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Blogs by Jean Pike
Hard to say goodbye...
4/14/2008 9:51:52 AM
I find myself at a loss this morning for a number of different reasons.
After weeks and weeks of living and breathing a new story line, my fourth novel, In the Shadow of the Dragonfly, is off to Black Lyon Publishing and awaiting their verdict. 'Shadow' is a love story, a life story, and a story much different from anything I have ever attempted before. I won't lie to you, I'm having a tough time saying goodbye to these characters.
Strong, stoic Gray, with his matchstick temper, heart of gold, and that irresistable Southern accent I spent so many hours struggling to get right. (What can I say... I'm a New Yorker!)
Spoiled, selfish Hope, who learned so much the hard way and in the end became so much more than she ever thought she could be.
The story consumed me more than any other and with its completion I find myself momentarily drained of ideas and creativity.
I also had to say goodbye this morning to Curly, my seventeen-year-old cockatiel. Scrubbing out his cage for the last time, I found myself remembering that long-ago day when I wandered into the pet store for supplies. A confirmed bird lady, I already had a houseful of feathered friends: love birds, finches, canaries. Knowing this, the shop owner couldn't resist pointing out her newest crop of babies. Heck, it couldn't hurt to peek... right?
The little gray bird with the curly tail feathers hopped into my hands and heart and there was no turning back. I took him home and made a cassette tape of songs, whistling Take Me Out To The Ballgame, the Andy Griffith Theme Song, etc., etc. over and over to play for him while I was at work. At one point I began to feel foolish and broke out into laughter. Within weeks Curly had the entire repertoire down, complete with laughter.
Throughout the years other pets came and went, but Curly was always top bird. He never took any crap from the cats and he continually filled my life with cheer. This morning I buried him beneath the bird feeder in the lilac tree. I like to think that one day I will approach the gates of heaven and find him waiting there for me.
Sleep well my friend, until we meet again...
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• On Losing a Friend - Wednesday, January 07, 2009
• Let it snow - Saturday, December 20, 2008
• Of Memories and Christmas Trees - Friday, November 28, 2008
• Confessions of a Football Dummy - Saturday, September 06, 2008
• A Rainbow of Romance - Saturday, August 16, 2008
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• A Friend in Need - Thursday, July 03, 2008
• Clothes Lining - Saturday, June 21, 2008
• On Turning 45... - Sunday, June 08, 2008
• I Remember... - Sunday, May 25, 2008
• We're Watching You... - Monday, May 12, 2008
• Beauty - Saturday, April 26, 2008
• Spring... Break? - Saturday, April 19, 2008
• Slamming on the Brakes - Wednesday, April 16, 2008
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