By the shores of Gitchee Gumee by the shining Big-Sea-Water, came a little red horse! ...Or something like that. Clifford is the star of, "Clifford of Drummond Island" and other true stories. Clifford visits libraries, schools and assisted living centers. He has traveled all over the Eastern United States. Stay tuned for our next adventure! Meanwhile, enjoy the paintings and drawings regularly created by Cliffy's "mom", artist and author Nancy J. Bailey.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
The Sleeping Lion -- Waking Up to Change
Back in 1990 I decided to write a science fiction story called, "The Sleeping Lion" based on an idea that I had. The story is about a young woman named Kelly who lives with an abusive boyfriend. She escapes for an evening hike in the mountains to find a meteor hurtling into her path. It crashes, but then she finds that it's not a meteor.
Of course, as with most of my stories, there has to be an animal with a primary role in the story. In this one, it is Art, a Somali cat.
I had plenty of experience with some of the subject matter -- including life in Colorado with an abusive boyfriend. Spending weekends hiking up in the mountains in Estes Park was one of the best experiences I've ever had -- nasty boyfriend notwithstanding.
About five years after the Colorado stint, and when I decided to write the story, I was in Michigan and married. Unfortunately my taste in men hadn't improved a whole lot. He was still abusive, only in more subtle (therefore longer-lasting and ultimately more damaging) ways. Because he was essentially a rocket scientist, I was able to glean some good information from him for the story.
I didn't have any luck in the publishing world at that point, so the book lay inactive for years, until just recently when I dug it out again, rather accidentally.
Though it is a sci-fi story about a crashing meteor, "The Sleeping Lion" is ultimately about relationships, with the central theme being about personal inner strength. It is a message I keep re-exploring. I don't seem to consciously realize it, but it appears that my deepest desire is to be strong. I admire strength which doesn't sacrifice kindness, empathy which doesn't sacrifice dignity.
In reading it, I was happy to note that I have changed, mainly in that there is no way I would now put up with that kind of treatment from anyone.
I knew that my writing skills have also matured, but I still have much to learn. It is, however, still an entertaining read.
I especially liked revisiting Art, my long-lost Somali cat, and the trails in Estes Park. I need to get back there someday. I hope that, unlike me, they haven't changed too much.
"The Sleeping Lion" is also available on Kindle.
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