Picking Up Where I Left Off
Before I say anything, I want to announce and relish in what a gorgeous day it is here in southeastern Pennsylvania. I have not seen an Easter Sunday like this in years. Happy Easter everyone!
And now for my confession: I missed two days of writing letters. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do if this happened, and the answer is come clean and pick right back up where I was. I had off from work on Friday (I’ve never had a Good Friday off). I spent the day with Ron and stayed away from my computer for 24 solid hours. Bliss.
On Saturday, I planned to write two letters / blog / do some other writing. Then I remembered I had to do my taxes. It took three hours and totally bummed me out. I thought I’d get money back and, as it turns out, I owe money that I don’t have. It’s disheartening. I’m frustrated with myself for not managing my money better. And I’m mad at the universe in general for not being kinder to people trying to live as artists. Basically I spent the afternoon feeling sorry for myself. In the wee hours of Easter Sunday morning I wrote a letter . . . to God. It felt like the thing to do. Anne Lamott tells this totally inspiring story in her book Operating Instructions (I had to buy a copy for myself after I got one for Jenee). She was living as a single mom and poor as can be (and this is after she had published five books). She wrote a letter to God explaining her financial struggles, and handed it all over to him. A few weeks later she received a call from the now defunct Mademoiselle magazine, and they offered her a monthly book review for $2,000 a month. I’d take it! I don’t expect the same thing to happen to me. I’m just hoping that something will come. Whether it’s extra work or even a master plan for managing my money more efficiently. And so on Easter Sunday I wrote a letter to God, which feels very appropriate. Tomorrow, I will pick right back up where I left off with my letters.
Now, everyone walk away from your computers and enjoy the day. Happy Easter!
April 13th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Dear Samara,
Your Easter letter sounds perfectly appropriate–and even if you don’t expect a Lamott-like financial miracle, DO expect your prayers to be answered one way or another! I missed writing the first two days in April–I had another commitment that utterly sapped my powers of communication! I wrote 3 short notes on April 3 and called it good. After all, above all we’re doing communication for the sakes of our own souls.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Thanks Jinnayah! This makes me feel much better, and you make an excellent point that the letter writing shouldn’t be a chore. We should want to do it! And I do. I’ve enjoyed each letter I’ve written thoroughly.
Gratefully,
Samara
April 14th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Samara, sorry for your recent disappointments, but it sounds like you’re making the best of it. Great attitude!
You’re nearly halfway through for the month. What great things you are accomplishing!