Straining to know the whole of the story before you set out
is a bit like imagining great-grandchildren on a first date.
But you can start with the smallest detail.
Give us the gravel scattering along the highway
as the pickup truck roars past.
The crumb of food the wife wipes from her husband's beard.
The ripped bottom of a girl's faded jeans.
Anchor yourself somewhere—
anywhere—
on the page.
You are committing, yes—
but the commitment is to this tiny corner.
One word.
One image.
One detail.
Go ahead.
Then see what happens.
Dani Shapiro, Still Writing
On my easel
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| detail work in progress, 16 days in, 5/4/20 24 x 48" canvas |
8 comments:
That detail looks like cross stitch - textured and gorgeous!
That prose...maybe also a way to approach life as well as writing. Anchoring ourselves the the small details of a moment. Starting there.
It is fun to get up close to canvas, isn't it, and enjoy the cross-stitchy textured quality? Thanks, Jen!
That prose appealed to me precisely for the reason you suggest—through that very specific language a much grander universal is shared : )
Yes, I agree with Jen! The first thing I saw were stitches!
Makes sense, of course, given that canvas is woven and cross-stitch is done on woven fabric, but nonetheless a fun sort of surprise cross-over art experience to see stitches where there are none : )
Blades of grass on a sandy beach... fantasizing cool water splashy on my feet!
Sounds like you need that cool water! Our temps have been cooler than usual. I don't envy your 100 degree heat. Happy to provide blades of grass on a sandy temperate beach : )
One tiny blade of grass.
On hard days that is what I try to do. Just focus on one thing. One small set of minutes. After that, I might focus on another.
Finding these words powerful today. And your peek is enticing. :)
Thank you Dotty :)
Your reflective words here are touching me, Sheila. Thank you back : )
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