I read my horoscope nearly every day. Sometimes, I run with its forecast. Other times, I ignore every word. And on occasion, I embrace the parts I like and disregard the rest.
Eleven days ago, my horoscope’s opening line, “You’re in touch with your muse today, which is why this is a productive day for those of you who work in the arts or creative projects,” nudged me to revisit my writing from the previous year.
I focused on a 100-word story I had written about my mom and me for The New York Times Tiny Love Stories. After submitting the piece last November, I envisioned seeing it and an accompanying photo online and perhaps in print.
I did not.
Rereading my story, I resolved to try again. I scoured other Tiny Love Stories, certain their words were my muse. Then I plunged in, narrowing my story to a single moment.
Four days after that prophetic horoscope, I received an email from NYT editor Miya Lee. One week later, my amended Tiny Love Story was published online in The New York Times.
Oh. My. Heart.
Wow!! Very cool Karen! Congratulations!! I like your approach to horoscopes. I use that strategy with other people’s opinions sometimes. 😉
Thanks, Linda. I’m grateful that 5-star horoscope nudged me into action!
Oh, to have such sage advice for my students who 1) thought my 100-word story assignment would be a breeze, 2) thought revising meant spell-checking, 3) cast their fate to the winds because they felt all was out of their control, and 4) refused to see synchronistic nudges from the universe when they appeared. Your posting underscores the futility of each choice, the joy to be found in opening yourself to opportunity.
Karen, your students were so fortunate to have you as their teacher! I hop all is well in Peru.
Karen….what a beautiful story of perseverance, of guts but most of all of the appreciation you have for the simple moments of love in your life!
What lovely women standing before a bathroom mirror!
Simple moments of love are treasures as you know, Ame. I’ll never forget some of the stories about your sweet mom.💕
Karen, I love hearing about your writing process. The author, Katie Wood Ray, says to read the kind of writing you want to write so it’s spinning in your head. You instinctively know to do this. You inspire me! Maybe your next book is a collection of tiny love stories. 💕
You have a wealth of stories, Kathy. I hope you’re inspired to share them far and wide!
I admire your openness to taking horoscopes so seriously. I think the stories of you and your mother are some of your finest work. It so accurately represents your and your mother’s sweetness and thoughtfulness. You are an amazing woman. I am honored to know you in our later years, and especially like our childhood/teenager crossover upbringing. Write away… I want more.
Oh my gosh, Leah. You are a playwright, an actor, a teacher and a writer. I am humbled by your words.
I am so grateful I met your mother in our later years. Your tender eulogy in July painted a beautiful portrait of her and her amazing legacy!
I really enjoyed reading your piece in the NYT – and to hear the story behind the story. So glad you took up writing. Like Leah, I want more…
Thanks, Peggy. I love every tender memory with my sweet momma.