Blessings in the Bleak Midwinter by Laurie Calkhoven
February's turning out to be a challenging month. Not writing-wise. I'm chugging along on a ghostwriting project that has been a lot of fun. But there have been other challenges. I won't go into detail, but let's just say that having a parent with Alzheimer's is a challenge. I'm trying very hard to hold a strong intention that the right thing is going happen, but in the meantime there's been fear, sadness, and uncertainty to deal with.
But February has also been filled with blessings and miracles in my writing life. The NJ SCBWI invited me to teach a day-long Meditations for Writers and Illustrators workshop along with a teacher named Mimi Cross who combines yoga and writing prompts. Teaching these kinds of workshops is one of my favorite things to do. Here's a link in case anyone is in the tristate area and wants to join us. It's going to be a great day: http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1383610-dE1Rw484dE
Then I got e-mails from Colorado fifth graders who are reading DANIEL AT THE SIEGE OF BOSTON, 1776, and I learned that it's been a grade-wide read aloud for a few years now. Their teacher followed up with this: "I meant to tell you that reading this book is a highlight of the year. Even though I've read it so many times, I love it again and again. The questions and discussions are priceless."
A writer-friend sent me a charm to hang in my writing space that reads: "Write, Revise, Release," and "Give Your Story Wings." It reminds me of the love and support that comes to be from other writers, and that thought alone does give me wings.
And finally, WILL AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 1863 won the Beacon of Freedom Award from the Williamsburg Regional Library in conjunction with Colonial Williamsburg. This is a child-voted award and that makes it all the more special. I can't wait to get down there (in early May) to accept the award in person!
These past few weeks have been filled with stress and sadness and fear, but also many blessings. I guess I have to be grateful for all of it, the good and the bad, but I'm especially grateful for my wings.
But February has also been filled with blessings and miracles in my writing life. The NJ SCBWI invited me to teach a day-long Meditations for Writers and Illustrators workshop along with a teacher named Mimi Cross who combines yoga and writing prompts. Teaching these kinds of workshops is one of my favorite things to do. Here's a link in case anyone is in the tristate area and wants to join us. It's going to be a great day: http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1383610-dE1Rw484dE
Then I got e-mails from Colorado fifth graders who are reading DANIEL AT THE SIEGE OF BOSTON, 1776, and I learned that it's been a grade-wide read aloud for a few years now. Their teacher followed up with this: "I meant to tell you that reading this book is a highlight of the year. Even though I've read it so many times, I love it again and again. The questions and discussions are priceless."
And finally, WILL AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 1863 won the Beacon of Freedom Award from the Williamsburg Regional Library in conjunction with Colonial Williamsburg. This is a child-voted award and that makes it all the more special. I can't wait to get down there (in early May) to accept the award in person!
These past few weeks have been filled with stress and sadness and fear, but also many blessings. I guess I have to be grateful for all of it, the good and the bad, but I'm especially grateful for my wings.
Congratulations Laurie. I am so happy to hear of the award for your MG Historical. That a school has also chosen your other book as a featured story each year is so gratifying to a writer. May your blessings and writing continue to sustain you and shine a light on you that never goes out. xo
ReplyDeleteDarlene said it beautifully...Writing sustains us through the tough times...
ReplyDeleteSo many challenges balanced by an abundance of blessings. May those blessings be 'the wings' that carry you during the challenges. Congratulations on all your success...and know that your friends send you strength for dealing with the trials!
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