I still haven't figured out how much I want to share on this blog. On the one hand, I want to be totally uninhibited and write about everything that comes to my mind. On the other hand, there are concerns about privacy, future employment (although, I'm hoping this would be a "selling" point), people's feelings, publishing rights, etc., etc., etc.
So then, why even HAVE a blog? I am still figuring all of this out. I just know that I HAVE to write. I NEED to write.
Just yesterday, while driving down the road, I had so many thoughts spinning around in my head at one time - something I like to call "The Blender Effect" - and I needed to write them down. Otherwise, I would drive myself crazy, and I was afraid I would not remember them later.
While sitting at a traffic light, I frantically searched around for a pencil or pen. It was the one time that I wished I had not cleaned out my car - not a single pencil or pen in sight. But, damn! The inside of my car looked good.
I began to scrounge through my purse as quickly as I could, actually hoping that the light would NOT turn green.
Side note - Remember the days when writing a check was common? I was a child (of course), but my mom always had a handful of pens in her purse. I rarely write checks, and my kids have long been past the age when I needed to give them a drawing utensil in order to keep them occupied during a meal.
I could not find a pen or pencil in my purse.
For a moment, I thought I found lipstick. I was desperate enough to use it, until I realized it was just lip moisturizer (aka chapstick). It would be difficult to read script written in clear gloss. I would need those special glasses that I had when I was a kid. You know, the one that enabled you to read "invisible" ink?
I also found a tampon.
"Can't write with that," I thought, "unless I dipped it in......."
A pencil! I found a pencil!
I began to write my thoughts down on the back of an envelope as quickly as I could, using the steering wheel as my writing surface. I took the opportunity at every red light until I reached my daughter's school.
"Hmmmm," I thought, "I wonder if this could be considered texting?"
I claim the right to free speech when I write. My readers know I have some strong opinions on certain topics, and no one is forced to read my blog. I still think about those issues, though, and wonder if I should write for my audience, carefully trying to sidestep any controversial issues, or if I should just write to let those "blender" thoughts stop swirling around in my head. I've decided to write what I feel and think. I hope people will enjoy my writing, and be inspired to think about the topics I address, or that maybe they will just laugh at some of the funny stories I write.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I always carry a small notebook and pens in my purse.
Yes, as the days go by, blogging away, I realize that it would be too difficult for me always be writing "carefully". I need to be true to myself, and write about what I am thinking and feeling. If others do not agree or laugh, well, at least I have humored myself ; )
ReplyDeleteI have appreciated your comments, and realize that I need to take the time to read some of your stories, as well. Most often, I am squeezing in my writing in between pick-ups and drop-offs, and I don't have time to sit down and enjoy someone else's.
P.S. I have bought so many small notebooks over the years to have in my purse, and somehow, I forget about them, or lose them. I bought another one at Target last night. We will see if it gets used!