Author C. B. Dixon
Books. Life. Wonder.
One Big Disaster vs. The Little Things
Small acts that we do for one another, stranger to stranger or friend to friend, no matter which way you look at it, the little things count. One horrible thing can happen that could be life rattling and leave you strung out. I had this happen last week, Monday…the first day of the week my nerves were stretched to the point of almost snapping. Our fifty five gallon tank leaked all over the floor. After using a carpet cleaner to suck up mostly all the water out of the carpet and then ripped down the ceiling of the garage below and tore out all the insolation, puddles of watered down insolation poured down on to our heads. Mark and I finally did all we could do to save our little place.
Look on the bright side: Perfect location for a horrible disaster. The water went straight into the garage and didn’t even bother anything we had stored there. Both neighbours walls and ceilings were left untouched by the water.
I got a text from my husband, ‘tank broke.’ Okay…hm…tiny little drip or glass shattered, water and glass everywhere? Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…
I called up my boss and asked for the carper cleaner (water vacuum), without hesitation she let me take it.
Looking on the bright side: My Boss Kim lent me the carpet cleaner that saved the floor. It sucked up more water then all the towels and blankets Mark had used before I got home from work.
Saving grace: Mark is an owner operator of his own company, Mark B’s Painting and Home Renos, wonderful! He fixed it up with no problem. Electrical and supports were unharmed. The destroyed drywall and insolation was shoved into black garbage bags.
After the tare down we needed to wait for everything to dry before covering it up. It was 11:30pm, and I didn’t get to bed until 12…
The next morning I was exhausted. I drove to my coffee shop, in need of something strong. I ordered and like usual she asked for a form of payment…I looked everywhere…I couldn’t find my card…
The sweetness of a human heart: The woman at the till smiled and said, “it’s on me dear. Have a great day.” I almost cried on the spot. “Thank you so much,” I said then left with watery eyes.
I went to work, my horrible mood softened by the sweetness of one single person. I strolled in through the door. One of my adorable three year olds sat at the breakfast table, her cute smile and big blue eyes told me she was up to trouble. I placed my things down and turned to her with a raised eyebrow. She giggled knowing I knew she was up to mischief.
She holds up a cookie and giggles. “Cookie for breakfast, hm?” I ask.
She giggled again, her cheeks filled with a rosy tinge.
Her mom laughs, “it’s something new she’s come up with. A cookie for Teacher Chi-Chis breakfast.”
I take the cookie and eat it in one big bite. “Thank you. I really needed that.” I gave her a deep hug and carried on my day as if my whole night hadn’t been destroyed.
Icing on the cake: The thoughtful small cookie brought joy not only to me but to a child as well.
My thought on the whole event opened my eyes to the little things in life that we all take for granted. It’s hard to see the little things when something is so life rocking that we over look these little gestures.
What if we don’t have those kind of life shattering events? Be the best you can be. Smile at those around you, even if they look like they’re having the time of their life. Why? Because it feels good for both you and the other person. And who knows someone could be smiling and still have their fish tank destroy their home, making it feel like life is out to get them.
Pass on the good deeds of others.
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Youthful Imagination
Above: The children and Karlee launched a ship they made from drift wood. Then the kids got to sink it with rocks! They enjoy every second of it.
When I take my 3-5 year olds to the outdoor play yard I wait till they ask for materials or until fifteen minutes are up. Blocks, sand toys, babies, trucks/diggers, chalk, gardening tools (child safe), balls, and water tools. I will set up a water table on sunny day and open the sand box no matter the weather. Sometimes I setup a art table with rocks to paint or paper to draw on. The yard isn’t huge, still we have two climbers, a sand box, a sports field, and a gazebo. It fits them all and has very little blind spots.
At first they asked for toys instantly, but as time went on I would bring the materials out at fifteen minute mark. Most the time the toys will go untouched. I noticed a major difference in play and their social skills. They began to group together, all 16 of them sometimes or in groups of eight. Some play games to save the world, and others use invisible gadgets and tools. Some cook with rocks and sand or even build their own garden by picking weeds and sticking them into the ground. They began using their imaginations and became less reliant on material goods.
Ever since my partner and I tried this the children’s observations of the world blossomed. Here are a few questions and answers they have come up with all on their own that make me giggle:
Quotes from children:
At lunch my four and five year olds have been doing different kinds of jokes. One of the three year olds ask me, “why did the chicken cross the road?”
“I don’t know, why?” I ask.
His big brown eyes widen. “I don’t know, that way I ask’n.”
Five girls playing house. One three year old girl grabbed the flashlight. “We need this.”
A five year old girl grips her hips with both hands and tosses out her bottom lip. “Why would we need that?”
“To see in to our darkness.”
Outside a five year old and four year old boy is freezing dinosaurs to save Elsa (from Frozen) from all dinosaurs.
“What is the dinosaur with the long tail and two legs called?”
“Philosoraptor?” I ask unsure.
“No…not that one…”
“Tyrannosaurus rex?”
