Over Christmas break, I read one of the best novels I have read in a very long time: Marley and Me. Because of John Grogan's easy and entertaining style, I flew through this book and absolutely loved it. My family was amused as I would often laugh out loud while reading, and then I cried for over thirty minutes as I read the end. My affection for dogs and my family's enduring belief that dogs are truly members of our families also helped me enjoy the book, too, of course. However, there was something more than all of these things that contributed to my love of this book... its ordinariness. Marley and Me is novel about real people and their ordinary lives. As readers, we experience the Grogan family's life struggles and joys with them. I think we cling to this because most of our own lives are ordinary, and yet this does not make them any less significant or profound. Reading a book about an ordinary family and watching them walk through different stages of life reminded me of this and how much people do enjoy simply relating to others. Being a big detail person, I have always loved hearing details of others' lives, be that one of my friends or even just a character in a book. I also, of course, love sharing details when I tell stories. :)
As I reflected on these things, I remembered that I had a "secret ambition or dream" to one day write a book. Reading Marley and Me encouraged me I could write about everyday people and things. I think if I ever do write a book, I would attempt a children's novel. I've read a lot of them, I know what appeals to most elementary school-aged children, and they usually all have happy endings. It truly is just a far-off dream, and I'll still be quite content to die if I never fulfill it. Still, I'm trying to learn to dream big and be more of a visionary so perhaps one day...
Thus, I made a goal for 2009 that I would write more. (I don't make resolutions because I feel guilty if I break them; it's ok to break goals.) I thought having a blog would be a good way to write more so here it goes...solo deo gloria.
No one ever comments on my blog- not even while I was overseas- so I thought I'd leave you a little message to encourage your continued writing. I appreciate the concept of a goal (as you can read on my blog) and hope that your goal will be met this year- as a daily promise to expose yourself to the world. I think the world needs more of CLS.
ReplyDeleteChristen...I want you to sign your book for me when you write it. Yes, I said when. You reminded me of what someone once said: "Write what you know." I think you nailed that that's what you loved about Marley, and I think that's what you do when you write...I loved reading your post!!! And I can't wait for more. Ironically, when I started this blog so I could learn to be more straightforward when I write, especially since people get lost in heady stuff. You've reminded me to keep on keepin on!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. you can add a list of fellow bloggers if you go to "customize," "layouts," and "blog list."
Hey Christen! I'm glad that you're doing this. You are absolutely right about people liking to hear other's experiences. It lets us know that the things we are going through are not so UNordinary and that there are others who share similar trials. I'm eager to hear all that the Lord has in store for you this year!
ReplyDeleteHey! I'm so glad you joined the blogging world!! As I read about your reflections on Marley and Me, I giggled thinking about how you had a "Marley and me moment" this past weekend when Rusty escaped- an ordinary event in my life! haha I'm looking forward to reading about many more exciting adventures in your life.
ReplyDeleteClick on my name to read the blog i never write in. :)
C~ I'm so glad you are writing! It's been so fun to do this and I hope you enjoy it just as much. I look forward to following along (www.kconnor7278.blogspot.com)
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