Recent posts on holiday lights brings
to mind an item I read in the newspaper. At that time, I found the column
amusing, but now I'm not so sure. The Christmas lights do add to the beauty
of holiday decorations and displays. However, all the additional light and
intense focus on holiday traditions doesn't always bring happy results.
Any
smooth surface around these lights will give off reflections. There's no escape
from the image of the gray haired woman staring back at you when you pass a store
window or mirror. At first you think the image resembles your deceased mother.
Perhaps you turn quickly to get a better glimpse of someone passing on the
street behind you, but see no one familiar. You may dust a table or glance at a
framed photo and see a reflection of the stranger again. She looks familiar,
and yet she doesn't. But she is always there, peeping over your shoulder when
you pass a light reflecting surface. When you can't find a favorite book or
misplace your keys, you recall how your mother once did the same
things.
The
impression gets worse when you attempt to pass on family traditions. Recipes can't be found, or attempts to cook
your family favorites go awry. You're desperate to recreate memories from the
past, yet your attempts fall short of your expectations.
All
the while, that older woman appears behind you like a shadow, and you're
certain she is always frowning. You're disappointed at what you consider your
failure to rekindle traditions. Yet guests compliment your decorations. Others
love the refreshments or ask your secret of creating such a wonderful holiday
scent in your home.
But
you can be certain not everyone likes the same thing, and that is true of
writers and readers. Even the best of friends aren't going to like the same
movies, music or books, and that is good news. Each person will notice
something different. You may love the extra hint of sage in the holiday
stuffing, while your family may love the moist/dry consistency. And you can bet
that shadowy image is going to be there, and she will always forget some
detail...
The
good news is that all readers don't read your book to look for mistakes. Most
people read purely for pleasure, and even that reflection in the mirror smiles
some of the time.
Now...about those other reflections, the ones
you assumed this post was about... Do you look back on the past year and make
New Years' Resolutions?
