thoughts on a friday

My creative juices seems to be in short supply lately. Ok, maybe that's the wrong way of explaining it. They're just reallocated. I've been using them up more at work than ever before. Don't get me wrong, it's a good thing. I've never been in a position where my creativity was being so utilized for work. I get to write regularly, which is part of where those creative juices are going. And I am loving it. I just find that I have less to offer here, in my own space.

When I created this blog, I used it as my primary form of creative outlet. I am a writer and I need to write. I need to get thoughts and words out of my head and into a tangible form. So I often hesitate when I am deciding on what to post on my blog. I don't want to post on just anything. I don't want this space to be used to just post something to say I did it. I want it to be about quality and creativity and my gift to the world because that is what writing is to me. It's what I can offer, it's my form of art.

So regardless of this topic-less blog post. Here is what I offer to you today. My lack of creative juices and just words and thoughts. Because that's all I've got for you today.

Plus, it's Friday and my day off. So maybe I'll store up my creativity for another day. I hope you find yourself surrounded by something beautiful today that inspires you and fills you. Happy Weekend.

Until next time...

inspiration

Whenever I sit down for a few brief, rare but necessary, moment of quiet. Side note, I can't imagine what it'll be like when I have a husband, kids and a house. I can't seem to help but let my mind wander and usually the thoughts that go through my head go something like this, "Ah, peace and quiet. This is so calm and relaxing...I should write about that." or "Oh, look at that beautiful sky, or the smell of the air. This is really just a great moment of stillness....I should write about that." And then I usually proceed to begin writing the story out in my head. Thinking mostly of how I would begin.

For a long time, I felt really bad about it. I felt like I shouldn't be thinking about writing. And I don't always think about blog writing; sometimes I think about the book I'm going to write. I should be soaking in the goodness of the moment. Living presently with what I am surrounded by. So I would try and stuff the thoughts.

Today, I had one of those moments. As I was finishing reading, I was sitting just enjoying being home. In the silence of my house, I began to hear the church bells ringing just down the road. By this, I knew it was six o'clock. But then I started really listening to them. They were beautiful. Glorious old hymns rang out strong. It reminded me of home. It reminded me of the church bell at my home church. It didn't ring like this one, but it still resonated something in me. Sometimes I think I have an old soul. I think I could have lived in the "good ole days" and been perfectly content. This bell reminded me of the wholesomeness that still exists in our world. Then it hit me...

"I should write about that," I thought.

Moment ruined. "Really, is that really what you're going to think about right now," I thought to myself. "Just enjoy the moment and don't think about what you're going to write about it."

Then I had an "ah, ha" moment. I'm not trying to justify my constant need to be thinking about my next move before I've even completed the first one. But it occurred to me that in that moment, listening to the bells, I was inspired. And what do I do when I am inspired. I write. I finally felt like I understood myself just a little bit clearer. Instead of getting irritated at myself for thinking about writing, instead I need to embrace it. Embrace the inspiration. Be driven by it. Write because of it.

If artists try to stifle when they're inspired to paint, we would be missing out on so many beautiful pieces of artwork. Or if musicians didn't write songs because they thought they shouldn't be thinking about music, we would be robbed of so many melodies. So, why should I try to do that to my form of art work.

Now instead of being frustrated with myself for thinking about writing. I will use the inspiration to write down words that are inspired by it.

A good book

Ok, my two week post-vacation hiatus is over. There was a lot to catch up on for those couple weeks. But I am back and ready to go...

Now that I am not longer in college I have grown rather fond of books. They no longer represent a responsibility, but a joy. There is something about a good book that is just so refreshing. I never thought of myself as much of a reader, growing up or in college, but now as I continue to develop my writing I seem to enjoy good literature just that much more.

One problem I do have when I read is starting too many books at one time. Most likely I am reading 3 different books at a time. Yet, I think that is somewhat representative of my life at this point. I am usually not focused on one specific thing, but multiple. I may have a slight case of ADD there, but oh well.

Anyway, with technology constantly bombarding my life and a job where I continuously stare at a computer screen, I really love opening a book, reading the words and flipping the pages. I get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing how much I've read, let alone the story itself. There is something wonderful about getting lost in the pages of a book and leaving everything else behind.

There truly is nothing better than a rainy day, a blanket, a cup of coffee and a great read. I want to share with you the three books currently grabbing my attention.

My mom recommended this one. I've heard good things from lots of people, so I am excited to get more into it!

If you've never read a Mitch Albom book, you're missing out. He also wrote Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I absolutely love his stories and the way he writes. They're an easy read and usually tug at the heart strings, but its definitely worth it!

One Thousand Gifts was recommended to me by a dear friend who knows my appreciation for good writing. I've just started this one, but so far its a challenging book that looks at the human relationship with God....my favorite kind!








Grab a new book and rip open the pages...enjoy the simplicity of a good story!

PS- I'm always open to new book suggestions...so please share