So, this is how my week started:
I basically blew up a thing of maple syrup in my microwave on Sunday morning.
People who know me know microwave mishaps are not exactly a rare occurrence in my life. While there weren’t flames this time around, there was a mess. But I was busy, so I didn’t clean it up right away.
And then I forgot about it. Because, like I said, I was busy.
Monday evening rolled around and I went to try to open my microwave…and it was stuck closed! The syrup went all super glue-y on me and apparently I need to lift weights ’cause I could not get it open.
It stayed that way for a few days. ‘Cause, for the third time, I’M BUSY.
And this has basically been the story of my week. Lots on my plate. One frustration after another. And me not doing such a good job of hiding my frazzled state of being.
But then, something great happened. In the span of 24 hours, I received three emails from people who have read Made to Last. One is someone I haven’t seen in probably five or six years…the other two, I don’t know at all. And I’m telling you, it’s amazing how the simplest words can turn around the messiest of weeks.
Words are such a big deal. And you know, I tend to play with a lot of them all at once in this novel-writing gig.
But sometimes it’s not whole scenes and chapters and stories that change a day or change a life. Sometimes it’s simply a couple paragraphs or a couple sentences, offered at just the right time…and they make all the difference.
That’s what Stacia, Sue and Alma showed me this week.
Comments 15
Ah, those words of encouragement, whether from people we know or from strangers! It’s amazing how powerful they are, isn’t it? Sorry your week has been so, well, busy. 🙂 Hope you get that microwave open and clean!
P.S. My son blew up our microwave several years ago–literally. We had to get a new one. But I couldn’t be mad at him. He’d cooked his potato per my instructions. Oh well. 🙂
Author
Yeah, encouraging notes are the best. 🙂 Especially during weeks when I’m frazzled…it wasn’t even a bad week…just a c-r-a-z-y week.
I love that I’m not the only one who has microwave-blowing-up experiences.
Melissa, I’ve had a week like that and what helped was this post! You’ve encouraged me and reminded me about what’s really important!
Author
Glad it was an encouraging post, Edie. 🙂
Yes, this week didn’t go as planned :(. You know part of it. We have been trying to paint our bedroom and after four trips to Wal Mart over the span of 6 1/2 hours yesterday, I still don’t have paint for my walls. Carpet is coming this morning… I was able to write over 11,000 words on my WIP last week, and only 3,000 this week. But, next week will be brand new and full of opportunities to do better. Thanks for the reminder that I’m not alone!
Author
You did have a rough week last week–LOTS of stuff, huh. But you’re right, this is a new week.
Hey, sidenote: I LOVE painting. I don’t know why…I just find it really relaxing. So if you still have rooms that need painted come July, I’m your girl. 🙂
Yes, it’s helped tremendously to have a certain CP to text when I feel like I’m overwhelmed or going crazy. 🙂 Thanks for all the encouragement you gave me this week. Happy Friday!
Author
Yes yay for a CP who keeps me grounded! And thank YOU for all your encouragement.
I know words can make a difference. I had son in the hospital for 9 days, due to depression over bullying. Worse taught of suicide. But family and friends gave me words thru my hard time. And I praise God for him coming home yesterday. Really did enjoy your book, can’t wait for your next book.
Author
Oh wow, Alma…I’m so sorry about what your son has been going through. That’s horrible…and not something anyone should have to face. I’m glad he’s home now, though.
And again, THANK YOU for the kind words about the book. They definitely encouraged me.
You’ve put a smile on my face this Friday with your post, Melissa though ewww, girl that sounds like a royal MESS. 😉
Yay for encouraging thoughts on ‘Made to Last.’ You deserve them.
Author
Glad the post made you smile! 🙂 I did FINALLY clean up the syrup mess…just took me forever to find time. Haha!
There seems to be a lot of bad week-itis going around. Had a doozy myself. I blogged about it today. Feel somewhat better. At least I can smile about it now. 🙂
Author
I’ll have to check out your blog sometime from last week. Always good to be able to smile about something in the aftermath.
Continued freezing, rainy weather + car trouble + having to drive our vehicle without heat + continued medical treatment = I’m not having the best week. But: It will be spring soon, we DO have another vehicle, I DON’T have to work/live outside in the terrible weather, and at the clinic I see people who are way, way sicker than I am. So, in the midst of my terrible, horrible, bad, no-good week, I do have a lot to be thankful for, and I’m choosing to focus on the positives!