I just LOVED Big Magic, especially the meeting that Elizabeth has with Ann Patchett, a kind of creative synchronicity that you won't believe actually happened. I had this happen to me recently. Nothing to do with writing but in a personal health incident. When my general practitioner doctor told me I may have had a heart attack after having an EKG done in her office, I had to wait a week to see my cardiologist. During that time I wished I could run into someone who could tell me I did NOT have a heart attack, like a real cardio doc or someone who reads EKGs. Well, Voila! Put the wish out to the universe and it happened. The Sunday before my cardiologist visit, I met a young fellow in the supermarket whom I recognized from church. We started to chat and talked for a half hour. He was quite a talker. Well, long story short. I asked, "So Joe what did you do for a living?"
Well he was in education and then got a job as a technician in a cardiologist's office reading EKGs. He wound up reading my EGK after I sent it to him via email. "No, you did not have a heart attack," he told me. "This exam was not done properly, so don't worry." Later in my cardio's office, he told me many people who get EKGs done in a regular doc's office are not tested properly. In a new EKG, I did not have a problem. Thank you universe for allaying my fears earlier in the week.
Hi Alice, I haven’t read the book yet, but it is next on my list. I just wanted to say how lovely it was to hear your early morning, pre-family voice and vibe. Mine is similar, except I don't have your beautiful accent. I am originally from Brooklyn 😅. And yes, I agree with you. I believe that the fear goes away when you know that it won’t be easy, probably never (when you are on top I would think that the expectations to deliver get higher in proportion, right?), but that you begin to accept and even enjoy the process. Hard things can be playful if you don't take them or yourself too seriously. And besides, without the joy, what is the point? Where is the success or sense of accomplishment. Just a few thoughts. Have a beautiful day. xo
I've been thinking about joy a lot today--a writer over at The Novelry where I work made a suggestion a couple of weeks ago to incorporate it more and she's absolutely right. I added a really nice scent to my day, took a short walk in the sunshine before the storm started, and did only light edits today!
Good morning, Alice. Your video here was a great way to start my day. I have a few titles on the go so I think I'm going to start listening to Big Magic on Audible on my way back to the city today. I divide my time between our farm and our condo in Saskatoon where i write. I'm sitting out here on our deck with my dog, Chase and enjoying a few moments of "communion"... and catching up on Substack!😊 There's a massive Manitoba willow out front that spans the entire width of our house. It's truly a very special tree💞 I've just started a short online writing course with Robyn Diner about Writing Sex and the Aging Female Body. There are 9 registrants and wow, have I ever been living under a rock!😂 Anyway, it'll be a fun course for the summer Thank you for ALL the inspiration you provide here, Alice.
Thank you, Gayle! I love hearing about your morning (and I'm glad I helped start it well). That course sounds really fun, and I think you'll enjoy Big Magic on Audible. It's full of inspiring moments and she tells stories really well. I'm finding that without the smoke I'm very appreciative of the sky!
Hello up there, Alice!
I just LOVED Big Magic, especially the meeting that Elizabeth has with Ann Patchett, a kind of creative synchronicity that you won't believe actually happened. I had this happen to me recently. Nothing to do with writing but in a personal health incident. When my general practitioner doctor told me I may have had a heart attack after having an EKG done in her office, I had to wait a week to see my cardiologist. During that time I wished I could run into someone who could tell me I did NOT have a heart attack, like a real cardio doc or someone who reads EKGs. Well, Voila! Put the wish out to the universe and it happened. The Sunday before my cardiologist visit, I met a young fellow in the supermarket whom I recognized from church. We started to chat and talked for a half hour. He was quite a talker. Well, long story short. I asked, "So Joe what did you do for a living?"
Well he was in education and then got a job as a technician in a cardiologist's office reading EKGs. He wound up reading my EGK after I sent it to him via email. "No, you did not have a heart attack," he told me. "This exam was not done properly, so don't worry." Later in my cardio's office, he told me many people who get EKGs done in a regular doc's office are not tested properly. In a new EKG, I did not have a problem. Thank you universe for allaying my fears earlier in the week.
Wow! What a story, Regina. I'm so glad you're doing okay (and that sounds frightening!) I love what you share here about Big Magic, too! xoxox
Hi Alice, I haven’t read the book yet, but it is next on my list. I just wanted to say how lovely it was to hear your early morning, pre-family voice and vibe. Mine is similar, except I don't have your beautiful accent. I am originally from Brooklyn 😅. And yes, I agree with you. I believe that the fear goes away when you know that it won’t be easy, probably never (when you are on top I would think that the expectations to deliver get higher in proportion, right?), but that you begin to accept and even enjoy the process. Hard things can be playful if you don't take them or yourself too seriously. And besides, without the joy, what is the point? Where is the success or sense of accomplishment. Just a few thoughts. Have a beautiful day. xo
I've been thinking about joy a lot today--a writer over at The Novelry where I work made a suggestion a couple of weeks ago to incorporate it more and she's absolutely right. I added a really nice scent to my day, took a short walk in the sunshine before the storm started, and did only light edits today!
Good morning, Alice. Your video here was a great way to start my day. I have a few titles on the go so I think I'm going to start listening to Big Magic on Audible on my way back to the city today. I divide my time between our farm and our condo in Saskatoon where i write. I'm sitting out here on our deck with my dog, Chase and enjoying a few moments of "communion"... and catching up on Substack!😊 There's a massive Manitoba willow out front that spans the entire width of our house. It's truly a very special tree💞 I've just started a short online writing course with Robyn Diner about Writing Sex and the Aging Female Body. There are 9 registrants and wow, have I ever been living under a rock!😂 Anyway, it'll be a fun course for the summer Thank you for ALL the inspiration you provide here, Alice.
Thank you, Gayle! I love hearing about your morning (and I'm glad I helped start it well). That course sounds really fun, and I think you'll enjoy Big Magic on Audible. It's full of inspiring moments and she tells stories really well. I'm finding that without the smoke I'm very appreciative of the sky!