Newsletter 17: Marigolds and Memories

October 2024

Marigolds on our ofrenda. Not only do I find the orange so joyful, I really adore the scent of the flowers.

We’re getting ready for Día de los Muertos today. Day of the Dead. And yes, if you don’t know what it is, it might sound scary. Or maybe you’ve seen Coco. Maybe you’ve had Un Poco Loco stuck in your head. And maybe you already know what an ofrenda is. But if you don’t, let me quickly explain. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of the lives of our loved ones and ancestors that have left this world. Obviously, like any holiday, each family has their own traditions and versions. Adam and I celebrate it from October 31st through November 2nd. And it’s one of my favorite celebrations.

I’ve already picked up my marigolds, then, tonight, I’ll arrange them on the ofrenda (a kind of altar) along with pictures of each of our departed loved ones. There will also be candles and beautifully arranged plates of their favorite snacks. I’ll hang up the calavera garlands I made (a decorated skull art garland). I’ll obviously be playing my favorite Día de los Muertos playlist the whole time. And while I’m doing this I’ll remember my loved ones who have passed on. Then, for the next several days, I get to walk past the ofrenda and feel like they are here with me. Be reminded of just how awesome they were. Remember the funny stories. Be warmed by the moments of love.

Overall it’s a very happy celebration. A sense of joy that these souls were part of my life. Both human souls and non-human souls. (Because of course I’ve got our dogs and my sister’s cats up there, too.) There are moments of tears as I miss them. But mostly, it’s just a lovely reminder of how lucky I am to have loved and been loved and how lucky I am to even exist. The trials and hardships my ancestors went through to luck me into existence here and now. So incredible. Whether I agree with everything they’ve done or not, I can be grateful that they survived, that I exist, and that I’m here to live my version of a life they all intentionally or unintentionally conspired for me to be part of. And I can remember just how lucky I am to have chanced upon my dogs. To have received their love. Their utter trust. And I am also lucky and blessed because I have been loved by them.

There’s a video going around on Instagram with Andrew Garfield and Elmo. Yup. You read that right. Elmo. (Perhaps one of the greatest philosophers of our time. And definitely the cutest.) The video is a beautiful reminder that remembering the ones we love is good for us. If you want you can find it on Instagram or Youtube.

So here’s to the souls who have loved us. Here’s to the people, as imperfect as they were, who came together (no matter how briefly) and brought us into existence. Here’s to the practically perfect animal souls that have given us unconditional love. And here’s to us. We’re still alive. We still get to eat. To drink. To love. To laugh. To cry. To remember. To live. And it’s amazing. And fucking complicated. But so worth it.

Are We There Yet?

Okay. Time to be honest. Finding a new book cover that fits the tone of our (admittedly) odd book Manly Hero has been more difficult than I thought it would be. We’re having a professional developmental editor look over the actual story and that should be finished mid-December. So all that’s left is finding the right cover art and cover designer. Who could have known finding the right cover art would be harder than writing the book?! But I’m not giving up. :)

Lucky (the spicy romance) is going well. I attended an interesting romance writers’ workshop a few weekends ago and it’s put the thought into my mind that I may want to have a pen name for my romance to differentiate it from my sci-fi and fantasy, so I’m chewing on that idea. (I’ve already got a few fun pen name ideas I’m scribbling down. And I’m trying them out like I would in junior high when I would pretend I had my crush’s last name. 😂)

Bones (book two in The Discovery of Legends) is going well. The first section is really starting to take shape. The second half is still… being shaped. But we’re seeing whispers of the whole story now.

Honestly, I’m not a naturally patient person. Patience is something I’ve been practicing for years. (And will continue to practice.) But I’ve learned that being an indie author means embracing the process. So, here I am embracing the process. And, thank you for coming along with me. It makes it so much more fun. 😀

Life Adventures

Earlier this summer I joined the board of a local writing nonprofit. The first big event I got to be part of putting together and helping host was October BookFest, where we had twenty-four local and regional authors selling and signing their books. And it was so fun! It’s so inspiring to see fellow writers sharing what they’ve created, as well as being out there promoting their own work and selling the books they’ve put so much time and detail into. If you’re a creative person, I highly recommend being around other people who are doing the thing. It will bolster you, inspire you, and encourage you to keep going.

Honey For the Soul

Let’s talk about The Masked Singer. It may be the best show on cable television right now. (Although, granted, I watch it on Hulu streaming because I haven’t had cable for years. 😂) As the world (and my internet feeds) get a bit more intense (Can’t think why things would be getting more intense. It’s just a regular election cycle. Right?) there’s nothing more soothing than hopping into something bright, colorful, happy, and a bit silly. 

I’m several seasons behind. But can I just say, I would love to have Nicole Scherzinger as a friend and cheerleader. She’s amazing and so kind with her comments. Also, what a voice. I love to listen to her sing.

Bright colors, the amazing costumes, silly antics, the stories of the people singing — and just how much this means to so many of them — basically make it the perfect lighthearted show. I’m not ashamed to admit I shed a tear almost every episode. 

Bye For Now

May your memories of loved ones fill your heart and soul with joy. May your grief be a reminder that you loved. Know that I’m sending you love, too. And maybe pick up a marigold or two. Or watch a silly-happy show. Or listen to Elmo. Or eat some chocolate. Because you’re alive. And you can. :)

Love you, Petra ❤️

P.S. What fun, lighthearted things have you been watching, listening to, or doing to keep sane lately?

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Looking for a slightly cozy, somewhat dystopian short story? I shared this one about a week ago. :)

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Thanks for reading! As an indie author, I really appreciate your support. :)

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