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| PiBoIdMo 2014 |
I did something recently that is so completely out of norm for me. Let me explain. I’m not an adventurous type. I like my routine, my comfortable surroundings, my things, basically, I like sitting in a safe zone of comfort. There have been very few times in my life that I have thrown caution to the win and made myself vulnerable. The first time was when I moved away from my family to begin going to university. Huge for me! I called my mom and dad every single day and that was back when there was no long distance plans available. I owe my parents a lot. At that time I understood that if I wanted some things in my life I would have to take the leap of faith and just go do it! As each year passed it got easier and easier. Once I had finished university it was time to look for a job in my field. I was trained in Secondary Education and looking for a teaching position. I had become comfortable living in my city and I was not prepared to make the leap to teaching abroad. I was fortunate to find a position in my city with the school board. And so I began my teaching career in a high school. Initially, I was teaching in my chosen area of speciality, Social Studies, but if I wanted to keep a job in the city I would have to expand my teaching background and fast. In all my years with the board I taught I variety of subjects, some I was comfortable teaching, and some I really had to work hard. The subject that I had to work the hardest in to teach also became my most favourite. It was art class.
Creativity was not something cheered and celebrated in my home when growing up. Pursuits and time spent on art and writing were not seen as valuable. I spent most of early childhood learning to play the organ which I despised to my very core. I know seems harsh but I wanted to be free to wander in my mind through the vast lush forests searching for lost maidens, careening down fast snow hills with Frosty, or solving the latest mystery with my own Scooby Doo type animal. I am doing this now as an adult. A bit backwards perhaps, but we all have to start somewhere.
Now, I have my own kids. I know and understand the value of nurturing creativity. I love losing myself in a story. As I always tell my kids, I love reading stories because they become my own T.V. in my mind and take me to different worlds, teach me something new or just make me laugh. My eldest is going to be 8 soon and for the last 8 years without really realizing it I have kept a running journal of ideas for stories inspired by my children. I am currently working on a story inspired by my eldest. Is it any good? Is it good story material? I don’t know. Which brings me back to being vulnerable.
I first saw Picture Book Idea Month circulating last year. An internet community put together by Tara Lazar to support picture book writers for a month of exciting prompts to jump start creative engines and to build connections in a writing community. I have joined this year despite my inner vulnerable self screaming at me to just back away slowly from my computer, put my pen and journal down and get back to the business of being a mom and a house wife. I will not go quietly into my laundry room this time. Am I scared? You bet yah! Anyone want to be scared with me? Anyone else ready to just hang out and talk kid books and writing? If you are ready to take the plunge too, go here to register: Register for PiBoIdMo 2014
Oh yeah, the other time I threw caution to the wind. I agreed to go on a date with a fellow from a speed dating event. We have now been married for 9 years and have 3 children.
Let me know when the last time you let yourself be vulnerable? Let me know if you are signed up for PiBoIdMo as well? I hang out a lot on Twitter. I have also started a Pinterest Board to keep articles, ideas, tips in one place. See below.
Cheers,
Bonnie
