In three days, I will celebrate an anniversary. There won’t be any champagne toasts, no moonlit stroll, not even a single long stem, red rose….Well, actually there is one of those. It’s rather permanent and its garden is very secret. Only a handful have ever seen it.
This anniversary is of the day, five years ago this Saturday, when I learned for myself, that nothing is impossible.
I remember getting the phone call from the late Darrell Ives, (may his generous spirit rest in peace) as he boarded the band’s charter plane and let me know that he and the guys were on their way to me. He mentioned where they were staying and asked me to meet him at the venue. My heart had landed somewhere between my toes. I was about to meet my musical heroes of the last twenty years and their head security man had just spoken to little ole me like I was a real person, one of the gang.
Somewhere along the way I think we forget that about ourselves. We’re real. And so are our heroes.
Whether they are musical legends, a favorite author, a teacher or a friend. A troop or even a mermaid.
So I spent that day and night with these very real men who turned out to be just as normal as you and me. And the next day when I woke up and the ride was over, I decided that I wasn’t going to get off—EVER! I was gonna keep going round and round, believing in possibilities. After all, I had just proved it to myself. What else did I need?
This month I became a mermaid, because five years later, I still believe that nothing’s impossible. Just don’t forget to put yourself out there (ahem…fellow writers). We tend to catch a little more magical dust when we’re not holed up inside all the time, wondering about the possibilities.
So, what’s your proof? What makes you believe? I’d love to hear those stories.
OK, I’m dying to know what band? 🙂
Teasing aside, it’s a great point. For me, it’s hot yoga (105 degrees, 90 minutes). I’m a wimp so the class is hard, hard, hard. But every once in while I manage to hold a pose without falling over for the first time, or I bend farther than I had before, or I look in the mirror and say damn look what cool things a body can do. It’s those small victories that make it worth it. Same with writing. It’s getting the scene right, creating a great one liner or falling in love with your characters. Small victories that make me believe.
You are one tough mama! That is some serious heat. I agree, it doesn’t have to be some big revelation, it can be as simple and poignant.
It’s just that smoldering little band, Depeche Mode.
Great post, Carlene! I agree with Avery-Mermaid. It really is the small victories. Sometimes, it’s just finishing a particularly brutal chapter or writing that damn synopsis. (Guess what I’m doing today – le sigh!)
The other day my BFF brought up this manuscript I wrote years ago. I consider is fairly crap-tastic. But there she was, talking about how much she loved it. Wow!
Thank you Kerri Mermaid! Crap-tastic to some could be fabuliffic to others! I imagine your story could be one reader’s proof, you know, what touches them enough to stay on the ride.
I love your post. So uplifting. I am at the bottom of the roller coaster but am still strapped in the seat. Hope to feel the excitement of the accent soon.
Thank you Anna. You are and will always be one of my heroes.
Just sitting down to write… and decided to read your post first. Thank you, Carlene! I am suddenly flooded with inspiration and joy and possibility, all because of you! Let’s hope it translates into words on the page! 😉
Thank you Pintip. I wish I had a great response but to be honest, I’m a little choked up…so I’ll just say thank you and good luck with today’s words.
Actually, (after giving this great thought, mind you) i decided just waking up in the morning is all the proof I need to keep believing that nothing’s impossible. Sometimes seeing a photo of the cutest guinea pig on earth wearing glasses is all it takes to remind me that it’s worth the effort to keep believing anything’s possible.
Thank you Aunt Terry! I’ll pass that along to Oliver Piggy. Love you!
Carlene: Ahh . . . I love those moments. I’ve had so many and they always come when I need them most.
Thanks Robin. You know, that’s the thing…keeping them coming!
Every morning that I wake up and see you and Aidan, I know nothing is impossible. Thank you so much for being my inspiration!
xxooxxoo
Those moments for me…the first time I saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Company (a performance in my high school auditorium) I knew I wanted to be a dancer – and I danced (for more than 10 years professionally), and then I was a fan girl (Spike-love) and wanted to meet James Marsters, but I was afraid of flying and hadn’t stepped into a plane in five years – but he was in LA in February 2004 and I got a on plane. And I’ve flown ever since. But the thing about writing is different. I remember telling stories when I was three. Then as soon as I could write, I wrote them down, or acted them out. Mmmm…what makes me believe? Lots of things, but when it comes to writing…I feel like I just do. Writing is my constant.
Thank you, Denny. I think I know what you mean. When it’s right, it’s just right. Your inner confidence is definitely something to believe in.
I feel pretty lucky that I’m able to connect with so many writers. I know before the internet, writers were pretty disconnected from each other, but now I talk to writers all day, including published authors. Seeing them succeed, talking to them and having them behind me makes me feel like anything is possible.
Thank you, Mallory. It’s always good to feel like you have someone in your corner. A single word from a fellow writer is priceless.
As soon as you mentioned the topic I knew what is was. If it hadn’t been for that day, we would have never met and I wouldn’t have been blessed in life with such a wonderful & inspirational person such as you. My dad always said, nothing was impossible, DM sang about it and in the last few years, the miracles I have witnessed and experienced, makes me a believer, that absolutely NOTHING is impossible.
Keep up the good work! I believe in you!
Nothing’s impossible and everything happens for a reason! Love you Kathleen
Oh Carleenie (I’ll leave the last part out lol), I will never tire of your inspiring words…..When I face a day at work that I KNOW is going to be trying….and I dont choke someone…..that’s what lets me know nothing is impossible! I really have to try hard some days…..When I look at my two eldest girls ( who a doctor once told me I may never have) I know nothing is impossible…..when I look at my baby (after having so many emotional years trying to have her) I know nothing is impossible. Keep up the good work sista! I love you!!!! You are truely inspiring…..