I recently discovered a book on my shelf; one tucked away and unread. I think serendipity may’ve had a hand in that now. I wouldn’t have appreciated this story as a much when it came out in 2000. Since that time, my own stories have evolved and settled into a new space. My last story and current one seem to be guided by the same current. The heart of my stories deal with family relationships and friends; the fit is a good one for me.
What initially caught my eye about this book was the author’s note to readers. He stated that, “Sometimes the greatest wealth as human beings can be discovered by simply looking behind us.” So true. I know why my memories run deeply, and stir inside of me. One day I would need them all, good and bad, in order to create the stories of my heart. The looking back is a way to gauge how how far we’ve come. The future is for dreams and direction, I believe, and the now is where we create and just BE. I’ve always felt too that a person’s character always shows up and imprints more deeply, when things don’t run smoothly. In stories, our characters need to grow, just like we do. That’s where the looking back comes in handy. I can easily relate to my younger characters as well as the more seasoned ones from life experience.
So, there is a time to look back, just like a time to look ahead. It’s true that you can’t change the past, but you do create the future. Somewhere between the two is the place where stories are born. I’ll leave you with some quotes made throughout history, ones that can enrich all of our life’s purpose.
Tomas Edison was a brilliant inventor that once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Albert Einstein was a called a slow learner, retarded, and unable to be educated.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley once said, “Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose – a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye.”
And my personal favorite…Ralph Waldo Emerson “What is success? To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded.”
I smile thinking of the lessons we all carry, and how life will always fuel our passions if we allow it. What has inspired you recently?
Terrific post, LaD. Love the quotes.
I firmly believe that no memory or experience is wasted. It’s what molds our character and colors our future. It’s what we learn from and make our future decisions.
LaD,you didn’t mention the book’s title. I want to know the title, dammit! My TBR pile needs one more book…
I just discovered that Einstein had dyslexia, which today is considered by some schools of thought as a “learning disability.” Didn’t stop his genius, though, and I guess that’s where I find inspiration. It seems that at times people allow the majority of “thinkers” to influence, or block, god given talent. Einstein didn’t listen to the ridicule, so that tells me there was more to his genius than an unusually high I.Q.
Great blog, LaD.
Thanks, Liz! And so beautiful what you said about memories and experience. So very true.
Kathy, I didn’t mention the title, cause I’m going to review it when my turn rolls around.
It’s Wish You Well by David Baldacci, and very different from his well-known suspense novels. The story is rich in Virgina storytelling and dialect and takes place in the 1940′s.
And interesting fact about Einstein too, thanks for sharing! So sad, that he was labeled at all. I agree, a natural-born talent trumps everything, and is more precious than gold!
Your quotes inspired me.
Thanks for sharing!
Great quotes, LaD! Lately I’ve been inspired by the Nano numbers everyone’s been posting. Inspired and jealous. lol
Love the quotes!
And I’m with Liz. Our past is what molds us into the people we are. It adds the depth to our writing. Have you noticed that very young writers seem to lack a certain amount of depth in their work. Not all of them, of course, but the majority.
It’s amazing what a difference five to ten years will make in a writers voice.. all those experiences they’ve undergone shape them and add dimension to their writing.
Don’t you think it would be interesting to post something you wrote in your twenties– vs something that you’ve just finished? I bet the difference in everyone’s previous and *now* work would be amazing
LaDonna,
Oh..my.
Your post resonated so deeply to me. I had to reread it twice. Not because I didn’t get it, but because you sang a special song with your words.
I’ve always believed I’ve been shaped by my past, most particularly those experiences that scored my soul. I learned, changed and grew. I still do.
My future…who knows. But my heroines and heroes will always have this trait.
Thank you for writing this post.
Hey Cindy, what a hug that was! Thanks, GF!
Thanks, Edie! And I imagine some of those Nano numbers do make a head spin.
You’ve got nothing to be jealous about, Lady!
Hey Theresa, I agree that life gives us that depth we need as writers! I just know I’ve grown in my writing, and not afraid to dig deep these days. My earlier work skimmed the waves with slices of comedy and life. Today, I like to think I’ve learned to scuba dive too.
Mary Jo, how lovely your comment was! I thank you for that. I never know where my blogs will take me, but I will tell you they come from the heart. You’ve just confirmed to me that I must be doing something right.
Your words resonated with me as well… “I’ve always believed I’ve been shaped by my past, most particularly those experiences that scored my soul. I learned, changed and grew. I still do.”
I think you’ve just explained one of the profound secrets to life.