Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Reflected Light


Reflected Light

For years and years now, I have been collecting beautiful copies of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.  On the day after Thanksgiving, when the wreath is hung on the front door and trees go up throughout the house, I gather these books from their respective shelves and scatter them here and there, always within easy reach of a comfortable reading chair or bedside.  Dickens’ story is, to me, as much a part of Christmas as red ribbons and fudge, and many of its well-remembered quotations drift through my thoughts each December.  This particular December just past, however, it seemed as though I was caught in the web of another of the great author’s famous lines from another book entirely... 
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.  

Having worked on my book, From the House of Edward, most of the year, I had no way of knowing its release would coincide with my Mother’s ultimate decline in health.  Also, while I could, and did, indulge in imagining the delight I would feel upon finally holding that very first copy in my hands, my imagination stopped right there.  There was no way I could have dreamed up all the wonderful letters I would begin to get once people started to receive their very own copies.  In the midst of such bad news, day after day, concerning my Mother, there would be letter after letter in my inbox from people expressing the most delightful responses to my book.  How can I ever say enough thanks to you all?  

There are so many blogs out there in the ether, a multitude of well-written, beautifully photographed, places to visit each day.  That you continue to stop by The House of Edward, continue to leave such interesting and encouraging comments, continue to write such beautiful letters... well, it amazes me no end.  The book is getting ready to go into a second printing (which also amazes me no end) and I am so grateful to all of you.  Those who received it for Christmas are now ordering more copies for friends and this just puts a grin on my face that threatens to be permanent.

The work of the French Baroque painter, George de La Tour, has been on my mind of late.  La Tour was famous for his realistic depictions of reflected light and I cannot help but think this is what you all have provided me these past couple of months.  On days when I felt as though no light emanated from me at all, your kindnesses and encouraging words have provided me with far more than enough, gifting me with warmth and illumination for my path ahead.  

We buried my Mother on the very last day of a difficult year.  A more striking metaphor I could never conceive.  As I step, each day a bit surer, into the clean, untouched days of this new year, I do so with much gratitude for the remarkable readers I am so fortunate to have, so happy to have you on this journey along with me.
Thank you all.



Painting above by George de La Tour

30 comments:

  1. Pamela: My sincere sympathy for the loss of your Mother. I do believe she is by your side in a different sort of light...smiling on you.
    Your analogy of George de La Torre is mighty perfect. I believe the way he captured many types of light reflect the multitude of lights within you.

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  2. Those who have ever lost soldier on. Your blog and your writings are simply amazing. Beautiful words spun into a beautiful story. Thank you for this.

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  3. Pamela, I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I will certainly be praying for you and your family for peace and healing of spirit.

    Many blessings to you this Twelfth Night and a heartfelt thank you for bringing such beauty and magic to the blogosphere.

    Hugs,
    Rebecca

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  4. You bless us with your words and your Mother's spirit is reflected in each word you write.
    Happy New Year!
    Karen

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  5. My condolences for the loss of your mother. A difficult end to the year indeed. I know you will miss her over time, as well. Your post is a wonderful testament to her.

    I especially appreciated your thoughts on "reflected light", because i think what you said about that applies so much to aspects of our lives. We all are sustained by the reflected light of friends and loved ones.

    Best wishes for a good 2013.

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  6. You have been in my thoughts Pamela and I am glad that your steps are each day a bit surer. I have what I believe to be a first edition of The Christmas Carol - I didn't buy it, it was in the family.
    Great news about the book!

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  7. I have just found my way to your blog through Cait O'Connor. I shall look forward to reading more, but I just want to say how sorry I am that you have lost your mother. I lost two of my 'family' in December - I have an inkling of how you are feeling. I wish you blessings for the days to come.

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  8. Dear Pamela

    I a so sorry to hear you have had such a sad time and the loss of your precious mother. I keep you in prayer and wish you continued success which you greatly deserve for such a wonderful book that I treasure.

    Helen x

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  9. Big hugs and love and prayers to you and Like my beloved Mother in Heaven
    They both are our own personal Guardian Angels now and we have a piece of Heaven in our hearts and homes........Much love to you
    Love Jeanne

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  10. Dearest Pamela..My condolences for the loss of your mother.

    I can not help thinking...the last day of a year...and then the start of a new one..what a wonderful way to start a Journey!
    And what is even more special..your mother will be with you every step you take..giding you!

    Blessing..and have yourself a happy happy New year..hugs from all of us xoxo

    T.D and Company

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  11. Dear Pam,
    This is sad news please know my heart weeps for you. This is a hard way to end a year. Your Mom
    will always be looking over you. God bless, and take a new step into a new year. Wishing all your dreams come true.
    yvonne

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  12. Bless you for your beautiful words and honest feelings. It's a difficult journey to lose a beloved parent. May you carry her love with you for all time.

