One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.
Annie Dillard, The Writing Life
As I was journaling at Mugs yesterday morning i noticed the lighting was perfect for a photo that symbolizes my journaling. So I asked one my barista, to take this image. Jess volunteered and this what she gave me. I like it.
I’ve journaled for years and feel that the past five years have been the most productive. I don’t mean that in quantity but in the quality of my writing. Every time I put pen to paper I find unexpected words. I’ve uncovered truths and lies I’ve told myself for years. My journals have help me dig deeper into my soul helpsing me to know myself more while hopefully being a better human being. I am learning to put into words how I see the gift of this natural world I live in. I also am learning to put into words the gift of this inner landscape of myself.
Finishing up laundry then some reading, walking and photography. It is overcast but warm.
7 Comments
Tom Dills
I suppose picking up the pen is a lot like picking up the camera. We tend to think of things to write when we’re ready to begin writing, just like we start seeing things to photograph when we have a camera in hand. When we’re traveling I will often get the camera out of the bag and hang it on a back seat headrest. That takes away the excuse of “well, the camera is packed away….” Kathy also has a way of knowing when I’ve seen something that calls me and is really good at encouraging me to turn around.
Monte Stevens
I agree with you, Tom. I am far more apt to accept an image if I have the camera in my hand or around my neck rather than in the camera bag. So, is Kath’s knowing because your swerving or even in the ditch? I’ve heard you mention her ability to encourage you to turn around before. Wonderful!
Faye White
Jess did a great job with the photo. I know what you mean by having the camera or pen or any tool ready for a moment of inspiration.
Monte Stevens
Yes I think she did a good job. I have for years now carried both a journal and pen and my camera because you never know. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Mark
I’ve wondered, given your fondness for fountain pens, do you make mistakes or misspellings that you feel you need to correct in your journals often? Not that I am any fan of writing in pencil, erasing always seemed like too much effort to me, too messy. 🙂 But when I do handwrite things, I often find I need to cross out my train of thought, or some word I didn’t start to write correctly.
Monte Stevens
Wonderful question, Mark! I will sometimes leave the mistake and sometimes cross it out and make it right. In many ways it’s a good practice for me to not worry so much about the perfection and also know that it’s okay to start over. I will leave the messed up thoughts and words because I do reread my journals.
Mark
I think it is better that way. Little mistakes, scribbles, oops add character we don’t see so often in this digital realm.