"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:
A special gift from a special person. That's gotta be somewhere on the top of the Great Day list.
Congrats on both the gift and the full.
I concur, Angie. :D
Thanks so much, Travis!
Congratulations on the friend!
Turd. I'll have to you know I have SEVERAL friends. ;)
That's so sweet! I love the friends that just "get" it, you know?
Sheesh! I wasn't trying to be cute.
I meant, congratulations on having that kind of friend. There aren't many of them around.
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!
Hm. I'm not sure I believe you.
Okay, I do. You're off the hook, Janet.
:D
Okay, now it's your turn.
You called me a turd. *sniff*
So I did. But it was meant in the most loving way. Honest.
*hugs*
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.
ROFL!!!
The comedic potential of that line is enormous, but I'll take pity on you.
Robin, nice to see you here! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Very thoughtful, and timely, with the manuscript request. Wishing you all good things ...
Aw, she sounds like a sweet friend.
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.
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?
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! :)
that is awesome J :)
That was a wonderful gift. Congrats on getting the full. Wonderful timing!
What a great gift from a very thoughtful friend!!!! Now we are all praying for more good news for you!!!
*sniffle* Janna,that is soooo sweet. Somebody pass the tissues... btw, that interchange you're having with Janet could almost be another book..
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