By Deirdre, Administrative Assistant, Harlequin Editorial
February! Hurrah!
February! Hurrah!
That’s not something you would
normally hear me say, but after getting through the darkest January we’ve had in Toronto for twenty years, I’m
ready for a change. Good thing, too, because I’ve
just sold my condo and am about to move to a new city.
I’ve experienced quite a lot of change in recent years. It’s given me a new perspective on change and my ability to adapt when
things get, uh, unusual. “When one door closes. . .“ and whatnot.
For example, I never imagined a
late-life career move would lead me to the editorial department at Harlequin,
and that’s been a wonderful experience, especially since
my position was made permanent last spring! That was super exciting, and I
drove from the office to my sister’s house and knocked on her
door, offer letter in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.
Change can bring anxiety, confusion and chaos,
but it can also bring complexity, depth and beauty. Without change—and without seeking change by heading down an unfamiliar path—we don’t grow. As Bernard Lowe points out in Westworld, evolution happens when
mistakes occur. Or, in the words of James Joyce, mistakes “are
the portals to discovery.” (I got that on a fortune cookie once.)
I think a lot of the political turmoil in North
America right now comes from a fear of change. But maybe if we listened to each
other more (and shouted on the internet less), we could find thoughtful
solutions to our social problems together. The ability to put ourselves in
someone else’s shoes can go a long way towards turning anger into compassion. (Yay, books and the world of the imagination!)
Still, sometimes it’s nice to not have to be
brave, to feel certain that everything’s going to work out fine. Thank goodness
we have authors to give us the happy endings we crave. So why not enjoy four
new Heartwarming romances! This month we have new titles from Karen Rock, Patricia Forsythe, Cheryl Harper and Cynthia Thomason.
Hmm, I should probably pack some of my books
and start thinking about where I’m going to live in three months. . .I’m sure
everything will be fine, right?
Deirdre, where are you going? How exciting for you, but sad for us to lose you. I wish you only the best!
ReplyDeleteI will still be with you, Patricia! I'm moving from my suburban town outside of Toronto, to the city. So a different commute, different lifestyle, but the same colleagues. :)
DeleteOh, just moving house. That's a relief! :D I hope you enjoy the city! I lived in downtown TO for about ten years, and I just loved it!
DeleteGood luck on your move. Hope your new city has plenty of sunshine.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll still be in cloudy T.O., just in the city proper. And closer to my kids, so that will feel sunshinier!
DeleteDeirdre, you have such a great outlook on change. I hope you find the perfect "forever" place to live. Maybe your sister will arrive with champagne and a box cutter to help you unpack.
ReplyDeleteThank you Roz! I must admit to stressing about finding my perfect spot in T.O. It's become a very desirable city for real estate, so shopping in my price range will be a challenge! But it is exciting. :)
DeleteI won the bet (nobody else bet on it, though) that Deirdre would sell her condo in under a week!!! Congratulations on the move from the suburbs to the big city. You're braver than me. And if you can't find a new condo by closing date, you're most welcome to move in with Kathryn Lye. I'm perfectly okay with that.
ReplyDelete*I cannot believe you got a James Joyce quote in a fortune cookie...
Haha, thanks Victoria! Kathyrn, ok if I bring my cat? :)
DeleteI love the "Shout less; Listen more" comments. It gave me pause.
ReplyDeleteWhat awesome books.
BTW, Cynthia was mentioned in the milestone section of Harlequin's Newsletter today for getting to 20 books. Dabba.
That is awesome! Congrats, Cynthia!
DeleteI know you'll find something perfect in Toronto! And, wow, yes, thanks for telling us about James Joyce's fortune cookie side gig…
ReplyDeleteThanks Piya!
DeleteMy fortune cookie always says things like "you are a nice person"...Congrats on the permanent position and saying a little prayer for the perfect house!
ReplyDeleteThank you Patricia! I usually prefer fortune cookies that predict something (I once had one that said, "Your television will remain trouble free for many years," but I thought this one was good. :)
DeleteChange is scary, change is good. Good luck and hope city life is good.
ReplyDeleteThank you Melanie!
