I am thankful that my laptop of eight years is STILL running, and its keyboard is only missing the “c” key. I am thankful that after one good 6,000 word day, I am only 5,000 words behind on NaNoWriMo. And I am thankful that I have a literary agency that has my best interest in heart.

I’m home for the holidays, and happy to be. There’s nothing quite like family when you are an artist who’s art is not yet self-supporting. There is a lot to be thankful for in life, but I find that what I’m happiest about right now are not necessarily the things I have, but the opportunities that are in front of me. It’s easy to look around and realize how good you have it when things are, indeed, good. It’s harder to look at the future and realize how fantastic the potential is, and how much work you’ve still got to put into it.

It’s hard for me to be content, which is kind of what Thanksgiving is all about. I’m often bubbling over with joy, frothing with excitement, and generally melting into all manners of excitement. I’m happy and melancholy for what I have had, I’m eager and excited for what I might someday have.

I’m ambitious, so it’s good for holidays to come around and remind me to live in the moment. Everyone talks about how you have to plan for the future if you want to be successful, but there is a component to success that desperately requires you to be present. It doesn’t matter how detailed your plans are, if you don’t take action now then you’re just dreaming your life away. The line between pipe dreams and possibilities is startlingly thin.

So while I’m very grateful for Dr. Derosa’s Resurrection this year, what I’m most thankful for is the opportunity I’m presented with right now in this moment. Working with my agency on a book isn’t a promise of success, but it’s a chance to rise or fail on my merits and put my potential to the test. It’s just a chance, but that’s what I’m most thankful for this year…someone finally giving me a chance.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone 🙂