Inspirations

Posted on by Victoria

I appreciate and admire my blogging friends who share their observations about people, whether in chance encounters doing everyday things or sweet reminiscences about home and hearth from days gone by.  Examples?  Ally Bean and slices of human nature at the grocery store; Deborah and a forested encounter with a woman wearing her favorite color and Joy Neal Kidney’s treasured family photos and stories.

Every now and then a friend will ask what it’s like to be a blogger.  Sometimes I hear “How do you come up with endless stuff to write about?”  I’ve never had an answer to that question.  I learned long ago that being very verbal meant I had ideas and opinions about everything, but no one wants to hear “I’m a smart aleck semi-know-it-all” and blank screens and pages don’t scare me.  No.  That’s sassy. 😉 But maybe the truth is this – a Vicki epiphany that blew into my awareness as one of the gifts that comes with aging.  There’s less varnish hiding my secrets.  The desire to write is innate because it makes me feel whole. The closer I can get to bringing out what’s within – my thoughts, feelings, conundrums – the happier I am.  But only when I’m moved and motivated…because…

Once upon a time I had a side job writing copy and doing promo work for small businesses and I stunk at it.  I’d get swept up in the research details and miss the mark – sometimes in terms of content and definitely in terms of timelines and deliverables.  Yes, I wrote a dissertation and I’ve got a textbook and “Surviving Sue” under my belt, but meeting your own deadlines is a different game.  I don’t mind disappointing myself.

But still…there are days when I wonder.  What will I write today?  I have inspiration items loitering in and around my desk and I’ve learned from fabulous fellow writers to avoid overthinking and to simply focus on what’s in front of me – what’s top of mind.

Example?  My sweet friend Linda gave me book a couple of years ago…reminding me that every story begins with a morsel of inspiration and even those who wrote great and grand works began with a few keystrokes or scribbles, committing to an emerging idea – perhaps with only the fringe detectable. Curiosity drawing the writer in. 

The book?  “Origins of a Story” by Jake Grogan. I must confess, I love a little book.  A 5 x7 volume of hand-held goodness that’s portable and precious.  One day I’ll lean into eBooks because of the ease but I’m not there yet. 

I love toting an actual book around and the size of this one?  It was a wonderful companion during a time of great stress when the hubby was seriously ill.  No matter where I was, I had my trusty “Origins” book with me, ready to transport me to another, less-stressful locale.  Linda’s intention when she gave me the book was to inspire and goose me forward about writing.  Neither of us could’ve anticipated how worthy it became as a tool for stress relief, an outlet and a diversion.

My favorite story in “Origins” is about the beloved children’s book, “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Brown. Grogan writes (p. 89):

“The idea for Goodnight Moon came to her in a dream, in which she remembered her ritual of saying goodnight to all of the items in her nursery as a little girl.”

Grogan describes Brown’s aspirations – that she hoped to be a “serious” writer and novelist but discovered her gift for crawling into the world of a child.  Interestingly, Grogan shares that Brown never married or had children of her own.  Even so, she possessed a unique, lyrical ability to speak to the hearts of children and parents alike.

Listening to her heart, sharing what was naturally within.  I suspect that was Margaret’s magic. And look at the beloved book now, I daresay there aren’t many parents or grandparents who can’t recite verses by heart.  Thank you to Margaret Brown and writers everywhere who are inspired by their view of the world, the moments that matter. 

-Vicki 😊

P.S.  A little more?  About my love of precious LITTLE books?  See my Victoria Ponders post for a peek at a bit of family history.  Small book style.

59 thoughts on “Inspirations”

  1. “The desire to write is innate because it makes me feel whole. The closer I can get to bringing out what’s within – my thoughts, feelings, conundrums – the happier I am.” So true! And in doing so, you form a heart connection with your readers who experience similar thoughts, feelings, and conundrums—and vice versa. Bless you, dear Vicki, for sharing so generously from within the depths of your being. It is a gift to all.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

