I received intensely good news on Thursday, news that’s galvanizing my revised deadline.
- (New deadline: January 6).
Are you ready? A friend pitched my book to a friend of hers who happens to be a literary agent, someone legit. The agent is “very interested,” loves the topic. Will read the manuscript when I’m ready — (“she’ll know when she’s ready”). She said, “It’ll all come down to the writing.” Well, yes — I’m ON IT!
The Universe is on notice. No more weeks lost to health issues — please! — mine or anybody else’s! Holidays — gotta be simple this year — for real! No travel til next year.
Just prior to this incredible news, I’d set up an altar to my ancestors for the first time ever. Interesting, eh? What began as an exercise in learning about African American tradition already lifts my spirits and powerfully furthers my goal.
I’ve always known my parents would root for me and think me up to the task, but this is different. It’s faith-based and operates within non-linear constructs of time.
- That’s me in the B&W. It must be in Rome, Georgia, because I look to be about two?
- In the second photo (taken at Jones Beach, perhaps?), my mother wears plaid and my father is to the left. I wonder who that guy is to the right? Leaning in like that? This would’ve been some summer in between semesters at Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY — where they met).
I have an altar too, not only for ancestors but to my brother, my mentors and professors and both my husband’s and my father. It is where I burn the memorial candles on the anniversaries of their deaths, and adorn with little bits and feathers and crystals and things that keep me close to them. It is placed right outside my studio on the landing overlooking the front door so I like to think it also offers us some spiritual protection too, Pagans that we are.
Nice! My pagan roots go way back (speaking of ancestors!) but I have never included this particular practice in what I do. Thanks for sharing.
Best news I’ve heard in months, Dee! Your book will not only be published, I know it will be a bestseller. Stay focused.
Fascinating insight you set up an altar to your ancestors. xo e
On Tue, Oct 24, 2017 at 3:00 PM, Pattern and Outrage wrote:
> deemallon posted: “I received intensely good news on Thursday, news that’s > galvanizing my revised deadline. (New deadline: January 6). Are you > ready? A friend pitched my book to a friend of hers who happens to be a > literary agent, someone legit. The agent is” >
Thanks Elizabeth! Glad to see you here in a comment ! Yeah! A whole new chapter for you beginning as well.
Yay!! This is great! Go write, revise and conquer….I can hardly wait to read your book.
The picture of you with droopy drawers is priceless, as is the one of your parents. Your dad especially has the kind of open, cheerful face that I always respond to. You say they met at Pratt. Was your dad artistic too?
My father studied engineering at Pratt. He had a lyrical side mostly evidenced in his passion for fishing for trout and his creative problem solving. My mother had more creativity than she knew what to do with.
go go go go go go!! so exciting!!! xoxoxo
Yes!
I’m excited for you and look forward to reading your book. What I have is a gratitude alter. It has works from Grace .. Jude …Hazel along with my small Imagine Peace banner embroidered with Debs hand-dyed floss. A candle ..some pictures .. a few other odds and ends. I see these things everyday and am filled with this feeling knowing that I have become part of a circle of sisters that I have come to love.
Works by all the same fiber artists dot my walls and table surfaces. I can see Saskia’s quilt from here, Liz’s peace leaf is on the windowsill, upstairs a Hazel boat sails above my Chapter List and a Jude Stray Cat piece is pinned to the door to my writing room. Grace’s stitched hand points to the clock near my Plot Map Board and a Mo drawn cat card is to hand at this table. There’s a painting by RainSluice in one corner in the other room and a painting by my mother in another. I’m probably forgetting a few!!
Imagine Peace banner was made by Liz
Yay for the Universe and You. ONWARD with ease!
onward, ho!
Wow! WOW! what good news, ride the tiger!
holding on…
am so happy and excited for you….
thanks, Grace…
great news! I am very happy for you and so look forward to reading your book, wow.
am not sure I have altars, although by the same token the many clusters of objects and images scattered all over the house, studio and garden could be viewed as exactly that……
your entire place is an altar!
Terrific news! I’ve made “alters” twice in my life, both times things went as wished. If only I would focus energy more often.