Hey, friends! I do in fact LIVE. And I’m poking my head in from my hiatus for a little life update and to announce some exciting upcoming things.
Whew. It’s been quite the past couple of months.
In my last post, I mentioned that I needed mitral valve replacement surgery. I am very happy to say that is over and done with! I had surgery on July 19th and have been recovering ever since. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but God was so good through it all. Strangely, the surgery itself was the easy part. I felt so much peace from God for the build-up and as I was wheeled out to the surgery room. So really not strange at all. Just God. 💛 It was the recovery itself and many days in the hospital that wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
The hardest part was, due to complications, I had to get a pacemaker put in a few days after the initial surgery. It was very unexpected and discouraging news, and it’s taken some time to adjust to. I’ve had to process the fact that I have a pacemaker, but slowly it’s setting in and I’m learning to be friends with the thing instead of being grumpy about having it in there. 😅 It should enhance my lifestyle a lot as it does keep my heart beating the way it should and really isn’t that invasive. It’s just taking some time to adjust.
I’ve also been having symptoms of afib which was worrisome news. BUT these things do sometimes happen after this kind of surgery and the doctors suspect after some time it will all straighten out. So just been praying extra hard that that will be the case.
Complications aside, the mitral valve itself is repaired and my heart is doing much better. That poor mitral valve was severely damaged and had to be fixed, no matter what else. And I’ve been told I don’t have to limit myself. Though recovery takes time, nothing I do should harm my heart and I can be as active as I wish once the initial first few weeks of healing are past. Being as how I’ve been somewhat told the opposite all my life, that was incredible news to hear.
I’m still processing that fact, quite honestly.
I’m still processing quite a lot. This entire experience has put my emotions through the wringer. Really, this whole year. I’ve been navigating the curious space between mourning and praising. There is so much to praise right now, and on the hard days, I kept feeling like I was ungrateful. What right do I have to be sad when I’m here and it’s over with? But the fact of the matter is, it was hard. It still is. I’m still recovering, still experiencing complications, have no certainty they’ll go away, still having to limit myself and rest a lot while healing. And though things are much better, that doesn’t mean I have to just discount the difficulties.
I’m realizing it’s so important to allow ourselves tears. To grieve and mourn and process through whatever emotions come. This whole thing put my emotions on a rollercoaster, and I’ve been feeling things I never expected. But if I don’t let myself just feel it all (as I’m wont to do), they’ll only build up.
Through all of this, I’ve learned that it is okay to mourn and praise at the same time. The days of mourning do not take away from the gratitude. They can co-exist.
It’s been a hard year, and it’s okay to mourn that. But there have been so many miracles and healing, and I will continuously be praising God for all of it.
I’ve still got a ways to go. Healing from this is slow, but I feel stronger bit by bit. And that I am very grateful for.
I’m excitedly looking to the future, friends! 🙌
While we’re on the subject of the future…
Fall is rapidly approaching (and I’m not sad about that fact one tiny bit), and with fall comes some exciting thiiiings.
KNOW THE NOVEL
I absolutely plan on hosting Know the Novel again this year. It’s one of my favorite things I do here on the blog and couldn’t possibly miss a year.
If you’re new, Know the Novel is a 3-part blog tag for writers I host for the final three months of the year. Each month I post ten questions for you to take and answer on your blog or other social media. The first month’s set focuses on what your WIP is about, the second on how the writing is going, and the third looks at the results of the writing and what’s next.
Since many of us are tackling new writing projects around this time of year with all the writing challenges that crop up, it’s a super fun way to share your current/upcoming WIP with your followers.
The first part will be going up at the beginning of October, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
And speaking of writing challenges…
Fall’s Fiction Frenzy Writing Challenge is Returning!
The Fiction Frenzy Writing Challenge a.k.a. FicFrenzy will absolutely be happening again this fall. I know I’ve been woefully absent lately, but never fear! The big fall event will be running as normal.
What is FicFrenzy?
I’m so glad you asked!
(Please just humor me and pretend you did ask.)
FicFrenzy is a seasonal virtual writing event that takes place over on its designated Discord server. The spring, summer, and fall events each run for about a month and encourage participants to set their own writing goals, with the Discord group there to gather together and encourage one another, do wordsprints, talk all the ups and downs of writing and everything else under the sun, and take breaks to share cute pictures of our fur babies (because sometimes you just need a picture of a cat when you’re in the throes of the writing woes, it’s science).
Though there are only three events during the year, the Discord group itself is open year-round! So whether you want to join in on the events or are just looking for a fun and motivating writing group, we are here for you!
Fall’s event is quickly approaching! It runs from…
OCTOBER 15 – NOVEMBER 15
And I would be thrilled to have you along. Just click the button below for the easy instructions on how to join the Discord group! 👇
MY FALL PLANS
What are my plans this fall? That is the question.
