Friday, November 10, 2006

Maybe You're Wondering

Where I've been. What I've been doing.

In answer - I'm here. I'm doing the same thing I was doing a month ago when I posted. Teaching, cleaning, writing. Writing, teaching, cleaning. Cleaning. Writing. Teaching.

Actually, I do more teaching and writing than cleaning, but since you don't know where I live and can't come for an unannounced visit, let's pretend that my house is spotless, my kids are all seven grades ahead of their peers, and my writing has sprouted wings and is soaring. Isn't fantasy grand?

Reality is much more messy, cluttered, chaotic.

And maybe, just maybe, it's more fun, too.

After all, there's something to be said for the unknown, for facing each new day knowing that it won't go exactly as planned, for looking at your kids and knowing they're going to say something, do something, act in some bizarre way that you didn't expect, for writing a manuscript that just won't fall in line with your carefully plotted vision. There's something to be said and that something isn't all bad. Spotless is nice. Organized is great. Success is wonderful. But, like money, those things can't provide joy, love, or faith.

So maybe it's time for all us over-achiever, supermom, superdad, gotta-have-everything-just-right people to let go, let God, and let life happen while we laugh and cry, run and dance.

And enjoy every blessed moment of it.

Just something to think about on this too-warm November day.

BTW, I just sold my ninth book to Steeple Hill. Wow! I can hardly believe I've come this far.

7 comments:

Sabrina L. Fox said...

Yey, Shirlee's back. Missed ya. And you're right. Something's gotta give. We can't juggle it all and keep everthing at 100%.

Can't wait for the new book to be out.

Cheryl Shaw said...

Nice to see you back. I was getting ready to organize a cyber- search party! :D

Yeah on the new book. When is your next book due out?

Shirlee McCoy said...

Thanks!

My next book is out in February. That's the one that's part of the continuity. Then I have two Lakeview books coming out in July and then November. Then this new continuity book. I think that'll be out in March 07. And then another Lakeview book that hasn't been scheduled.

That was a mouthful.

Cheryl Shaw said...

Oh good, between you and Margaret, there is some good reading coming this winter.

Shirlee McCoy said...

And the really cool thing....Margaret is also going to be working on this new continuity. I'm not sure which book she's doing, but I'm so excited to be working with her!

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Finally! I'm so glad to see you back in action.

Mindy

Rhonda Gibson said...

Congrats on the new book!! I'm looking forward to reading it!