Let's open window number 3...
Today's Advent surprise comes in the form of a card to a distant friend. The giving of cards each year has fallen out of fashion somewhat. A combination of cost, concern for the environment and also the ease at which many of us stay in touch via social media these days may all be contributory factors for this. However, there's still something heartwarming about opening a card that has landed on your doormat, reading a few sentences penned by a relative or friend that you haven't seen in a while, and then putting the card on display.
Today, I'm writing this blog as a card to a friend. The friend that I am thinking of is one that I have never actually met in real life - that's a project that we haven't yet realised but perhaps will get round to doing soon, at a writer's retreat promised for the future. In my world of writing contacts, developed over the past few years, her name is Lily. We have met via Twitter circles and spoken over Zoom calls, back when everyone communicated that way during the pandemic. I guess we were all seeking connection and support. I was just in the right place at the right time, within this context, to connect with an inspiring group of people who all shared writing as their common thread - a thread that continues to hold us together.
Lily has been inspirational to me, always championing others and being dedicated to her writing. Like myself, she is a poet at heart. She has several published collections of poetry which are both accessible and thought-provoking and well worth picking up to add to your reading pile. Treat yourself and check out her author page. Along with the commitment that I have mentioned, I have also been inspired by the way that Lily has not been afraid to step outside of her comfort zone within her writing. One such venture had great results and now Lily can add writer of children's books to her list of accolades. If you're looking for something festive to share with your children or grandchildren, then I am sure this will prove a winner - Santa's Early Christmas.
So this little author showcase for Advent is my Christmas card to Lily. She has helped me through some difficult times this year, whilst in the midst of some of her own, and for that I am truly grateful. Whether we send physical cards or not, it is great to share our appreciation of friendship along with festive wishes. I certainly consider that to be a central part of the Christmas spirit. With that thought I'm off to post a few Christmas cards now and to leave the last word to Lily...
Kommentarer