Open Spaces
Vol. 21.2
By John W. Vander Velden
February 25, 2021
Greetings from my small corner of the world.
What a February we have had. Jackie and I had been
enjoying a relatively mild winter until...brrrrr...the temperature crashed. But
the last few days of this month have been mild and the snow that was stack
around us is melting. A stark contrast to the snowy frigid weeks at February’s
beginning. Now most of the yard is visible and only small ice patches remain.
We can tell that the days are noticeably longer and
watch as the sun breaks the horizon closer to true east. Though we may yet have
snow storms, with each day, spring draws closer. Yet I try to enjoy every day...the
snowy ones too. For I remind myself of two things. One is what my father told
me often, don’t wish your life away by
wanting a change in the seasons, and two, God gives me this day...today is a gift...
So that is what I will wish for you today...that you will
find something enjoyable in each day. February’s included. That you grab hold
of each twenty-four hours with both hands and make the time special.
One last point about February, it’s my birth month. I
guess that has always made it special. I remember the three birthdays I had as
a child living in central Florida. You could expect some warm, almost hot days,
before the month’s end. But for a kid that really didn’t matter. I remember one
particular February day. A hot sunny day, the 19th, I was on top of
the old ‘49 Dodge truck, helping lash down the canvas that covered our family’s
belongings. I remember, correctly or not, that it was 80 degrees. The neighbors
came to say their goodbyes. I looked down at the three of them. My classmate,
Susan, her younger brother Duwayne, standing with their mother. The
profoundness of that moment did not register with the just reaching ten year
old boy I was.
Not then.
But that image is burned into my memory. A reluctant
wave of the hand, surely our parting was a certainty...but not necessarily desired.
Perhaps those words can remind you of the precious
value of EACH day. For there is something magnificent slipped within those
twenty-four hours. You may be like the kid high up on the top of a truck unable
to recognize the magic moment at the time. But notice or not the magic happens.
Open your eyes and hearts to the possibilities...the amazing instants.
Now for a few words about my writing.
Life’s obligations have stolen most of the time since
our last visit. When I flipped over January’s page of the calendar, I began the
first editorial revise of the third book of the Misty Creek Saga. The work has been intense, during the time I
could pry loose for the task. I find myself behind schedule...again...but doing my best. Kristina has given me so much to
think about, and I find comments on each page that set my gears to whirling.
Times I must shake my head and walk away from the keyboard in order to figure
out my next step.
I find it at times a mix of frustration and awakenings.
Having an editor like Kristina, someone I trust, someone that knows my writing
as well as she does, is a blessing. Kristina pushes me. Though I will not
follow every idea she presents, I appreciate that she offers her expertise and
guidance.
So what can John tell you about the timetable...when
this book will be finished...at this point...NOTHING.
Sorry...
One other point before I begin the closing. Have you
been watching my videos? When it comes to getting out there to see you, whether
it is a book signing or some other event, COVID has been a stick in the spokes
of my wheels. So in the interim, I have done a few Virtual Author’s Events. Short videos of 10-13 minutes. You can
find them on my YouTube channel or at John Vander Velden Author’s Facebook
page. If you’re curious check them out.
I have, once again, run long, so I will close with
these few words. Love is the greatest force of all the powers that surround us.
But remember the single source of love, all love, is GOD. We live in a world
where too often it seems that hatred is in control.
But what is hate?
For if cold is the absence of heat...then is not hate
the absence of love. And I, personally, believe that genuine love can conquer
even absolute hate.
Remember GOD loves you...and always will!
John
Visit my web page www.johnvandervelden.com My World of Words
