The Sound of Silence
Good morning, my Lovelies!
I kind of feel as if I should do the Catholic thing and say, "Forgive me, followers, I have sinned." It has certainly been a long time since I've laid my confessions/stories/thoughts/idiocy at your feet. Yet, here I am, asking you to pretend as if I never abandoned you.
Do you still love me?
I certainly hope so. My attention-whore self couldn't stand it if you didn't!
Alright, let's dive right in. Since I talked with you last, I have attended two signing events - one in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the other in New Orleans, Louisiana. In my age-old wisdom I decided driving from my home to these events would be the best option as I needed to carry a LOT of stuff with me.
Did I have great events? Yes! I got to visit with author friends and make new ones. I spoke with readers, new and old, and met so many amazing people! The authors, readers, influencers... simply the best!
While I was gone I also got to spend a little time with friends and family. Priceless! You see, after the events, I took a little over a week and drove to Florida to see some of those family and friends and then up to the Outerbanks of North Carolina for my annual girls' trip weekend with some of the most amazing ladies!
All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better trip. (Well, other than being sick and confined to a hotel room for a few days between events. But, shit happens.) Would I do it all again? Absolutely. (Just not anytime soon!)
I want to share with you a moment I had as I was leaving New Orleans.
You all know how important music is to me. It gives me life and keeps me sane. No matter what is happening around me, to me, or how I'm feeling, there is always a song that touches me in one way or another. And when I'm driving I absolutely have to have my music.
Unfortunately, my Bluetooth had issues off and on the ENTIRE time I was gone. I was so frustrated. You can take many things from me and I'll shrug it off, but don't take my music.
So, as I was leaving New Orleans I was ecstatic that my Bluetooth was working. I had my music, I'd had a great trip and I was on my way to see family. As I approached Lake Pontchartrain and began to cross the bridge, The Sound of Silence (the Disturbed version) came on. Now, I'm very big on just hitting the shuffle setting and whatever song plays is what plays. I rarely skip ahead as I'm very into cosmic things such as getting what you need when you need it.
As the song started, I burst into tears. It was just the song I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. If you know the true story of why Paul Simon wrote that song then you'll understand why I had the reaction I did. You see, he wrote that song for a friend and it's about overcoming adversity and learning to not only accept and live with what has been laid at your feet, but to thrive. It's about knowing you're not alone.
The past year and a half has been difficult, to say the least. There were times I didn't know if I would survive, much less be able to go and do the things I have. So when I saw the sun glistening off the lake water as I was closing out a small chapter of my life, it dawned on me that I'd done it. I'd tackled this huge trip on my own. I'd checked things off of my bucket list. I'd had experiences that I've always wanted.
I was finally beginning to overcome, accept, and learn how to be myself again. The universe couldn't have picked a more perfect song to encapsulate my feelings in that moment.
Yes, I cried. I cried from one side of the bridge to the other, and y'all, that particular bridge is five and a half miles long.
I'm proud and a little in awe that I tackled this adventure on my own. I needed the events. I needed the time and adventure. I needed to do it so I could get some closure and enter into the next chapter of my life. Above all, I needed to do it by myself. You see, even though it was just me in that truck, I never felt alone. I felt my parents' presence every step of the way. They are no longer on this earth, but I will always carry them with me.
Y'all, take that trip. Go and do and experience life. Life is too damn short and the "one of these days" are too few to waste.
Until next time and as always,
Much love and cosmic appreciation from me to you,
Shelly (a/k/a Dawn Love)
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