I write every day. I have stories to tell.
Sometimes I craft just a few pages in the morning (a la Julia Cameron’s morning pages). Sometimes I write much more: short stories, blog posts (obviously), or poetry. And, like many authors, the goofy shit I’ve done in my life—adventures, wrong turns, and walls climbed—inform much of my writing.
Every now and then I correspond with readers of my blog, friends, or even relatives who say they can’t imagine writing anything interesting about their lives. “I’m just a normal bloke, I’ve done nothing interesting.”
Peh!
I beg to differ. There can’t be anything further from the truth.
When I hear this I die a little on the inside.
Maybe it’s my love of the art of memoir and deep love of storytellilng that has helped me understand this, but everyone has loads and loads of stories to tell. I promise. Trust me.
Case in point, when I write my Front Porch posts, I have always approached the guest (not the other way around) and I know intuitively he or she has a story to tell. We all do. I ask a few questions, we start talking, and I have yet to have a guest on my Porch who wasn’t absolutely interesting, engaging, and chock full of amazing stories.
I also believe telling our stories can be healing. When I wrote this post I felt incredibly alive and full of life. The act of writing incited these feelings.
I want to give you a challenge today, because I know you have it in you.
If you’re into it and want to give yourself a dose of love and healing, leave me a comment where you describe a time in your life in the context of one of these questions in fifty words or less (ten words are fine!), but stretch yourself and see yourself as the interesting, awesome, and lively person you really are.
- Describe a time you were in severe physical pain, but you also happen to be a demigod. And the pain is only transient. (Example: My gut felt like it was punched by Muhammad Ali, but, below the pain rose a great life force. Immediately the glowing energy ate away the pain and I rose like a Phoenix.)
- Describe a very sensual moment and only use oblique references such foods or colors to detail your feelings. (Example: The berry sweetness kept me close. The touch was like the feeling of suede on a warm summer day. I could not contain myself.) [Feel free to leave an anonymous comment if you want. Express yourself—expression holds healing power.]
- Describe something you still can’t believe you did to this day. (Example: I was fiery angry and needed an outlet, so I bought a tube of toothpaste and squeezed the entire tube into the trash can. [Yes, this really happened.]
)
You have stories. You are awesome. I want to hear you roar.
[Photo by kevindooley via Creative Commons license]
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Here’s my try at your challenge…and, by the way, this was a lot of fun:~)
She lay down beside me, all furry and sugar sweet.
Her first touch was soft, like cashmere.
In a moment of yellow weakness,
I begged to touch her silken belly.
Instead, like a over tart grape, she stabbed me
With the silvery sharp stick of her claw.
That’s my cat.
Sara´s last [type] ..Guest Post- The Passport to Travel Home
Hi Sara,
It’s fun to have you here. And, now that I think of it, I think it’s you that triggered me to think about issuing a challenge (?). Blogging is has so much cross-hybridization, don’t you think? Thanks, at any rate. And, also for your support and encouragement.
Girl, you rock the house!! I love what you wrote! It’s spicy, woven with rich imagery, and I love the ending.
AWESOME!
You rock!
–Your Surfer Girl
~xo
(P.S. Sorry I haven’t been commenting much lately, I’ve been pounding on Ms. MS to get off me, but she’s been very clingy lately.)
I forgot to mention that it’s cool this was exactly 50 words. Zing! Pow! Nailed it!
You rock, Sara.
The pressure, like an ice pick in my ears squeezing out tears from behind closed eyes. The landing gear touches down, and my eyes open to the new life waiting for me. “I have arrived.”
Jay Schryer´s last [type] ..Losing My Religion
Master Jay,
Wow, shaka that! So powerful!
I hadn’t thought of this before I wrote this post, but I really love reading intensely creative writing and poetry and your comment really fit the bill. Thanks for shining light in my world today!
You rock!
