Saturday, July 11, 2009

Find your niche

I've been blessed this summer to be a part of a writing group. But, this is not just any writing group. We are the Great Bear Writer's of 2009! This has been a summer of becoming a better teacher, while improving my writing skills at the same time. It just doesn't get any better than that! Our days are filled with sharing our stories and ideas that are effective in our classrooms. I am overwhelmed with the wealth of knowledge and exploding ideas I will be bringing back to my students this coming year! I have a confidence, unlike ever before, that my students are going to be the best writers they can be and they are going to love it. I just know they will!

This writing group has awakened the bear, for Spring, that resides within me. I LOVE TO WRITE! I never thought I would say that. I have had the opportunity for the past three weeks to concentrate on something that has been buried for a long time. The old saying, "practice makes perfect" rings true for me this summer. While, I'm not perfect, I've gotten better and I owe that only to the mere fact that I have practiced everyday since I started this journey.

Yesterday, we spent the day in downtown Little Rock's River Market in a writing marathon. We found different spots sprinkled throughout this area all day long. We were divided into our writing groups, which made me feel secure. See, I've become very close to the ladies that make up this group. We have shared life stories and even written fictional ones. There is a sense of freedom that comes from writing. Within this freedom, we have shared things that will only stay within our group and for that I am grateful!

During this marathon downtown, I took lots of pictures, I guess that makes me a visual person. I noticed lots of different people and found myself writing about my observations, mostly. People are so interesting and you can certainly find some of the most interesting here. I tend to write most of what comes from my heart and those are my experiences with my Savior, Jesus Christ. Anne Lamott talks about our need to get out our personal emotions as we begin as writers, so I guess that is where I am. I have written about a lot of emotion, which always returns to Jesus. All of who I am and have become I owe to Him!

While, I'm not to the publishing line of my writing ruler, I suppose I will share some soon. However, I have found a niche to add to my list and want to encourage you to find yours, as well. Who knows? writing just might be yours, too. You might be surprised. Just give it a whirl, entertain yourself, write for a few minutes every single day! There may be a sleeping bear waiting to be awakened within yourself.













































































4 comments:

Holly said...

Beth -

I have been praying for you all summer! I had hoped this workshop would be everything I thought it would be - and it sounds like it was. I can't wait to see you and hear what you've learned. I'm jealous (but in a good way...really!) Keep up your writing. Maybe one of these days, I'll get back to mine! See you soon - Holly

Melissa said...

I'm so happy that this workshop was such a wonderful experience for you. You are so creative and talented, the sky's the limit!!

Tambrey said...

I know you really must have enjoyed that program. Anytime we are able to open more horizons and explore our talents is always a blessing!

Laura said...

I keep looking-- thinking I'll see a new post.