It was not a good day; it was not. It was a day in which I was reminded of just how difficult this writing journey can be—of how hoped-for support from a publisher does, indeed, fail to materialize, even if that support is as simple as putting a book forward for an award. Even if it is as simple as simple faith and advocacy.
But there was, in this day, a foxtrot-waltz with Jim. There was my son reading from his newest work, and oh, my son is a writer, a real one—funny (he's always been), plot smart (reliably so), dialogue rich (better than me), and now (wholly, fully) compassionate. And there was So You Think You Can Dance, which is not some mere TV show. It is a place where artists go to work and where people like me, who need artistry, who cry when it materializes, who are fierce and complicated and sometimes broken by the way they choose to live, go for communion, community.
Tonight Melissa and Ade danced a Tyce Diorio routine that portrayed a woman imperiled by breast cancer. Melissa, in this dance, fought to survive and to hope. Ade fought to believe in her journey, to lift her up. The whole was, in a word, unforgettable. It was strength and power and release and it was, damn it, don't take this life away from me. I cried, I couldn't stop crying, for the beauty of the dance and for the reality of one of my very best friends, one of my oldest, dearest friends, who has been fighting this cancer battle for an entire year now. She has fought, she has not complained, she has believed, and she is out there, raising her two sons, cheering them on at baseball games, and asking, when I call, How are you, Beth?.
How am I?
My friend's journey has broken my heart, and tonight she was danced for. Tonight all of those in the fight were danced for, and we were reminded of what matters.
I was.
I'm sorry your day did not go well, that you were disappointed by people who were supposed to be there for you.
But I love that you found joy in your son, and in dancing, and in the strength of your friend.
It's all important because it all factors in to who we are.
Ditto what Sherrie said.
So, is there a way WE can put a book up for an award? Let the fans speak?
It's always nice to give recognition to everyone fighting that fight. We all know someone in that situation.
Very sorry to hear about the disappointments of the day, Beth.
And yes - what Ed said - is there a way we could be of assistance with an award? (It almost doesn't matter which book we're talking of - although I'd imagine NBG - but all are worthy, as some have already been proven to be. :)
And finally, you may have inspired me to give So You Think You Can Dance a try. I've been pooh-poohing it as a mere TV show, without even ever seen it (shame on me), so I will give it a try.
We all need a little inspiration wherever we can find it now, don't we?
I'm always amazed that you can take a bad day or bad writing moment and turn it into something thoughtful and
remind us what is important.
Like Ed and Betty and Boo's Mommy said, can we nominate you for awards? You have so many supporters, we'd be glad to do anything to help out!
That is beautiful. I was watching last night too.
Sending positive vibes your way!
Yeah, well I already had zero respect for that publisher, so I am not surprised. And you already know that because you are such a gifted writer their lack of support will not break you. So I'm glad the rest of the day showed you what matters. Because those are exactly the ones that do. :)
Oh Beth ... I was thinking about you last night as I watched that very same dance on SYTYCD ... I was crying too ... I couldn't even help it, thinking of my mom, my grandma, a dear friend.
Sorry for your rough day ... this post was so beautifully written, and I hope that today was full of green lights! :-)
Sorry that things didn't go well. Hugs to you Beth :)
So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favorite shows. That dance was so powerful and moving. I love how they conveyed the struggle, hope and spirit in this well choreographed dance. Absolutely beautiful and heart stirring.