Love — ~xo
The sound was sickening, like a tree branch breaking in half. I knew walking was going to be a chore. From this pain I knew a new person would emmerge, it would have to, my career was over, and therein was a tremendous amount of freedom…
Joshua Noerr´s last [type] ..The Big Ass List of 101 Things You Should Not Do
Holy smokes, writer man, this is so good!
46 words!
Zowie — excellent!
It says so much about you with so little. This is exactly where I was going with this little challenge. I can see you’ve been through pain, too, but you’re such an inspiration and I’m glad to see you turn your incident (ouch!) into immense positivity. Bravo, matey! Bravo!
Thanks for chipping in.
~xo
No one smells like she does. Her smell is familiar. It is comfort. Her smell is safe, and makes me want to bundle her up in my arms forever.
Wow. That was hard, Lori! You sure know how to issue a challenge!
PS: Am sending you an important email very soon.
Hi Tony Tony B-B-Bye-Bony,
(Ooops, no I didn’t intend to call you ‘bony’, it just rhymed and seemed fun.
)
Wow — all you guys are really knocking my socks off. I was hoping you’d have time to stop by as I was anticipating your contribution. It’s aces, matey, aces! OK, I know I shouldn’t ask, but I’m hoping you’re referring darling Cassy — you don’t own a cat like Sara does, do you? (he he)
Sorry this was hard, but it did give me a new appreciation for what goes into asking others to participate in a little game/challenge. That’s challenging in its own right. Thanks for stopping by.
No worries about e-mail — I’m not going anywhere.
Love you two,
L ~xo
Actually, that could be about a cat too, couldn’t it? I never thought about it that way until you pointed it out, Lori!
And Bony’s just fine. I could almost be Bono’s long lost bro!
The wisk of a tail.
A single hair igniting purrs within. Me.
Hi Theresa,
(BTW: thanks for Tweeting this post, I appreciate it!)
I like your style! Great job, Theresa.
I’ll come visit you soon over at Big Fish Top Dogs. Looks fun!
~xo
His sensuality poured down my curves like melted spring honey and he bathed me in sticky sweet golden bliss.
Well wasn’t that fun! *lol* I liked this post very much. I am doing morning pages now and am finding it invaluable regarding pulling stories from my inner depths and getting them on the page.
Clearly Composed´s last [type] .. Grace in Action Dare- The Postcard
Hi Emma,
What a gorgeous smile you have! You made my day.
Hey, awesome! I love your input (yow ~ great!).
Yes, that was fun, Emma. I like writing with power and honey. I think it helps bring out our real selves. Don’t ‘cha think? It’s cool that you’re doing morning pages, too. I find them to be quite helpful in so many ways. See you soon!
(And thanks for Tweeting this post, too.)
~xo
Hi Lori,
Here is my take on your challenge:
# 1- “My stomach twisted and curled from the lack of food; the rain kept falling and I still remained; walking the streets alone, knowing for sure someday things will change, so I didn’t really care”
Those are memories from the time I was 14 years old and living alone
#2- “Her sweet, silky kisses; her night dark skin, while bluish music and eternally traveling flashes of lights around; all of the fruits together to create the moment, the feeling…”
Memories from the time I was 26 and really frustrated with…(I don’t want to be killed!)
#3- “Walking up the wooden ladder to find the crew, when suddenly the tremble of an earthquake and the smell of dust coming from above in the tunnel on the ground. I knew they have released the load without the specified warnings, so I just curled at the side of one of the walls and waited for the rocks to fall by my side. Many hit me and I just stood there, holding my safety helmet and protecting my body with my arms. The three longest minutes of my life that almost ended there. After that I realized; being a miner wasn’t for me…”
Memories of the time I was 23 and working as a miner in the Chilean mountains.
Nice challenge, thank you for helping refreshing my memories
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last [type] ..Toilet Wisdom
Hi Raul,
(Hey, like I told Sara, sorry I haven’t been to your blog in awhile. Been having a tough week with my annoying companion Ms. MS. Thanks for understanding.)
Wow, you participated in all three!? How cool is that?
