Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Thu, Feb 02 2006
Stepping Stones
I was reading the January 30th post at Anne's blog, and it reminded me of my own moments of what I call "self-associative shame". Some of us, and particularly those of us who work in the arts or have an artistic temperament, battle periodic moments when we look at our current state in life and can't seem to make our goals, our talents and our last few footsteps blend together. We've worked so hard to get here and we still feel uneasy and blue about where we are. It hits some of us on a daily basis. In some ways it's a good sign that we're not complacent. But it can be crippling if it takes over life by putting a constant strain on our work and our relationships.
I recently began toying with a camcorder, and I find that part of the process of using it is in learning to step to one side or another, step up or down, or even step backward, in order to frame a shot most effectively. I can see and show things from an angle I would otherwise have missed. Should I accept this fact and make the best use of it? You bet. Should I apologize for it or feel bad about it? Whatever for?
If I'm willing to expend this much effort and be open to this much variance when it comes to a video recording device, why shouldn't I allow myself that much more grace and dignity when it comes to letting in all the possibilities and vantage points that are open to me from whatever position I find myself in at this time in my life? It won't do away with making decisions or dealing with sadness but it will free up the part of me that needs to be able to adjust. My view of the goal might change. The goal might appear to move when I move. And for all I know it won't even be the same goal I had when I started. That last part is frightening, but if I can accept it, it's also the most honest way of living. And if I'm honest in accepting a dynamic process I don't have to pressure myself so much about whether I'm in the right place at the right time. The situation will present itself as a process of faith and commitment, rather than one that locks me into shame and doubt when I try to measure up.
posted at: 10:45 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
I was reading the January 30th post at Anne's blog, and it reminded me of my own moments of what I call "self-associative shame". Some of us, and particularly those of us who work in the arts or have an artistic temperament, battle periodic moments when we look at our current state in life and can't seem to make our goals, our talents and our last few footsteps blend together. We've worked so hard to get here and we still feel uneasy and blue about where we are. It hits some of us on a daily basis. In some ways it's a good sign that we're not complacent. But it can be crippling if it takes over life by putting a constant strain on our work and our relationships.
I recently began toying with a camcorder, and I find that part of the process of using it is in learning to step to one side or another, step up or down, or even step backward, in order to frame a shot most effectively. I can see and show things from an angle I would otherwise have missed. Should I accept this fact and make the best use of it? You bet. Should I apologize for it or feel bad about it? Whatever for?
If I'm willing to expend this much effort and be open to this much variance when it comes to a video recording device, why shouldn't I allow myself that much more grace and dignity when it comes to letting in all the possibilities and vantage points that are open to me from whatever position I find myself in at this time in my life? It won't do away with making decisions or dealing with sadness but it will free up the part of me that needs to be able to adjust. My view of the goal might change. The goal might appear to move when I move. And for all I know it won't even be the same goal I had when I started. That last part is frightening, but if I can accept it, it's also the most honest way of living. And if I'm honest in accepting a dynamic process I don't have to pressure myself so much about whether I'm in the right place at the right time. The situation will present itself as a process of faith and commitment, rather than one that locks me into shame and doubt when I try to measure up.
posted at: 10:45 | category: /Writing Life | link to this entry
Interview With A Texas Blogger
I've been so occupied with other things that my time to read fellow bloggers' material has been on the slim side lately. I was delighted to drop by The Fire Ant Gazette this morning and find that Eric was recently interviewed via webcast. He and Jimmy Patterson tackled both light and serious topics from the world of blogging, and I really appreciated his thoughtful answers. I found myself nodding in agreement to much of what was said about blogs, those who write them and those who read them.
However, Eric mentioned one thing in passing that made me sit up and really lean forward. If pet Abbye loathes Santa Claus I can't help but wonder how she feels about the upcoming season's character of the Easter Bunny. He never followed up the comment with details and now I'm wild with curiosity about what precipitated Abbye's wrath toward the jolly old elf. I suppose that means Eric and Jimmy did exactly what they were supposed to do in the world of entertainment—always leave them wanting more.
posted at: 08:42 | category: | link to this entry
I've been so occupied with other things that my time to read fellow bloggers' material has been on the slim side lately. I was delighted to drop by The Fire Ant Gazette this morning and find that Eric was recently interviewed via webcast. He and Jimmy Patterson tackled both light and serious topics from the world of blogging, and I really appreciated his thoughtful answers. I found myself nodding in agreement to much of what was said about blogs, those who write them and those who read them.
However, Eric mentioned one thing in passing that made me sit up and really lean forward. If pet Abbye loathes Santa Claus I can't help but wonder how she feels about the upcoming season's character of the Easter Bunny. He never followed up the comment with details and now I'm wild with curiosity about what precipitated Abbye's wrath toward the jolly old elf. I suppose that means Eric and Jimmy did exactly what they were supposed to do in the world of entertainment—always leave them wanting more.
posted at: 08:42 | category: | link to this entry
