I love to write. Oftentimes, I have no idea what I am going to write about when I sit down at my laptop but somehow, I rarely seem to have a lack of content. Sure, I’ve had moments of writer’s block. Moments where I would not be able to formulate a sentence let alone think about writing an entire article.
However, this is due to utter and complete exhaustion and certainly not a lack of desire to put words down on “paper”. Or screen. Whatever. I’m so new generation.
I love the English language. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. I admire words and usage in a way an art critic would admire a beautiful painting or sculpture. In a way a concert-goer might admire music by their favorite musician.
I’ve had a love affair with words for as long as I can remember. I love to find new ones I have never heard of before and I most certainly love a beautifully-crafted sentence. For this reason alone, I find myself loving Toni Morrison, Walt Whitman, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Wally Lamb. Pat Conroy. Anne Lamott. Anna Quindlen. The old Jodi Picoult.
I will even admit that I admire Eminem, that offensive, arrogant rapper who manages to tick off literally everyone. Admittedly, I don’t currently listen to his music much (having children most certainly cuts out the blaring of “Without Me” throughout the house. While I love the song, I would rather my children NOT go to preschool singing it). However, one cannot have a love of words and not at least appreciate the talent this guy has for using them in a way no one else seems to be able to mimic in the industry.
In addition, I’m obsessed with well-written books and for this exact reason I have always loved to use words as the chosen medium for my own “art.” God has not gifted me with the ability to paint (though JJ loves to tease me about the time I attempted this) or the ability to play beautiful music. He has chosen me to use words as an outlet for my creativity and really nothing else.
Am I any good? I like to think that maybe, just maybe, a little. I have such a long way to go. I struggle with finding time TO write as I raise my three little people. I struggle with how much of myself I reveal. I struggle with comparing myself to other writers who I deem to be far superior to myself (there are several) and far more successful than myself (again, there are several). I suppose this is human.
One of my goals this past year was to get a freelance writing career at least moving somewhat. I have succeeded in this but again, I have so far to go. I’m such a newborn baby in this journey and truth be told, I have no idea what I am doing. But.
Two months ago, I received an email from Sharon at Helen magazine. Helen is a local publication for women in my community and it’s content is always well-written and informative. Oftentimes, I find myself reading through an issue and saying things like “I had no idea we had that here…” Such was the exact phrase I uttered when I read this month’s cover story on the “Brawlin’ Dolls” – our very own female Roller Derby Team.
Sharon offered me a column in the bimonthly magazine for “Home and Family.” Clearly, I didn’t have to think about this. I accepted right away.
I don’t like to toot my own horn but TOOT TOOT! Here’s my first column. I’ll publish the text on Monday because this post is already too long the way it is.
Beloved friends, as I said in Wednesday’s post, I am going to take a little bit of a blogging break. I need to center myself. I need to rest. I need to get right with God. My belief in Him is not the issue.
Never.
It’s my weariness. It’s the fact that if I am not in the word with Him, I stray. And it’s the fact that when I am not so busy and don’t have a myriad of things on my “to do” list, I can really focus on my little people which in turn makes me focus on God.
I see God in them always. He teaches me through them constantly.
I’ll post the content of my column on Monday and then I’ll be back in ten days. Please. Please. Stick with me.
I hope you have a blessed and memorable July 4 weekend!
For more Caffeinated Randomness, visit Andrea at Under Grace and Over Coffee!
Toot, Toot is right! Whoohoo! Congratulations! You are such a gifted writer. I loved what you wrote about writing and the english language because I often feel the same way. And the words of others… Such goodness.
Oh and that photo accompanying your column…FAB!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..CR – You Choose Julys Wallpaperand a Winner- =-.
Congratulations! I think you are a very good writer too. I am certain you will be asked to be a regular contributer.
I want to be a Brawlin’ Doll, or a Naptown Roller Girl. If only I lived closer to Naptown, I would totally try out for the team…. :)
.-= Vicki´s last blog ..Did you know that I am a songwriter =-.
