FIRST STROLL

Are you thinking: What a weird name for a blog? I'm a writer. That might explain it to some, but in case you are still in the dark - or the mist - here's an explanation of sorts.

My mind is a BUSY place and (as a writer) characters, scenes, plots, conversations materialize out of the mist as I stroll (mentally) along. All I have to do is write it down. Understand?

People frequently ask me, "Why do you write?"

My first response, with a pleasant smile, "Why don't you write?"

I get various comebacks to that, but the most common is "Because there is nothing to write about."

At this point in the conversation I usually say, "I'm sorry."

I truly feel sorry for people who feel there is nothing to write about. Don't get me wrong or jump to conclusions. I don't think that everyone can or should be a writer. My response has nothing to do with their abilities to write. It has to do with their attitude toward the world around them. For me, they live a sad existence.

The universe around us is running over with miracles and wonders and stories to be told. It's a tragedy that was we age, moving from infancy to childhood to adolescence to adulthood, that many of us lose our curiosity and sense of wonder. If 'growing up' means losing my ability to observe and feel and experience, my curiosity, and my need to 'know more', then I prefer not to grow up. (I'm 52, by the way). There is a precious beauty in seeing the world through the eyes of a child. One of my favorite pieces of poetry says it so well.

To see the world in a grain of sand,

And a heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.

William Blake

In the past I've taught Grammar (no moaning or groaning allowed), literature, and creative writing - among other subjects. For me there are few things more exciting then assigning teenagers to keep a journal as part of their course grade (the moaning and groaning is substantial), and after a few weeks having a teen stay behind after class to fearfully or timidly ask me if I would read his/her first attempt at a novel or short story.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I've help the blind to see. That teen will never be the same again. He may not one day have a book on the Best Seller list, but he now sees the universe with a sense of wonder. His eyes and ears and emotions have been opened to a universe of endless possibilities, limited only by his own imagination.

The world is not a static place. It is dynamic! Life is never boring. Every person you meet has a story to tell; every situation has a lesson to teach. We were not created to mope our way through life. We, as humans, are the jewel of GOD's creation and HE gave us a universe overflowing with light, color, sound, smells, and tastes; a universe for us to experience and enjoy. If GOD wanted us to merely exist He could have given us a drab, dull, bland world of grey and brown, but HE didn't. HE put us in a place of beauty. A place that is the reflection of His glory and majesty. Open your eyes and your hearts to the treasures around you.

Take a stroll.

Blessings,

Kathie