When I was in my late teens my mother gave me a desk and a typewriter for Christmas.
And I remember her saying to me, “I got you these because I know you’re a writer.”
Funny, because I always knew I could express my feelings much clearer through written words, but never considered myself a writer.
And it’s also funny that I always knew I could freely communicate feelings and emotions onstage as an actor, but never considered myself an actor either.
Why?
Because up until that point I had no formal training.
Eventually, I got some formal training in both these things. But to be honest with you, it stifled my natural ability to write or act because I hadn’t learned how to use this training in the right way.
I have nothing against formal training, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my natural instincts. Formal training is only beneficial when I can use it without becoming too ridged or over-thinking it.
For me, writing is not about thinking. It’s about conveying my feelings; allowing words to paint them into an image. And that includes breaking rules and regulations when it comes to proper grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure.
Words are meant to be used as a creative tool.
And sometimes that means being formally irreverent.
I am usually drawn to writers who can make me forget that I’m even reading words, but rather sense who they are THROUGH their words.
Many people question their ability to write because they either hold it up against what proper writing should be, or believe that because they’re not getting paid to write, they are not a writer yet.
I once had an acting teacher say something that has affected my outlook on many things.
He said, “If you want to act, just DO IT. Because in the “doing” you will learn more than I can ever teach you. Don’t WAIT to be an actor, BE an actor.”
And he was right.
Having this blog has enabled me to develop my own style of self-expression. A place to paint.
It’s given my voice a freedom.
It’s given me a place to share my passion for words.
So, I would like to thank my mother for seeing something that I never did.
I am a writer.
Simply, because I write….
And for those of you in the U.S…..Happy 4th of July!
Smart mom. Loving mom.
ReplyDeleteLucky you.
I don't 'write'.
I put my fingers to the keyboard and let them do the talking. I'm told that I'm very true to how I put it all down in black and white.
Not that that's necessarily good. LOL Apparently I talk with pauses and chuckles and incomplete thoughts. (k....there's no 'apparently' to that--I do!)
Honestly? I don't expect people to 'get' what I'm putting into black and white. More times than not, it's about me. *laughing* Oh heck--you know it's always about MEMEME. *laughing*
The good news is, it's not required I use perfect grammar or bother to punctuate or even spell correctly. Heck, I even have the liberty to spell how I wanna and make up words as I go....which I do....which I'll keep doing, tyvm!
Fingers to keyboard--definitely my kinda gig.
You really do have an awesome mom.
Kindly let her know that I'm available for adoption. :-D
Words are meant to be used... That is the point. And you do use them, and so well too.
ReplyDeleteYour mother was right m'dear, you are a writer and a wonderful one. x
ReplyDeleteTo me it is all about conveying feelings in just precisely the right words. Yes, Ron you are a writer, and a fabulous one at that!
ReplyDelete"Formally irreverent." I like this. I like reading your blog too. I kind of remember what your voice sounds like from one of the youtube clips and whenever I read your entries, I can hear you telling the story to me in my head. That's what I like about your style. It is the closest thing to having a conversation with you that is available to me through this venue.
ReplyDeleteHappy independence weekend.
:)
Goooood Mornin' Mel!
ReplyDeleteOMG...can I just tell you how much I was thinking of YOU whilst writing this post?
You're a perfect example of what I mean about writing formally irreverent. You write with your SOUL and I can FEEL you in the way you express yourself through the unique way that you transfer it onto your blog. You JUMP off the page.
" I'm told that I'm very true to how I put it all down in black and white."
And that's sooooooo true!
I LOVE how you express youself!
So, keep on "doing", dear lady!
You ROCK!
Thank you for stopping by this morning!
Have a wonderful weekend!
X
Bonjour Susu!
ReplyDelete"Words are meant to be used... That is the point."
Yup! And that's what YOU do.
Thank you, Susu! You're a sweetie! So glad we've met.
Have a beautiful weekend, my friend!
X
Good Morning Akelamalu!
ReplyDeleteThank you, m'dear!
And I feel EXACTLY the same about you.
You are SOOOOOOOOO clever with words, it blows me away!
Thank you for stopping by! Have a glorious weekend!
X
Good Morning Suziecate!
ReplyDelete"To me it is all about conveying feelings in just precisely the right words."
And my friend...you do that so AMAZINGLY well!
You're a "word artist!"
Thank you for sharing your gift!
Always great to see ya, SC!
