Book Let-down

 
 
*Note: this post is spoiler-free.*

     I am suffering from book let-down. If you've ever read a novel, you know just what I'm talking about. That strange, empty feeling you get when the words run out and the world you have just "lived" in and all of the people in it disappear in a *poof* yet still linger nearby. The echoes of the places and dialogue flit through your mind. The characters you picture in your mind are suddenly shushed and longing for more to say and do. I'm no doctor, but I believe that book let-down is a true - albeit mild - form of depression and it hangs over our heads like a dark storm cloud.

     I have found no cure for book let-down, other than time or a sequel if one exists. In this case, I have just finished Diana Gabaldon's 8th (yes EIGHTH) installment in the Outlander series, Written in My Own Heart's Blood, affectionately referred to as MOBY. After eight brilliant novels - not to mention the many novellas, short stories and companion books the compliment the series - you can imagine how vested I - and millions of others - have become in the lives and adventures of the characters. The book ends and I feel like dear friends have picked up and moved away. 

     I know at least another novel is coming in the series (per Doctor Gabaldon, herself) and MOBY was written with a portentous ending, leaving the reader anxious to continue the story. I read it on my kindle and truly was surprised when I expected another delicious chapter and was met with the Author's Notes section (which are nearly as good a read as the story).

     So I will pause now and digest my new knowledge of favorite characters. I will mourn their losses and revel in their triumphs and reread MOBY again and again. I will enjoy the books forever and be so thankful that the stories I love will always be there for me to go back to at will. My mini storm cloud will soon roll away and that will be my silver lining. 

Dare I?

     Once occupying a large amount of my time and energy, this blog was a favorite place of mine. I composed posts in my head at all hours of the day and night. I wrote post after post and tried to post everyday so as to keep things fresh for my readers and friends. It made me feel like more than a stay-at-home mom - which is plenty in itself - and babysitter. I was able to interact with others from my own home and during the times I chose without disrupting the lives of those around me. I felt appreciated and needed and important on a whole different level. I loved it dearly.

     Fast-forward a few years and things at home changed. The kids I cared for were growing up and not in need of a babysitter, my own kids were growing up and participating in sports and groups that pulled us away from home for hours on end, and I found myself needing to go back to a steady job to bump up our household income. Time became a commodity and, being a time consumer, the blog got pushed to the wayside.

     I missed writing terribly and still composed in my head, as writers often do, at all hours of the day. As hubby and the boys would tottle off to bed and the house grew quiet, I would long to plop down in front of the computer and type away. I am a night-owl by nature and my brain comes alive at night. Early mornings, however, are not my thing and an early morning getting kiddos ready for school is even less appealing. Sleep always won out.

    Fast forward a couple more years: the job has changed, the kids have grown (a lot), babysitting kids are fewer and only in the summer. After several weeks of thinking about it, here I am. I make no promises to write or post everyday. I have no real plan other than to write when I feel like writing. Maybe that will form into a routine - I do love my routines- and maybe not, but there it is. MAN that felt good!

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Houston, We Have a Teenager!

Today, at 4:57 AM, my oldest son officially became a teenager. Am I really that old?!?!

While I'm sure the teen years will bring their own set of challenges and obstacles, Matthew is really a good boy and I have every confidence that he will continue to be. I am so proud of the way he has grown and I know he will enjoy his teen years to the fullest.

I am predicting that our home will now never have enough food to keep him fed and that these next few years will fly by even quicker than the previous years have. I will try to squeeze in every last parenting nugget I can so that my voice will always be in the back of his mind guiding him on his way. We will get on each others' nerves and have arguments over school, driving, friends, chores and much more. I also know, however, that sooner than I think, he will be out with friends and working and I will wonder what happened and where the years went. I will hang on with both hands as we venture forth into this uncharted territory together.

Happy Birthday, Matthew! We love you!

Happy 2011!!!

Wishing each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous 2011!