Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Toto, We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

It’s been around fifteen years since we’ve lived in New York City. Living in a big city is so different from a small town. Our first small town was Clarksburg, WV. It wasn’t unusual to run into someone you knew when you went out to the store. Going across town took only ten minutes. Getting “stuck” in traffic meant it took fifteen minutes. Directions usually included, “It’s down the road a piece and you make a right when you get to the paved road.”

In Washington, the town was bigger than Clarksburg. It was a nice size town. Goldie Locks comes to mind – it was just right. You get soft when you stop living in a fast-paced city. You forget how to maneuver in and around traffic.

Today, I took Tom to work. Hummmm….traffic. I was surprised by how intimidated I felt. I was a bit nervous. It surprised me. I always considered myself a city girl. My favorite saying is, “You can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take Brooklyn out of the girl.” Apparently that was not the case.

This I know – I will assimilate. Resistance is futile. I will get use to big city traffic again and the highways. It’s a matter of time. It’s like riding a bike.

It reminds of spending time alone with God. Sometimes life gets busy as it has for me. You forget to quiet yourself and listen to what He has to say. But just like riding a bike it comes back to you. It takes a while to get back in the groove and have that regularly schedule quiet time. The time that’s necessary to be a good friend to Him.

Two separate items. I should have the final proof from the publishers by October 21st. What is left is for me to read it through – one more time! As soon as that is done, it will take Amazon about two weeks to create a page for me. It’s all so close and the finish line is within my sight.

I would like to thank Theresa from Yew Norke Babe for the following award:
I love you too. I would love to spread the love to all of you who faithfully come by.

Until next time…

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

21 comments:

Bex said...

this is my first visit to your blog. love your style of writing, your cadence. can't wait to see the book!

Jen(n) said...

just scream "out of my way" as you head through the new highways!!! ;)

Cheryl said...

Know the traffic where you live well. This winter, keep a comforter in the car...water and something to snack on...

I did a 360 coming from Lewisville to Dallas on I 35 when I lived there many moons ago. It was on ice. I was ever so grateful nothing was hit or torn up.

Blessings...

Louise said...

You can do it girlfriend!!!

I am SOOO excited for you and your book....how exciting!!
YEAH YOU!!!
HUGS!

Strider said...

Well Dorthy......I'm sure you'll get use to the traffic.....just think of it as an 8 lane road 68 around 5 pm!!!! Only it happens 24/7! Now thats encouraging!! Be blessed.

Kellan said...

"Resistance is futile." - that is funny and true, isn't it! Good luck in the traffic - it's bad here too! And, congrats on the book being so close to being finished - can't wait to be able to order it!

Take care - Kellan

Damselfly said...

Ugh, traffic. Definitely not one of the great things about city living.

Great news about your book. I bet you can't wait!

Dawn said...

I'll never forget the drive when the kids and I drove from IL to TX when we moved here. Hubby had come down two weeks prior. I had my minivan loaded down with two kids, a cat, and our "stuff." I did fine 'til I hit Dallas - during the morning rush hour. Scared me to death! (And I had just come from driving around Chicago like a pro!!!)

You'll get use to it in time.

Can't wait to read your book!

Shionge said...

Hey what can I say my dear friend except that you have to let me know when your book hit the store coz me gonna grab one for myself ;)

Knitting Mania said...

Oh Nadine...I've been reading all your posts on this move. Wow, why does this entire picture look so familar????? That was us last June. Only we rented with U-Haul and I drove our Explorer and followed behind the big truck that Pat was driving. Thank the good Lord we had a brand new truck and didn't have any problems. It took us three days to get to Montana from CA. I can relate with you on moving.

Glad to see you are now in TX and getting settled in. Bless your hearts...I'm sure your goodbyes were very hard, I know my sis was having a hard time saying goodbye.

Best of luck and lot's of Blessings as you start your new season in the ministry.

KM

Scarlet said...

How exciting that everything is falling into place in regards to your book. I can't wait to read it!

As for city life, it can feel overwhelming, but the funny thing is that after a while, when you go back to your small town, you'll feel a bit claustrophobic. I came from upstate NY (small town) and always planned to go back one day. Now I just can't. I'm addicted to the pulse of the city.

One thing you brought to mind...the quiet time with God. It's tougher in a big hustle and bustle town to find that time. It's a good reminder to MAKE that time. Thanks for that! ;)

Hope the traffic situation gets better! Btw, I love that expression about not taking the Brooklyn out of the girl. I use it all the time using NY instead of Brooklyn. :)

Dianna said...

I have NO DOUBT that you will be queen of the commute very soon. Congratulations on the book...it's like Christmas early!

United Studies said...

You should come visit Washington DC then and experience our traffic!

Cheri said...

I'm so glad I don't have to deal with traffic like that.

Tammy said...

OH, big city traffic makes me nervous, too...especially bridges for some reason. Do Not Like Big Bridges.

Congratulations on both the award and book being SO close to being published! :)

(And thank you for the birthday wishes for hubby!)

Hugs,
~Tammy

palmtreefanatic said...

such a sweet post, you got a very deserving award too!
That traffic would overwhelm me!;)

palmtreefanatic said...

Gods Grace is upon you and You can do it!

Anonymous said...

Many decades ago when I lived in London I was determined to actually drive in central London, round Hyde Park and Marble Arch. i bought an old classic car from my flatmate and got used to driving west to get home to my parents at the weekend. One night I plucked up courage and drove in Central London - piece of cake - but I had waited until 3a.m. and even London gets quiet around then!! So I know how you feel and my memory of Dallas was all the scary freeways.I could NEVER drive there! Write some more short stories please Nadine!! Good stuff!

Jill said...

I remember driving in Atlanta traffic for the first time. For a small town IOWA girl, it was quite scary. As you say, we acclimate and you will be fine in a just a few days, I am sure. Take care!

Brenda said...

So true, spending time with Him. You'll get used to the traffic soon enough! I'm like you. Here in Flagstaff it only takes 15 minutes from one side of town to the other. I'm sure when we move to Co. Springs it'll be overwhelming at first. That TX waffle looked yummy! We lived in Wichita Falls for 5 years.
Have fun getting used to your new digs!
God bless,
Brenda :)

Demara said...

Busy traffic sure can be intimidating, especially during rush hour!

(wow! I can't believe it...I have to send you an email.)