Have a FABU weekend.....X
hi sweets, hoping you have a fabulously cool-weather weekend....wow, you have had it terribly hot there...i read your 'how i hate hot bitching weather' and so agreed with you as i was laying on my bed dying from the heat here at the time....i hate it too and take pain meds that screw up my thermostat...it's a bitch and i dread summer like an itch in the wrong place........i digress.....;)
ReplyDeletethis is a wonderful post, my dear, it seems you had a very wise mother, you lucky ducky...so much of what you write about her speaks of a woman who knew her son, a wonderful gift to you...this is another one of those lovely little posts that you write from time to time that touch me in a special place, maybe because i am a mother and hope someday my own kids say the same things, or something like them, as i read here...and yes, my dear, you are a fab writer and i am glad to be back to read your words....they made my day today as i am enjoying a visit with my other son whom i have not seen in over a year, much too long.....i will give him an extra-squeezey hug today after reading this.............sons are very special.xoxoxxox-much to love to you, i have missed you.♥
OMG....Helloooooo Diane!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's always sooooooooo great to see ya!
I have to tell you...the second I started reading your blog, your words drew me in like a magnet. You have the ability to say SO MUCH in so few words. THAT'S a gift!
"I can hear you telling the story to me in my head."
Same about YOU, Diane!
Thank you for stopping by!
Happy 4th to you!
X
Hello Dearest Linda!
ReplyDelete*jumping up and down*
It's sooooooooo freakin' great to see you! I've been watching my google reader everyday to see if you've posted. So, glad you stopped by!
OMG, it's been unbelievably hot this summer. However, the past 4 days have been GLORIOUS. It's actually been COOL in the mornings and comfortable during the day. I heard that Sunday starts another HEATWAVE - OY!
Yes, my mother is a very special lady. And even though we are not biologically bound, we share a bond that seems as though we are! She's very intuitive and has always seen my future.
"i am enjoying a visit with my other son whom i have not seen in over a year."
Oh...I am soooooooo happy for you. And I betcha he's lovin' seeing YOU too!
Enjoy your time together, dear lady!
Thanks oddles for stopping by today! Have a gorgeous weekend. And I look forward to your next post!
((((( Linda )))))
xoxoxo
I envy your natural ability to write and when I read your blog, it is evident that you simply write without worry of "Am I doint this the right way", and this is why your blog is so enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHiya Funny Girl!
ReplyDeleteHey listen, I feel the same about you too!
You write from your heart!
Plus...I think you're absolutely HYSTERICAL!
Thank you for your kind words, FG.
And thank you for stopping by!
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
X
You are a very gifted writer. While I agree with you that words are a creative tool and a means of self-expression (and that all rules of writing do not need to be followed all of the time), it is possible to pay so little attention to form that what you are trying to communicate is completely lost in the miasma.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Lolli!
ReplyDelete"it is possible to pay so little attention to form that what you are trying to communicate is completely lost in the miasma."
Yes, absolutely.
It's achieving a blend of both form and natural instincts. For me, one cannot be without the other.
Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and sharing on this post, Lolli!
Wishing you a beautiful weekend......X
Your Mom saw what was in you from the start my friend and she was so right, I do enjoy reading you and giving you a bit of grief at times but thats only because I know you will return the favor.
ReplyDeleteYours was one of the first blogs I started following when I began my blog and I am sure proud to have stumbled upon your writing my Friend because you do it so well.
Howdy Jimmy!
ReplyDelete"I am sure proud to have stumbled upon your writing my Friend because you do it so well."
Do remember me telling you back when I first started reading your blog in one of my comments, that your writing always touched me very deeply and often brought a tear to my eye?
Well, that's because....
"I am sure proud to have stumbled upon your writing my Friend because you do it so well."
You do so well.
You're a natural, my friend!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kinds words.
Wishing you, Cindy, and Dixie a FAAAAABULOUS weekend!
Happy 4th!
X
Wonderful mom. wonderful writer.
ReplyDeleteI love the photo for this post.
That could easily be me being hugged by the words in my book(s). Whatever has befallen me in this life, since the age of five, books have been my most trusted friends. I have shared that kind of relationship with thousands of books. It's a blessing to have so many friends to rely on.
Blessings to you Ron.
THAT was awesome.
ReplyDeleteTrue WORDS for thought.
And your mom was obviously a genius...just like YOU!
:-)
Good Morning Grandmother Crone!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the photo because when I saw it, I thought the same thing.
It was perfect for what I was trying to convey.
OMG, I LOVE how you said this....
"books have been my most trusted friends. I have shared that kind of relationship with thousands of books. It's a blessing to have so many friends to rely on."
Just beautiful!
Thank you for stopping by, dear lady. It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you through your blog. You're an amazing writer!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings to you, GC!
X
Goooood Morning Nancy!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
This was inspired because lately I've been reading many bloggers questioning their ability to call themselves writers. And to me, anyone who blogs IS a writer in their own unique way.
