"Our task is to say a holy yes to the real things of our life as they exist--the real truth of who we are... "
from Natalie Goldberg's book Writing Down the Bones
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from Nina Lindsay's "Plot Twist"
The dreams were like a boat,
the sleep a country,
the night an author
that found us to be somewhat unsatisfactory characters.
Please let me remember.
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All original text and photos copyright Molly C. Spencer (c)2009-2011. All rights reserved.
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6 comments:
This book was supremely important to me at the beginning of my writing career, and this quote, of all the gems within the book, sticks with me. Thanks for posting it!
I agree with Sandy!
This book is such a gem, and I credit it with "freeing" the writer within me.
Yes, you're welcome! I first bought Writing Down the Bones when I was in my mid-20s in grad school for public policy of all things, after just having realized I was definitely in the WRONG program. Even as I shied away from it in my decisions and life, I knew I was a writer. This book helped kindle the fire, and kept me believing until I found the courage to say it out loud: 'I'm a writer,' and the courage to live the writing life. Glad it brought back good memories for you, too!
Timing! The other day we were discussing this very notion of saying yes leading up to our advent liturgy at school this week. As a reflective exercise at our staff meeting, we were asked to write down our way of saying yes to God in preparation for this week's advent liturgy with our students.
Speaking of yes, I gotta share a favorite: God Says Yes to Me, by Kaylin Haught:
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2011/04/17
CS, you're right that it is perfect for Advent
and drew, I love that one too! at my old house it was pinned up above my writing desk...... wonder where that inspiring little scrap is now?? :)
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