WHAT READERS SAY ON: "THOUGHTS ABOUT WRITING.....AND LIFE"

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TWO SCHOOL TEACHERS COMMENT
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My first thought after reading this tonight may be different than what you are discussing here, but I will share what I am thinking.

I have been blessed to be a permanent resident of Ruidoso, N.M. for the past 13 years. I am surrounded by God's beautiful creations here in this place----the slopes and peaks of Sierra Blanca viewed from my back deck, deer in my front yard, back yard, and sometimes in my driveway when I am coming or going. There are hummingbirds that visit my feeder all day long on my back deck, and elk and wild horses that roam the nearby areas.

All around are many different types of trees that bear needles and stay green all year around.  I must mention the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets above the mountain chain and the rivers, lakes, and small streams in all directions. I could go on and on listing the beautiful sights that we are afforded in this place!

BUT, so many times I take these things for granted and I don't "SEE" them as I should on an every day basis. I "edit them out," as you are saying. I should be thanking our Creator each and every day for these marvelous creations as I look at them through "new" eyes and ponder and wonder at their beauty.

I ask forgiveness for not taking time EVERY day to feast my eyes on the beautiful sights around me, and letting them soak into my memory as if it were the first time I had ever seen them.

Thank you for allowing me to express my thoughts. This topic has been on my mind for some time.  (By Judy Hughes)

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I agree with your thoughts on writing, as details are what ignite those pictures in our minds. That is why, to me, a movie based on a book is often a let-down. It was better in my mind's eye---reading the details and then weaving a tapestry created from those well-chosen words.  I believe that is why reading is sometimes more important than life. The stories and the words are so right. Day by day living is rarely like that.

What particularly amazes me are the writers who are very spare: for example Cormac McCarthy's "THE ROAD." It is written using the most brief of descriptions and yet that is the perfect language to carry the plot.

Of course the best example is Hemingway's style and especially "THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA." How can these writers still pack such a punch? It is proof of the elegance of simplicity but even more, it is finding those jewel-like lines, phrases, and exacting descriptions.

I really enjoyed all the guest writers and your 100th post too---"HEADING BACK HOME... TO POP'S PLACE!"  (By L.J.)

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BY MIL AND GUESTS
8/30/12

Sent from my iPad