I had a text message from my sister today just asking after my general well-being.
I was walking the dogs at the time and so I thought I’d call her instead of replying by text.
It turns out she was walking her dog at the same time, so we had a little chuckle pretending it was an amazing coincidence, when of course it really wasn’t – and then we got on to talking about what’s going on in our lives.
I told my sister about my predicament and that I had started writing a book as a way to dig myself out of the crap.
She did an O-M-G and confessed that she too was writing a book.
We were both a little freaked out because it’s the last thing that either of us expected to hear from the other.
Now that really was a spooky coincidence.
We chatted about book writing for a while, and I’m glad we did, because she helped me to refine my ideas a little.
The best part of the whole conversation was when I told my sister about my ‘Helping Other People and Bringing a Smile To Other People’s Lives’ project (snappy title huh? 
) and she thought the idea was great.
On first consideration you might be thinking, So What?.
…but this is my sister we’re talking about.
While many other people in my life might be comfortable telling me what they think I want to hear, my sister delights in telling me the things I don’t want to hear.
She feels it’s her duty to keep my feet on the ground and tell me the truth about my life and my ideas.
Privately she glories in my failures and discomfort but after she’s finished teasing me mercilessly, she’s very supportive has my best interests at heart.
My sister is able to see straight into my soul and it frightens me a little bit, So when she speaks, I generally listen.
She’s one of the few people who can get away with saying absolutely anything they like without me becoming totally defensive and closing down.
You can imagine then, how happy I was when my sister was enthusiastic about my project.
We talked it through and she felt I didn’t need to be rescued from myself…. and that’s quite an endorsement!
So, today I’m going to continue building my new site and hopefully next week I’ll be able to launch it.
I have a basic plan for the project which as I’ve said already will revolve around me spending some of my time helping other people, but there are other facets to the project and I hope to involve you in some of them. All will become clear soon enough.
Thank you all for your continued support.
Your comments on Last Roll Of The Dice have made me smile and warmed my heart…. and not a single one of you has ever asked for anything in return!
I’m a privileged man, and I know it.
I’ve read every message you’ve left for me and as is my custom I’ll reply to each one as time allows.
I’d better get on, because getting all misty eyed, albeit in a very manly kind of way, won’t get the work done.
Thank you!
Dave
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Rock on, Dave!
I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for you, my friend…
Lance´s last blog post..Small Gestures of Love
It’s truly awesome that you and your sister have that kind of relationship. My brother and I are not that close – though we are closer than we used to be and we keep working on it. I’m glad she’s excited about your venture too.
Avlor´s last blog post..Wii Fit and Blog to Fit Update #10
You know, Dave, that could be a winner of a marketing strategy – ‘brother and sister writers together’ sort of thing. Canny bugger, aren’t you?
Tim´s last blog post..Changing the Guard
Now you’ve REALLY whetted my appetitie! What IS bthis new project???
I loved your story about your sister, Dave. Mine is exactly the same. She’s my biggest critic, but also one of my biggest fans. Compliments from her are golden. Someday, she and I will write a book together.
I can’t wait for your project, my man. Best of luck.
Writer Dad´s last blog post..The Best Writer on the Net
Siblings are the BEST. Glad you have a good one!
GreenJello´s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Dave, your sister sounds wonderful. I also have a sister who I adore and she says things (honest things) I wouldn’t be able to hear from anyone else.
I’m quite sure your new project will be wonderful, and it sounds inspiring.
Tricia´s last blog post..Parenting Ends Chivalry
Well, my brother tells me things that I don’t want to hear but I get pissy at him about it. Then I yell at him and we argue. But what I love about all of that is that after the fight is over it’s over and we know we’ll go right on being there for each other.
Now I’m a little confused about part of this post so I think I better go read some of the previous ones
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..6 WordPress Book and Notebook Themes
Well, my brother tells me things that I don’t want to hear but I get pissy at him about it. Then I yell at him and we argue. But what I love about all of that is that after the fight is over it’s over and we know we’ll go right on being there for each other.
Now I’m a little confused about part of this post so I think I better go read some of the previous ones
When my big sister read my last draft of my novel and said “yes, you need to make this book work. I love it!” Well, like she has always been able to do, she got me to lift my eyes up and grin and get back to work. Gotta love our sisters!
Patrick´s last blog post..If he wanna rock, he rocks. If he wanna roll, he rolls….
Hi Dave. You are so lucky to have such a close connection with a sibling. You sister sees into your soul and when she speaks you listen… because you are listening back with your soul
Davina´s last blog post..How Curious Moments Add Value
My brothers don’t pull any punches (figuratively, not literally). But they are the first ones I turn to for advice. For that very reason. Plus, it helps that we all come from the same upbringing, so we understand each other better than a non-family member might.
I am pleased to see that my young adult children have the same relationship amongst themselves. Actually, I had to laugh the other day. My eldest daughter was trying to sign up for a phone plan for her new apartment. She was basing it on the fact that a minimum phone call to her sister was easily 90 minutes. Then she had to multiply by the number of times per month she phoned her. Turns out she needd a really good long distance plan.
