There is always someone in a rougher spot than we are in.
DeleteHa! Great letter. I love the swap of carrot sticks advice, but I need my chocolate.
ReplyDelete:)
Thanks for sharing.
Heather
I need my chocolate too. I need to go way back in time and start the carrot habit when I was twelve.
Delete