Wednesday, December 4, 2013

VISTAS UNFORESEEN AT 9000 FT. ABOVE SEA LEVEL …

Hi, All,

Well, it's the first Wednesday of the month, and WE ALL know what that means by now. It's time for another IWSG post.

SO much has happened to me over the past several months. In August I was run over by a cyclist and left battered and broken. In one split second three months of my life had changed. I was lucky.

I healed. But the reprecussions linger on.

I did manage to go on my South American trip, but like the Andes themselves, my adventure was riddled with both soaring highs and bottomless lows.

Before leaving for my trip my novel was rejected by the new publisher I had created several logos for … I was surprised because as the process continued all seemed very positive until the end. My insecurities took flight on multiple levels. BUT … as many of you know me … I ALWAYS try to turn the negatives around and remain hopeful.

One of the three editors contacted me and offered her time and expertise to work with me on my novel. She sees the potential and believes in my story. I was blown away. How incredible. SO never give up on your work … your dream. You just never know what your next journey will be.

Traveling to a foreign country off the beaten track should be a concern for every traveler … and I was no exception. I was anxious about the altitude and for good reason. I had been to Colombia before in 2000 and had a very difficult time breathing. So my concerns for this trip were that as well as the concussion I had attained with the accident. With nervous on high alert, I boarded the plane and hoped/prayed for the best.

Sadly, I did have some issues there, but my aggressive spirit pushed on. I tried to stay focused and get through each day. The altitude and constant weather change beat me down. Cold, damp, and rainy with only morning sun greeted me each day for three weeks.

But even though there were obstacles, the beauty of the misty mountains, and warm gracious people kept the smile on my face. Bogota is a fascinating city. TEN MILLION people. Cars everywhere. Traffic horrific. And yet, Colonial architecture blends seamlessly with glass high-rises. The irrisistble aroma of freshly baked goods from charming cafe's and bakeries mingled with car exhaust that in a way  created its own fragrance which was not totally unpleasant.

Graffitied walls of historic buildings shocked me at first, but in some, the artistry was truly remarkable. As a writer we must all keep our minds clear and eyes wide open. Even in the bustle of a very active cosmopolitan city time stands still long enough for us to observe the wonders of another land.

As a stranger to this land where English isn't spoken at all, the poetic spanish language flows through the city like a breath of fresh air. It carries on the mountain breezes. It moves in unison with its lively music. It's on the lips of the native people whose Indian ancestry is carved in almost every face. I a constant curiosity. A white boy from NYC stands out like a blazing moon. But their inquisitive spirit almost always brought on a smile.

My insecurities washed away with each passing thunderstorm. A strong will is necessary to retain ones health. It's not all physical. The brain is a necessary part of our healing process. So remember this. Do let your insecurities take hold of you life. Always think positive. No matter how difficult it is, you will find your inspiration. Take a walk through your neighborhood when your thoughts burden you.

If you have time PLEASE drop in on the other group members for more inspiring stories. Here's the link for the list… As we all know Alex J. Cavanaugh has the master at his blog.

Tomorrow I have a VERY special post. I hope you all can make it so please drop by…

For those of you who had missed my first Colombian post with pics, please scroll down ...

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

44 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Michael, I'm enjoying reading about your trip especially since my husband and I will be going on our own adventure soon south of the border. I love what you said about the Spanish language. How beautifully you put it. It makes me excited to polish up my Spanish and become fluent. I'm glad your trip was rewarding, and like you say not just a series of highs but the adventure that comes with LIFE, and just living it wherever and however we can. So glad you are back safe and sound!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Our brains can do more damage than any physical problem.
Great news about the editor contacting you! Never give up. You don't know what is just around the corner.

Tina said...

I'm glad you could put a positive spin on your challenges during your trip. Glad you could still go! Altitude is hard. When we moved from the East Coast to Colorado it took my lungs about a year to acclimate. I don't think you were gone that long ;-)
Incredibly glad you got contacted by that editor! What a HUGE blessing. It's highly encouraging to know that breaks like that can happen. Best of luck.
Thanks for the IV of positivity I just got. I do like this place...
Tina @ Life is Good

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Spanish and high altitude - reminds me of ABQ, NM! What an amazing experience, Michael. And despite the accident, you were able to enjoy it.