Thanks for stopping by, dear lady!
Hasn't this nice cool weather break during this summer been FAAAAAAAABULOUS? Just think, a few more months and we can bring out our turtlenecks.
HA!
Enjoy your weekend.
Happy 4th!
X
Your Mama was pure genius, because you are an amazing writer. Formal training or not.
ReplyDeleteThis world of blogging would not shine as bright if your words were not a part of it.
Have a beautiful 4th, Sugar.
xoxo
~vk~
Good Evening Vixen Kitten!
ReplyDeleteOMG...it's soooooooooo freakin' great to see ya!
awwww...thank you for your sweet words.
I called my mother yesterday and told her about mentioning her in this post because I want her to read it. She truly is a remarkable lady. I have so much to be grateful for in having her as my mother.
Again, thank you for stopping by, dear one!
Wishing you and Honey Girl a beautiful 4th!
xoxoxoxo
I LOVE this! Thank you for this Ron! (and Ron's mom!) It is so true... we really are whatever we DO, even if we don't do it professionally or otherwise. I will think of this often. Its empowering.
ReplyDeleteWhen I wrote my "about me" description of myself for my blog several months ago, I jokingly said those things about who I am: "writer, actor, dancer, chef" but I DO those things and that is how I see myself, even if they aren't on a resume or paycheck. That is who I know God created me to be.
Love it.
I love when you talk about your Mom
ReplyDeleteShe was clearly such a special person
I love your writing, and your comments
they hold passion and love and jump off the screen
I was thinking of you yesterday
8 hours in my back yard and it was so freakin' hot
Oy!!
Good Morning Viv!
ReplyDelete"I jokingly said those things about who I am: "writer, actor, dancer, chef" but I DO those things and that is how I see myself, even if they aren't on a resume or paycheck. That is who I know God created me to be."
YES! That's exactly my feelings too. And you shared something that is very true....
"that is how I see myself."
We so often let the world tell us how to see ourselves, but it's how WE see ourselves that matters.
Thank you SO MUCH for adding your insight into this post, Viv!
Love it!
Always great see you.
Happy 4th!
X
Gooood Morning Lady Dianne!
ReplyDeleteI know that if you ever met my mother you would love her. She's very politically outspoken and has much of your same view points. She's also a lover of animals and has much compassion and passion. Like you!
OY VEY...did you hear that for the next few days we're reaching temps. of 99?!?!?
Just KILL me and get it over with!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Thank you for your kind words, dear lady.
You're a doll!
Wishing you a Happy 4th!
X to you and the gang!
X
Hi Ron, hope you're having a sunny weekend. Hurricane Alex passed us by and now we have sunny skies :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a link for your blog list that will update. It's just a click-through.
http://poyndexter-updates.blogspot.com/
xoxo
Hiya Diane!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Hurricane Alex passed you by and that you had a beautiful day!
YAAAAAAAAAY!
Yes, it's been a sunny weekend, but VERY hot. It's suppose to be that way all next week - YIKES!
Thank you for the link!
xoxoxo
that was an awesome gesture by your mom. i'm the william hung of writing, i have no formal training either.
ReplyDeleteremember he said that on american idol. his singing sucked, but he didn't know that and went out there and did his thing. even if it wasn't the greatest. people noticed him.
loved this post.
you do an awesome job at writing.
Good afternoon, V!
ReplyDelete"remember he said that on american idol. his singing sucked, but he didn't know that and went out there and did his thing. even if it wasn't the greatest. people noticed him."
I never watched American Idol, but I LOVE what he said!!!
BRAVO!
YOU do an awesome job at writing!
AND photography!
Soooooooo glad we met!
Hope you had a great holiday weekend, girl!
Happy Monday.......X
what was funny about that when he said
ReplyDeletei had no formal (professional) training
was that it was so freaking obvious. like no shet sherlock.
here's a link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcc8dTqflh8
Hey V!
ReplyDelete"i had no formal (professional) training
was that it was so freaking obvious. like no shet sherlock."
OMG...now you have me so intrigued by this guy.
Can't wait to check out the link!
Thank you...X
and you write very well Ron. I love how you pointed out that people do not consider themselves actors or writers until they are getting paid to do it. That is something that I have been slowly realizing myself. I AM a writer. If I put words to page and create from my heart, then I am the best damn writer I have ever been. Keep on writing my friend, cus I love your words, pictures you create in my head and the laughter that makes me want to pee my pants. RAge on my friend!
ReplyDeleteHey Ron! I left you a comment the other day on this. I had to post it from my phone and it came from my google account. Maybe you didn't know it was me and it went to spam?
