INSPIRATION

Lake Kakagi, Nestor Falls, Ontario, Canada

"Let us be silent that we may hear the whispers of the gods." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever wondered where inspiration comes from? I'm sure it's different for each of us...as for me, my sources are water and solitude.

As a writer, I sometimes struggle to tap into my creative process. For example, my readers have long requested a sequel to my debut novel, WATERS OF THE DANCING SKY. While some of them even offered excellent suggestions to integrate into this sequel, I was still stumped. It simply was not coming together in my head. Pieces were missing.

Until last week. I was on a Canadian fishing trip with my good friend, Len. As we trolled the waters of this scenic wilderness lake, I couldn't resist snapping photo after photo of the islands, the sunlight dancing across the waves, the clouds lazily drifting overhead.

Lulled by the lapping of the waves and the warmth of the sun, I became still. Totally still. I was one with the lake. It wasn't long before I began to tap into that universal creative process that is out there somewhere. Bits and pieces of my long-awaited story began to float into my mind. The plot and its many twists were finally coming together - sometimes in surprising ways that I had not anticipated.

Who would have thought that the notorious Chicago gangster, Bugs Moran, would insert himself into the middle of this novel? Yes, he was once there at Kettle Falls where this series is set. I can't tell you what his role will be...that will evolve as I write, but he will be there.

Sometimes we need to calm our busy minds and escape into the heart of nature, I think, to find inspiration in life. It doesn't matter if you're a writer, artist, truck driver, waitress, or CEO.

How do you find inspiration in your life?

Stay tuned and please stay in touch.

Janet Kay
Author of WATERS OF THE DANCING SKY and AMELIA 1868
http://www.novelsbyjanetkay.com

It's A Wonderful Life...

"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love, Clarence"

This is a quote from my all-time favorite Chrismas movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." I watch it every year...and every year, I cry.

Clarence Oddbody is an angel second class, transported to earth on an urgent mission that could help him to earn his wings and become a first class angel. His assigned mission is to help George Bailey, a compassionate but devastated businessman who is contemplating suicide over financial ruin.

By showing George how many lives he has touched and all the good he has done throughout his lifetime, Clarence saves George's life. And the many friends whom George has helped over the years now find it in their hearts to help George. In the end, Clarence gets his wings!

What is it about this classic movie, released 65 years ago, that still touches our hearts and souls, and re-kindles the Christmas spirit within us all?

At a time when many are struggling with unemployment, major losses in their investments, health problems, and the loss of family and friends, the messages in this movie manage to restore a sense of hope. This helps us all to see through the fog of temporary problems in life and to focus upon our many blessings, on the truly important things in life.

Nobody ever said that life was supposed to be easy or fair. Perhaps this movie can teach us lessons that will help to build character and pursue our individual missions in life.

As Christmas approaches, many are stressed out, trying to create the perfect Christmas. The reality is that we must contend with the loss of loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with us. With an overload of events to attend, gifts to buy. Sometimes there's a family fued or crazy relative who manages to put a damper on this holiday.

Perhaps, in the big picture of things...none of this really matters. That's the gift that "It's A Wonderful Life" portrays to the world.

Happy Holidays to you and yours...and always remember that it truly is "a wonderful life!"

Stay tuned and please stay in touch!

Janet Kay
http://www.watersofthedancingsky.com