It’s funny when you realize that in some ways you’re still the same person you were at seven years old. When my parents got divorced, I spent every other weekend with my Dad. He would pick me up on Friday afternoons at school and all day it was the only thing I could think about. At three o’clock a classmate would usually yell, “Corinne! You’re Dad’s here!” and my heart would skip a beat because it was time for a weekend of no rules and non-stop fun. Usually our first stop was Perkins Family Restaurant. I would order chocolate chip pancakes and eat them until I had to lie down in the booth due to my terrible stomach ache (this happened throughout the weekend because I could eat copious amounts of anything I wanted). At Christmastime, Perkins had a coloring contest and the winner received a huge stocking of toys. I needed to win those toys. I decided that I was going to win those toys. So, I broke out the 64-count crayon box and worked tirelessly on my masterpiece. Then, we waited. My least favorite thing to do. And when I say we waited, I mean that I forced my father to call Perkins and see if I won the very next day. He succumbed to the will of a seven year old because I didn’t stop talking about it for 24 hours. I’d like to think I have more self-control now, twenty years later. I haven’t changed in some ways though…
I still believe that even if the odds are stacked against me, I can achieve what many would see as impossible. I hope I never lose that drive. Waiting is as tough today as it was when I was seven, but now at least I know that it’s also a really great teacher. Waiting for something shows you what you really want and what you’re willing to do to achieve it. I don’t know if my pancake story is the best example of this, but it’s the first thing that popped into my mind when feeling impatient the other day. Today, I feel like some of my waiting has paid off. Instead of a box of crayons and a Santa Claus picture, I’m working on a novel, but I have the same magical feeling inside.
ps- I didn’t win the stocking in 1989, but it was a damn good coloring job. Thanks, Dad.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Corinne, I just love reading your writing! I can’t wait for your novel to be published! I’m going to be one of the first to buy it!
XO!
Thank you so much, Lauren! Your support and enthusiasm means a lot. I can’t wait for you to read the book someday! I won’t give up until it makes it to the shelves:) xo
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Maria! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post:) I always love it when you stop by my blog!
this makes me want to cry I am so proud of you! I know that sounds like a silly thing to say, but I am realizing that you are truly becoming a phenomenal story teller. I want to hear more!
Right back at you! Amazing article on your recent interior design work! Thanks for sending it my way. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me:)
What a great post, lady! You’re waiting on some very awesome things, and I know you’re going to make them happen.
Your support mean so much and it always has! Thanks for being there from the start in so many different ways:)