Dana said...

Thanks for your reminder to think positive. I forget that sometimes, especially when it seems like I'm dealing with a million different things at once...

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's post!

Cherie Colyer said...

I'm glad there have been highs to follow the lows. It's great that an editor sees the potential in your story. Congrats! And it sounds like you had an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Cathrina Constantine said...

The rejections never get any easier for me. And on the bright side-- an editor sees the potential in your story which only means good things to come...I love your strong spirit, Michael!

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm sure that the lows allow for greater appreciation of the highs... the two are inter-twined...
Great news about that editor wanting to help with your novel.
And yes, positivity rocks!
Writer In Transit

Rachna Chhabria said...

I am so happy for you that the editor contacted you (rejections can be a pain), but I believe that behind every dark cloud is a silver lining. And an editor seeing potential in one's manuscript is a wonderful thing.

Chrys Fey said...

You have certainly had a year of highs and lows. I am wishing you more highs and far less lows for 2014. :)

Denise Covey said...

Great to hear from you my inspirational friend. Yes, we are body, soul and spirit...not just body. It must have been a daily struggle to breathe in that altitude. Good for you breaking through. Travel brings out added strengths as we just have to work through obstacles.

I'm beyond excited that an editor wants to work with you on BG. That's exactly what you want...you have a great story idea but there's something about it that needs tweaking...maybe structural editing. All authors had the luxury of working with an editor once but classic authors worked their butts off too...they were more perfectionist too. Ah...it'll happen Michael.

It's very chilly here in Amsterdam. Especially coming from midsummer in Oz.

Chat later

Denise

D.G. Hudson said...

Always good advice here,Michael, and trying to find the positive is a survivor trait. You're a trooper, but you know that. It's chilly in Vancouver, but sunny.

Great news about the editor contacting you! It's the start. . .

~Sia McKye~ said...

Very true, Michael. It's not all physical. The mind plays a big part in healing and just about anything else we try. Optimism helps one look for the good things to celebrate and mark on the list of things accomplished. Sometimes we have to make that list to remind ourselves of what we have accomplished and some of the items were much tougher to conquer than what we're facing at the moment. Helps one gird up the loins and tackle it. :-)

Glad you enjoyed your trip and found more enjoyment once you gave yourself permission to pace yourself.

Very cool on the editor seeing potential and willing to work with you to get the story ready to go. Yay!

Sia McKye Over Coffee

SK Anthony said...

Oh man our minds and their games….
What a roller coaster of year for you, hope 2014 is much better. Best of luck with the editor that contacted you, its awesome to know she believes in your story, yay!

Al Diaz said...

I didn't know you went to Colombia! Well, I guess now you can make it to Mexico City, you just trained in the altitude. I can just imagine how difficult was that for you. People visiting here also have altitude problems. I'm glad you show a strong spirit and will, even when the health is not that good. Way to go and glad you came back safe and sound.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Nope. You can never give up. Just keep climbing (a little high altitude lingo there seemed fitting for the post!)

Geojour said...

Sorry to hear about your accident - looks like I will be spending some time reading through your blog to learn more! It is great to see your spirit wasn't hurt, though!

I am jealous of your trip - one day I'll make it to that neck of the world!

Julie Flanders said...

I'm sorry about the rejection, that had to sting, but how wonderful that the editor contacted you. I'm glad you were able to find something positive and keep your spirits up. I love the image of the thunderstorms washing away the insecurities.

See you tomorrow, Michael! :)

Laura Clipson said...

I'm the same, I always try to see the positive in everything. It's great that the editor contacted you - keep going!

Suzanne Furness said...

My mind's always playing those games with me! I am sorry to hear about the publishers rejection but you are certainly right to take the editors help as a huge positive. It sounds like your trip was filled with highs and lows but I'm sure the memory will stay with you forever.

Nicki Elson said...

Inspirational as always. I'm so glad you didn't let the weather and your health concerns ruin your trip to that wonderful land.

Sucks about the publisher. :( BUT it's very cool that the editor reached out -- it's true, you never, ever know what's going to happen so NEVAH give up!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Good luck on your book editing. I would be very nervous going to a country where few people speak English. I'm looking forward to more pictures.

VR Barkowski said...