Due to life and my physical health taking a hit, last year I didn’t heavily join in on FicFrenzy like I normally would. It was the first time in 14 years I didn’t write the whole first draft of a book during the fall. At the time, it was needed, but goodness…I miss it. I miss that crazed rush of writing like mad and far too late nights and too much caffeine and questioning my life choices and then collapsing in December and seeing that I had a novel. It’s insane. And I love it.
So this year? This year I’d like to try.
Since I am, in fact, recovering from surgery, I maaay need to take it a bit easier than I usually do. 🙈 But I am feeling that drive to create again, and right now while life is slow, this seems like a great time to get some words down as I can.
And I just so happened to be attacked by a novel idea literally a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t had an idea come to me this fast and easily in…a long time. And it just feels like it can’t be ignored, especially not when it appeared right at the cusp of FicFrenzy season.
So I hope to write this fall.
I may still not be quite as active here on the blog and Instagram as I usually am during this season. I do still need to take care of myself. 😅 I haven’t fully decided how I’ll handle it all, but regardless, the hopeful goal is to just get some words down, whatever that looks like.
And I am very, very excited.
With surgery behind me and my heart healing, as I said, I’ve been really looking to the future, and it is an amazing feeling.
I feel like there is so much I can say. I’m still processing. Still healing and growing from it all. This has been quite the growing experience, I will be honest, and sometimes growing is painful. 😅 But it’s good.
As things settle in my mind, I hope to share what I’ve been learning here or on Instagram, but I have been opening up more in my newsletters. That’s usually the first place I share news and get more open and vulnerable, and I in fact have August’s newsletter going out Thursday (September 5)! So if you want a deeper look into my journey (plus regular writing updates and recs from what all I’ve been watching and reading!), you can sign up HERE! I’d be honored to have you along. 💛
And before I close this random post, I have to give a giant THANK YOU! My goodness, guys, the love and support I have received during this difficult journey has blown. me. away. The messages, the cards, the prayers, the care packages—I cannot even begin to express how deeply it has all touched me. One day fairly soon after I came home from the hospital, I was just sitting on my floor crying as I opened cards from people and had the dearest messages waiting for me in my inbox and DMs and texts. I was just overcome with how loved I felt.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my (newly repaired) heart. You have each lifted me up when I was struggling to stand, and I cannot thank you enough. 😭💕
Goodness, have I missed you all! I know I’ve been pretty much non-existent lately (for a while there, using a screen for long really wiped me out physically, alas, but that’s finally improving), so TALK TO ME. How are you? How was your summer? Are you excited about fall? Will you be joining FiicFrenzy or another fall writing challenge?? I want to hear all about it!
Hi Christine!
I just want to thank you for your beautiful post. Its been a long while since I’ve interacted with a blog post, let alone posted on my own blog, due to health complications of my own.
I had a life changing emergency surgery in June of 2022, and I am still learning so much about the long term impact that it’s having on my life. There is a sense of mourning in realizing that the idea you had for your life is no longer going to play out. I’m still dealing with it. But, as someone whose surgery was two years ago, I just want to encourage you that it does get easier. The mourning doesn’t go away, and it will likely resurface at the strangest times, but life is all the more beautiful when you can view your hard situation with a sense of genuine gratitude. Your praise is never more impactful or authentic then when it comes from the midst of the reality of hardship.
I really admire your grace and wisdom, and I appreciate you sharing your beautiful and God-honoring perspective.
I’ll be praying for you, and feel free to reach out if I can help in any way.
Oh my, Jorja! Your whole comment has touched me so deeply. 😭
I am SO sorry to hear about your own immense health struggles. It’s such a hard thing facing the loss of dreams and big changes. I feel for you so deeply. *many hugs* But I feel so blessed that you would reach out and offer this encouragement to me from your own experiences.
“Your praise is never more impactful or authentic then when it comes from the midst of the reality of hardship.” That is so beautifully put and words I needed.
Thank you for all of this–your words, your encouragement, your prayers, and the offer to reach out. That means so much. 🥹 I will be praying for you too! And if you ever need someone to talk to, my inbox is always open!
Hi Christine,
Praise the Lord your surgery was successful! It’s awesome to hear that you’re recovering and I’ll keep praying that that process continues to go well.
Also hooray for Know the Novel! I’m excited that you’re doing it again and I hope to join in this year 🙂
Hey, Em! Thank you so much, sweet friend! Your prayers truly mean the world to me. 💛
It’s always such fun to host! I am thrilled you hope to join!!!
It’s so good to hear from you again! I’m glad you’re healing relatively well! You’ve been in my prayers!
I am so ready for Fall! And I’m excited! Your newsletter comes out on my birthday! 🤗
I’ve mostly been busy with kiddos, home making, canning, and baking. But I’ve been reading lots of books!
You are the dearest soul to be praying for me! They have been felt. Thank you, sweet friend!!