I love your article. You are a great writer. I know how hard it is to not judge ourselves by others. I may not be the a great writer compared to others, but I’m the best that God created me to be. I hope you enjoy your break. See you when you get back.
Wow, congratulations! That’s awesome!!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..What To Expect When Youre Expecting Your Third Child =-.
I discovered you over at SITS and LOVE your blog! I am now following you on Twitter and have bookmarked your site. I will be back again soon to “visit.”
P.S: I am starting Steig Larson’s 3rd book next week. I can’t wait!
.-= Naked Girl in a Dress´s last blog ..Competitiveness breeds Stupidity =-.
Toot it girl!! Congratulations and praise the LORD!!
.-= Kela´s last blog ..Caffeinated Randomness- I Almost Had Nothing to Say =-.
YAY! Feel free to toot your own horn. I am so happy for you. That is a HUGE acomphlishment!!! You should be so proud. You are so deserving!
Natalie!! SOOOO happy and excited for you!!
Yes, you ARE good enough to do this. Your ability to write is a gift from God, and you glorify Him every time I visit your blog.
I completely understand your need for a break. I have started wondering the same thing for myself. I’m kind of losing some focus, not spending enough time with Him or the little ones. I’m definitely staying with you…we have a lot in common and I love reading what you have to say.
Blessings friend…
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Bubba Longhorn the Adventurer =-.
I’m so proud of you, Natalie! You are a very gifted writer and I have loved reading everthing you write. Love the picture by your column, too…did they do a photo shoot with you? (I think I remember you saying that they did) Enjoy your much deserved break! Will look forward to your “return.”
.-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Bean-Berry Salad and Hamburgers =-.
Congrats!! I also love to write and want to start writing for something or someone….you have encouraged me not to give up at all!! I will indeed be checking back here with ya and I am so with ya on the God issue…..it is only Him that enables me to go forth with pure joy!
Be blessed beyond measure!
.-= Linda´s last blog ..All Quiet on the Home Front =-.
Hi there.
Stopping by from Friday-Follow to say hello.
Thanks for playing.
Have a great day!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/07/i-tend-to-go-for-ordinary-people-friday-following/
.-= Harriet´s last blog ..I tend to go for ordinary people- Friday Following =-.
Congrats! And you look super cute in the photo!
.-= Missie´s last blog ..100th post party =-.
Good for you. We’ll miss you while you are gone, but enjoy your time of rest!!!!
.-= Maggie S.´s last blog ..Family Resemblance =-.
congratulations!! I didn’t realize you were in THIS summer issue!! I’ll have to get my hands on a copy.. Love the photo.. guess I won’t be shooting you! LOL.. unless you keep up the column.. I am guessing this is a continuous gig? looking forward to see how God uses your gift as you bless the women of our community!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..a little fun w- the animals =-.
Congratulations, you! Well deserved, indeed!
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..Caffeinated Randomness Summer Edition- If I were =-.
Wow how cool is that! Hi, New follower here from FF…have a safe and happy weekend…Love meeting new blogging friends.
Toot Toot! You should be very proud of yourself! that is so wonderful when you can do something that you love! Hopping by for the Friday Follow! You have a new follower! Come visit Mama’s Little Chick! Have a great 4th of July!
Mama Hen
http://www.mamaslittlechick.com
Congratulations! I have this passion to break into freelancing, but you are right, raising little people and doing jobs that currently bring in (a little) money seem to take precedence over writing and researching ways to actually publish said writing.
Also, congrats for having the courage to take a break and really BE with God. Blessings!
That is so awesome. You have to toot your own horn every now and then and there is nothing wrong with that!!
Sadie at heyMamas
.-= Sadie at heyMamas´s last blog ..Hating =-.
My teens were tooting an E-song about belief from after a rehab experience theys aid was good – I’m trying to find the lyrics on line. I love words, too! And language. Just love it! Congrats on your column! As my teen would say, “Live the life you love” – and it sounds like you are.
.-= bluecottonmemory´s last blog ..Neighbors in the Blogahood stopped by and left a couple of Awards =-.