A November to Remember

Every so often, November steals a morning from July. Blue skies dome over slightly breezy trees with leaves that have yet to fall. A wilting garden suddenly reaches to new heights under a blazing sun. And birds rejoice as they sneak in one final song before the chill arrives.

It’s been a strange month for weather, unseasonably warm. Most days feel like spring (hello favorite season) and it has my brain itching to create new stories while also deeply wanting to visit old ones (hi Charlie). In fact, while I was waiting on developmental edits to return to me (they’re back as of nov 18! Eek!) the springlike weather inspired a short story about a ghost who haunts gardens and flower beds, a spring meets fall kind of story. It’s a story of belonging. As most ghost stories go, this is a bit different. Instead of having unsettled business and learning to let go (love this theme!), our self isolated ghost, Mabel, learns the true treasure of belonging and community. It’s filled with lots of flowers, a friendly bee, and a sweet budding friendship between content-to-be-alone Mabel and a curious young boy. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the story yet. Do I source some magazines or simply publish here? I’m leaning towards here. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

Also, yes! Arbor Fall Festival returned to me earlier this week and I’m so ready to fall back into the world of fallen leaves and beautiful trees. Madison, who worked so carefully and diligently on the edits, gave me some really great suggestions. This story will be better than ever (if I can pull it off).

I was a bit nervous to receive feedback (mostly worried it would be a complete overhaul and I’d lack the brain capacity to get it all finished). As soon as I opened the shared document, my nervousness faded. Notes of encouragement, suggestions, and what-do-you-think-about-this excited ideas highlighted each page. She truly advocated for Arbor Fall Festival’s reader while caring for the writer. I’m so so grateful.

I’ve been reading True Things Last, reminding me of my true motivation in writing: be closer to God. So I’m leaving (mostly) my pride behind and trudging forward to the words, the space that draws me closer to Him. Filling my prayers with light and hope as I bound through this writing stretch. Also praying for focus as a particular curious boy tends to fully consume me (to my utter delight).

Well. It’s been awhile since I last said hello. I’ve missed writing to you. I hope you’ve been well, that this season whether warm or cold has been exactly what you needed. I hope you feel the sweet embrace of gratitude this Thanksgiving. I’m so grateful you’re here with me.

All the lovely things,

JH