Hanging Curtains

Remember the old Peanuts line: Happiness is a Warm Puppy? Lace curtains put a smile on my face. I'm a sucker for the delicate designs, the fresh white color, and the old-world charm.

Unfortunately, the putting-up-curtains gene didn't come with the I-love-decorating gene. Getting on step ladders, stretching, and getting the edges of curtain rods to hook onto microscopic brackets is not only maddening, but downright dangerous.

My latest stint with taking down draperies, washing, ironing, and re-hanging them almost ended in disaster. The valance on the bathroom window required a major stretch from the top of the step ladder. I felt myself wobbling, but thank God, I was able to regain my balance. That's when I called for reinforcements, a.k.a., my neighbor.

With everything back in order and no broken bones, I mulled over the experience. My writing journey can mimic certain aspects of the dreaded curtain adventures.

1) No matter how I stretch to attain a skill level, there are times when I must seek expert advice. This comes in the form of critique partners, craft books, and asking lots of questions.

2) My early tries with window coverings were ignorance is bliss ventures. When I brought my fledgling fiction attempt to a writers conference and presented it, I had no idea what I was doing. Thanks to kind writers and editors, they showed me how I could improve my novel.

With much trial and error, my knowledge base expanded on both fronts. Everything, whether it's curtains or novels, has a learning curve.

3) The end result brings much satisfaction. New or freshly laundered curtains give the room a boost, and a well-written article or novel gives me that same "ahhh" moment.

Writers and Readers: Finish this line: Happiness is...   Then explain why. Let's have some fun today!

Photo Credit: humeniuk