Thursday, January 03, 2013

From the Back of My Mind



I gave up making New Year's resolutions years ago. If something needs to be changed in my life, and I realize it, I'll begin resolving the issue at the moment. Goals and resolutions grow out of real life, not a date on the calender. That said, it's hard to avoid thinking about change and growth when talk shows, newscasters, magazines and online reading focuses on the topic. It's not a bad thing. 


some of my stash

We've moved twice in the past 3 years. There's nothing like having to pack up all your fabric, scrapbooking supplies, knitting yarn, and paints to make you realize how much stuff you really have. That "you" I'm talking about is really "me." For the past year, I've been resolving to use up what I have. The progress is slow and sporadic, but sure. 

Lately, I've been thinking, not just of using stuff up, but making the most of what I have. Those photography books, for example. I've looked at them, I've tried out a few things on my camera, but I've not delved into really using it to its fullest capability. I want to. I will. Especially now that I've written it for the world (my readers) to see.  

 a section of my bookshelf



A few years ago, before beginning my B.A. in French, I did a little free-lance writing. I had some success, articles in newspapers, cooking magazines, Today's Christian Woman, Romantic Homes, and others, but it's a tough slog. And rather isolating. I love teaching and will continue to do so, but the writing urge is tickling again. Since my birthday in October, I've been writing a short (500 word) essay each night. There are book ideas brewing in my brain. Possibilities. I don't know where the writing will take me, but I'm going to enjoy the ride.


So there. I guess I do have some resolutions for this new year. 

Susan Branch wrote a post entitled "The Care and Feeding of Dreams." It's lovely. My French degree is something I dreamed about for a long time until finally just decided to do it.  Don't we all have dreams? For ourselves? For others? Dreams can be small, like beginning a small garden plot, or large, like writing a book or traveling the world. They are also highly flexible: perhaps a garden will begin with a few containers of herbs, or a grand tour of Europe with books and movies. Sometimes dreams have to be surrendered, but new ones will come to take their place. To dream, to envision the future, is a human trait. Don't suppress your dreams, adjust them, make them work.

Well. This post went on a ramble. But that's the way it is with writing.

19 comments:

  1. Congratulations for working on your writing. Congratulations on following your dream of teaching.
    Thank you for inspiring us.

    Happy New Year

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  2. Oh it does not surprise me that you are a published published writer...isolating you say? Hmmmm...if I had the talent, it would be the work for me. That or cleaning toilets after closing time. Are your essays going to remain essays (my favorite kind of reading) or are they the leaping off places for a book? I love how your year is shaping up! Yes, that post by S.B. was so helpful...I even made my list.

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  3. Nice sheets, Madame.

    This is my writer's handbook:

    http://books.google.com/books/about/Writing_Your_Dissertation_in_Fifteen_Min.html?id=q5bGvErV1lgC.

    Also, if you concentrate on that bookshelf photo and scroll up and down real fast, it looks like the books are popping out at you.

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  4. Dreams are a good thing...and you have some good ones. Go for it, Lorrie! Write a book...or two..or more. You write...I'll read.

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  5. Lorrie, I loved reading this post. You are an inspiration. I more often than not allow my wishes and dreams to get sidelined. I look forward to reading your first book. Happy New year! Bonnie

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  6. When I saw the photo the book plate to pixel it reminded me how much I want to get my hands on a copy of that book...thanks for reminding me.

    You have fabric, I had over 4 totes of it, gave most of it away when we moved, regretted it now...but scrapbook paper, well lets just say I am set for life.

    Jen

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  7. Lorrie, the very first time I stumbled upon your blog, I knew you were a writer. You are so gifted with words...an artist even. Write on...

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  8. I like your thoughts about dreams. I'm also excited to read that you've had articles published - how absolutely excellent! And your French degree... well, you are a good example of making dreams happen.

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  10. Lorrie I admire you for the discipline of writing every evening. That's what it takes. Maybe you can publish a book of essays. With your photography! Have a nice weekend.

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  11. I don't usually make new years resolutions either. I feel too anxious to make them happen and a failure if I don't. So, I just continue to live with my daily "to do's" to keep me in check and organized. That is do-able. It's wonderful that you've taken steps to make your long term dreams come true. I admire you for that!

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  12. Loving your ramble, Lorrie.

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  13. I love the relationship and tension between dreams and habits -- the big ideas and the daily practices that bring them to fruition. Your post brings these together so well, and I agree that your writing deserves the discipline you're bringing to it. One dream at a time. . . . brava!

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  14. Just don't stop dreaming.
    It's good to follow new dreams, and to let some that are no longer pleasurable go - but don't stop dreaming.

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  15. You are so right about making use of the things we have in our homes - as the books on our bookshelves. I wish you luck in your writing pursuits Lorrie. I am impressed that you would tackle a 500 word essay each night. Perhaps you will find the basis for a book in your nightly essays.

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  16. Anonymous6:07 AM

    Great dreams Lorrie - happy new year!

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  17. You are inspiring! I hope you get to write your book! I have a dream to put a book together to depict the seasons of life, taking post from my blog ... agh.. maybe this year ...

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  18. Always interesting to look in on another's book shelf. I don't make resolutions either, just trust God for each step.

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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