Monday 14 May 2012

Rites of Passage

 by Margie Church

 
Finding your inner strength only happens in the face of adversity. And time. When I was younger, like most people I blew off some of life's let-downs and heartaches with a flick of my wrist. I had so many thrills early in my career I became jaded. And now, I find the hourglass of life less than half-full and I don't take much for granted any more. Don't get me wrong. I still eagerly await 3-day weekends, and the end to laundry every Monday. But I know some things only happen once, even if life is moving at high-speed.
Lately, it seems I've had to let go of a lot of things. Father Time arrived and gave the nod. The choice was made for me. I learned long ago, I cannot be happy in the present, or enjoy the future when my sites are always set on the past.
Over the winter and spring, I've been getting our eldest ready to graduate. I never dreamed it could consume so much time and energy (and we won't talk about the cash part). I've put my writing projects on simmer so I can give him the attention I feel this transition deserves. Graduation has become so much more than a cap and gown. It's included getting him enrolled in college, filing his taxes for the first time, renting a tux for his first (and last) prom, final musical performances and first-time appearances, registering for the draft, celebrating his 18th birthday. It's like we boxed up his childhood. He treats all this with the indifference of youth, just like his mom did. Some is a rite of passage; some is just a PITA he can't wait to put behind him. In a few weeks, the skids will be fully greased to set him free. He literally is marching into his adulthood.
Our other child's voice is changing. He's already planning his Eagle Scout project and high adventure camping trip for next year. He's taller than me. He used to play in the kennel with Jewel, but now she's gone, too. Wow.
Or do I say, "Ow?" Change comes whether we're ready or not.
I'm not a masochist, but I am a fan of goodbyes and endings. Those are my rites of passage. Endings set the stage for wonderful beginnings. I can think of a few pivotal times in my life when someone needed to say goodbye to me. And they didn't. And I felt like I didn't matter. It made me determined to break that cycle in my life no matter how sad it is. For me, tears say, "I love you."
Life is rich, isn't it? We all walk these kinds of paths in our own way. Some of us become bitter, others fearful or discouraged. I hope I never become any of those things. In my work, I've always said pain is my most useful emotion. It comes in many forms and dimensions. I'm taking in all these new moments like a thirsty sponge, cataloging the experiences, the sensations and thoughts. You can bet the raw emotions will end up in my books disguised as something else, but still be compelling and memorable. I hope you'll enjoy them.
Krewe Daddy is the love story of Drew and Luis. It's a book about redemption. People make mistakes when they misread the situation and emotions get in the way. Or maybe they're bullheaded. Krewe Daddy is an action-packed, sizzling drama. I hope you'll enjoy it.
Krewe Daddy by Margie Church
Luis is the Daddy, a sought-after lover, with an ego to match the mammoth-sized Mardi Gras floats he designs. His lifestyle and reputation are wearing him out, but Luis can't find a satisfying way to break the cycle and be happy, too.
Drew's insecurities pushed him to have a foolish affair six years ago. It destroyed his relationship with Luis, and he's never been able to commit to anyone since. Now, he's taken control of his life and changed his submissive personality by becoming a model for Kevin Marks, and a wildlife enforcement agent in New Orleans.
These men haven't forgotten each other, or settled their differences. When they accidentally meet in a French Quarter gay bar, the years of regret, anger, and pent-up emotions erupt. Their passion is as hot as ever, their mistrust just as potent. When Drew's future is in Luis' hands, will he choose his lifestyle or love?
Featuring Kevin, Teak, and Drew from Hard as Teak.
Also available in the UK!
Keep up with Margie:
Margie's website: Romance with SASS
Margie's Amazon Kindle page 

7 comments:

Margie Church said...

Thanks for having me today, ladies!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful way of looking at changes and goodbyes. Thank you for sharing your insights :-)

Faith Bicknell said...

Hi Margie.

Sounds like you and I are going through similar changes, but I guess everyone does. Two of my four are out of the house now. The youngest is 7, but my girl (14) graduates jr. high to starch high school. It bothers me, but that's life. We recently lost our family dog, too.

Very nice, thought-provoking post, lady! :-)

Marguerite Hall said...

Wow Margie, you weren't kidding when you said to stop by and see a side of you rarely seen! You have a wonderful way of looking at the inevitable sadness everyone encounters, as usual you handle it with grace and a flair all your own. Now as far as letting projects simmer, I believe you started and finished at least four projects during this time, not to mention numerous blog posts, so if this is you holding back, the publishing world has best watch out! Wishing you the best if luck

Margie (MOTS)

Marci Baun said...

A few weeks ago, my uncle passed. The hardest part for me was watching my aunt say goodbye to her friend and lover of 58 years. Yet, a few weeks before his death, her first great-granddaughter was born. It seems to happen like that a lot.

Beautiful post!

Marci

Kate Richards said...

`Life is always changing, isn't it? Sometimes it's harder than others and I felt awful for you with Jewel.... Your comments today make me understand better the depth of your characters and why you can make me fall in love with them.

Margie Church said...

Kate - you've been reading me since the beginning. Your opinion matters to me. I'm so glad we're friends.

Cathandlingwriter - thank you.

Faith - Thanks. I'm sorry to hear about your dog.((hugs))

MOTS - not always with grace and flair. LOL And it was only 3 projects. ;-p

Anthology Authors - ((hugs)) that kind of loss takes your breath away. I know what you mean. I celebrate the granddaughter's birth with you and thank you for reading.