DeleteDeirdre, congrats on the position with Harlequin and good luck with your move. Big changes can be overwhelming, but lots of fun. Keep holding out for the fun part!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara! I'm trying to focus on one day at a time and not get overwhelmed. :)
DeleteDeirdre - congratulations on the permanent gig and the excitement of new digs. Wouldn't it be great if you could find a spot like Cheryl's cover - front porch, carpet, dog (your cat instead of, or beside, the dog)? I imagine that won't happen in the heart of the city, but cozy is all about friendly neighbors, good news, and fairy lights!
ReplyDeleteThanks Muriel! Hoping for a balcony at least - and I can supply the cat and fairy lights!
DeleteCongrats on the job and the move, Deirdre! Exciting times for sure. :) Hope your new "worlds" are even better than you imagine.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the job and the move, Deirdre! Exciting times for sure. :) Hope your new "worlds" are even better than you imagine.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the move and permanency of the job (one constant among the changes)! My husband insists on moving every few years, just to force me to get rid of some of my clutter, and I hate it every time. I lived in the same house until I was 18 and since then I've probably moved 12 times. I hope this move is a fun one for you! I love the "Shout less & listen more" advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks LeAnne! Moving has definitely helped me in the clutter department (although my storage locker resembles the garbage compactor in The Empire Strikes Back. Who knows what lurks beneath the surface? *shudder*)
DeleteI am so happy your position was made permanent, and thank you for all that you do for us authors, Deirdre!
ReplyDeleteWhatever the future holds for you, I hope it's everything you dream of.
As for moving to a new city, I wonder if you'll still be in the GTAA or if it's a slightly more dramatic relocation. Either way, best wishes with it!
Thank you for the fun post.
Thank you Kate! I'm moving from Brampton to Toronto (I know you know where both those places are!) So not far...but dramatic!
DeleteYou're as efficient with your responses to comments as you are with everything else! I was about to delete and repost a modified comment as I saw in the comments/replies above that you were staying in the GTAA.
DeleteBest wishes finding a new home, but if you need a temporary place, why not stay at Victoria's so your cat can make some feline friends?! :)
Victoria has already sent me to Kathryn's house...
DeleteMy Will Feral would eat her cat. He's that big. And that feral.
DeleteHarley and Logan are good with all creatures great and small (well...except that thing Harley has with butterflies), so if your cat is okay with two lovable black Labs, we can talk!
DeleteDeirdre, Congratulations! How exciting. I'm one of those (odd?) people who generally likes change. Love your advice about listening more and doing less shouting on the internet, especially down here in the US lately. Good luck finding a new place. And the answer is yes, everything will be great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol!
DeleteHaving moved myself this year--hugs! No matter how awesome the new place is, it's tough to leave home. And like others, I like the shouting less comment :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sophia! Moving is stressful, right?
DeleteCongrats, Deirdre, on your permanent job--and on your upcoming move! Happy house hunting. City life sounds exciting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Leigh! I'm looking forward to the change in lifestyle.
DeleteCongratulations, Deirdre! This is an exciting time for you and it couldn't happen to a better person :) I love your quotes and this is another one for you: "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no thinks about changing"- Tolstoy. I agree that it's important not to fear change and you are a proof of the good that can come when we are willing to change. Good luck with your move!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen - and thanks for the quote!
DeleteHello, Deirdre, and congratulations! I can't say I always embrace change cheerfully, but often it is a lovely thing.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz! Thank you!
DeleteCongratulations Deirdre!! So moving to the big city!! That is exciting! I think you will like living in Toronto. Lots to do there and a much easier commute for you. I'm sure you will find a place to call home,something with-in your price-range that you will love.
ReplyDeleteYou have had many things to deal with the past few years and you have dealt with it all with amazing grace.
Aww, thanks Mary Ellen! We should get together before I move!
DeleteI'm so late to this, but wanted to pop in and say congrats on the job and move, Deirdre!! Change can be very exciting and energizing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rula! I'm in the midst of condo-hunting now and it is very stressful! I'll sure be celebrating when I find a place. :)
Delete