Today my son, Tom, left for Los Angeles. I knew when he came home several months ago that this day was coming. I’m very proud of him. He’s is moving down to LA, without a job or a place to live. He’s off on his adventure seeking after his passion (film making). At his age, he should. His dad always told him to dream big dreams…God size dreams, not man size dreams. His friend, Chris is going with him and he is a nice young man. I’m pleased that he is sharing this with a friend.All week I knew this day was coming. I was excited for him. I’m still excited for him. What I didn’t expect this morning was the tears. My heart was torn between happiness for him and sadness for me. I will miss him. When he went off to school in Seattle, it was just a car ride away. Now he’ll be a plane ride away. I understand how my family felt when we moved from NY to West Virginia and then to Washington.
Goodbyes are bittersweet sometimes, especially when your heart feels so much at once. I love my son, but I’m so thrilled he gets an opportunity to go for his dreams. How cool is that.
If you would like to read my husband’s take, click here.
Change of subject:
The writer’s conference was very informative and I had a good time. Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words. I learned about agents, publishers, contracts, etc. It’s necessary to sign with an agent because publishers are not accepting any unsolicited manuscripts, so an agent is the person who gets your work noticed. I also learned about self publishing (expensive but well done nowadays).
My three minutes went very quickly. The agent had some positive suggestions that I will incorporate into my proposal. I also found out that I don’t quite fit in the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) because some of the content of my book is “too worldly.” I also don’t quite fit in the ABA (American Booksellers Association) because my book is “too Christian.” I don’t fit inside a box and that’s good thing. I will continue to pursue my dreams, like my son, I have to give it a shot.
Remember God is good and He has good things for our future.
© Nadine Z. 2007
P.S. I haven't forgotten about being tagged - three people tagged me since Thursday. I will post about that later this week.
20 comments:
I love that you don't fit into the Box. How appropriate ;>) The Christian bands my daughter listens to these days don't fit into the Box either, but they are making it both in the secular world, and with Christians. I believe that trend in music will follow in literature and art. I pray that Christian artists of all kinds can be salty enough to be palatable to the taste buds of the world with out compromise; impacting the souls of men for good and not evil.
I know the feeling of letting our kids fly, such a mixture of emotions. May this week be filled with extra blessings coming to you from the Father of Lights. James 1:17
Good for your boy pursuing his dreams!! It's hard to move to a new state and start fresh. I'm impressed....he'll do great!
Living your passion is a good and noble thing. Good luck to Tom (and his mom)!
I love what your husband tells your son, dream big and dream God sized dreams. Very moving.
Writing for you and not for a box, keeps the passion in your writing.
I am happy you enjoyed your conference too.
Love ya
Well there ya go....I came over to get your blogline to tag you...read your post....and discovered you're already playing! I look forward to your meme.
I am attaching my post (http://prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com/2006/04/tuesdays-treasure-things-i-know-for.html) that i wrote last April when our own son was moving States away from home. I hope it blesses you..as it did me, even as I wrote it.....a mother's love knows no distance or time.....it remains!
Diane
What a cool mom you are to support his dreams!! It is sunny and warm in Southern California at the moment!
That's got to be a rough feeling not to fit, but a good thing too. I know I'd be having mixed emotions, but God will bless it if it's in his will! That being said, how exciting and I pray that it will come on top of whatever book charts so readers can take the fill of the it! Sounds like it was a productive conference!
Hopeyour son does well in his travels! You'll have to let us know what films he makes! :)
That's great to hear Nadine that is that the conference went great! and that you got to learn lots!!! I personally think that's too bad you don't fit into a box...I like boxes..haha!!
And I'm sure your son will have a blast pursuing his dreams!! So fun!
Sending all good wishes to your son (and the rest of you). I did the same thing when I moved to Atlanta 11 years ago. And my life's been filled with wonderful things since I came here.
About the box: My husband always says the most creative and successful people make their own box. I love that. I just know you have something great in store for you!
Indeed God does have good things for you! And he will lead you in the right direction!! This is good news for your son! sighz oh times like this gotta be hard for you! I will pray for easier transition as days go by!
Have a great Day! come on over for a piece of strawberry pie:)
Yes, God does have a plan. Because my husband's book fit the same mold. But guess what? God won! And his book is changing lives all over the world! (No More Christian Nice Guy). When you are real and have a message to share, who cares what CBA says!
Blessings to you, Nadine! On your adventure.
And you sound like a very healthy Mom, in being so excited for your son. You must have raised him well.
Sandy
How wonderful your son has the chance to work on his dreams. How wonderful that you and your husband encourage that!
Best wishes to your son! May God fulfill all his dreams.
"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4-5
I completely relate.
I'm soon to move half way around the globe and it is bittersweet.
You got helpful feedback. One step at at a time. Better to be "too christian" in my opinion.
I hope your sons "God size" dreams come true. He sounds like he has a great head on his shoulders.
He is following in big footsteps of parents who don't give up! Keep following your dream to publish Nadine. If it is God's plan you will see it happen. Just keep listening to that voice in the still...
Big Hugs.
Thank you for the update Nadine about the writer's conference and with this the progress will be smooth-sailing. You know we can't wait to see your work publish ;)
About your son...I think I'll cry buckets too if my daughters are leaving me. Still Nadine...it is not goodbye for now but see him soon and we wish him all the best in his endeavour too :)
Hugs & Kisses to you!
I am sure that I will have a whole bunch of emotions on that day too. It wont be very long; River is 17. It sounds like you guys did a great job with him though and he is ready to try out those wings.
Man I am proud of you both...I can only imagine what that may be like someday when my children venture off into the world to become what God has called them to!!
Its awesome your son is following his dreams..may they be found!!!
Nadine,
Your post tugged at my heart. Even though my guys are little, I know the day will come when they must spread their wings... I wish your son the best of luck in LA and much much success always! You must be very proud.
- Audrey
Yes - it is cool that your son is perusing his dreams - like you said - sometimes we need to dream big. I still dream big too--and if it is God's plan, I know that everything will work out for your son. I know, it is hard to let go. I know it will come soon for us too.
I am glad that the writers conference was informative to you. I am sure when the timing is right, you will find the perfect publisher for your book :)
Blessings to you and yours.
Post a Comment