Yesterdays Godspell, Matthew 5: 13-16, is one of my favorite passages. The salt of the earth and light of the world immediately inspires the song from the musical Godspell. Which immediately leads to other Godspell songs and then of course, Jesus Christ Superstar songs. Today, of course, those songs are burrowing through my brain like a worm.
While I have written about my faith here, I am hesitant to write too much. I have never been comfortable proclaiming my Christianity. I have many friends who are evanglicals and every conversation is another discussion of their faith.
I have felt that my faith should be present in word but more present in action. I am fascinated by other religions and their traditions. I have a margin of error in my soul that perhaps they are onto something as well. If they follow the tenants of the ten commandments in their own way, then isn't there a chance for them in heaven as well? I truly don't know but I do know that preaching to them is not what works for me.
Anyway, I thought I would take a few moments and wrestle with those thoughts as I continue to work on my memoir. I am still not sure what the line is that I have to walk. I only know that inspiration is coming daily. I am sure that God will send me a message soon.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Finally Friday and I'm Ready for Monday
Three snow days in a row this week. Five people with cabin fever. Roads are finally passable and ice is still covering everything. Today I am sitting still and enjoying the quiet. There are no sounds of arguing; no TV noise; no Wii beeping. Just blissful quiet. I am so ready to pass by the weekend and move into Monday - some more days of quiet bliss!
On Monday I finished a substantial part of the book. I was able to craft an introduction. I found a workable method to weave the blogs together in a meaningful, humorous yet substantive way. I only hope that the time and order of blogs makes sense. I hope that the writing is meaningful and worthwhile.
I want this book to humorous, spiritual yet not trite or preachy. I hope that the book is not perceived a evangelical or preachy but quietly, dignified witness.
A fine line I need to walk and in the long run it will still be up to the reader to decide.
On Monday I finished a substantial part of the book. I was able to craft an introduction. I found a workable method to weave the blogs together in a meaningful, humorous yet substantive way. I only hope that the time and order of blogs makes sense. I hope that the writing is meaningful and worthwhile.
I want this book to humorous, spiritual yet not trite or preachy. I hope that the book is not perceived a evangelical or preachy but quietly, dignified witness.
A fine line I need to walk and in the long run it will still be up to the reader to decide.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Balmy Night
3 am and I am walking around outside. This is how crazy our weather has been. 34 degrees and it feels balmy outside. I am in my pajamas with only a crochets shawl around my shoulders.
The world was covered in ice. What we couldn't figure out was the rain? I had opened a window and heard the pitter patter of rain. Yet I couldn't really see it against the street light. So outside I went with my husband for support. Don't forget I am still jerking all over.
The trees were frozen to the ground with the weight of the ice on their branches. Bushes were smashed and broken from the weight. The entire glittered like the inside of a snow globe. It was surreal experience. I felt I walking on a movie set and waiting for the director to yell cut.
The sound of the rain came from the melting ice on the trees. It was only 34 but of course freezing is 32. What we heard was the ice melting and hitting the frozen icy snow.
I had visions of the kids slipping and sliding outside the next day. The world a frozen Popsicle. Yet when I woke up a few hours later, it was all gone.
The world was covered in ice. What we couldn't figure out was the rain? I had opened a window and heard the pitter patter of rain. Yet I couldn't really see it against the street light. So outside I went with my husband for support. Don't forget I am still jerking all over.
The trees were frozen to the ground with the weight of the ice on their branches. Bushes were smashed and broken from the weight. The entire glittered like the inside of a snow globe. It was surreal experience. I felt I walking on a movie set and waiting for the director to yell cut.
The sound of the rain came from the melting ice on the trees. It was only 34 but of course freezing is 32. What we heard was the ice melting and hitting the frozen icy snow.
I had visions of the kids slipping and sliding outside the next day. The world a frozen Popsicle. Yet when I woke up a few hours later, it was all gone.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Legal Stuff
I was browsing articles on the Writer's Digest website when I was struck with a disturbing thought. Since this is a memoir, do I have to worry about legal stuff? Do I need to worry over writing about real people -- doctors, nurses, friends and even my family? Am I setting myself up for a lawsuit?
There are some tests for this that I can apply as a writer. First, am I writing about real people? Yes, I am writing about real people. In many cases, I don't even know their names. They are just people I sat next to in a waiting room. Or that faceless nurse in post op surgery. Or the priest hearing confession in NYC? I don't even remember the name of the parish. But essentially yes, they are real people.
Are they recognizable to readers? Probably not. In fact, I don't know if I would even recognize them again. Except for the surgeons. If you really were a creeper, you could find the surgeons online as they are very specialized. I can change the name but not always the description. I will need to step carefully there.
Am I spouting indisputable facts? Nah. Only opinions. Opinions influenced by drugs, pain and a warped sense of humor. I am sure that anyone could dispute that.
Are you disclosing private, possibly embarrassing information? Yup, absolutely. Very embarrassing. I believe I mention the anus a few times. Breasts. Moods. Tubes coming out of everywhere. Yup, very embarrassing. Who cares? It's only me being embarrassed. And anyone who has had any kind of surgery knows the embarrassment I'm talking about.
Disclosing a problem in the community or disclosing a crime? Unless you count the quality of thin hospital robes, nope.
So I guess I am 50/50 on the legal. I better do some more research.
There are some tests for this that I can apply as a writer. First, am I writing about real people? Yes, I am writing about real people. In many cases, I don't even know their names. They are just people I sat next to in a waiting room. Or that faceless nurse in post op surgery. Or the priest hearing confession in NYC? I don't even remember the name of the parish. But essentially yes, they are real people.
Are they recognizable to readers? Probably not. In fact, I don't know if I would even recognize them again. Except for the surgeons. If you really were a creeper, you could find the surgeons online as they are very specialized. I can change the name but not always the description. I will need to step carefully there.
Am I spouting indisputable facts? Nah. Only opinions. Opinions influenced by drugs, pain and a warped sense of humor. I am sure that anyone could dispute that.
Are you disclosing private, possibly embarrassing information? Yup, absolutely. Very embarrassing. I believe I mention the anus a few times. Breasts. Moods. Tubes coming out of everywhere. Yup, very embarrassing. Who cares? It's only me being embarrassed. And anyone who has had any kind of surgery knows the embarrassment I'm talking about.
Disclosing a problem in the community or disclosing a crime? Unless you count the quality of thin hospital robes, nope.
So I guess I am 50/50 on the legal. I better do some more research.
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