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| A Moon Shot Photo by Alex Ketley - Sausalito, CA - |
This year I look back on the past year and feel
fortunate that I continue to receive the gift of writing time. As I think about
what I treasure, so much delights me. My heart fills with gratitude for
my dear family and wonderful friends. This year has brought both sorrow and joys,
but it helps to notice that the joys outweigh the sorrows. This has been a
particularly joyful year as I finally married my dearest friend after more than
33 years together. And life is good. Books, my home, my writing class, and my garden give me
tangible joy. But among the intangible treasures that I especially value are
moments of awareness - of the gift of
time for reflection - and time for writing.
I appreciate the time I have been given to
nurture my writing talents and to grow in understanding the complexities of life
and the writing process. I am filled with wonder at the opportunity to examine
challenges and reflect upon my soul’s progress. And I am so happy to share what
I can with others.
I’m reminded of Sophy Burnham’s wise reflections
on gratitude in the writer’s life - in her book, For Writers Only. She
writes, “In the privacy of their most secret hearts,
most writers, artists, actors, and musicians believe that their talent is a
gift that comes from beyond the self, crashing over them unexpectedly--with
joy. It is received, therefore, with awe and humility.”
Burnham goes on to say, “Occasionally one will speak out unembarrassed by the thought
of grace, except she knows that the blessing, this talent, must be treasured
and nurtured, worked at, sought out...if only she knows how. And
therefore it is not to be taken lightly, not cast before pig’s feet or held
aloft to the derision of people who don’t understand. That is why many
artists speak of it only amongst themselves, secretly, one on one, in quiet
voices, fearful of losing it, grateful and awed.”
And today - once again - I give thanks! And I
wish that good things will come to pass, as we continue to hope for a better,
kinder, more peaceful, compassionate world for all. May we find ways to share
the joy.
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About Jan
Bowman
Winner of the 2011 Roanoke Review Fiction Award, Jan's stories have been
nominated for Pushcart Prizes, Best
American Short Stories, and a Pen/O’Henry award. Glimmer Train named a recent story as Honorable
Mention in the November 2012 Short Story Awards for New Writers.
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| Thanks for the photo Maxine & Elaine - November 2013 |
Facebook: janbowman.77@facebook.com
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