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A Cool Glass of Water
Good News from a Distant Land
This lockdown is getting me down. I’m fighting the effects. I call my friends, I do Zoom, I keep in touch with the family the
best I can. When they opened outdoor dining, my wife and I found a table under a heater at a place we enjoy. Outdoor dining in winter in Southern California I’m sure is more tolerable than in most parts of the country. But nights like this have been the exception.
There’s something about working in isolation for a living (like writers do), and only moving from my desk to the sofa in the living room that just isn’t healthy. Zoom only does so much for the soul. I’m beginning to envy those who have fellow workers, colleagues they talk to regularly, and a boss. There are few substitutes for the camaraderie and encouragement of others. I find what helps me endure is the kindnesses of others. There’s nothing like a word of encouragement from a friend or a pat on the back from the boss when you’ve done a good job.
The other day, my pat on the back came via email. It reminded me of an ancient proverb: “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” My drink of cold water came all the way from Michigan in the form of a Five Star review from Foreword Magazine. If you don’t know, Foreword is the premier publication for Indie authors, which I am.
Reading the review made my day. I noticed I was a bit less lonely and forlorn. It’s amazing how a positive word can bring sunshine to an overcast day. Everyone deserves a pat on the back every now and then after all the hard work getting a big job done.
The Foreword reviewer wrote:
“Devastating and triumphant, The Road to Delano is a meticulous historical novel that honors the bravery and sacrifices of those who stand up to injustice, even at great peril to their own well being.”
Read the full Foreword Review
If you haven’t read The Road to Delano the ebook version is on sale for a limited time for $2.99. A great bargain for a good read. If it doesn’t give you a lift the way it gave the reviewer one, then let me know. If it does give you a lift, I’d like to hear that too. Please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or both. It would help get the word out.
One of the best ways to break out of a foggy day is to say something positive and affirming to someone close to you. What comes back to you will go a long way to making these difficult times more tolerable.
You can reach me at jrd@johndesimone.com