Gardens & Parking Lots

After reading a blog post this morning from a fellow author friend of mine, Norma-Jean Connors, I began to take an assessment of my actions over the past year.  I find myself proud, like a mama-bear, at the hard work Norma-Jean is putting into polishing her novel, Taken.  While, Norma-Jean is no stranger to giving accolades, believe me - she drowns me with them, it's not the praise that makes me proud to be her friend; it's her passion and desire to succeed and move forward, and her appreciation.  I don't feel like I'm wasting my time, talent and energy on her. 

When I first began to move from the realm of writing as a hobby into the world of publication, I met a wonderful group of writers who gave me their valuable time and attention, teaching me, instructing me, and most of all constructively criticizing my work.  There were several times my feelings were hurt, but I had to grow thick skin if I wanted my skills as a writer to improve.  You can't imagine how much I value those writers today.  They will always hold a special place in my heart - Ardyth DeBruyn, Marty Norton, and others at CritiqueCircle.com. 

As I measure my actions over the changing seasons, and think about all the energy, time and effort I've poured into promoting, editing, teaching, critiquing or simply trying to inspire other writers; quite frankly, I find myself exhausted.  Not because of what I've poured out, but because of how that effort has been received.  I look around and see great puddles on the ground.  I've poured a lot of myself, my gifts and inspiration mostly on concrete, to a group of people so stiff I'm only left with scattered pools.  Well, NO LONGER.  If my seeds are not received, then I no longer choose to waste them on the stony places.  I will sow seed in good ground that will yield a crop.  I have met some really good grounds lately. There have been just as many fruitful gardens as parking lots.

Whether you like or dislike the person on a personal level who pours their time, effort or energy into you, have you shown them your appreciation?  Or do you only give accolades to those you believe will give them in return?  I’d rather never receive another accolade as long as I live, just to have ONE person be inspired. Seems like I’ve got that wish.