You're a What?

I've lost count of how many times I've seen this look upon the faces of many. What causes such a judgemental, horrified expression?

I would like to think I'm a nice person, easy going, and I do genuinely care about my friends and family. I want to know how the people in my life are doing. And I enjoy meeting new people. But what I don't like is a one-sided conversation. Particularly this kind.   

It irks me when someone pretends to play nice in the sandbox. You know the feeling. You had a nice time, chatted, got to know one another. And like a bucket of cold water was thrown over the conversation, it changes, becomes cold. 

For the umpteenth time. I'm a romance writer! I write Scottish historical romances! No, I am NOT ashamed or embarrassed. Why would I be? My family supports me. My CHILDREN support me. YOU. KNOW. NOTHING about me. 

No matter how many times I prepare myself for these type of people and conversations, it's completely annoying. If that's not bad enough, some of them choose to continue their rant. 

"So... you're published. How did you manage to accomplish that?" Snicker.

Straightening my spine, I hold my head high and say, "I won a writing contest and was asked for a full submission." I pick up my glass and take another drink before other words escape me. 

"Really?"

"Yep. Imagine my surprise when the publisher not only loved it, but she asked me to pitch three, a series."

Smirks. "So... do you have an agent then?"

"Of course."

"Well, I suppose you don't make enough money to quit your day job."

Is life not too short?

God, if they only knew of the blood, sweat and tears, edits and re-edits, writing goals, countless hours, 2:30a.m. revisions to make a deadline, the dreaded synopsis, copy/edits, galleys, hooks, marketing, sales, reviews...

I want to scream at the top of my lungs, "I hate stupid people!"

My writing friends know this feeling all too well. Tell me. What is the best line you ever used on these type of people?

Random Acts of Kindness

I am a firm believer in practicing random acts of kindness.

An elderly woman lives down the street from us and is basically home bound. All of her care comes to the house 24/7. During the winter months, my dh plows her driveway so that her caregivers are able to bring supplies and see to her needs. During the summer months, he cuts her grass. 

In the mail today was a card addressed to my husband from this woman. As he opened it, a smile played the corner of his lips.   

Apparently, when he visits this lonely woman, he offers her a listening ear. One day she told him that she really enjoyed fresh pineapple. Last week without my knowledge, my dh went down to cut her grass and bought her a fresh pineapple. 

The card read: "You were so kind to give me that delicious pineapple and you really took me by surprise. My prayers are for the safety of you and your dear family as you travel to and from the beautiful country of Canada. May God bless and keep you and yours in his loving care. In gratitude for your kindness and generosity."

It brought tears to my eyes. It is incredibly touching that one random act of kindness is rewarded with another. I've been with my husband for 21 years and he still surprises me.