My next book: an excerpt

Here is a sneak peek from my current writing project. This book has a different focus than my previous works. It’s coming together and I hope to have it released shortly after the beginning of 2015, just in time to get everyone excited about the racing season – OR NOT if that isn’t your thing.

This excerpt is from  “The Toenail Lesson”

"Hot Needle Technique:  Heat a needle, paper clip, or other small metal object until it turns red hot.  You can do this over a stovetop, candle, or propane burner. This procedure’s purpose is two-fold.  1) The heat sterilizes the metal to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound.  2) Red hot metal will burn through toe and finger nails and/or skin, thus creating an escape route for the water or blood building beneath the nail. This procedure is painful.  Burning body parts is never pleasant and it smells nasty, but oh, what blessed relief when the task is completed! Unfortunately, the nail will inevitably be lost.  This is the case whether one relieves the pressure or continues to suffer with it.  Not to worry.  With time the nail will grow back.

What did I learn from the Toenail Lesson?

Acute pain, purposefully inflicted, can relieve chronic nagging pain that stops progression.  In other words, the embarrassment and grief of acknowledging wrongdoing, failure, or sin is painful yet short lived in comparison to the discomfort and sadness that accompanies continued transgression.

I am reminded of Hester Prynne and the Reverend Dimmesdale in Hawthorne’s, The Scarlet Letter.  Having committed the grave sin of adultery, Hester confesses and although she suffers public shame, she leads a healthy and productive life thereafter.  Her partner in sin, the Reverend Dimmesdale, hides his guilt, suffering privately and withering physically until the end of his days.  His progression and happiness were stifled because he lacked the courage to face the acute pain of repentance."

I hope to be able to share the title and book cover soon!

Happy Running!