When I Was Young

When I was young,

I used to climb to the top of a tree.

Alone, I felt at peace–

Safe.

From there, I could see water, land, and more trees.

I could also dream.

I wish I could remember what I dreamed about.

My mother took a picture of me in that tree–

Me, with my permed hair and bright eye shadow.

I wanted to look like the other girls–

To fit in.

It didn’t work.

It never worked.

I’m not sure why she took that picture.

Maybe she thought I was cute.

Maybe she admired my climbing ability.

Maybe..

She wished..

She could climb a tree, too.

And be alone.

At peace.

Safe.

Fall

Spices in the air

Color in the trees

Crunching of the leaves

Crispness in the breeze

A Hope

A Vibrancy

That breaks monotony

And excites me to the core

Leaves me wanting more

Of this magical autumn time

The season when I thrive

I feel abundantly alive

As creation breaks from her cocoon

And flys all around me

I'm drawn in by her beauty

And inspired to create

My creator can relate

For this wonder

It's all His

Spoken word

He did it first

Let there be

And so there was

He looked around and called it good

Four seasons all built-in

Each one pointing back to Him

But I feel Him

Hear Him

See Him most

In the Fall

Introducing My Very First Book, Pages of Sunbeams

Today's blog is going to be short and sweet.

On December 13, 2022, my very first children's book was released. It's called, Pages of Sunbeams: Joyful, Singable Rhymes To Brighten Your Day.

I just wrote that sentence and I feel as though it couldn't possibly be true. I was so calm when I wrote it too. Maybe that's because I have been in the this process since August. I've been working with a publisher, having conversations about it with friends and family and scoping out opportunities to promote the book and the purpose behind it. I often talk about it on video, sharing on social media with friends and followers. I even talk about it to people I have just met. This dream has literally become my reality!

It's Christmas time and I'm honestly too tired to write about this or anything else; but it's been a while since I've written and I want you to know I'm still here. I want you to know, the process of writing and publishing my first book has been life-changing in many ways. I am not being flippant about the term, "life-changing" either. I am serious. I have learned a few things about myself that surprised me. I've learned some surprising things about others too. I don't want to randomly throw words on a page so I won't share those things today. I'm just giving you heads-up. A longer, revealing post is coming. Until then, enjoy this beautiful season!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah! Mechelle