The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Using What You Know

           New job. New building. New set of keys (seven of them--Yikes). I knew I needed a new lanyard (I like them longer than the store-bought ones usually are) so I headed to Pinterest, then to Michael's (craft store). The knotting pattern was not complicated, but when it came to finishing the knotted part, the directions I had didn't seem too reliable/permanent. 

         "Cut the ends off and burn the end of each cord." Certainly, burning the end off would have prevented the cord from unraveling, but what would keep the cord itself from becoming unknotted?

          Because I knew that paracord melts and becomes plastic-y when set on fire, I took the ends (and kept them an inch or so long) and burned the cord until I could melt it back onto the lanyard... and I only got one small blister on my finger and avoided setting the house on fire in the process, which is a huge success in my book. 






           Another thing I know: dogs, when stuck between uncertainty and a warm lap, usually succumb to the lap. This is a picture of one of my sister's dogs. She's a chihuahua mix, and I do not like chihuahuas. They're small and yappy and I tend to (accidentally) step on small dogs. When I first met her (an adult rescued dog) the feeling was mutual. She had prejudged me just like I'd been prejudiced about her. 
           
          However, this pup is part terrier-something, is built like a miniature horse, and runs like a greyhound. The next time we met, it was pure love.




         This is a picture of my daughter and her family at a local sculpture park. My daughter is cussedly independent (I don't know where she got that trait) and refuses to listen when I say things like, "We don't need your help with this yard/house project." She shows up anyway.
          
        Most years, when our dog rescue group has silent auctions, I bid on things that she and her family would enjoy. A free night at a funky hotel. A pair of baseball tickets. Restaurant gift certificates. So when she said this year, "Don't bid on anything for us," am I going to listen to her since she didn't listen to me?

       Definitely not.





           And my final utilization of what I know (for the moment) is this: it's important to keep your eye on what's important. (This picture is a huge sculpture at the same park as the previous photo.) 

         In mid-July, an editor at a conference asked for my manuscript. She gave me a time-frame when she would look at it. That time period is long gone. However, in my opinion, it's more important to give her time and not aggravate her than it is for me to email her and say "Haveyoureadmymanuscript?Haveyoureadityet?Whatdoyouthinkofit?Whatkindofastronomicalcheckareyougoingtosendmefortheprivilegeofpublishingit?




          Nope. I ain't gonna do it. Instead, I'm going to patiently (or semi-patiently) wait... for a little while longer. 

          What kind of knowledge/wisdom have you put to use lately?

19 comments:

  1. That is an absolutely terrifying sculpture!

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  2. Lately? I am fresh out of knowledge and wisdom. Nothing being put to use here. But I DID keep my school keychain, which is the stretchy old-telephone-cord type, in bright green.

    I had turned it in with my keys back in May (you remember, when I RETIRED). But after starting down the hall, I gasped, and ran (more like waddled at a youthful snail's pace) back to the office and asked for it. Didn't matter that I got the raised eyebrow. I wanted that keepsake.

    I sometimes have trouble letting go. But I refuse to go back for my college-starting son and stuff him into a cup holder in T-Hoe.

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    1. To paraphrase that song from the movie "Frozen"--Let him go, let him go. (It will be hard, but I am sure he'll have a wonderful time.)

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  3. Hi Sioux! I loved this post, especially about preconceived ideas. I used to always dislike small, "yappy" dogs, too. But I've realized to be more open and accepting of our four-legged friends. There's a Chihuahua mix in our neighborhood that I just love! She is hilarious and runs in circles and rolls around whenever we see her outside. Pure joy! I've been to that same sculpture park, too, but it's been YEARS. And one last thing. I'm so happy about your manuscript, and glad you're going to wait, patiently or not, before you contact the editor. How long of a period is the "long gone"? I really have no reason to give advice, but I'd try to wait at least a month past her time frame...and maybe a bit more. You never know what may have happened to interrupt her usual schedule. Best of luck!

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  4. Oh, I forgot a very important comment/question. You've obviously begun another job? Hope it's wonderful.

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    1. Becky--Thanks. Yes, I'm going to wait, but it's difficult. Perhaps she's calculating how many thousands she's going to throw my way as an advance? I doubt it...
      And yes, I retired from public school teaching and am now teaching at a parochial school. It's a dream job. And thanks for your good thoughts.

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  5. Gak. The waiting is the worst. They take their own sweet time about it, that's for sure. And sometimes they never get back to you at all. (Aren't I just a ray of sunshine?) In this case, though, I believe the request was enthusiastic, right? And it may be that the time being taken is to---as you mentioned---get approval for an offer. SO! Think positive, my friend! :)

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  6. One more thing. Per Janet Reid (agent), the accepted time to send an email follow-up to inquire about the status of your submission is 90 days.

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    1. 90 days? I think I'll explode before the 90th day hits...

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  7. I am in LOVE with that eyeball sculpture--and the pic. It's perfect for those times when you want to say, "I'm keeping an eye on you." Or "Let me see what I can do." It may be because the working title of my book that's floating around there STILL is ONE GOOD EYE? Seriously, that would make a great cover. :-)

    But we were talking about you--best of luck at your new school! Sounds as if you've already started on the right foot, what with your lanyard success. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your book's success. Sometimes, it can take a while. Keep the faith, Sioux! (And yes, maybe wait until that 90 day period before asking. :-)

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    1. Cathy--Well, finish that book, and you can have that photo for your cover.(It's my photo.)

      "One Good Eye?" is such an intriguing title. You have to give me/your followers some details. And by "floating around" you mean...?

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  8. Usually ninety days,because the assistant does the first read and then passes the ms on. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

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    1. Linda--Cross your toes and your eyes, too. You can twist something of Bill's too, so "they" are crossed, as I need all the good luck I can get.

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  9. I've been wondering if you heard anything yet. Waiting is the pits, isn't it?

    Sound like the school year is off to a great start. Can't wait to hear your stories!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    1. Pat--It IS the pits. When I hear something, either yea or nea, I will post it. (I like to celebrate but I also like to wallow.)

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  10. Hi Sioux, Remember me? I hope to hear from you. I have been following your blog. Just wondering where you are now teaching. I came across some reward stickers from my days as an administraitive assistant. Are you still in same home? If so we live very close to you now.

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    1. Debby--Of course I remember you. I still have a Christmas ornament that you made for me. How are your boys? Still quilting?

      I retired from public school teaching and am now working for the Archdiocese, because I wasn't finished teaching.

      Email me--see the address at the top of the blog. I'd love to hear from you.

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  11. I love that eye sculpture! It is in St. Louis right? That is my favorite park!!

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Thanks for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by...