Summer Break

Just wanted to put a little post in, in case anyone is wondering what has happened to this blog!  The last several weeks have been filled with family fun, feverish writing when I can, and preparation to go to my first-ever writing conference.  I leave tomorrow for Gunnison, Colorado to attend Western University's Writing the Rockies Conference.  I am super excited and more than a little nervous, but I anticipate learning a ton and am hoping to return refreshed and rejuvenated to continue my writing journey.  Hope you all have a great weekend and I'll see you in cyberspace when I return!

For First-Timers

I have been having a wonderful time vacationing and relaxing, both very important to mental health and creativity.  Trying to be creative while stressed out can be an source of frustration, rather than a joy.  The sense of the little fingers of imaginative thought shrinking into your brain, instead of flowing outward, only adds to the stress.  A little down time may be just the thing to get those creative juices running.


In my case, I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my family and friends.  I can't say that I gained any new perspective on my first novel, though.  To that end, I found a lovely quote by Anthony Doerr, who said "I found my first novel difficult.  I don't want to make it sound like it's any more difficult than driving a cab or going to any other job, but there are so many opportunities for self-doubt, that you just kind of need to soldier on."


Thinking too much can put a halt on the creative process.  Get too far into the analytical side of your brain, and nothing is good enough anymore.  In those cases, it's probably best to go with the Nike logo and "Just Do It" and soldier on, knowing you're in good company.

Thank God for Nonsense

"I like nonsense - it wakes up the brain cells.  Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.  It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope...and that enables you to laugh at all of life's realities."--Dr. Seuss


Thank God for nonsense.  I have noticed it's when I stop laughing that life gets overwhelming.  The ability to take a step back and laugh--at yourself, at the situation, or at those having the hissy fit around you--is a joy saver.  I don't say "life saver" because it is absolutely possible to live life feeling miserable and mean, hurt and overwhelmed.  Taking ourselves too seriously is not a life killer, but a joy killer.  


Dr. Seuss also says that adults are obsolete children.  How true, and how sad!  It isn't that we can't, or shouldn't, mature.  But rather, how can we keep nonsense alive and well in our lives?  How can we laugh at the things that are really not worth losing our joy over?  In what ways do we give ourselves over to fantasy and fun, and live lightheartedly in the face of what can be some pretty hard reality?


Each person's fantasy and nonsense is different unto that person.  My joy-makers may not inspire you at all.  We each have to determine what helps us to remain joyful--what adds nonsense and fantasy to our lives.  Then, being mindful of those things, we have to allow them to inspire us to look at our reality through "the wrong end of a telescope", and encourage us to laugh.