She's no longer here to celebrate so I think I'll share some of the wisdom she handed down to me over the years.
There were 8 children in our family and we did our share of competing for rights, privileges, and second helpings. Of course we often declared that one thing or another was not fair. Mom was usually quick to respond with "Life is not fair." To be honest with you, I could see that by observing life itself, by comparing myself to others, and by reading about the sorrows of the world. At some level I think that is what all my stories are about - grappling with questions about life's inequities.
Mom dealt with her share of bickering and she did her best to defuse our petty quarrels. "Sticks and stones may break my bones," she'd say. "But words can never hurt me." I learned from her that there is very little that is worth fighting over - or at least losing relationships over. I really do hate conflict - especially war and that seems to creep into all my stories.
Another Mom quote that I can't shake is, "Be the matter - great or small. Do it well or not at all." This was the sort of thing she'd say when she wanted me to sweep the porch well or scrub the bathroom spic and span. But I believe those words have seeped over into whatever I do. I really don't want to settle for mediocre anything - whether it's weeding the flower beds, or speaking in public, or writing books.
So, on my Mom's birthday (and AIM's) I'm having a contest. Not a mediocre one with a single book giveaway. This contest will have 10 different winners, each claiming one copy of AIM. So please spread the word. To enter, share this blog link on social media or by email. Be sure to mention the giveaway!
Just let me know where and how you shared it and I will enter you once for sharing. Oh - and for another chance, click on the "Follow Me by Email" link below my profile pic on the right of this blog. Let me know that you did so and I'll enter you, again!
Thanks for your help. "Be the matter great or small, do it well or not at all!"
