On Writing

I'm starting to really like quotes.  Maybe because they're so useful in the scrapbooking world, and they're everywhere in scrappin' layouts and magazines.  The latest Simple Scrapbooks had the following quote next to an article about journaling (journaling is all the words you write on a SB LO.)

"The act of writing is the act of discovering what you believe."  David Hare

I like this quote because it's so true for me right now -- I am honestly still struggling to figure out who I am and what in the world I'm doing.  I kind of thought I'd have it figured out by now, but the more I think about it, the more unsure I am.  And if I'm just thinking and thinking and thinking I can go crazy, because nothing seems to make sense.  But once I start writing -- in my blog, in my scrapbooks, in letters, in a notebook, whatever -- I start pinning down at least a few things that I can hold on to and at least kind of organize everything incoherent that's going on in my head.  I've always written in a journal on and off, since I was about 12 --  I just have a lot in my head that I feel the need to write down. 

And you know, I used to think that being a good writer had to mean being a published  writer, being a famous writer, being a profound writer -- but now I'm realizing that being a good writer means that I have a way to figure myself out and to express to friends and loved ones (and especially Jake) how I feel.  I don't need to write a novel (geez, who has the time?) and I don't need to have poetry published (there's not a huge market for that anyway.)  I just need to write every day to keep my sanity.  And that's ok.

Comments

[Sandi P.]

I think you are an awesome writer, Jen. I mean heck, you portray your thoughts down on paper very well!

On that note:
Zack wants us to look into an online writing course to give him a headstart to his goal for writing for the high school newspaper next year. I think I found something, but I may have to sign him up as me in order for him to do it.

[Lisa]

Great post! I'm still deep in the trenches of finding out who I am - and this whole writing thing has really helped me out too. I could totally relate that this post - and really enjoyed it.

Love ya girl!

[Kelly]

I loved this post and I love the way you write!
http://kelly.typepad.com/kelly/2005/01/snot_and_laundr.html

[Shelly]

I love the way you write.

I finally linked my Sean sticker to his site. Thanks for the help. I then linked Sandi's up! NOw I am itching to learn more about how to do the graphics thing....

Have a great weekend.
Don't forget to FROG!

[Pink Stuff!!!!]

Jen,

You truly have the gift of recording your thoughts in a wonderful and witty manner, while taking care at the same time to maintain the integrity of the English language. Believe me when I tell you it is a gift. In fact, there are my in my life I would like to give that gift wrapped with a pretty pink bow!

Even though, you say you don't have the time, you already do most of the 'heavy lifting' each day in your blog. Perhaps you should think about writing a regular article for iParenting or a similar magazine. I can envision pregnant ladies all over the United States in Obstetrician's waiting rooms reading your articles and laughing their a** off. The only inherrent danger is thatthey will pee their pants before giving a sample. Now THAT would be a delima!

Kudos to you on your wonderful blog. I am proud to be related to you!

[Sue]

I've always loved the way you write Jen. You're very talented for such a spring chicken :)

Writing is very therapeutic and it's fun to look back on, esp when writing about our kiddos.