For several years, off and on, I’ve been working on a novel. Many of you (so, so many!) have encouraged me in that undertaking, and I will be forever grateful for your kind, if persistent, nagging. While the novel is not quite finished (OK, so I haven’t touched it in months) I recently came across a quote that I absolutely love and intend to use as an opening for the book. It’s especially fitting for two reasons: First, it’s by the late Louis L’Amour, whose Wild West novels were much loved by my dad and my grandfather, who swapped paperbacks faster than moves on a checkerboard. Second, and most important, it sums up, in a few words, the story I hope to tell. Here’s the quote. Let me know what you think of it, what it means for you. Or better yet, send me a favorite quote of your own! Oh, and one more thing: I’m tempted to “serialize” my novel-in-progress with excerpts on this web site for your consideration. Let me know what you think of that idea, too. Thanks! OK, really, I swear, here’s the quote:
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” _ Louis A’mour
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
― Shannon L. Alder
Sharon, I like this quote and I love your Louis L’Amour quote and, most of all, I love you. Your work, your stories make my heart glad. By all means, serialize your book. When it’s all out there, write another one. I can’t get enough of what you give us; I’m a greedy, greedy grabber of your wonderful lore
One of my all-time favorites. You will recognize it.
“God doesn’t care if we’re smart or capable or good. He just wants us to be willing.”
I read so many beautiful quotes every day . This one is so inspiring will fit very well anywhere in your book .
Will not go away without telling mine
Give the world all the best you have ,you would get bestest in return . Do not let people grab food from your plate but share it with love and you would never feel robbed . There are people who are very rich but they are poorest of poor as they do not love human beings but gold and other stones and metals are more precious for them and one day they would realise that they need fresh food to satisfy their hunger and plain water to quinch their thirst not gold glass or plate to put on dining table which has not satisfied any human being or animal by itself . Only food and water when put even on paper plate or on bare hand is sufficient to sleep one night and get up next day to see the rising sun .
Hi Sharon,
Your quote from Louis L’Amour caught my attention. My dad and I shared his books from my last two years in high school (68 & 69), until his passing in 76. Dad was a working cowhand for over 20yrs before he got into road construction. I suspect that any cowboy and most other working folks are familiar with the feeling of thinking you’re done, only to find out that tomorrow starts it all over.
A favorite quote from my dad. “Off your backside and on your feet, if you don’t go to work you don’t get to eat.”
I don’t know if it’s original to him but that’s the only place I ever heard it.
Another if I may is the last verse of a favorite poem. It’s been on my mind more often since my by-pass surgery last year.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost
I’ve been a bit long winded here, hope you don’t mind.
Jim
Reading your column makes me think you might like this one. I am sorry I do not know who to attribute it to.
“A grandchild fills a hole you never knew was there”
Thanks, Patty, I’ll look for it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
That’s a great quote and one I hadn’t seen before. I have another one I have used often:
“Memory is bound not by years or distance or even death. It will take us anywhere, anytime we choose to remember.” – Sharon Randall.
I love your new website and you!
Thanks for the quote, Lisa, and the best laugh I’ve had all day!
I was just browsing your website and came across this quote. It is so appropriate to me at this time of the year. This past year we lost our beloved minister to a blood clot after knee surgery; he was truly a man among men-even our newspaper printed an editorial about him and his wonderful people skills. I and many others miss him dearly still, but I can just stop and think for a moment and there is Mike with his sweet smile.
I love your columns and I hope that you continue writing until we are both “as old as the hills.” Keep up the good work and may you have a wonderful New Year in Las Vegas, of all places.
Wonderful quote Sharon! The quote I try to live by:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
You ARE the change I want to see in the world!
Hi Sharon,
Here’s a thought (without nagging, mind you) — “When you finish the novel, I can begin to read it!” I love your “serialize” idea.
Sending my love from the cool & colorful leaf-framed mountains of WNC.
S.
Thanks, Cousin. I know you’re just worried that the novel is about our family. Actually . . . .:) Love to you and the other “Dixie Hicks”!