I've been grappling with an area of a story for a long time. Then, it struck me.
Sometimes you have to think BIGGER to free a knot or solidify it to tighten the story.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
When "Coincidence" Isn't Anymore - Paying Attention to the Universe
How quickly does it take to determine that certain events are not coincidences? Something more is happening. Pay attention!
Coincidence 1 (December 13, 2011)
I overhear a friend at work mention that he has the Peace Light with him. What's the Peace Light, you ask? That's exactly what I did. So, my friend explains. Basically, the Peace Light is the product of an annual mission involving a flame that travels from Jesus' birthplace, the Grotto of Bethlehem, and is shared around the world with the goal of helping global children in need, while spreading the message of peace. More information is here: http://peacelight.org/. Pretty cool. So, I get my own Peace Light to share with family and friends.
Coinidence 2 (January 3, 2012)
From my family's experience with the Peace Light, I'm inspired to write a children's story about it. Cherubs weren't singing or anything, but it was pretty powerful, nonetheless. I feel a renewed energy and power with my writing.
Coincidence 3 (January 6, 2012)
That week, during my daily commute, a song pops into my head to accompany my Peace Light story. I've never written a song before; so, this was particularly unusual. I had the melody and everything. I got to my desk and, within five minutes, I had the lyrics written.
Coincidence Universe Talking 4 (mid-January 2012)
While surfing the internet, I find an interesing blog article about writing. I finish the article and read the comments below. Buried deeply within them, I find a post from an old friend. Of all the internet sites, blogs, and comments, what are the chances of stumbling upon someone you know?
Coincidence Universe Talking 5 (January 26, 2012)
I get an email from my alma mater announcing the winter 2012 edition of Marquette Magazine. I enjoy the magazine and reading the latest news. Marquette University is a special place with a true familial atmosphere. I'm excited when I read of the achievements and happenings of students, faculty, and alumni. In general, there is a collective success when anyone from Marquette accomplishes something. In this edition, I was encouraged and inspired while reading a career profile about Molly O'Neill, an editor of children's books. As it turns out, we were at MU at the same time. Nice job, Molly!
In summary, since December 13, 2011, I've averaged 1.4 "messages" each week and every one centers on writing.
I am listening, Universe. Hence, this blog and my public announcement that I will work to publish as often as possible in 2012. I am stepping-out in faith. I am opening more of my gifts. I am setting out to do the work I was given to do. I am writing. Why not? It's fun!
Coincidence 1 (December 13, 2011)
I overhear a friend at work mention that he has the Peace Light with him. What's the Peace Light, you ask? That's exactly what I did. So, my friend explains. Basically, the Peace Light is the product of an annual mission involving a flame that travels from Jesus' birthplace, the Grotto of Bethlehem, and is shared around the world with the goal of helping global children in need, while spreading the message of peace. More information is here: http://peacelight.org/. Pretty cool. So, I get my own Peace Light to share with family and friends.
Coinidence 2 (January 3, 2012)
From my family's experience with the Peace Light, I'm inspired to write a children's story about it. Cherubs weren't singing or anything, but it was pretty powerful, nonetheless. I feel a renewed energy and power with my writing.
Coincidence 3 (January 6, 2012)
That week, during my daily commute, a song pops into my head to accompany my Peace Light story. I've never written a song before; so, this was particularly unusual. I had the melody and everything. I got to my desk and, within five minutes, I had the lyrics written.
While surfing the internet, I find an interesing blog article about writing. I finish the article and read the comments below. Buried deeply within them, I find a post from an old friend. Of all the internet sites, blogs, and comments, what are the chances of stumbling upon someone you know?
I get an email from my alma mater announcing the winter 2012 edition of Marquette Magazine. I enjoy the magazine and reading the latest news. Marquette University is a special place with a true familial atmosphere. I'm excited when I read of the achievements and happenings of students, faculty, and alumni. In general, there is a collective success when anyone from Marquette accomplishes something. In this edition, I was encouraged and inspired while reading a career profile about Molly O'Neill, an editor of children's books. As it turns out, we were at MU at the same time. Nice job, Molly!
In summary, since December 13, 2011, I've averaged 1.4 "messages" each week and every one centers on writing.
I am listening, Universe. Hence, this blog and my public announcement that I will work to publish as often as possible in 2012. I am stepping-out in faith. I am opening more of my gifts. I am setting out to do the work I was given to do. I am writing. Why not? It's fun!
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Self, I challenge you to publish. Publish as much as you can before the clock's final tick on 2012. Write. Enjoy. Love it. Revel in the power of words. Tangle your storied knots. Unravel them. Stengthen their ties to bind whole tales. Share.
This is the challenge I've made for myself this year.
Join me. Grab a pen, a pencil, an i-anything. Who's in?
Self, I challenge you to publish. Publish as much as you can before the clock's final tick on 2012. Write. Enjoy. Love it. Revel in the power of words. Tangle your storied knots. Unravel them. Stengthen their ties to bind whole tales. Share.
This is the challenge I've made for myself this year.
Join me. Grab a pen, a pencil, an i-anything. Who's in?
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