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“Everybody wants to be a writer.” Have you ever heard that facetious phrase?
Well, I’m currently serving as a judge in a literary contest. Actually, this is the fourth competition to do so in five months. And after reading all the entries, I’m convinced everybody IS a writer. There’s so much talent out there that it’s mindboggling. It definitely makes a judge’s task more complicated. When all the entrants’ submissions are exemplary and practically flawless, it requires even more fine-tuned examination for accurate scoring. Which should truly rise to the top? Hum. Yet, there’s joy in the process. And it comes by reading these engaging stories and then having the opportunity to follow up with encouragement and support for fellow writers. Really, I’m so impressed. Instead of the transitional and challenging time in the publishing industry suppressing creativity, it seems manuscripts are just getting better—and that’s exciting. So, everybody, write on!
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By searching for music in an attempt to resurrect the not-dead-but-buried dancer in me, I stumbled upon The Paganini Duo on YouTube. These brilliant musicians, Gustaw Szelski-violin, and Georg Mertens-guitar/cello, would inspire anybody. I purchased their CD, An Hour in Heaven: Traditional Gypsy Music & Free Improvisations, and look forward to adding more to my collection. Check out their performances online. I’m grateful for the ability to view their concerts in this manner, as it’s not an easy hop, skip, or jump over land and sea from the U.S. to the Jenolan Caves in Australia, where they appear regularly. Speaking of the caves, there’s another fascinating bit to read about, FYI. I’m sharing one of their clips here for your convenience, to embrace and cherish as I have. Enjoy. Oh!—and dance as if nobody is watching. I firmly believe in discipleship. But it’s a separate issue from grace. Discipleship and grace should not be tied together like it often is. Grace is grace. You either have it or you don’t. It is a gift and cannot be earned.
I wish I were, oh, I wish I were a pirate...
Blighted by perpetual sailor envy, one day I-WILL sail the seven seas. Now, if I can just get over my fear of the ocean…and swimming, storms, the deep, sharks, killer whales, that gigantic octopus, other pirates, motion sickness, canvas shoes, seaweed… Why am I drawn to that which I fear?—and guess where it’s taking me in my current WIP? Only, in the world of fiction, I can be what I want, do what I want, and shine like the very stars that guide my protagonists. P-r-e-t-t-y cool! Sometimes I think I ought not to stick my neck out as far as I do. Most of the time I think, Go on, stick it out there…way out. Conviction isn’t always easy.
While driving home yesterday, I caught a glimpse of a bumper sticker on a passing car. “Not all who wander are lost.” I’d read it before, somewhere, and I liked what it evoked. A transitional time in just about every avenue I walk, it’s been about a year since I’ve had a home congregation that’s right on the whole. For the first time in my life I’m devoid of a support group. It’s important to be a part of a body of believers who help keep you accountable. Having said that, in my wandering I’ve never felt as close to God as I do now. In losing myself completely I’ve found Him. I should have known where the quote came from, the wise and introspective J.R.R. Tolkien. “All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.”
An imagined sentiment between Carlos and Genevieve--characters in my novel, The Unforgivable . . . |
TESSA STOCKTON, AUTHOR -
Pressing through life, love, a few things that matter, and a lot of things that don't.
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