Let me start of by saying this has been one hellafied year in the life of Michelle Monkou. When I have dreams about life and my glorified ambitions, they usually take place in locations that have the quality of paradise (non-specific, just gosh darn beautiful). The pace is calm and the mood is so inspiring and motivating-- Shrangi-la in the making.
But the reality resembles a piping hot, spicy pot of gumbo that bubbles over a roaring flame. While the cooking heats up, the expectation and hope are that the end results will be freaking fantastic.
Behind me, in the past, I (not personally) had to deal with the responsibility of relocating a writer conference due a natural disaster; my 78 year old mother's dismal post-operative state from back surgery; a book deadline; kids' end of school bustle; and my sister-in-law's battle with breast cancer.
At a self-imposed writer retreat from the world or I'll-go-crazy moment, a black bear came out of the woods and proceeded to rip apart the trash receptacle. He couldn't get in, but that didn't stop him from trying. I watched his tenacity instead of writing--more fun and it required less of me to watch his progress.
A friend suggested that maybe that's my animal totem. I'm not of native American tradition or any religious group that follows animal totem. So I mean no offense to anyone. However, I looked up the meaning of a bear. Just as the bear rests during the winter and awakens during the spring, a person should rest and reflect, achieve a higher consciousness and rejuvenate when the time is right. But then there is time to be assertive and step up to be a leader and fearless in defending her belief.
So looking ahead, I will be attending a fantastic conference with over 2,000 people. My mother is doing well and on the road to recovery. My book deadline, well, now I have another one. My sister-in-law just finished her treatment and is heading back to work as she also heals and recovers.
So instead of thinking - What the bleep is going on with my life!
I'll simply count my blessings. Ya'll have a wonderful day.
Michelle Monkou
The Millionaire's Ultimate CatchReady for Pre-order
October 2010
