AT THE REUNION
I find myself
in the company
of artists and blank book keepers
and listen to talk
of pages empty
and pages overflowing
and I recall days
before I could put ink to paper
any place
that had a sense of permanence about it,
back when blank books accumulated
and sat untouched
on my shelves.
* * *
I MENTIONED THIS ONCE
briefly
to a Sunday School class
full of women
very quickly
under-the-breath
as a humorous side comment:
“Oh, I have a shelf full of blank books I never write in.”
and at Christmas that year
they gave me one
with a beautiful pen attached.
Another to add to my collection, I thought.
But the woman who presented it
remained by me
as I removed the wrapping paper.
She then looked me straight in the eye
and said,
“Now THIS one is for writing in.”
Somebody heard me.
This is lovely. And I too have a shelf of blank books, that I recently vowed to use. I recently moved and, after spending far too long with everything in boxes, I finally unpacked all my books. I was struck by how many books I have on creative pursuits that I have never fully read or implemented. But I also saw them as a message from myself to myself – just do it….
I hope you fill those books.
Patricia
“…how many books I have on creative pursuits….” – so telling. Loved your comment, Patricia!
oh, blank books, tell me about them..
I also have too many unfilled ones
lovely post
glad someone was listening
and understood.
do you know
your blog posts have changed the way I write emails…
in short bursts like this
a good arrangement
keeps the thoughts focussed
Wow, Annie! I have no idea how or why I started that. At some point a couple of years ago what I wanted to say started coming out like that, so I went with it. Maybe it was a focus thing, like you say. Posts from further back in the archives are more traditional full sentences in paragraphs. I can’t account for the change, but your comment has made me stop and think about it again. I hope it works out well for you and doesn’t have people returning your emails!
I love blank books, waiting pages! I have mine in a drawer and they all eventually get taken out and used. I still cherish a new journal greatly. On Sunday, in fact, my friend Frances gave me a Reis Journaal –a Dutch travel journal, that she had found in a second hand store, completely unused. I plan to take it with me on all future trips–just to record my thoughts at those special times.
I never thought of you hesitating to write before! It is hard to even think of it!
A Reis Journaal – what a wonderful find! And completely unused? YOU will put it to good use, I know. I hope you take a photo of it and use it in your blog at some point.
Yes! I found a blank book my mother had given me during Lent and started using it. Many unexpected blessings have emerged.