Todays Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

[Guest guest]

Take Two Lemons and Make Lemonade

By Elaine L. Galit

Our house invariably had an aroma of " home. " Scents like the mouthwatering

zest of frying onions at dinnertime, and crisp vanilla spice that wafted

through the rooms during the day. But after six months wading through the

loneliness of widowhood, I realized I didn't like the whiff of sad staleness

now permeating the house.

I'd drifted through those last months as though half of me was missing. Not

strange, I suppose, after forty years of marriage to the same man. But a day

arrived when I realized I had to decide what the rest of my life would be

like. Did I want to wander the empty rooms being half a person, or did I

want to get out and see if I couldn't become whole again? And if I did want

to repair my psyche, how would I go about achieving this metamorphosis?

My children and grandchildren helped me decide.

" You love to write, Mom, " they chorused. " Write a book. "

Write a book? I thought. At my age?

But how many times had I told my children to live their dream? It was

strange, however, to realize I might be able to live my old dream; a vision

swallowed up for so many years with housework, husband and children. Not

that I would change a minute of it; that was my life and I loved it.

But it wasn't my destiny anymore, and, as the homily goes, the sooner I

realized it the better. Time has a way of slip-sliding through your life and

before you know it, your children are married and have children of their

own.

Let's face it, if life is made up of seasons I've got autumn challenging me,

I thought.

Did I want to find out what else life could possibly contain for me, or wind

up a shriveled, bitter old person? That question made me shudder. I'd always

been an active optimist. Over the years when my children jumped from sports

to dance and back again, I'd volunteered for everything from Girl Scouts,

through mentoring youngsters, to vice president or secretary of the many

clubs and organizations I'd joined. Then, for eighteen years I'd run my own

business, a candy and gift shop. Later I'd handled events and promotions for

a local bookstore.

I had what is now referred to as " life experiences. " So, did I want to start

another business? Volunteer somewhere? When my husband was alive, I'd

published a few articles in various magazines. However, my children were

correct; I'd always wanted to write a book.

Before I had a chance to dwell in other areas, a new world opened up. An

editor, hearing about my desire to link my love of children with my love of

Houston, approached me through a mutual friend. Would I write about Houston

and what children could see and do in my city? Interesting - I'd tossed a

desire into the universe and an answer had drifted down. Without any

warning, I had my chance to write that book. From then on, my life took off

in another direction.

I spoke with a good friend and we tossed around ideas. Before I knew it, we

were on our way. We'd write a special book. Forget the lists, we'd base our

book on the core curriculum here in Houston. We researched, interviewed and

photographed our way though museums, parks, science exhibits and the many

hidden treasures to be found in our city.

When the book was published, I glowed with pride and my children stifled

" I-told-you-sos. " But I was even more thrilled when a national bookstore

chain named us " Authors of the Month " in our area, and a major literary

group asked us to be featured authors for their annual literacy event.

Before we knew it, we had a second contract, and my world and work continued

to expand.

At the same time, trying for a social life and further development of my

" right brain, " I went to Sedona, Arizona, for an Elderhostel art sampler.

While watercolor wasn't my thing, I loved working with colored pencils. Back

in town, I joined an Artist's Way group facilitated by my coauthor and began

colored pencil painting.

Once again the universe sent help in the form of a supportive and

synergistic group of people who are not only talented, but share their love

of art and joy of living. At the urging of one of the artists in the group,

I agreed to enter a local art show. To my great surprise, I won three

ribbons and sold a painting.

I could have stayed at home and felt sorry for myself. Thank goodness I

didn't. Oh, don't get me wrong; I did stay at home, but it wasn't to moan

about my loss, but rather to work at fulfilling my life's dream. While doing

so, I was also filling my life with something meaningful.

I've always known we have many choices in this world. The trick is to select

correctly; don't opt to drain life, choose to fulfill life.

As I write this, I'm pursuing both my writing and art careers. And loving

every minute of it.

Yes, the fall season of life is a challenge. But I realize that when those

lemons start falling from the trees in summer, it's wise to collect them.

Autumn, especially here in Houston, is still hot. What better than to mix

some lemonade with ice tea and sip while working on the latest project?

Action, the joy of living life, throws winter far into the future.