Counting Blessings

by Mary

A big congratulations to our New York Times Bestseller Femmes! In case anyone hasn't heard, our very own Charlaine Harris and Toni Kelner, editors of the new anthology MANY BLOODY RETURNS, hit the big time right out of the box by entering at #30 on the NYT list. Elaine Viets hit it with them since one of her stories is included in the collection. Outstanding, ladies!

And what could possibly be better than that? How about not one, but TWO nominations for Anthony Awards. That would be Dana. Yes, Femme Dana Cameron is right up there too, spiraling ever higher with her book ASHES AND BONES nominated for Best Paperback Original Novel and her story THE LORDS OF MISRULE nominated for Best Short Story. This is huge! The Anthonys are the awards given by attendees of Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention. Congratulations, Dana, on such a tremendous accomplishment.

But wait, that's not all. Along with Dana, Toni and Elaine are also Anthony nominees this year in the short story category. Mercy, that's a whole lot of good luck. And hard work. Charlaine, Toni, Elaine, and Dana, I hope you've all given yourselves extra special treats with such good news.

Writers know that major events like these are rare. That's why we are world-class celebrators. We know to celebrate everything, no matter how small. Got a deal on copy paper? You got your twenty-third rejection, but it was a 'nice' rejection? Hey, break out the champagne! The next letter might be an acceptance! See Toni's blog on Waiting and Celebrating for more writer treat ideas.

Here is a photo I love that shows the appreciation of a small blessing. This is Tarra, one of the residents of the Elephant Sanctuary here in Tennessee. One of the sanctuary workers noticed Tarra standing very still for a long time by the fence. When he went over to see if she was okay, here is what he found.

A baby bird had flown down to say hello. Tarra was mesmerized. I love the wonder and joy in her eye as she appreciates the moment, every muscle stilled, concentrating on the little bird who wasn't the least afraid of an elephant. We can't see Tarra's mouth, but I bet she is smiling.

I had two similar moments myself recently. I saw a fawn close-up, and for the first time in my life, I saw a beautiful red fox at the edge of the woods. Small blessings? Not to me. Remembering that the world is still full of wonders, that every day that we are here is precious and is to be treasured, these aren't small things.

Celebrate whatever your day brings, every day, whether it's a little bird or a big honking major nomination or New York Times bestseller slot. They're all great blessings.   

Comments

[Dana Cameron]

Mary, this is a really fine way of looking at things. Sometimes, like my character Emma has said, it's all about finding that last pair of clean knickers in the back of the drawer. Sometimes it's a quiet and personal victory
--like your fox, how cool was that?--and sometimes, you get to share it with friends.

Thanks for the congrats! Dana