Overheard: The Royal Sisters Say

My workout on the treadmill was apparently so rigorous this morning that I read the entirety of this incisive work of journalism cover to cover: As someone possessed of an advanced degree in journalism, I have to concede that I was  BLOWN AWAY by the in-depth coverage of the rapport between the Duchess of Cambridge and her would-be sister-in-law Meghan Markle. Not only did the reporter gain access to a source known as "a Kate insider" but was able to move said "insider" onto the record to document such deeply classified intel such as the fact that Markle has a penchant for popping in on Kate and, now are you sitting down for this? Sometimes Markle even brings treats. Can you fathom?

There is one piece of information divulged in this feature story, though, that I met with some skepticism. Call me an old biddie but I couldn't help but question the fact that on the occasion of these royal pop-ins (not to be confused with royal popovers which I assume are served at high tea) it is reported that Markle will, "proffer a healthy eating tip she's read or maternity style pointers."

Baking powder? Have the insider or the reporter met any women before? Why would a woman who has not reportedly brought children into the world offer health advice to a preggo mcbeggo? Further, would a skinny model actress really offer a thrice preggo "maternity style pointers" and hope to live?

Because I am also possessed of an imagination, here's how that must go down:

::Markle knocks on door to Kensington Palace. Royal servant comes to door. Wonders why Markle doesn't believe in text messaging and insists on 'popping in.' Assumes it is another Ugly American Thing.::

Markle: Kate?

Kate: Darling, I thought we agreed that we'll do Duchess for now?

Markle: Sorry, Dutchy.

Kate::rolls eyes and mutters something about 'murica::

Markle: Sorry?

Kate: Nothing, dear one. Mind your step there.

Markle: Okay. I brought some Rice Krispie Treats?

Kate: Fancy that! Georgie! Auntie brought you some nibbles!

Markle: Mmm actually, they're for you? I used brown rice syrup as I heard that's better for maternal health?

Kate: Ha! hahahaha. Where'd you read that? Pinterest, did you?

Markle: Mmm. Can't remember. Hang on, let me see if it's from someone sliding in my DMs. JUST KIDDING. I read it on this site called Pioneer Woman, have you ever heard of her? She's cute. Very big in the States.

Kate: Charming, I'm sure. Well, you may know that I have hyperemesis. Which means if we talk about food, I'll probably get the heaves. But thank you for the heads-up about maternal nutrition. Following the subject closely, are you?

Markle: Yes!

Kate: By jove. What a thing to not have carried any children yourself but to be always at the ready to proffer a healthy eating tip for a pregnant mum.

Markle: I just want to be as helpful as possible! Why else would I pop by?

Kate: I guess I was hoping you'd watch Georgie and Char so I could take a nap?

Markle: Of course! But first, could we have a maternity fashion show? I've also brought over some really amazing leggings for you that I just think are so fetch.

Kate: Could you stop trying to make 'fetch' work?

Markle: Sure, okay.

Kate: Thank you ever so much. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go ring a Kate insider about the latest goings-on with The Firm. Anything you need from me before I do?

Markle: Actually, I was just wondering if you had any advice? Like, maybe about croquet? Or do you have any gossip for me?

Kate: Really, Meghan. Are we done here?

On Rejection

So far in 2018, my work has been rejected more than 30 times. More than 20 by literary or other magazines, 6 by literary agents, 1 by a graduate program.

When I got the rejection from the graduate program, I felt disappointed, confused, at peace, then markedly more confused, followed by a chaser of confusion and peace. And then I felt relief and I still feel relief coupled with a little bit of confusion. I think that's about the truest feeling I can describe upon being rejected. It's so rarely just one singular feeling that wraps around one's tender ego and that plugs up the heart from leaking out rejection tears. It's a little bit of this and a little bit of that unexpected other thing that mingle together in the rejection cocktail. Even when relationships didn't work out, this was my experience. A lot bit sad, a little bit relieved. A strong portion of UMMM WUT? and a slice of the OH GOOD, one fewer people to revolve my life around, hey? 

Rejection always stings not because it's a denial of one's work or one's companionship. It's a rejection of something one has chosen with which to be vulnerable. This is why self-preservation is such a powerful reflex for some of us. If we don't make ourselves vulnerable, we won't deal with rejection. Nor will we ever see our work published or experience deep love or anything that places our vulnerability at risk?

I decided that 2018 was going to be my year to aim for at least 104 rejections (2 for each week of the year). It's not enough to say I want to be published because publication is a moving target on quaaludes. If I play the rejection numbers game, it's like that old corndog adage about aiming for the moon but landing among the stars.

And my work has found a soft place to land in a couple of publications, and that has felt even better. Better than the sting of rejection is the feeling of acceptance. What they don't tell you about acceptance as a writer, though, is that it begins from within and it has to be a continuous renewal process. It's very difficult if not impossible to receive the acceptance of a publication and to really appreciate what it represents if you haven't accepted your own strengths and limitations as a writer, as an artist. I'm not so self-actualized that I can read things I wrote, like things I wrote two sentences ago, and don't want to find a nice cement mixer and fling myself underneath its direct pour. Fortunately, that feeling becomes more fleeting, though, the more vulnerable we make ourselves, the more practiced we become at receiving rejection and putting it in its place.

That's why I'm aiming for a year of rejections, because aiming for the moon still nets me some stars, and seeing the moon up close must be pretty cool, too. 

My Podcast Debut

Well, fan club, you best get my autograph now because my fame is about to BLOW. UP. That chemical engineer multi-lingual brilliant lady friend of mine Josephine Elia interviewed me for her Reading Interview Series. BALLER! Color me tickled to have been asked about my favorite books. If you give it a listen, you should probably put it on 2x as fast because I'm just blathering away most of the time. And laughing at my own jokes. And diverting from the main point like every forty seconds. But what did you expect?

Hope you enjoy! And thank you SO MUCH, Josephine Pippin!!