(First published as a Goodreads blog post)
As I’m nearing the final chapter of Book Two of The Silverton Chronicles, I showed my favorite scene to two people I’m close to. In it, the two main characters share a moment that is tender and sweet and intimate and, yes, rather funny.
The real test for a book comes once it is available for purchase by strangers. Some of these strangers might love my book. Some won’t. It is part of the writing and publishing business to accept critical feedback, and my skin has grown thick. In fact, I’d worry if all my reviews were positive.
But this scene, my precious, gentle moment that makes my smile broader with every new read, will never be subject to scrutiny. No troll or unhappy reviewer will tarnish it with unfriendly comments. Nope, I have something special in mind for it. I’m going to print it and add it to my Happy Box.
My Happy Box is especially important to me today. Today I learned that someone I trusted has betrayed me. She used my own account to engage in unethical activities. I’m beyond distraught. She has broken off all contact with me. I’m out hundreds of dollars and might be in other trouble, too.
I’m sick to my stomach.
My Happy Box makes me feel better. A little.
Don’t have a Happy Box? Why not? Mine has been around for about twelve years, five moves, and countless ups and downs. The cardboard box, decorated with faded flowers and jokes from newspapers, contains:
A DVD of Harvey, a film that always makes me smile.
A copy of The Diary of A Nobody and a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.
A TV listing blurb for an episode of Columbo that simply reads, “A man is murdered.” Still cracks me up a decade after I first discovered it.
Photos of my family and from my childhood.
A sample of my favorite perfume.
And many other things I added years ago, wrapped in kitchen foil, that I’ve forgotten but are sure to make me smile.
On those rare days when I’m ready to give in and cry, my Happy Box box will lift me up.
So what better place to keep my secret happy moment between two of my favorite people (aka characters)? When I’m down, I will sneak a peek, and a mood boost is guaranteed.
Also makes a perfect present.
I love my Happy Box.
How about you? How do you cheer yourselves up? If you made your own Happy Box, what would you keep in it?