I really liked them all, Raul. You lived alone when you were fourteen? Wow, your text really made me feel how you felt. I like that you used the words, “bluish music,” that really helped paint the picture. And, I felt like I was there with you when you were a miner.
Raul, you’ve lived a very interesting life. I so much appreciate your comment and shining more light into what makes you you.
Hugs ~ ~xo
Hey Lori,
Just take your time, all you need
You know we’ll wait for you for as long as needed while we send you our best wishes and vibes.
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last [type] ..Toilet Wisdom
Me – Great Explorer!!
Gray
Gray building
Gray people
Overwhelming gray
The Russian Embassy in Prague remains in descript outside the heavy color of gray.
It is February
We are bright green and sparkling eyes
We travel with short term visas and stay in Russian style hotels
The train spews smoke – oily dark steam rising into the winter sky – dark against the site of the snow and clouds
Ice, snow, cold
Traveling East to find history – Into the den of the Great Bear
Moscow to St Petersburg
Boys reach into our pockets for “dollars” despite my speaking to the in Czech
Visa ending – Train west cancelled
We stand with hundreds of people in the poorly lit station
Gray, Cold, visa expiring as we stand… How do we get out? No one knows we are here!
(And I am here – laughed through the experience… and would do it again in a heartbeat)
The Exception´s last [type] ..Sharing at The Sharing Connection
Hi M,
Oh, this is priceless! I lived in Germany for awhile and went to the Czech Republic (and other countries) while I lived overseas. Your words brought back a lot of memories of my own.
“No one knows were are here!” Eeep! Amazing! And, yes, so much gray.
Thanks so much for this, M, it’s awesome! Just like YOU!
~xo
In the semi-darkness, forty feet underground. The concrete cube feeling like a damp tomb. Up above storm clouds had gathered, unknown to those of us below. The driving rain quckly filled streets and gutters, all of these fed into the large tube which was now rumbling with the sound of thunder. Thunder? How caould we here thunder this deep…the tunnel! It wasn’t thunder at all, but rather the sound of rushing water! Speeding towards us, through the six foot tube, was a wall of water. Bearing down on us with all of it’s power, the water roared like an angered Norse Goddess Ran (goddess of storms and thr drowned dead). Turning from the large pipe, I screamed at the others “We gotta get out! NOW!!” Everyone ran toward the long and steep wooden ladder…our only means of escape. Grabbing equipment along the way, we scrambled up the toward our escape. Though weighed down with equipment and having only one free hand, we made quick time up the ladder and were only eight feet from the floor when the water came crashing in, a tangle of debris leading the way. With the sound of thunderous water below, we emerged from the abyss as Hades from the nether world!
This is a story of an interesting day from a time when I was in the world of construction.
Keith´s last [type] ..Be the Difference
Hi Keith,
I saw your guest post over at the Jungle — great job! You rock!
And, can I just say, WOW. Wow, Keith. I was glued to my screen when I was reading this and had to peel my eyes off when I got to the end. I can’t believe this really happened. Well, I believe it, but — wow. I like your last sentence, using Hades as metaphor to what you were leaving down there. Priceless!
Thanks so much, Keith!
Ok, I had to have a go at the sensual one too! LOL
Her crimson lips, full with passion, crushing against mine. She tastes of dark chocolate, a sweet decadance previously shared. The skin beneath my touch feels like warmed silk, as my hands feel their way…..Red heat engulfs me, the sweetness overwhelming, drowning in liquid passion we struggle against cloth that restrains, falling backwards she pulls me with her….lovingly entangeled, we wrestle upon the floating surface…
My hands grasping firmly, I enter…the cafe in the bookstore, our eyes locked as I meet in her in person for the first time.
Keith´s last [type] ..Be the Difference
Yipppee! You took option #2 as well. Isn’t it fun? I love that this is a safe place for people to express themselves. This is amazing.
I don’t even care that you went over 50 words, I was just using that as a guideline so as not to put too much pressure on my lovely readers.
