As most of you know, I'm an avid amateur photographer; as such, there's a group on Flickr that gives out a daily assignment to grow our skills with topics that take us out of our comfort zones. Yesterday's topic: "Some carry a talisman, amulet, "lucky charm", or just a comforting thing in our pocket. What do you carry? "
It took me only seconds to think what that would be for me, as I wear a gold thumb ring on my left hand. The only time I take it off is when its forced (like for surgery; when that happens, my best friend 'holds it' for me until I return).
But more than a picture of the item, what fascinates me are the stories behind how it became some sort of talisman to a person. Was it something that was found? Is it associated with something, or someone, for a reason? Of course, my thumb ring has its own story.....
After my divorce, I was worried, and a little depressed, about being alone, having to start over, afraid no one would want me again. (typical feelings for that situation, I hope!) When I started chatting with my friend, my Prof, my mentor (You know who you are!!); he convinced me that I needed something to symbolize my freedom, to remind me I'm a good person, that I can do anything I set my mind to... in short, the Goddess within me!!! So after some discussion, we settled on the thumb ring -- something I can wear that doesn't get in the way, and is always there to remind me that I'm special!
A short story, but simple and effective. I never go without my thumb ring, and when I'm having doubts, a little nudge with my other fingers and I know its there, not letting me forget my Goddess within!!
What's your lucky charm or talisman ??? HUGS to everyone!!
“Use your blog to connect. Use it as you.
Don't ‘network’ or ‘promote.’ Just talk.”
Neil Gaiman
I've recently begun following a few folks on Twitter. Quotes4Writers is one. Neil Gaiman is another. He's a favorite author of mine. I admire his writing, have read his wonderful books, and enjoy the whimsy of many of them. But above is a good piece of advice when it comes to blogging. It isn't about trying to *do* as much as it is to practice your craft.
So many folks are hesitant to sit down and blog. With the folks I've spoken to, I am continually amazed how many say they "have nothing to say". Everyone has something to speak about! It's learning to focus on something, to have something to share.
As most of you know, photography is a huge hobby of mine. And every day, there's a daily challenge with instructions on what to look for when taking the daily picture. Take the other day: "Make a photograph from a high point of view. Get on top of a building, use a ladder, or just look down at a small object." OK, that's specific instructions. But in fact, what do you see when you get on a building or a ladder? My backyard or front yard isn't interesting enough to take a photo of to share. Or is it? Its about learning to think outside the normal way we see things and use a different 'eye' when taking a photo. And I think it's the same with writing.
It takes time to re-learn something we had to do in school. Remember those "What I Did on My Summer Vacation" papers we had to write? It was an exercise in getting our thoughts, our memories, committed to paper in a logical, well written, perhaps even a funny manner.
So if you're thinking you can't write, or have nothing to say, I challenge you to take a moment to think of something to write about. And maybe you'll give it a try!!
HUGS to everyone!
