This week: Observations ... Edited by: Fyn More Newsletters By This Editor
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One hour of life, crowded to the full with glorious action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean observances of paltry decorum, in which men steal through existence, like sluggish waters through a marsh, without either honor or observation. ~~Walter Scott
Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life. ~~Marcus Aurelius
If you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can by talk. ~~Robert Baden-Powell
To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them. ~~Elliott Erwitt
Or writing!
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ASIN: 0997970618 |
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As writers, we must be observers. Every day. Always. You never know when that oddball or even 'everyday' observation can surface and be perfect for something you are writing. It is helpful and also adds a level of credibility to what you write! It makes it read 'real.'
I asked up top about active and passive observing. The reason for the distinction is that actively observing, filing it away for future reference, lets you open a window to seeing/finding out MORE.
Conversations with strangers is an epic way to learn more about other, their lives, thoughts, and feelings. Being open to listening (AND HEARING) other's viewpoints, satisfactions, and grievances give you a window into their souls and gives you a springboard for new thoughts and writing.
I talked to a lady named Gloria at the relay last Friday. What started out as a way to pass the time while waiting for my hubby, turned into an eye-opening conversation and now, I will never forget 'Gloria.' The all-ness, the awesomeness, and the strength of what is under her skin. I was at a cancer relay so pretty much every single person there has, had or has had a relative/friend dealing with some form of cancer - so I was surrounded by singularly amazing folk, but she stood out. As well, she should.
I watched the different teams walking: the different laps by survivors, company factions, those still fighting the battle, and those walking in honor of a loved one who succumbed to the fight. Some groups were stepping along while others moved quite a bit slower. The fact was, they were all walking their laps with pride.
Filing info away for later, and taking mind-notes let me appreciate the entire event in a much more intense manner. Didn't know many people there and there was quite a bit of 'hurry up and wait' and elsewise, I am pretty sure, I would have been bored silly. But I wasn't. I was engaged and participating on a far deeper level. WHY? Because I was actively observing what circled around me. I was taking it all in, noticing people, their expressions, their demeanors, their smiles.
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Beholden says: Aren't we all, in effect, writing our memoirs through what we write? We're all, whether poet or proser, trying to explain ourselves before we die. i know that's what I'm doing, anyway.
YES
Monty writes: If rhymes helped my memory then I have another reason to thank rhyming verse. I am sure it helped with Paul Revere's ride. Doubt that it helped with Lincoln's Gettysburg Address though. That sounded like a True story. I believe I like all poetry as long as I get rhythm.
You do like your rhyming! :) And do it so well. |
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