SEVEN THOUSAND
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Well, it does seem magnificent and significant.
From a spark or smartass inspiration, something I’ve done every morning since. Walk and write, or write then walk – for many years, that meant walk Gusta. Today is a milestone, column #7,000. I’ve tried to keep track since I began on March 21, 2003, so factoring in leap days, that’s a lot of morning walks and a few million words. To those who read my thoughts, thanks. To those who read and respond, reply, call, or give me a nod when we pass at functions or on the street, extra thanks to you for being loyal readers and offering encouragement. Thanks too to my two grammar police – SB and RH; you’ve done yeoman service over the years; thanks.
There is no secret to pass along – no formula that I can preach or prescribe for anyone else. I’ve read a lot of opinions on the value of journaling, blogging, etc. and have become convinced there is no magic method or sweet spot for doing this kind of thing, yet what seems universal is its value to writers.
While my Musings readership has been loyal and appreciative, I don’t do it for you.
I do it for me.
I encourage anyone who struggles to figure-out-life, to give your fingers and a keyboard a try-out. Let them figure out what needs to fall out of your head onto a page. Deciding whether to share that with anyone else is yet another choice. Still, the first challenge is to paint the page joys or pains, insights or questioning, or rambling on the keyboard the way a jazz pianist tickets keys to generate new phases that have never had an audience.
Expressing thoughts, ideas, rants, and raves is freedom.
I live in a country where freedom in many forms prevails. Most Canadians have less expectation of privacy than ever, but the right to speak out and sometimes shout out loudly prevails.
I write for me; I share with you.
Tomorrow is #7,001, and I’ll carry on for 7,000 more and then reassess!
Reader feedback:
The thing that I have noticed about being a grandparent vs. a young parent is that the latter has more energy but the former has more patience. I think that's one of the things that make the circle of life work so well. 10 is a great age - enjoy! SC, Chestermere, AB