a secret and providence

i have a secret, just a small one. well it's not even a secret-secret, more like a half-secret as i've told so many sweet souls who have been willing to listen to the story. but i haven't mentioned it here on the blog for several reasons, the largest being that i thought it was too good to be true. but the truth of it has rooted itself into the pockets of my heart and now, now i'm ready to share the news.

i was asked several weeks ago to submit a book proposal to North Light Books. after much thought, disbelief, and consideration, i did just that - i submitted an idea, a little seed of a proposal that i had become quite smitten with. of course, there were fears throughout the process. what do i have to say? is it valuable? would anyone care? in fact, i would be dishonest if i said they weren't with me throughout the process, and still are in some ways.

when word arrived that my little seed of a proposal was actually accepted, and that i would be authoring a book for a very prolific publishing company, with a highly respected editor, you can imagine the joyful screams and random dance moves that occurred in this top floor apt (thank you, neighbors for your understanding).

so, friends, that is the half-secret. it's big, big news for this girl who just started on this path a little over a year ago, but now i'm beginning to understand it started long, long ago.

the book will be tentatively titled Taking Flight: Projects and Inspiration that will make your Spirit Soar. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that it will be out Aug/Sept 2008 and it will showcase a variety of mixed media art which all relate to the "finding your wings" theme. There will be prompts, interviews, techniques, reflections, all with the hope of involving the reader in the process of their own self-discovery while guiding them towards their own meaningful creativity. oh yes, and there will be some wonderful contributing artists!

as a small gift to myself, i bought these beautiful earrings from nina on vendor nite. she didn't know it at the time, but they resonated with me because of the book. they are exactly what the book will embody: the idea of wings, taking flight back towards yourself through being creative. that's what this past year has been to me in many ways, journeying back to myself. thank you nina!

i am without words to describe the excitement, the meaningfulness behind all of this.

there is a quote on teesha's website that reads:

"...the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no (human) could have dreamed would come his way." -Goethe

yes, that's it exactly. the gratitude that is with me always, the feeling i was trying to describe in an earlier post, i now know is providence. it's providence. i am forever grateful.