“Yeah that one.” And off he went.
Soon he came back with a puzzled expression. “Chianne. What’s the flying ones called?”
“Pterodactyl.”
A three year old girl stops beside me. “Turn-to-apples? That’s a silly name! Funny dinosaur, there not apples.”
“Look a dragonfly,” yelled one of my four year old boys as he climbed up the big rock in the yard.
“Why is it called a dragonfly?” asked his four year old friend.
“Maybe its because they were dragons that turned in to flies,” replied the boy as he chases it away.
I can’t wait to see and hear what else they’re going to come up with as they grow. It makes me wonder where did my youthful imagination go. Yes I know why we’d need a flash light or the names of dinosaurs, it’s the way they view the world and bend it to what suits them that moment. Creating games out of things they don’t enjoy to make it fun. Why can’t we, as adults, do this anymore? Where did the sense of wonder get lost? School? Puberty? Heart break after heart break? Did we all get hardened over the years because we do know what a dragonfly is?
As I teach the children manners and how to zip zippers I hope they can teach me how to wonder again.
Don’t get me wrong my imagination is strong, my husband would say it’s too strong, but to have eye’s that can see past the shell of reality. See things in a way that society and all its gadgets and technology has tried to force out of me, a way that only my imagination can show me. Now that would be interesting.
C.B
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Salutations Sunshine,
Salutations Sunshine,
How was your vacation to the south? Christmas in summer…that’s insane. Then again they could think the same about me having Christmas in winter.
Boy-oh-boy I missed you this winter.
Things you missed…well my friend there wasn’t much. Rain, snow, and all around crummy weather. The east coast got it the worst. I kept them in my thoughts. Winter sure had his fun with them.
Thank you for popping in once and a while. I enjoyed your company those days. Guess this means you’re back to work.
Your heated sunbeams feel nice on my chilled skin. You chase away my shivers in a way that my heater wishes he could. Even though I’ve complained already that it’s been to hot, I am super happy your back.
Missed you more then I can express,
C.B.
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Live, Experence, and Accomplish
I first found my love for writing at the age of seven. Since then I haven’t been able to stop…
Above, The photo was taken of me in grade two, seven years old, learning about Japan.
Seven year old me loved a good story. Learning to create one all on my own with just my imagination and vocabulary took me to a whole new world. Kim Smith and I would spend hours… days… months on her tiny single bed. I’d tell her a funny or dark story, a blend of our childhood interest, fears, and newly formed ideas.
One day Kim suggested we write down the tale, Forever was born. Its name is real to the tale, since it still lingers under my bed unfinished. The love for writing never faded. It grew and grew. With everyday that passes I learn more and more. I can’t get enough. I love when my mistakes are pointed out, what better way is there to learn. Every moment is a experience for the next time I write, and with that I came out of the shadow of my room and decided that it was time for others to see my passion, read my love, and share the tormented secrets of my mind… 
I find places like the above which inspire my writings and give me the itch to press my pen to my paper.
23 now, I live in Victoria BC Canada far away from all that I once knew. I was born and raised in Leduc AB Canada and only left to travel. By the time I turned seventeen I had been all over the world; England, Tunisia, Dominican, Cancun, France, Germany, and United States. None of that could prepare me for the monstrous move from all my family and friends. My family was, and still is, close and we did lots of amazing things together. The thought, how would I survive without being able to raid my moms pantry… crossed my mind many times.
With my husband, at the time he was my boyfriend, unwavering support I made it. I got a amazing job at the daycare and have now have been there for three years. Seen many new places, met many new people. Good close friends were the hardest to make. Soon I realized it was hard to find someone that was actually born on the island around my age. After a year and a bit, I met a few people and then met their friends, soon I created a great web of friends. Then everything didn’t look so grey. I noticed all the flowers and tress that I had never seen before. Bugs and birds that were new to me. They don’t have skunks here…they have racoons, sweet I had never seen one before.
Since my move I have been able to follow my dreams, live a life that is my own, and found what makes my creative side tick.
I am now turning 24 July 12 2014 and I feel that what I have accomplished over the past year with my marriage and finishing my first draft. I feel that 24 is going to be an amazing year.
Above, Mark and I going out whale watching for my 23 birthday. A great way to start of a wonderful year.
Above, a photo I took that day. This is L-41 Mega born 1977. He has a six foot dorsal fin. I had never seen a Orca before then I got to see him and his entire family. That day all three pods came together like a gigantic family reunion.
If it wasn’t for getting off the couch and moving forward to explore the world around me I don’t think I would be where I am today. With each new experience I have come to understand the only way to live is to open my eyes and look at what is around me.
Cheers,
C.B.
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Dear Sleep,
Why did you ignore me last night?
I was so tired…now I’m even more tired. You do remember I work with children right? Erg, now I’m cranky and it’s all your fault…kay, maybe I’m just tired. Sorry I got so upset.
You must have got mad when I hung out with coffee last night. You do understand I have more then one friend. When did you start really getting angry? Around the sixth cup, or was it eight?