And, Keith, the ending really had a beautiful twist — meeting for the first time. You really have a way with words, Mr. Keith. Thanks so much for sharing with us! I love this.
Keep smiling.
~xo
Lori,
OOPS!! I totally forgot about the fifty word thing! Guess I got caught up in the writing. I do apologize. Thanks for not minding though!
Keith´s last [type] ..Be the Difference
What beautiful writers here!
I recall how stupendously powerful I felt after a biopsy. I maintained through the discomfort and pain. I’m powerful and awesome!
Sandra Lee´s last [type] ..Timeless blogging advice- 12 great links
Hi Sandra,
What a joy it is to see you here today, I’ve been enjoying your presence on Twitter of late and am blessed to know you. I really like what you’re doing with your blog, too. (Will be there soon…)
And, yes, I adore the writers who grace my site with their creativity and beauty. Aren’t they wonderful?!
And, yes, Sandra, you ARE powerful and awesome! This, I know, and I am so glad you know, too. You’re my kinda gal.
Have a great day. ~xo
Hi Lori .. great idea .. the shock is still with me .. bad for me, not too awful for some people, but relatively mild compared to others’ tales .. :
A walk .. a day’s walk in the apple region of the Cape Winelands .. a picnic by rushing tumbling waters, 360 degree views, walk on .. an abyss – a gorge .. a jump (jump! you will come up we promise!) I did, I swam too .. escape to normality!
Thanks – a good true story .. but nothing like escaping the rushing waters, or the Chilean mines .. Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Glyphs- Ps and Qs- Murder
Hi Hilary,
I’m minding my p’s and q’s this morning (loved your recent post over at Positive Letters).
Hey, know what? Nothing is too small or too large to be burned into our memories. And, since I have pretty severe vertigo, I think the gorge would certainly have my heart fluttering out of control. Yiikes!! What a jump, Hilary. What a story!
You, my dear, are awesome!
Love to you. ~xo
Ouch!! That incredibly heavy window in this century old building just slammed on my finger! Heat, white hot heat flowing through my hand like lava. All the screaming, hand shaking and swearing can’t make it feel better in this moment. Ten minutes later, pain subsided, I’m ready to conquer the world and type 150 words per minute.
Tim´s last [type] ..Another Napkin and a Few Links
Hi Master Tim,
Ouch! My skin got tight and I had a rush of the heebie-jeebies when I read this. Yow! I bet that hurt! There’s nothing worse than getting your finger(s) slammed or nailing the beejuzus out of your toe, stubbing it. White hot pain, indeed.
Lava.
Awesome.
Yes, Tim, you are conquering the world! I’m behind you 100%!
~xo
Hi m’lovely,
I wanted to thank you for that beautiful comment you left on my blog the other day,
It really meant the world to me.
I’m sorry I haven’t replied sooner, and that this is only short – but i’m determined to personally respond to every comment with a link (no copy and pasting either)
So thank you,
I hope your days are as beautiful as you helped mine become
xxx
-Rachel
Beautiful Rachel,
I didn’t mention this in my comment to you, but I have been in your shoes as my younger self.
Hang in there. Things *will* get better with age and experiences. Please trust me.
I find it remarkable that you’re responding to >400 comments by visiting our blogs. Woman, if you can do that, you can do ANYTHING!
Woot!
Contact me anytime. I’d love to help you in any way I can.
Much Love!
~Lori
P.S. Yes, life is good. Very good.
hi lori. you are an awesome and beautiful lady. oh wow where to start. i’ve actually got a couple of things.
i get really be headaches. well i was on leave from work and one particular morning the bells were ringing of the charts. my lovely hubs bundled me up and took me into bed. couple of hours later i woke up and it was gone. i had never gone with it before and just slept. it was great to be able to say you know what? i’m going to take the time to sleep and it will be better afterwards.
before we were married now hubs and i were in the city. we went into a book store and i noticed a book i was wanting to get. well i went off to get something before we got the bus home. when we got on the bus i put my hand in my bag and there was the book all sugary sweet. he he.
great awsomeness of late is skype. yippee for skype and webcam.
talk soon my lovely lade
Hi Cassy-Kins!
