Thoughts on Writing

I finally finished reading Jane Yolen's Take Joy: A Book for Writers. I'd recommend it to anyone who pursues the art of writing. Some of Yolen's thoughts:

"Literature is a textual act between consenting individuals."

"Sacred in story has to do with that moment you are reading and suddenly the hairs on your arms and the back of your neck rise up. The moment when you and the story ascend a level of humanity and touch the very hem of heaven."

"We write not just to show off, to tell, or only to have written. We write to know ourselves."

Writing has helped me to know myself better my entire life, but lately it's helped me to know things I didn't before even consider as part of me. Some of which aren't so welcome. Like the fact that I often sacrifice the unfolding of creativity to the restraint of time. Or the fact that I sometimes measure a day's worth by whether anything occurs that is interesting enough to record. I'm curious how my fellow classmates have come to know themselves through their writing this semester?  

I'll Never

We've all heard the phrase "Never say never!" But don't we each have certain things we KNOW we'll never really do? I'll never...
* pierce my bellybutton. Doesn't it hurt?
* be a professional tennis player. Coordination isn't my strong suit.
* own 10 cats. I don't even own one.
* base jump from the Eiffel Tower. But maybe another structure?
* wear chain mail. It looks heavy.
* hate my family. They're family!
* deny love. To do so is to deny breath to the soul.

Grey

Grey, monochromatic shades outside my window and inside my mind. Shifting but flat movement, lacking energy or flow. Everywhere I look, a dormant promise of something: matted moss about to sprout into neon-green grass, low-hanging clouds about to split into blue sunshine, wet earth about to let loose its flurry of sprouts and small animal life. My "happy lamp" is on and my Vitamin D level is high, but I'm still grey inside. What dormant promise lies inside? An adventure yet to be experienced, a truth yet to be uncovered?

Taking the Time

I enjoy finding ironies in life. I know, weird right, but it gives me amusement. One irony I've been considering over the past couple weeks: I chose Literacy as one of my minors because I want to help students discover the joy of reading and writing as a lifelong journey, but I myself have rarely made the time for reading and writing outside of school. Last night I started to read a book. Not for a class, not for specific learning, but just for the sake of reading. My husband asked me as we headed for bed, "Whatever were you reading? I don't think I've ever seen you so engrossed in a book, just tuning out the world around you." I think that's what a good book should do. It should sweep you up and never put you down, even after the last word. It has been a while since I've read such a book. Or maybe it's just been a while since I've allowed myself to be swept up. So ladies, here's to surrendering yourself to a book that wants to be read. 

Three Cups of Tea

Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, spoke at Gonzaga University last night. He spoke to a sold-out auditorium. I was surprised at the age span represented in the audience, from infants to individuals seemingly in their 80s. Mortenson just returned from Afghanistan, so his talk was affected by his jet lag. However, he still shared some touching stories and even more thought-provoking insights. I am impressed by the openness of this man's spirit. I know there are people all over the world who are making a big impact, but Mortenson was able to tap into the media outlet to expand his impact. Underlying his work is the message that "the pen is mightier than the sword." Education is the best way to fight the ignorance that breeds conflict and wars. I've been feeling somewhat discouraged about the field of education lately (especially in Idaho). Mortenson is such a strong advocate for education, and teachers, that I was reminded again why I chose this field.