[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUviehKRNjY&w=475&h=297] This post is #41 in a series of 50 dedicated to the art and life of writing, in support of the 50 for 50 Project to benefit WriteGirl. If you like it, or if you think it could have been improved by a better writing education for its author, please give generously. And pass it on.

We were a hair's breadth from reaching the $50,000 mark when I said, okay, I typed into Facebook, that I hoped I'd be able to get the above video posted to the web before this whole thing was over.

Whereupon my wise, slightly-elder friend and font of inspiration Patti Digh said, okay, typed back into Facebook:

It's never over, sugar; it just ends.

(She's from the South, see; she can get away with that "sugar" stuff.)

And she's right, and about more than crazy birthday fundraising schemes: you don't stop writing because you're done with your book; you start writing a new book.

We're now past the $50,000 mark. So much happened in a few hours, I'm fairly overwhelmed. It's a good thing I didn't wait until now to make today's video, and not just because there's no light left.

Know this: I am grateful for every step of this journey so far. I am grateful to every single person who gave, passed along word, promoted, lent a sweaty hand, and cheered.

And this part has ended. But it ain't over. Not by a long shot.

xxx c