Dream Agent responds

Song Stuck on the Brain: My Little Pony theme song. I was searching for new movies to add to my rental list on-line and a My Little Pony movie was on the new to DVD list. As soon as I saw it the song started running and it hasn't stopped yet.

Another busy weekend come and gone. I did get the haircut. Love it. It must make me look really different though, becuase everyone's been doing double takes. I'm thinking positive and assuming those are GOOD double takes. Regardless, I'm happy with it and that's the most important thing.

Saturday was the family birthday party which was fun. Alexis told Papa that he had to open his presents first. Imagine that, an 8 year old willing to delay gift opening. She was most excited for him to open the one from her. She'd shopped for him all by herself. The first thing out of the bag was a little stuffed teddy bear holding a red rose. Allie says, 'Isn't he cute, Papa?' Dad agreed he was and pretended to snuggle him, then tucked the bear under his suspenders near his shoulder. The second thing out of the bag was Mardi Gras beads. Which got an even bigger laugh. Dad showed her all the ways he could wear them by hooking them over his ears or around his head or under his nose like oxygen tubes. Of course you have to know that my dad is the biggest ham ever. Plus he's looks like the scottsman that runs in his blood. At one time he had flame red hair, now most of it is white, but he's always worn a full beard and he's stocky. It was just too funny to see him with teddy bears and beads.

The Mardi Gras beads started a whole new conversation of course. Angel and I looked at one another and said, "Wanna see some boobs?" Which of course started us cracking up, because we know an individual that uses the Mardi Gras beads on yearly float trips for just that purpose. I told mom if we saw her wearing the beads, we'd know what they'd been up to. She was like, 'huh?' After explaining what some people used the beads for she laughed and blushed. Which then caused more giggling from the rest of us. Even Dad chuckled.

It was sweet though, Dad made Alexis feel like her present was terrific and she was so happy to have made him happy.

I never did get the opportunity to write. I spent several hours photographing Angel's original jewelry designs so she can create a catalog. Once the catalog's done, I still need to create the store on www.TheErwins.com for her. It was fun though. She's got some really beautiful jewelry.

Sunday the three nieces and I made homeade valentines to send to the children's hospital. They had so much fun with all the glitter and beads and cutting and gluing. It was messy, but they enjoyed it so much. I did too. It was fun to have that time together with them. We ended up with a total of nine cards to send. I hope it makes some little kid really happy to see all the I Love You's.

I did get a response from Dream Agent late Sunday night. She passed on seeing more of the story. She gave me line edits on the first 5 pages which was nice. I have the impression though, that my query letter was better than the actual manuscript. Which is kind of a bummer since I've really worked hard on this book. I didn't cry (amazing, I know. I was surprised myself.) but I think it's because I truly left it in God's hands. I didn't want false hope. If this really wasn't my Dream Agent, then I didn't want to get a request for more of the manuscript.

However, despite that, I still felt saddened. I don't handle rejection well, and let's face it, writing is 99.9% rejection. I'm giving myself 24 hours to feel blue, bummed, worthless and untalented before I dig back into my writing. I don't know where it will go from here, but God's in charge. I've just got to stick with it.

I'd love to say that I think this agent was an idiot for passing me up, but I can't. It's just not true. Even if she isn't the agent for me, she still seems like a rockin' agent and I know those she works with are lucky to have her.

So, I'm going to pity party a little longer and I'll see you all on the flipside.

A.