Hello everyone, and thank you for coming back! I owe you all an apology for having been away from my blog and website for such a long time. I hadn't realized so many weeks had passed since my last post. What can I say...life got in the way yet again. Thank you to my wonderful friend, Lynnell, who was so concerned she'd missed some posts and asked about it. Her question reminded me I needed to get busy. So, here goes.
You've heard the saying, When one door closes, another door opens, right? This phrase always reminds me of one of my favorite Rascal Flatts songs, "My Wish." The lyrics speak of making choices and following your dreams no matter which way that journey leads you. For those who are unfamiliar, here is the first stanza:
I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow, And each road leads you where you want to go. And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose, I hope you choose the one that means the most to you. And if one door opens to another door closed, I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window. If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.
But more than anything, more than anything...
(Excerpt from Rascal Flatts: Me And My Gang℗ 2006 Lyric Street Records, Inc.)
In the last few months, I've found some doors of my own that closed while others have opened, and I'm still trying to find that window. When I retired from teaching in December, the door to my thirty-five-year career and many of the relationships I cherished closed, while the door to my part-time job at a local vet clinic and new colleagues opened. I went from spending time with fellow educators and students to doctors, vet techs, and furry friends. When one door closes, another door opens.
Unfortunately, the door to the publishing contract I was offered back in December has also been closed. While the publisher encouraged me to consult my own attorney regarding the particulars of the contract, it would appear they didn't really mean it. All communication came to a crashing halt when I dared submit my lawyer's concerns and suggestions for negotiation. Since our last correspondence was over two months ago, I'm left to assume they don't want to negotiate this contract to retain me or my manuscript. And if I'm honest, I don't want to be represented by a company that treats its authors with so little respect. So I guess I need to "keep on walkin' till I find a window." Let the querying process begin...again. When one door closes, I'm hoping another door opens (soon).
Now, all this talk about doors leads me to the excerpt from "Murdered by the Books" I'd like to share. This scene between Jillian, her mother, and Mrs. Taylor is near the end of the book and you'll see how it fits into my blog about doors. Enjoy.
~~~~“Nothing will happen to me at the bookstore. But if that maniac would try to attack me there, he’ll have to get past Ethan, Bryan, Travis, and the rest of my family. I’m perfectly safe at the shop.” Jillian nodded confidently.
“Well, I hope the repairman got the store’s backdoor fixed so your friend can lock everything up nice and safe tonight.” Mrs. Taylor reached for another scone, dribbling glaze across the table on the way to her plate. “You wouldn’t want any surprises waiting for you in the morning.”
Wait. What repairman? Trixie hadn’t said anything about this.
“You saw a repairman at The Book Shelf earlier today, Mrs. Taylor?”
“I sure did on my daily walk around nine-thirty. There was a city crew working on the sidewalk in front of your store, so I cut down the alleyway behind the houses. There he was, working on your backdoor.”
“Did you speak to him?”
“Well, yes. I believe we both said good morning. He said something about it being a nice day for a walk, and I agreed. I mentioned his job—saying it must take quite a bit of skill to work with tricky locks. He smiled and nodded; then I went on my way.”
“Huh, I wonder why Trixie didn’t mention she’d called in a locksmith. Or that there was a problem with the backdoor.” Jillian’s brow wrinkled, her eyes squinting in concern.
“She’s perfectly capable of taking care of things at the store, Jilly. I’m sure she didn’t want to bother you with trivial details on your day off,” Joy’s defense of Trixie didn’t surprise Jillian. Her mom loved Trixie.
“I know she can,” Jillian said. “But I like to be kept in the loop on things.” This wouldn’t be a problem if I weren’t kept away from my own shop today.
“Trixie would never leave the store unlocked overnight, so the issue must’ve happened when she opened this morning.”
“And Trixie took care of it,” Joy said.
“Yes, mom. But I don’t like being in the dark about what’s going on at my own store.” Jillian ran a hand through her hair, blowing out a frustrated breath of air. “That’s why I’ll be going to work tomorrow. I can’t be gone another day.”
“Hmpf,” Jillian’s mother snorted. “So you say.”~~~~
So, who is this mysterious repairman? Is the door really broken, or could there be another motive for him lurking behind Jillian's bookstore? Fingers crossed, my book will get published someday soon, so everyone can read more to find out.
And speaking of doors, the one from our garage to our laundry room just opened and closed, signaling the return of my husband. It also means I need to figure out what we're having for dinner. Thanks for spending a little time with me today, and as always, feel free to leave a comment. I love hearing from you.
Until next time,
Jodi
~~There is no official video for the song, "My Wish" but I thought you might like to hear it at least. Click on the link below.
How I have missed your blogposts! Thank you so much for answering the call for an update. 🥰
You know how I feel about people who are duplicitous. If they don’t value an artist’s ideas, or the protective suggestions of their representation, RUN — DO NOT WALK — and don’t look back.
I love that song, too! And when the time is right, the appropriate passages will not only be open, but the path will be well lit, as well. Love you much, dear friend!
Great post! There is a reason this door closed. I have faith the right door is there and look out then! Love that you get to spend time cuddling fur babies!
I am sorry to hear that door closed, but I am confident another one will open. I enjoyed reading another excerpt. 😊
Doors, windows, escape hatches? LOL. I've missed reading your blogs! So glad that you came back! And a day spent petting fuzzy animals is always a fantastic day!