Meeee too! The weather just today cooled down a smidgen and I’m just like, WE’RE ALMOST THERE. 😅😂 I’m getting so anxious now.
Awww! Happy (almost) birthday!!! I hope you have the absolute best day. 🥳💕
Sounds like you’ve been keeping so busy with some lovely things! But I’m really glad you’ve had time for reading. Always the best! I hope your September is a wonderful one!
It’s so good to hear from you, and to find out your mitral valve is all put back together. I’ll be praying that your road to recovery doesn’t get any bumpier, and that God gives you peace to adjust to all the changes being thrown at you. And that your pacemaker behaves itself and does its job, so you don’t have to endure any more surprises.
Yay, Know the Novel is back! I’ll probably join in again this year, provided I can decide which of my equally ugly, incomplete WIPs to focus on. 😅
It’s so good to hear from you! Thank you so much, Natalie! The prayers are such a blessing. It has been quite a journey but God has been here through it all.
That would be a DELIGHT if you joined again! It was such a treat reading about your novel last year. And now, now, we shouldn’t call our WIPs ugly. They’re just in their growing stages. They’ll glow-up in time. 😁
All the love for all of this. Love you, friend! Keeping you in my prayers and cheering on the exciting fall writerlyishness! <3
Thank you SO much, dearest friend. Your constant support and prayers lift me up more than I can express. Love YOU!!! 🥹💕
It’s good to see you again! Glad to hear there was peace for the surgery. Been praying for the rest of your recovery, and will continue. The co-existence of mourning and gratitude is such a good way to look at things.
Ah, I miss Know The Novel, and such writerly things. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a project to work on. Maybe I should pick up that Leprechauns-fighting-werewolves-on-the-moon-with-cheese-graters story that you suggested way back in 2017. I actually made a first draft, but it’s in desperate need of a clean up.
Awwww! It’s good to hear from you, Blue. Thank you!!! That blesses me so much you’ve been praying. 🥹
That is completely understandable. I didn’t even join in my own Know the Novel tag last year! Some seasons of life just have other priorities, and that is okay. But oh my goodness, I don’t know if I remember suggesting this?? But I am HERE for it! I love that you made a draft of that. That sounds so fun! 😄
Hi Christine! So happy that you’re back! 🙂 I’ve been praying for you during the past few months, and I am so glad that God has given you the peace you need when you need it. I’ll continue praying for, and I am so excited to do FicFrenzy with you again this fall!
Hey, Kal! AWK. Thank you! Your prayers mean so, so much! We truly do have such a good God. 💛
Aaahhh! I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be doing FicFrenzy again! I’m really excited to jump into it this year! 😄
I’m so thankful your procedure was successful! Dealing with medical stuff is hard; my heart goes out to you and all you’re processing right now <3
I’m excited to read your return to the blogosphere, and to hopefully participate in Know the Novel this year!
Awww, Liv! That is SO sweet of you. Thank you, friend! 🥹
I’m excited too! And EEP. I hope you get to participate! I love seeing what everyone is working on. Hope you’re doing well!
CHRISTINE!!! Oh my goodness, girl. I have been so inactive on social media and blogging, and I just got back into it and decided to see what all my bloggy friends are up to, and I read this and I just…! Girl, I am so so sorry I did not know this was happening, but I will be praying so hard for you during your recovery, and through this fall season as you take those steps towards creating again. I’ve always believed that God has incredible things in store for you and your stories. You were designed to write, girl. I cannot wait to see where He takes you through that!
I’m so glad to hear that surgery went well, and that your heart is doing okay! Getting a pacemaker couldn’t have been easy, but I’m so proud of you for doing the thing and taking care of yourself. You are an inspiration in so many ways, and this world would not be the same without your light, your enthusiasm, and your genuine joy for all that God has done and created.
Keep shining, my friend! I cannot wait to see what this Fall FicFrenzy has in store!
KENZIE. *tackles you* It’s so good to hear from you! But goodness, I understand. I’ve been woefully inactive myself. Sometimes we just need to step back and prioritize other things. That’s a good thing!
Thank you SO much for the prayer. That means the world to me. And AWK. You’re going to make me cry over here. You bless me with your words every single time. 😭 YOU are a light and I’m so blessed to know you!
Thank you a thousand times over for these dear words and your prayers and just being your incredible self. *HUGS YOU TIGHT* 🥹💕
CHRISTINE! I’m a bit late to this post, but it was so wonderful to read this update from you. You were on my mind and in my prayers on the days surrounding your surgery and I’m so glad it went well. <3 I hope you have a lovely, restful fall (but also that you’re able to get that new story flowing because that’s so exciting when an idea hits you like that!!) and you’re always in my prayers. <3
Emily!!! 😄 It’s so good to hear from you! My goodness, your thoughts and prayers mean the world to me. Thank you SO much, dear friend! 😭 Been praying for you too! I hope you’re doing well!