Inspiring as always, Michael. I'm thrilled you recovered enough from your accident to make it to South America because I am so enjoying your posts. Your descriptions are stunning.

As a vacillating glass half-empty, glass half-full person (depends on the day), I have to constantly prompt myself that we need the negatives in life to appreciate the positives. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

VR Barkowski

Steven said...

Positive thought can conquer many obstacles, I completely agree. I've heard the Andes are amazing, so I am quite jealous of your trip :)

Karen Martin Sampson said...

Hi Michael, I have been away from blog land for some time so was very sorry to learn of your accident and hope all is well now! Your trip to Columbia sounds amazing...and daunting!
I am writing to ask if you have any advice for my son (in his mid 30's) who has been a designer and writer for a long time but only lately considering getting published for his writing. I will send him to your blog, of course, and maybe the Insecure writers blog would be of interest to him! I am working on some new paintings but very slowly, I'm afraid. I did win a nice award in the summer at the FCA Painting on the Edge Show in Vancouver...a $1000 gift card for art supplies! I intend to get back to the blog more and reading the ones I follow again:-)

Samantha May said...

Injuries can stay with you for a long time. It's been over a year since mine and I still have painful moments. Good for you for pushing through it though. That's how you get better. You just keep living life :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Michael, am so glad you went on with your trip. How wonderful that you speak Spanish in a land with no English. Keep pushing with your book, and be happy with small successes along the way.

Mary Montague Sikes

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

That's too bad that the publisher who you created the logos for didn't see the brilliance in your writing. May all of the journeys you take whether metaphoric or real always result in happiness.

mooderino said...

Sorry to hear about your recent difficulties but I have no doubt you've come through stronger and with a wealth of experience to draw from for your writing. You're absolutely right, if your mind is going in the right direction everything else will follow.

mood
Moody Writing

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm so NOT surprised to hear you managed to enjoy Colombia despite the physical issues - that would be tough! You'll treasure those memories :)

LD Masterson said...

I so glad you were able to turn so many negatives into positives. Give yourself time to heal, inside and out. Great news about that editor wanting to work with you. Something good is going to happen there.

shelly said...

Glad you had a great time. Glad, too, for your inspiration and courage.

Hugs and chocolate!

David P. King said...

Wait, WHAT happened to you!? How did I completely miss this news about your accident? I must say, I'm glad you're recovering and were able to go on your trip. Do take care of yourself, Sir Knight. :)

David T List said...

Thank you Michael! Very uplifting... and at a time when I could certainly use it.
I hope your recovery continues.

Unknown said...

Wonderful as always, Michael

Tammy Theriault said...

you recovered because of the ju-ju I sent right?? right?? so is there a reason you keep going on these trips and you neglect to take me?? agh!

Stina said...

Most people would have given up or griped about what you went through, Michael. But you never do. You're an inspiration to all of us. *hugs*

And welcome home!

Stephen Tremp said...

You have to have that aggressive spirit to push on. I still remember the Get Healthy Blogfest we did last May.

Hmmmm ... maybe we should get together again for the 2.0 version for 2014. Something to consider.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael .. well that's great that one of your publishers wants to work with you to help you get your book published .. never give up as you say.

Travel is not my favourite - but I love seeing new places and now I can read about them with you .. the 10m people is incredible ... the cars that go along with that - while there's the hustle and bustle of every day life exuding its scents from the local 'tavernas' ... I'm glad you were able to overcome ... my maxim is 'I turn on my heels' ... and so see things in a different way .. it helped in recent years .. cheers Hilary

Brinda said...

Michael- I can imagine how devastated you've been to have one obstacle after another to overcome. But just knowing you online, I have faith that you have what it takes. The fact that the editor contacted you is speaks of your talent. Keep up the optimistic attitude. :) *hugs*

Jeremy Bates said...

i love traveling and would love to go to colombia! actually, ive never been to SA... anywhere down there would be a great vacation.......

Carrie Butler said...

Wow. Michael! For a moment, I almost felt like I was there with you. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. :)

Unknown said...

What an inspiring post, Michael. I love your attitude towards life and hope the editor helps you pull good things from your manuscript.

Deniz Bevan said...

Love the way you turn possible negatives into awesome positives, Michael. Good luck with the book progress! I'm supposed to be in the middle of edits myself...