Standing on the precipice...





Standing on a glass bottom bridge

300 feet above the gorge on the edge of the French Broad River in Seiver County, Tennessee

 

 

Last October, my husband and I traveled from our home in central Florida, north through the Carolina's, across the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway into eastern Tennessee, to see our oldest daughter and her family. While we were there, we ventured down to the Pigeon Forge area and found this wonderful glass bottom bridge. I am an adventurous person, curious by nature, and always ready to try something new. This glass bottom bridge jutting 135 feet out over the gorge and 300 feet above the French Broad River fascinated me. I couldn't wait to walk out there! My daughter and husband on the other hand were not too sure about it. They went with me, but were not nearly as thrilled about the experience as I was! The picture above was taken with my iPad. The view was stunning and absolutely breathtaking.

 

My husband, granddaughter, and me

French Broad River stretching out behind us in the background

 

 

As I think about my journey in writing, I realize that it is very much like my experience on the glass bottom bridge and the beautiful French Broad River. The words have always been there, just like the water flowing down the river. But just as the river is held in check by river banks on each side and the flow is contained and directed, so are my words. I have limited experience in the world of writing for publication, so I rely on the knowledge of those with more experience to guide me through the maze of confusion and obstacles. Then there is the glass bottom bridge. I had to have a willingness to trust that the bridge was not going to collapse and that although I could see through the solid surface that I was walking on, it would carry me to the end safely where I would be able to take in all the glorious beauty around, above and below me. Publishing my first book was like walking on that glass bottom bridge. I had to step into the world of publishing without fear and trepidation. I had to trust that those who read my words would see the beauty around, above and below any human errors I may have made in my journey to becoming a published author, and I had to stand in awe and absorb my success when that first proof book arrived in the mail. Realizing that you can conquer your fears, capture your inner strength, overcome your greatest obstacles, challenge the naysayers, revel in your successes, and realize your dreams is the best feeling in the world! Just like standing on the precipice 300 feet above the French Broad River with nothing between you and a gorgeous gorge except a sheet of glass, publishing your first book is thrilling! Both experiences are breathtaking!