Saturday, September 27, 2008

A Special Gift

A dear friend gave me something yesterday. She prefaced the presentation of her gift with a small speech.

"I knew as soon as you finished writing Bliss Lake I wanted to give you something. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted it to be, and now that I have it," she said, placing a small nondescript box in my hands, "I feel like it's cheesy."

Knowing she always gives gifts with deep thought and meaning, I argued it wasn't likely.

"Well, just so you know," she continued, "it's something to remind you of who you are, especially when you're feeling discouraged. You'll be able to look at it - but you don't have to display it if you don't want to - and know This is me. Plus, you might have a real use for it later."

At this point tears swam in each of our eyes, and I opened the box. This is what was inside.



It's a nameplate. And I love it. I told my best friend that, as soon as my new writing space is done, it's getting prime residence on my desk. Each time I look at it, it will remind me of my circle of support, of who I want to be, and it will inspire me to keep chasing this dream of mine. And, just as she said, perhaps in the future I can place it on my table at a book signing or conference.

What a fabulous gift she gave me.

And I consider it a sign of encouragement that just a few hours later I opened the mailbox to my first full manuscript request.

Hope you're all having a great weekend. :)

23 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

A special gift from a special person. That's gotta be somewhere on the top of the Great Day list.

Travis Erwin said...

Congrats on both the gift and the full.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I concur, Angie. :D

Thanks so much, Travis!

Janet said...

Congratulations on the friend!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Turd. I'll have to you know I have SEVERAL friends. ;)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

That's so sweet! I love the friends that just "get" it, you know?

Janet said...

Sheesh! I wasn't trying to be cute.

I meant, congratulations on having that kind of friend. There aren't many of them around.

Janna Leadbetter said...

That's a great way to put it - she does totally get it, even though she thought she didn't and that she was being cheesy. Love it!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Hm. I'm not sure I believe you.

Okay, I do. You're off the hook, Janet.

:D

Janet said...

Okay, now it's your turn.

You called me a turd. *sniff*

Janna Leadbetter said...

So I did. But it was meant in the most loving way. Honest.

*hugs*

Robin said...

Hey, Janna! Congratulations! I'm a visitor from Melanie's blog. I felt bad that you felt you had to apologize for liking McCain/Palin. Very nice blog, and nice friend.

Janet said...

ROFL!!!

The comedic potential of that line is enormous, but I'll take pity on you.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Robin, nice to see you here! Thanks for stopping by. :)

Joanne said...

Very thoughtful, and timely, with the manuscript request. Wishing you all good things ...

WendyCinNYC said...

Aw, she sounds like a sweet friend.

colbymarshall said...

That is very cool, Janna. And like you said, let it be a reminder to you for the journey to come. I've been at it a year now, and there've been many highs and many lows. But the one thing that remains is that I know this is my dream and I'm going to keep at it.

Stonefox said...

This is AWESOME! Congratulations on your wonderful weekend! I hopped over here from Terri's blog. Now I'm wondering how long did it take for Avalon to get back with you after sending in your proposal?

Janna Leadbetter said...

Well said, Colby.

Hi, Heidi, thanks for coming by! I sent off my query, synopsis, and first three chapters on Sept 17th (via snail mail) and received their letter with full request on the 26th. With mail time from me in the Midwest to NYC and back again, they had it for something like 3 business days. Blows my mind! :)

Joshua said...

that is awesome J :)

Anonymous said...

That was a wonderful gift. Congrats on getting the full. Wonderful timing!

Terri Tiffany said...

What a great gift from a very thoughtful friend!!!! Now we are all praying for more good news for you!!!

graceunderpressure said...

*sniffle* Janna,that is soooo sweet. Somebody pass the tissues... btw, that interchange you're having with Janet could almost be another book..