Star Wishes
In 1940, Leigh Harline and Ned Washington wrote the lyrics to When You Wish Upon a Star for the Disney animated film, Pinocchio. It is a beloved song that has withstood the test of time.
The lyrics speak of the power of manifesting your dreams. The imagery of a dreamer gazing out upon a star and imagining their hearts desire becoming real is magical. The idea that Fate will step in and make longed for dreams come true is enchanting.
And somewhat true, I believe. Visualization, dreaming and meditation are some of the artist’s tools. Without taking the time to dip into the well of inspiration and creativity, nothing can ever be.
And perhaps destiny plays a role in personal achievement. I like to think that each of us are born to fulfill some purpose.
But there is more to wishes coming true than gazing longingly at Venus in the night sky.
For the artist, there is the putting pen to paper, brush to canvas and fingers to strings. There is the work part of the process. You can dream about something and imagine it in vivid detail for years, as I did with my dreams of writing, but until you make the commitment to do whatever you must in the physical realm to make it a reality, your dream will remain…a dream.
I have just completed a romantic fantasy trilogy, the Kingdom of Uisneach series. It is my dream come true. But those three books didn’t just happen because my fairy godmother brought them to me. No. Nor would I have wanted it that way. How would I ever have discovered my own power to create, to problem solve and to understand the value of sacrificing for something greater than myself? Part of the success of this journey has been the awakening to my own inner strength and determination. I now know, for a fact, that I can do anything I set my mind to.
Writing in and of itself is not always rainbows and lollipops. But it is fulfilling, if it’s your thing. Setting up a business and learning what it means to be an independent publishing author is, may I just say, bloody hard. Unless if course that’s your thing. But in the processes of writing and publishing, I’ve learned so much. With each book, the tasks were a bit easier and I felt a bit more confident.
Not that I accomplished every aspect by myself. The other wonderful part of this journey is the people I’ve met along the way. From a wonderful editor to a highly talented writing buddy and social media genius, to beta readers, a phenomenal musician who will become quite familiar to you in the coming days, staffers at Damonza and lots of new friends who have enjoyed the book. Whatever hard days I had in the publishing journey were eclipsed by the days of joy and fulfillment in the connections that were made.
I’ve been asked what I’ll write next.
Believe me, there are many ideas simmering in my creative cauldron. I’ve already started outlining a young adult story about a young boy who feels lost and abandoned but who discovers his purpose in forest conservation. This is a story for my grandson, an avid reader, but a little young for the Uisneach stories just yet.
I’m also tinkering with a place name- Moss Hollow- which may be my spiritual place or it may be a book. I’m not exactly sure where this is going.
Here’s what I know for sure. What some may call Fate, others God and some Awen, gave me a few passions. One for writing, one for nature and one for spirituality. I believe whatever I do next will combine those passions in projects that bring hope, positivity and inspiration to others. At the moment, I’m stargazing, dreaming and longing. But when the time is right, I’ll put fingers to the keyboard and create something.
Oh, and as to Uisneach – kingdoms like that don’t just go away. I suspect there will be more to come from the Five Blessed Realms. In fact, even as we speak, I am collaborating with another artist on a project that will allow you to experience Uisneach on a whole new level. Very soon, we’ll be announcing more about that.
So, consider this the cliffhanger for this blog. Stay tuned.
Be safe, be well and keep wishing upon your stars.
Kingdom Blessings.
My Star Wishes have changed over the years. The most enduring of them was the desire to be an ordained minister and to serve a small church. I took me until the age of 59 to finally take the required steps. Today, I continue to serve 2 small Vermont churches. The challenges created by the pandemic not withstanding, I am grateful each day that my Star Wish came true. In my 30’s, 40’s and 50’s I would not have imagined my life as it is now. Yet I love where I am and who I have grown to be.
I especially love hearing that you took the steps to make your dreams come true in later years. We both know that it is NEVER too late to take the first step. Your response is an inspiration and I have no doubt that your ministry is a blessing to your two churches, especially now during the pandemic. As you take care of others, don’t forget to take care of you!