  2. Oh, my gosh, Vicki! So much food for heart and soul here, I don’t even know where to start. From a place of verklempt, then, I’ll say thank you–for the mention, for the heart, for the hope-filled perspective that “every story begins with a morsel.” (Who yet knows what morsels might bless this day?!) Beautiful, through and through. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. What a cool little origins book! I agree- I think people who do creative things have to produce because they can’t help it. The pace of work and inspiration may vary but creating is, as you said, what makes them feel complete.
    Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Thanks for including me. I’m flattered to be included. Like you I’m sometimes asked how I come up with what I write about and like you my answer is that I write to make myself feel whole, to create understanding both for myself and by default for readers. I’m not familiar with Jake Grogan’s book, but it sounds profound. I’ll look for it.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. I love your thoughts…”to create understanding both for myself and by default for readers”. Appreciate you, your point of view and your posts, Ally. And yes — the Grogan book is a sweet read…for readers and writers. 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  6. Lovely post, Victoria. Books provide such great inspiration – and so cool to read about the origin of Goodnight Moon – and life itself is the greatest inspiration.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. I, too, used to worry about running out of things to say when I started my blog. Four years in, it hasn’t happened yet. Writing is a way for me to make sense of the random thoughts in my head and inspiration comes from the strangest places. A friend, who is my former boss, has asked if I want to co-write a book with him. I admit I’m intrigued.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    1. Ohhh….that DOES sound intriguing. Keep us posted about that. I like your perspective about writing to make sense of things. And cheers to inspiration coming from all directions. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I will definitely keep you posted. It’s a book related to my career preparing people for retirement, and how our traditional thinking needs to change in an age of increased longevity. It definitely has potential. My friend has a ton of ideas but, in his words “I need a writer.” The two of us collaborated on a piece for an industry journal and we work well together.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I love the sound of all of that — you have so much to offer and if you’ve collaborated with him in the past — good partnering in your history. And the topic — I’ll buy that book! “Second lives” and beyond becoming more common in what was once called “retirement”. 😎😘😎

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Oh my goodness — it’s a perfect title! Good that you’ve claimed the domain name…it’s perfect and relatable. Terrific from a marketing point of view. Yay for you! 🥰

        Liked by 1 person

  9. I truly believe that we all have a continually replenishing supply of words that are waiting to step out of us and by writing we keep from building up clogs 🙂..I know, this is sounding a lot like clogged plumbing is on my mind because it is..sigh..🙂😀. Love this – “The desire to write is innate because it makes me feel whole”. I feel the same way.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. I’m still giggling about your line “I don’t mind disappointing myself.”

    So many gems in this piece. Sassy, funny, and wise – just like your writing. Nope, you won’t run out of things to write because your well is so deep and your heart so big!! Love this post – as always!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  11. Grogan’s book sounds interesting. I’m fascinated that Margaret Brown never wanted to be a kid’s author. If she hadn’t listened to her heart and instead fought that inclination, maybe she would have still become a published author, but would she have had as much of a lasting impact. We’ll never know, but I suspect she landed right where she needed to be!

    Like

    Reply

  12. As to facing the blank screen, Samuel Johnson told someone who asked, that he got to his desk at the same time every morning and that “the muse has learned to be on time.”

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  13. I agree that as we age “There’s less varnish hiding my secrets” as you so cleverly stated! Those moments when reality tells you that you spent way too many years believing you were *the only one* just find that most everyone else is human as well 😉 Finding that important piece of who you are in the bigger picture of life opens so many doors that always seemed closed and locked.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. I will definitely look into “Origins of a Story.” It sounds fascinating. I’m with you on ebooks. I prefer a real book. I tried ebooks and they just don’t do it for me. As for ideas, we have our lives to fill us with material, plus our memories.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I adore you…what a wonderful way of thinking about writing ideas…so much material from our lives and memories. Thanks for that reminder. And let me know what you think of the “Origins” book and any others you know of like it — such an interesting read. Hugs to you and the family. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. My problem with ideas is that I need to write them down. They are fleeting moments in the shower, while I’m driving or daydreaming. Thank you for more hugs. We are all feeling so much better than a week ago!

        Like

      2. I’m with you about needing to write little inspirations and ideas down or I lose them, too! I’m so glad to hear everyone is feeling some relief. Grateful and so happy for all, Buff and your sweet son most of all. ❤️❤️❤️

        Like

  15. Thanks for the book recommendation of “Origins of a Story” by Grogan I will take time to explore it. I’m grateful for my abilities to create and write and hopefully entertain my readers if only for a moment of time! I’m blessed to have you in my life!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Please keep writing! 🥰 I love every bit and appreciate you as a source of inspiration and support, Mary! Big hugs! (And the Grogan book is delightful. Every now and then I reread it. Just because!)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Pingback: Well Said Saturdays – September 2 – The Heart of the Matter

Leave a comment