Thankful Turkey,Thankful me!
Spare the turkey, scribe the words…
I have given up eating land animals for the past ten years and many a turkey has been saved…well, ten turkeys have been saved for certain. Not to mention the cows, chickens, lambs, ducks, rabbits, deer, and piggies. Something else I try to save (in addition to McDonald’s entire farm) is time. While the animals are no doubt thankful for my dietary choices, I am incredibly thankful for my time.
Because my day job is working in a school system, I am thankful for the extra time I am given during Thanksgiving to spend with my family, eating far too many delightful treats (though none of them with feathers, fur, or feet…do crustaceans have feet? Maybe some of them have feet. But definitely no feathers or fur.)
It is always tempting to while away my free time binging “Downton Abbey” or indulging in just one more historical romance from Kerrigan Byrne, but I am working on making a concerted effort to carve not a turkey, but free time to pack in some extra writing. Currently, I have been spending an inordinate amount of time editing my new manuscript. When I’m in the middle of a story, time spent typing is time well spent, even when I feel guilty about tearing myself away from family, husband, napping. and/or testing out new wines.
Pursuing my passion as a career when I already have a full-time job, adult children who either need my help (*exasperated sigh), or want to spend time with me (*excited shriek), and not letting my husband distract me with his devilish charms (or assistance with the dishes), is not easy. But wow, am I grateful for all of it. The opportunity to chase my dreams. My family who supports me and allows me to sacrifice some of my time with them to spend on my story. My career that sustains me. And my love for language, whether it’s channeling my own words, or cherishing others.
So as I spare the turkey this season, I will continue to scribe the words! Write on my friends.
