Zen Wisdom

“The barn burned down. Now I can see the moon.”

-Zen wisdom

OK, this is my fourth attempt at writing an update.  Finals week is over.  New semester starts on Monday.  Tomorrow I am meeting my good friend for coffee at 9am, then we are going to the farmers market.  I plan to buy something fresh and cook dinner.  I havent cooked in...(long pause)....I have no idea how long it has been. 

This week I managed to study for finals, and write 3000 words of One Fine Day.  (See previous posts for bits of the story.)  I would like to post some of my writing, but havent decided which parts are best saved for the suspense of the book yet.  You will have to wait a bit longer for more. 

As this story is developing, there is a religious aspect that is creating the character arc.  One character is questioning his faith, while another lost his long ago and both need to get it back by the end of the story.  So, I've been researching religion and religious faith all day.  Those that know me, know that I have an infinite amount of faith.  But my faith is internal and not driven by any religious factor.  I have no clue when it comes to religion.  Dont misunderstand me.  I am a believer, but I am not a follower. 

The quote at the top of the page is simply the best example of MY form of faith.

I'm finding the research quite interesting and...uhm...I learned what living in God's grace means.  I admit it.  I did not know.  Its not what I thought it was.  Not to minimize the significance, but its like living in the time between the date your car payment is due, and the date they actually penalize you with a fee for being late.  We are allowed to be human and not live up to expectations, as long as we make an honest attempt. 

Oh yes, I found the Seven Heavenly Virtues.  I didnt know there was a list.  Yes, I did look up the Seven Deadly Sins too.  (I was somewhat familiar with them).  Primarily, I was interested in Lust for the purposes of the story.  Well, it is a romance novel, of course there is lust!  And because the story takes place around Christmas, I needed to know what masses were held during that time.  I had always heard of people attending midnight mass Chrismas Eve.  I didnt know it was called the "Mass of the Angels."  I like that name. It sounds more important than "Midnight Mass".   Yes, I have so much to learn. 

So, basically, its been a very productive and informative week.