Write Toward a New Perspective



Bleak outlook.  photo by Carol Newman

WRITING TIP

One week ago today I awoke expecting sunshine and, instead, found the grayest of skies and a blanket of snow. Yeah, yeah, it was a light, fluffy, pretty snow; but I was in no mood for snow.


Fortunately, I have a project to distract me. I am updating my Write Your Life Story in Eights Weeks Workbook. I asked members of the advanced life story writing group for suggestions for the updated workbook. After Millie suggested a page about the benefits of life story writing and wrote a sample paragraph, I asked other members to write about how writing life story had affected them. Their wonderful answers will be included on the first page of the updated workbook. But let me give you a visual preview.


For some, when they think back over their life in its entirety, they feel the same as I did when I opened the curtains last Monday. They feel disappointed and drained by what seems to have been a gray life. And, like me, they wanted something different. Still, they take on the task of writing. And in the writing ,that other life they wished for emerges.

Instead of just standing at the window and surveying the vista, this morning I opened the front door to warm sunshine; I put on flip flops and went out and looked at the daffodils and found a bright spot in my life. I looked closer, and closer still, and saw the iris and hostas are sending up shoots; and I felt better. There are many bright spots in my life.

Hey, it's not so bad.   photo by Carol Newman

That's what the writers expressed when they wrote about the benefits of life story writing. When we examine our lives we see the triumphs and successes that, as one writer said, make us "remarkable." Yes, there was snow last week; and, yes, I was disappointed by it. There is no changing events, but it is possible to refocus and gain a new perspective.

WRITING PROMPT

What did you see when you opened the curtains this morning? What did you see literally? What did you see metaphorically? How do you feel about it? What does it mean in your life today? Tomorrow?


CHOCOLATE INKWELL 

If you want a girly take on snack chips for March Madness, here is the perfect recipe: Chocolate Nachos. This recipe is from http://www.allrecipes.com/ where one of the reviewers said this is best served warm but can also be served cool. Ha. No danger of these getting cool in my kitchen. Says it serves 4. Maybe. Sounds like one nice serving to me.


Chocolate Nachos

Ingredients:

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup white sugar 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas 1/4 cup melted butter 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 teaspoons shortening

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir the cinnamon into the sugar in a small bowl; set aside.

Brush the tortillas with melted butter on both sides. Sprinkle the tortillas evenly with cinnamon sugar; then cut each tortilla into 6 to 8 wedges. Place the tortilla wedges onto baking sheets in a single layer.

Bake the tortillas in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. While the tortillas are baking, melt the chocolate and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat.

Spread half of the tortilla wedges onto a serving plate and drizzle with half of the chocolate mixture. Place the remaining tortilla wedges on top, then drizzle with the remaining sauce.

Find more writing tips, writing prompts, resources, and life story writing information at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/.

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Copyright 2011, Carol Newman, There's An Angel In Your Inkwell®