It's been almost exactly a month since we last hung out on this bloody thing. Profound apologies, my dear readers. You deserve better, but my, I've been wildly engaged with such deadly serious province. I won't get into the mythological lore and legends that were the yuletide season and Cabo San Locooooooo. Instead, we'll move right along.
It brings me great jocundity to report that my fictional enterprises are in full swing. In fact, right now I have quite a bit of writing responsibility: 1. Peter's Poison 2. Pen On Fire writing group 3. UCLA short story class with David Borofka (so very time consuming in the most fulfilling way) 3. Freelance work (trying to make those greenbacks). Nevertheless, my writing priorities are sometimes in a state of tumult, tumbling around over each other like kernels in the electric popcorn machine. But I'm trying to get the hang of it, and really I've never been happier. However, with this terrific line up of task, Peter's Poison has no doubt fallen to the wayside. We will work on this.
Well, the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012. What it has brought me. Change, freedom, elation, adventure. I quit my job, applied to grad school for creative writing (find out in April), was accepted into an amazing writing group, experienced my first critique after never having shown my fiction to anyone, completed my first public reading at a bookstore, found yoga, started coaching, and got a boyfriend (the best guy ever). I know, I know, if we weren't sure before, we know now that 2012 truly is the year of the apocalypse.
The words, "You'll never leave where you are until you decide where you'd rather be." That happened to me. With the help of some prodigious mentors and friends, I finally mustered the bravura to dive into the delicious discomfort of giving it all up to chase the dream. The life I'd always wanted and thought about incessantly but didn't feel was possible or deserved. Because after all, when everything is said and done, people will always have opinions but you are only going to have to face yourself in the very end. Regret or contentment. I am still slowly finding my way, but I have never felt more in sync with life and myself. I know that the bills will work out and that I will find my way creatively inch by inch. And instead of worry, I forge ahead because it is SO exciting. My friends, there truly is something to actually doing what you have always talked about.
Goals That I am Pursuing in 2012:
- Submit at least 3 stories to literary journals
- Complete my yoga teacher certification (beginning March 30th)
- Begin outline for my novel
- Reapply to grad school if I don't get in
- Continue listening to myself as the guide for my life
Today, I have a heavy heart. One of my very best friends, Kristin Lynn Richards, is dealing with an inconceivable situation. Her mother is in the hospital in critical condition with breast cancer. She just flew back from Italy to be with her mama. Kristin is one of those drop-everything-for-you type of people. She is the most nurturing, rock steady, infallibly loyal and supportive people I have ever met. I am so unbelievably grateful to have the years of very close friendship that I have shared with her despite different time zones and life's curve balls. And right now, I just feel sick to my stomach. My heart is in Utah with my girl.
Good to see you guys again.
XX,
Petey
P.S. The reading yesterday was such a delightful experience. It could not have gone any better than it did. I am so relieved and happy.
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I remember Kristin's mom and her whole family from the club volley days. Prayers from Texas for the whole Richards family.
ReplyDeleteBrittany Ringel