On my computer I have three different signs, and I'm adding a fourth this weekend. To my left, I have the sentence, "I have 12 stories published by age 56." Since I'm 51 I'm a little worried about this, but still, it's a good goal to shoot for. In the middle of my computer frame I have a note from my aunt that says, "Follow that light." We had a discussion last time we were together about finding what brings us true joy, and even if the light is faint, to be true to it above all else. On the right side of my computer I have the words, "I have a Caldecott." I know that you're not supposed to say that wish out loud, but it is a wish and I need to remember it and write for it in the hopes that one of my illustrators hits a home run. I don't want to bury that dream under superstition. My fourth sign, that I will put on my computer once I finish this blog, is "Make big plans." The words popped into my head last week and they haven't left (everything else seems to have!). I don't know what this means, but it sounds very hopeful.
My daily goals are a little less pie in the sky. I need to work on the syllabus for my children's lit. class. I need to review illustrations for one of my books and turn in my comments by Monday. I need to respond to the students in my Humanities class, and I need to turn in papers to be copied for my class. All are doable. Some are more overwhelming than others. Most will be done in the next week.
My goals for the next few weeks are to come up with some new story ideas, or revise some old ones. I guess that's not too bad for someone who is not the biggest fan of planning.
8 comments:
Diane, I love that you are admitting these big wishes. Ah yes, wouldn't a Caldecott be nice? That one seems tricky for an author, because it's hard to control the visual end of things. I particularly like "Follow that light." That's something we each really can do.
I think you have to say the wishes out loud:)
Thank you for saying the big wishes out loud- and I agree with Christy: "Follow that Light" is for all, though I love to play in the shadows too!
I have to tell you that I almost erased this post because I was embarrassed to tell my true wishes. It is very difficult to say them out loud. All I know is that I knew that I had to tell people that I wanted to be a writer when I first started out. It was embarrassing, but it opened so many doors for me. Here's to doors opening for all of us!!
I think whispering our true wishes out loud makes us feel vulnerable, but is so necessary in the process of making them come true.
Diane, I am glad you shared your wishes -- and that you didn't delete your post!! If you're going to dream at all, why not dream big? That's been my own mantra, anyway....
Diane,
Keep following that light! And thanks for stating your "pie in the sky" dreams out loud.
I found it inspirational that you were brave enough to admit your big wishes. Admitting them helps to make them happen, and your example helps me to face and admit my dreams. Thank you, Diane.
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