ReplyDeleteI was just saying that your mom was very intuitive and right. You are a great writer.
I had also commented that this post for some reason reminded me of The Homecoming by Earl Hamner Jr, where his dad bought him writing tablets for Xmas and how touched he was that his dad recognized how much writing meant to him even though it wasn't fashionable in those days for men to be "writers".
I have an award for you on my blog tomorrow.
Hello Katherine!
ReplyDelete"I AM a writer. If I put words to page and create from my heart, then I am the best damn writer I have ever been."
You're damn right you are. And you're a wonderful writer, too! You create from you heart and that's where our talents come from.
Regardless of whether we get paid to write, does not validate our ability to write (or do any other creative medium).
Simply, because we write....
Thanks so much for stopping by today, dear lady!
So glad we've met!
X
Hiya Peg!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you read my Update on the post above this one. OMG...I've had the worse time with comments the past two days - it's like Blogger suddenly got possessed by some evil comment eater. All my comments either completely vanish or suddenly pop up two days later.
Grrrrrrrrrr. I'm seriously thinking about moving over to Wordpress. I hate to do it, but I'm so sick of all the commenting issues Blogger has.
Anyway...thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words, my dear friend. I feel the same way about your writing.
"Homecoming by Earl Hamner Jr." I've never of that. I'll have to look for it in the bookstore the next time I'm there because it sounds WONDERFUL!
Hope you're enjoying a great day!
X
I must agree. Your mother was a wise woman. So was that acting instructor. I think my biggest problem is that I over think almost everything. It has definitely affected the blog of recent and some other areas of my life. There are times when we just need to do, be or create. Otherwise, nothing seems to happen and paralysis sets in. Keep writing and sharing. We all appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHiya Jen!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. I think we ALL over think at times (I know I do).
"There are times when we just need to do, be or create. Otherwise, nothing seems to happen and paralysis sets in."
Bingo!
I find that if I just throw myself into my writing first, then later, the "thinking part" helps me use form.
You're SUCH a talented writing, Jen!
I think you have a very special gift!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend!
Always great seeing you!
X
Beautifully said. And I can honestly say, you are one of my favorite writers!
ReplyDeleteLove love love the picture!
Hello Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteFirst, Thank you Ronnie's Mommy(and Daddy too,Iam sure in his way).Because a yalent is nothing only INSIDE(a certain predisposition/talent)but also OUTSIDE( encouragement & direction).
That was a very sensitive first awakening to receive your first "adult" typewriter :)
Geez; its already another age to have use/owned a typewriter. Been there,done that too!I even had an electric one that got me through college!
Big hugs to you :)
xo
Good Morning Chrissy!
ReplyDeleteSince the very first time I read your blog, I was instantly drawn in by your amazing ability to tell a story. Your sense of humor is sheer brilliance!
You're the BOMB!
Isn't the picture faaabulous? I freaked when I saw it.
Thank you for stopping by, girl!
Always a joy.....X
Bonjour Barbara!
ReplyDeleteawwww...thank you so much for your sweet words, my friend!
I feel very blessed in having had parents who always supported my love of the creative arts.
OMG...can you believe it? An electrical typewriter??? I haven't seen one of those in like MILLION years. Now with computers, they've become dinosaur's - HA!
Hugs to you....((( Barb )))....X
I couldn't agree more my dear.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. In high school my acting director told me never to take lessons.
and writing, well, i'll just say that you have it or you don't. my english degree didn't teach me one thing about how to write. it's all about creativity and expression. no school can turn you into a good writer.
Hola blunt deliver!
ReplyDelete"my english degree didn't teach me one thing about how to write. it's all about creativity and expression. no school can turn you into a good writer."
AMEN!
And you, girl....are one amazingly gifted writer!
Always so great seeing you!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
X
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. Thanks for sharing you.
Crystal
Greetings Crystal~
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Thank you for stopping by and sharing a comment. So nice to meet you.
Please drop by anytime...you're always welcomed here.
I'll be sure to stop by your blog sometime after this weekend.
Have a great weekend!
Love your blog, even if I am reading it backwards.... Maybe one of the reasons is your honesty and creativity, you are not stifling either one. Good for you! I too like to write from the heart, okay maybe an English Lit major would have a heyday with me, but I am not writing for them. I am writing for me.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what else I discover here in this wonderful place...onward I go
Hello again Finally Getting to Even~
ReplyDelete"I too like to write from the heart, okay maybe an English Lit major would have a heyday with me, but I am not writing for them. I am writing for me."
You said it perfectly....
"I am writing for ME"
That's the happiness key to blogging. Writing for YOU. And writing from the heart.
Thanks for stopping by!
X