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  13. Amazing, isn't it, that mysterious juxtaposition of birth with death. I suspect it daily surrounds us, mostly unnoticed until we find ourselves immersed in its living.

    Thinking about you, your Mom and your book, Brighde emerged as a potential touchstone, if she isn't already. I make the following offering at this bittersweet time...

    Brighde (Scotland)Brigit (Ireland) is a beloved Celtic Goddess associated with Healing Waters, the Flame of Inspiration, the Flame of Creative Consciousness. Brighed is the “Bringer of Prosperity,” She is the Patroness of Poetry, Healing, Smithcraft, Midwifery and Animal Care. Brighed is Warrior and Healer, Protectress and Goddess of Healing Grace.

    She is the Lady of Literature, the Goddess of Creative Expression; She is the Luminous Muse of the Poetic Voice. She is the patroness of poets, writers and bards, lending grace and inspiration to creative writing....

    For me, she embodies waters of healing from loss as well as the fires of creation, among many other aspects. I have found her a good friend.

    Amen, Ase' Blessed Bee

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  14. Pamela, I love that, reflected light.

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  15. Dear Pamela,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my own mother 2 years ago and she's in my thoughts daily but I miss her so.
    Your book remained on my list but the good news is my birthday is in the month of January, I'm sure I'll get a copy then.
    Karen

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  16. George de La Tour, one of my favorites...glad to know you're feeling the light, dear Pamela.

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  17. Pamela,

    I am heartsick for you over the loss your your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate a new path this year. How wonderful to have the thoughts, prayers and love of so many friends and readers to add a little comfort.

    Congratulations on your beautiful book, Elizabeth

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  18. Pamela, I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. Losing our parents is one of those (almost) inevitable things that we can face.
    We are never prepared for the reality of the loss. When that occurs around the holidays, it is harder still. Keep your treasured memories of your mom close to your heart....and know that you will have her near to you for all of your days. May she rest in peace.

    Hugs!

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  19. Ah, yes, light… The last thing I notice each night after retiring is the glow of the firelight flickering off of shiny surfaces in the kitchen. Early this morning, moonlight shone through bare maple branches as I peered up and out through our tall kitchen window in the predawn darkness. Even the faint light from stars, long dead, will wink at me as I step into the chilly night air to gather one final armload of wood to keep our little house warm through the night. And tomorrow morning the light of 71 bright faces (and minds) will illuminate my world as no other light can do… You have sent your light out into the world. Bask in its warmth as it is reflected back to you when you most need it.

    "White Rabbit"

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  20. Dearest Pamela,
    From having read your words over the past year I know you will face this difficult and sad time with positivity, love and blessings. I am so sorry for your loss. Time will heal and you will remember such wonderful times. My thoughts are with you Pamela.
    Di
    xxxx

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  21. Pamela, I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your Mother. Sending a virtual hug as well and you will be in my Good Thoughts.

    I once fell wildly in love and lost a close friend unexpectedly in a 24 hour period so I can most certainly emphathize with your experience but not the pain of losing your Mom. I do know that the energy sent by our friends over the internet is real and does help though.

    I imagine that Edward too has been a blessing to you in this difficult time.
    With my Best Regards,
    Heather

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  22. Dear Pamela,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you. I know she had to be proud of your beautiful way with words.
    Sincerely,
    Debra F.from NC

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  23. Dearest Pamela I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. I know how proud she is of you...

    Your family is in my thoughts and prayers,

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  24. we love you.
    it's as simple as that.
    xo
    tammy j

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  25. Pamela,
    My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. May you be comforted by memories precious and dear. Thinking of you and offering a prayer of comfort and strength as you go through this next year, without her physical presence near.
    I just received your book. I have been reading it all day long. It is magical and enchanting as your words always are.
    Love and hugs,
    Angie

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  26. Oh, Pamela, I'm so sorry about your mother. There are no words to comfort your grief. 2012 was a difficult year for so many. I can only hope 2013 will be better.

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  27. So sorry about your Mother's death,
    I hold you in my heart.

    Kahlil Gibran on Death

    For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
    And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
    ....
    Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
    And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
    And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

    Kahlil Gibran on Death

    (one of my favorite images is to think of my Mother Dancin1g)

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  28. I am so sorry you had to tell us you MOther is no longer with you here.
    It's the worst day ever, I know


    Janice

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  29. I have not read one word of these comments.......yet!

    I make myself put your book down....and then I hide it! So I don't read it "all at once"!!

    Honestly! (how would I make that up?)

    It is wonderful beyond!!!!!!
    I love you ! And I love your writing! W hat a gift you bring to all of us!

    Penelope

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!