It’s so nice to see you, apologies for my late reply. (As Tony would say, “D’oh!”)
Thanks for your story about the headache that you you were able to sleep off. Kudos for that and allowing a natural solution to a painful problem.
Aww, what a sweet story, Cassy! You two are amazingly sweet, kind, and awesome. I got goosebumps when I read that.
Yes, talk soon, lovely.
Lots of Love,
~xo
Hi Lori,
Because the title intrigued me..and it’s *you* I will give it a go..
Stretched out on the deck of the boat, I revel in gentle breeze caresses and bask in the warmth of sun kisses..Then fingertips..mmm..full of love, awe, passion, delight trace each curve..His lips follow his fingertips..I *Am* the Divine Goddess, the Sun, the Wind, the Ocean…
yay 50 words! That is a record for me..whew…
And yes, one of the perks of sailing..can substitute moonbeams and stars with the same effect *grin*
Thank you for the challenge Lori..
And tell Ms MS to leave you be for a bit..you’re very busy touching hearts and creating beauty…
Hi Joy,
Thanks for taking the time to craft such a beautiful reply to my challenge. I know it’s hard, and I often don’t feel I have the “gusto” to participate. So, I deeply appreciate you time and lovely words.
Yes! You did an awesome job! And, I even counted to confirm you were right on the target. Wow — that’s difficult. Perfect! I am glad you replied because I knew with you living on that lovely boat, you must be surrounded with imagery that lights fires in the creative soul.
I was right.
Thanks for your kind words. Saying that I touch hearts and create beauty is the nicest thing anyone can say to me. So, your words have touched me deeply, Joy. I appreciate you and your presence in my life.
Love,
~xo
Labor pain…wanting to pull every hair out of my flippin head and holding hubs hand so hard his bones crushed, left unrecognizable. Proud hubs,baby girl no.1 and me…our beginning.
Tess The Bold Life´s last [type] ..Feeling Jealous Shine Your Light On It…
Oouch!!!
Hi Tess, wow, this is visceral.
And, yet powerfully beautiful, too.
Thanks for joining in the fun. This week is going to be a blast.
Lots of Love,
~xo
If this is what having children involves, then I’m rather glad I’m not a woman or a doting dad to be.
Yeah, no kidding, right? Yow! I’d be a basket case.
(Hope you’re well, Mr. T!!)
I found myself along the way…in the dancing clouds and the birds that sing and the trees that stretch out their branches to hold up the skies. I surrender to all as I embrace myself in all my imperfect magnicence and bow to all that made me what I am today.
Brenda´s last [type] ..Teleclass- Improving Your Self-Esteem with Emotional Freedom Techniques EFT
Thank you, Brenda! It’s very nice to meet you — thanks for stopping by.
The picture you painted with your words touched me. I can tell your soul is filled with love and rainbows.
(And, wow, 50 words exactly! Woot! Yay for precision. I’m a closet math geek.)
Have a great day!
~xo
Lori,
I couldn’t resist. I had to come back and read the other people who took on your challenge. It’s so much fun to see how creative everyone is.
I laughed about your comment to Tony. I do assume he’s talking about Cassy:~)
Wow. We are lucky that we are bloggers…it’s such a sharing form of writing, isn’t it?
Sara´s last [type] ..Story Photo- Next Frame
Hi Sara,
You are so full of awesomeness. I totally chickened out at your last challenge, what a looser!
Yeah, after reading your comment I had cats-on-the-brain and needed a clarification from the Tonster. he he
I must admit, this has been one of my favorite posts as I’m floored at the talent surrounding all of us. Bloggers are beautiful people. And Sara, you’ve inspired me so many times. You’re like in inspiration fountain! Seriously, I really love your site and YOU.
~xo
(Now wrap your arms around yourself and give you a hug from me.)