Wow…now that I wrote that…I’m sorry that I wasn’t thinking of you. I understand, nine cups of coffee at seven o’clock, not such a good idea.
I am sorry. Please forgive me.
With lots of love,
C.B
P.s. I hope to see you to night. I have a great idea for a dream we can play in. See you then…hopefully.
P.s.s Coffee will understand.
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The Curves on Learning
I finished my first draft of WICKED this passed weekend. A mile stone my husband Mark, Sketch and Taz (our kitties), and I celebrated with a few drinks and some good books. A great way to spend Saturday night.
My path to that point took years. I finished Wicked once before. Edited more then few times, it went to beta readers. During that time I read blogs, books, tips, and discussed with others about all things inside and outside the covers. My brain filled with sentence structure, dialog, description lengths and wording, characters, and grammar. More and more and more. Everyone had many views, some liked it one way, then others contradicted what I previously read. It was hard to get everything put together in a way that was uniquely me without over stepping invisible boundaries. By the time I learned more then I ever knew…the manuscript I wrote…I trashed it! Yes that’s right, tossed the whole thing in the trash.
It was time to put everything that I learned over the years of writing my first manuscript in to a newly written story. I kept most the characters and added in more interaction between them and their environment. But where to begin…what new twists could I add to make it more interesting?
Before I put down my first word a parent at the daycare I work at had posted on her Growing Up Gaudy blog, I ended up in it. The next day we talked blogs. When I go home I sat down at my computer…she made it look so easy, all the bloggers made it look easy. Post what you know, I told myself. Hm, what if no one likes it? What if I make a mistake? It was hard to face, the world reading, seeing, what happens between my ears. Then I realized even the greatest make mistakes. We are all human and we all make mistakes.
By the time I wrote six or seven chapters this blog was born. I had no clue what I was doing, still don’t…as time moves on and days pass I like to think I’ve gotten better.
I wrote my next version of Wicked in eight months. It seemed to fast, how could I have written it so fast, is it good enough? I never left its side. The story was on my mind day in and day out. Even dreamt up most of the parts. When I move to editing I will find out.
Now the writing is done and the edits begin, a little bit of studying is necessary and I’m okay with that.
The hard spots:
Having cute kitties
Intimate scenes
Things that helped:
Coffee, and lots of it
A pushy husband
Not wanting to be Brian off of Family Guy
A deadly desire for wanting my story to be heard
I love to write, and learn about how to write. Everyday has been one learning curve after another.
Do you have any helpful hints that help you?
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Smile
Dear Smile,
You come in all shapes and sizes. Everything about you makes me happy. On the days I feel blue and crummy, you sneak up on me when my husband acts silly, even when the children give me a small pebble. The moment my lips curl I can’t resist the sensation and let you reach my eyes.
Silly faces, goofy stories, humorous jokes, you’re there with me through it all. Every moment we share is precious to me, keep on shining!
With love,
C.B.
P.S. You’re like your brother Yawn, how you ask? Ever notice how your contagious?
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Peaceful Tranquility
Hikes in nature are one of the best things to do, at least that’s what I think.
Today my husband Mark and I went to Kinsol Trestle at Shawnigan Lake. I am terrified of heights and the sucker’s high! I concurred my fear and galavanted across, Mark and I towered over the river bellow.
On the other side a trail lead us to the rivers shore. The bird sang in the greenery around us. The river rushed past as we stood on its bank astonished by its beauty.
Mark dipped his toes in the cold water and let it pound against him. Leaves and feathers swirled in the crystal clear water. I sat on the rocky mound to admire the peaceful tranquility all around us.
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Sit’n around!
Hunter green needles shift to a shimmer of emerald green as the light spring breeze toys with each thin branch. The broad leaves around them rustle in light melody that picks up into a swirl of tones as the invisible force gains speed. The hot beams of light warm my skin, I could seek the shade of the cedar and maple but the cozy heat melts away the ability to move.
My skin tightens as a scurry of teeny tiny feet touch my shoulder. I am visited by a black pinhead sized arachnid. My heart jumps to my throat. It’s so small, no need to fear. The tense muscles relax and the right corner of my lip turns up, just a tiny creature. I swipe it from my warmed skin and watch as it carried on its way through the grey-blue gravelled ground.
By the silver chain link fence, a Robin plucks through the wood chipped covered yard. It’s tiny beak scoops up a small wiggly treat. With a proud joy-filled flap of strong brown wings, the bird takes flight. Vanishes in the denseness of the greenery.
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Dear Steering Wheel,
Dear Steering Wheel,
Whenever I need you, you’re there. Whenever I sing to you, you never complain. And whenever I need someone to listen, you never interrupt. You’re a wonderful friend, thank you.
Steering Wheel, you’ve never let me down in my time of need and listen to my mindless babble. You enjoy the loud top of the lungs singing, and the silent cruises.
You are the greatest friend.
Thank you!
Written with love,
C.B.
Author C. B. Dixon 