Urban Panther´s last blog post..When your kids move back home
Dave,
that’s the thing about getting misty-eyed–it can be either masculine or feminine.
Glad you’ve got a person like that in your life.
Beth Partin´s last blog post..Day Fourteen of Todd’s SCDS Surgery, Part 2: The “Longleaf Pine Loop” Hike of Death, Mandeville, LA
What a blessing it must be to have that relationship with your sister- and a great way to model sibling friendship to your children! I’m so looking forward to hearing more about your projects, and I admire you for being so innovative and persistent!
Best of luck, Dave- great things will happen for you. And we’re so lucky to be able to be a part of whatever it is you’re headed for!
Adrenalynn´s last blog post..I’m a rebel. And I think I also grew a muscle!
Lance
Thank you. I’m getting ever closer and whether it’s successful or not I’m going to enjoy it.
Avlor
I don’t suppose you would have said my sister and I were friends as we grew up. We fought like everyone else, but when the chips were down we were there for one another.
Getting an endorsement from my sister is like finding rocking horse dung. If she believes in me, it helps me to believe in myself.
Tim
Now there’s a thought for the future!! I’m not sure she’s share my interest in writing a biography of Nigella Lawson though
Robert
I totally want to spill the beans but now is not the time. I promise I’m not going to drag it out much longer though
Writer Dad
I smile when I read the stories about you and your sister because I know something of the way you feel. Having someone you trust to tell you the truth is something money can’t buy.
Green Jello
I only have the one, so I have to treasure her all the more.
Tricia
Thanks. My sister is great, but knows enough about what makes me tick to set me off the wrong way with only ONE word! LOL.
I’m looking forward to getting this going. I’m going to have a lot of fun with it.
Kim
It’s nice to have the sort of relationship where you can have totally opposing views and yet set all that aside and be able to enjoy each other’s company.
Are you still confused? If you are, I didn’t do a very good job and I’d like to put that right
Patrick
Hi Patrick, I imagine that a novel is a very personal thing and I can imagine it’s difficult to let other people see it in the draft stages. Having someone you trust so deeply to give you honest feedback is so valuable. Your sister sounds great.
Davina
Wow. I guess that’s true. Don’t ever tell her she has this power over me. She’d only abuse it.
BTW that was VERY deep.
Panther
I love that story about your daughter with the 90 minute call time. I couldn’t talk for that long to anybody! It must warm your hear to see that your children have a strong bond. I hope the same is true of my own. At the moment that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen though.
Beth
Thank you. My sister is terrific. We’re 250 miles from each other but that doesn’t matter at all.
If I do get misty eyed, I blame it on dust getting into my eye.
Adrenalynn
I really would love it if my children grow up to be friends. I don’t suppose there’s too much I can do about it, except as you say, by setting the example.
You say the nicest things…. which actually makes me the lucky one. Thank you.
Ooooo you’ve peeked my interest! Whatever are you up to dear Dave? Sounds nectar! Great you have a sister like that. I tend to stick to the close up and become defensive mode a bit with my family. My best friend Rach is my no bullsh@t or frills gal, she’ll tell me how it is and then some..lol
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Ooops forgot to wish you lots of luck with the new project! ~wink~
Kirst´s last blog post..DJ Kirst lay dem funky rhymes down (fricky, fricky, fr… whateva!)
Kirst
I’m letting my brain run riot. I think I’ll just follow it and seewhere it leads. :0)
I read ‘bullsh@t’ as bullshat – It made me laugh.
Thanks for the good luck wishes.
Glad I made you chuckle chuckie egg! You might want to check out my recent blog post on the reason for my recent weight gain (your name might’ve been mentioned..lol).
Kirst´s last blog post..Hasay ~ Karma’s a Bitch!
Glad I made you chuckle chuckie egg! You might want to check out my latest blog post on the reason for my recent weight gain (your name might’ve been mentioned..lol).
Kirst´s last blog post..Hasay ~ Karma’s a Bitch!
Kirst
I know! I’ve just been to see it! It’s OUT-RAGEOUS!!
I’ve left you with a few thoughts to occupy your mind the next time you’re thinking of messing with me.
This was very personal read for me…as so many celebrated their sibling love thing…
I have a brother and a sister – Brother checks on me if there is a storm but very very distant in thinking and encouragement, not in miles…cooks me dinner for my birthday!
Sister does not like me since birth and has cost me dearly over the years in self esteem and funds for lawyer protection. I am glad she lives far away.
I have always wished for a close relationship with siblings or a best friend…I think I have succeed in helping my children like each other, communicate well with each other and enjoy each others company and comments. This makes me feel very good.
I still always get jealous when I read this stuff…
My mum and her 4 siblings were always so close, even though not close in miles.
Thanks and best wishes on your project, book and service ideas…good plans
Patricia´s last blog post..Pooh Patrol
LOL at your reply to my “deep” comment. Hardy har har. If I go too deep will ya let me know? I can’t swim…
Davina´s last blog post..This Is Me, Then and Now