On Writing……

I used to write a lot in high school.  Poems mostly and a few short stories here and there.  I always liked writing, even papers about books that we had to read in school.  I never won (or even entered I don’t think…) any writing contests but I do remember one poem I wrote that kinda blew everyone away in my 10th grade English class.  I mostly recall the silence after I was done reading it aloud and my teacher’s face, specifically, and then she broke the silence by saying, “Elaine, that was exceptional.”  And everyone clapped.

I almost started to cry.

Most of my poems were written on notebook paper or paper from my journal.  I kept them all folded and in a box for years, like little treasures.  I would re-read them again and again, frowning at some that I thought were just okay and smiling at others that I thought were pretty decent. Later on I typed them all out. 

But besides my random writings on this blog, I’d pretty much put my “pen” (who uses a pen to write anything anymore??) down.  Yes, a few of my posts here and there have been reflective or more than just “reporting” what is going on with our family but it wasn’t until two things recently happened that I decided to spread my writing wings again.

First of all, I went to Blissdom and sat in on a couple of writing workshops. And I sat next to one of my very favorite writers, Erin (who also happens to be my friend and was one of my roommates). I was thoroughly inspired by the words and presenters (Cecily, Arianne and Heather) in one of the workshops and could hear my brain asking my heart, “Elaine, remember when you used to write?”

My heart said “Yes.”

Secondly I decided to start participating over at The Red Dress Club, a blog that gives writing prompts and supports writers in general.  I had heard about the site from Erin and Ash and seen their writings on their blogs and decided to give it a go.  And frankly, I’m loving it.  I have to say, it’s been wonderful for spreading those wings again.  I’m inspired by the prompts, the other writers and and my own life.  It feels REALLY good to be writing again. 

I do wonder though, how much is this changing the landscape of my blog?  Are those of you who usually visit not used to so much “writing” versus just “talking” about my kids and photographs (which I’m STILL taking lots of!) or do you like this change?  Every blog evolves, just as it’s author does, and I can feel this evolution and I like it.  But what about you all?  I would love some feedback.  I know there’s a balance there.  And I’m NOT going to start another “writing” blog… no time for that.

Anyway, let me know what you think.  And thanks to all of you that have read and taken the time to comment on my TRDC posts. It means a lot to me, as always… Also, an extra special thanks to “Mommy is in a Timeout” for featuring the memoir post I wrote on Tuesday.  That really make my day and week!

xoxo