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(WestSide Books, Dec 2011; Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Feb 2012)
SkinWalkers: 
Scars, framed!
I just got SCARS back, framed–well, the dustjacket–with the silver GG (Governor General Literary Award) sticker on it–and it feels SO good! (grinning and grinning) I felt like laughing in joy–I actually did, holding it–and now I’ve put it up on my wall. I’m not used to celebrating myself, though I think that’s important. It took me ten years after I got my editing certificate to even frame it. But this…this has so much joy for me!
I’ve put it up in the hallway entrance, so I’ll see it every time I walk in the door. It was either that or the living room, where right now I’m working all the time with my laptop…but I already have a bunch of pictures up there. I might change where I put it, but I want to see it often, to remind myself that all this really happened. That after 10 years of submissions and rejections, I got Scars published–with the *perfect* editor and publisher. And then it’s been reaching people. And won an award! All stuff of joy and dreams.
Part of me is still worried people will think I’m egotistical, having it up in their faces–but it’s joy for me, and it’s my home, and…it feels GOOD! (laughing) It feels like I’m taking in an accomplishment and something I care about so deeply, instead of deflecting it, the way I used to for years. It feels right.
What do you do to celebrate you? To celebrate your achievements or things you care about?
October 29th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Your joy is delightful.
I know I, personally, have a tendency to feel like my accomplishments are never enough. I think it’s great to instead be like, “You know what? Actually, my accomplishment is pretty damn great.” Sounds like you’ve found a good way to celebrate that!
October 29th, 2010 at 10:56 am
oh, thank you, Lisa! (beaming)
And I so know what you mean. But…your accomplishments MATTER. and…maybe… if you can see the joy in mine and feel good… maybe you can know others would feel that about your joy?
October 29th, 2010 at 10:56 am
I know it’s hard to do, though. Just… I hope you celebrate you!
October 29th, 2010 at 11:22 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cheryl Rainfield, Jo Treggiari. Jo Treggiari said: You just go ahead and celebrate! RT @CherylRainfield: Scars framed! (beaming and beaming) http://ht.ly/31BfV With the GG award sticker! [...]
October 29th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Like you, I am pretty reserved about displaying my truimphs…part of being Canadian, eh!
Lovely framing on this special item and I say this is the moment to put it some place very special and prominent. When you get your second one (yes!), maybe then you can move them to a back study and be all modest.
November 11th, 2010 at 3:08 am
I don’t think putting up your award is egocentric.
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It’s a huge victory in your life. A nice dessert for your soul
Enjoy the good things of life now! I’m so happy for you.
Charlotte
November 11th, 2010 at 5:57 am
Thank you, Ms S. It does feel good to have it framed and up right now. (beaming)
Charlotte, thank you! (hugging you) It IS a huge victory, and I love how you put that–a dessert for my soul. Thank you!