I’ve been telling stories here on this blog since 2009, but they’ve mostly been stories about furniture, about my business, my work, and my creative endeavors. About refinishing floors as a novice, about my first magazine feature, about the exciting firsts for my business that unfolded as I shared online. As this blog continues to morph and I continue to evolve as an artist and a person, I have decided to start sharing some of my personal stories here.
These are the stories I tell when sitting around a table with friends, ones that Jeff has heard repeatedly through our 27 years of marriage, ones I revisit because they are funny, memorable, or a part of what has shaped me to be the human I am. While I do hope the stories entertain, encourage, and offer something to those who still visit long-form blogs like mine, I think I’m doing this more for myself than for anyone else.
Perhaps I’m doing it for my boys as well, since they are still at the age when they tune out as I lapse into a story from my younger years. I know that might not always be the case, and personal stories are precious and should be recorded.
This blog isn’t going to become a Dear Diary. In all honesty, I’m not 100% sure where this blog is heading over the next five years, but I find there is less pressure around it this year, and I am feeling more freedom to experiment. It doesn’t feel as costly to try new things and shed some of the things that were successful in the past, but have lost their luster.
I’ll still share about creativity, art, my house, gardening, books I’m reading, things I’m learning, experiments, and following my curiosity, but I’ll sprinkle in a few stories here and there, as I remember them and feel compelled to share.
I’ve learned a lot about writing over almost 17 years of professional writing, blogging, contributing freelance articles, and penning several books. One of the things I’ve learned is that the first spark of an idea feels like it could fill an entire series of books. There’s a rush of excitement that gets my mind buzzing. It’s the best idea ever, and I could write about it endlessly. I’ll blow away any wordcount requirement set by the publisher. Once the spark requires an outline, fleshed-out paragraphs, and an overarching point, it starts to feel a little thin. It’s not going to require volumes to exhaust this topic. One chapter might even be a struggle. Then you sink into the dark night of the soul of a writing project until you slowly dig yourself out.
While I feel that spark about this idea, I really only have a few stories in mind to write about, and only one or two that feel worth telling in a format beyond a casual chat with a friend. But I have learned that the spark can be tended, fanned, and coaxed into a fire. Pecking out a 300-word memory might feel good and be worthwhile, if even only just for myself. I feel like once I start telling the stories, I will remember more. I’ll sift through the past and keep alert to new stories that should be told. I trust momentum will kick in, as it often does with such things.
At the very least, it will provide more practice to hone my writing skills. It’ll be like the sketchbook studies that have improved my paintings…
PS – The photos in this post are of the “book of trees” I made a couple of years ago as creative play. I never did any drawings or writing in it. Once I finished it, initially intending it to be a blank canvas, I felt like it was art in and of itself. I have considered adding a few verses or sketches, but I am more tempted to leave it as is.
14 Responses
Intrigued.
I’m always intrigued by people’s life stories no matter how simple. Not only are they a window into someone’s mindset but they trigger memories in our own lives. After 33 years of marriage I think my husband is one of the most interesting story tellers I know. He’s an Irishman that excels at both truth and fiction. Please tell us your stories. Your creativity has pushed us to try new things and it’s been a wonderful blog journey. I’ll never look at a pen the same way ever again. Much thanks.
I feel the same way. I have heard it said that stories are the language of the human heart, and I completely agree. We are changed by the stories of others.
My granddaughters gifted both my husband and I the book, “Story of My Life, filled with prompts and questions to get us started writing our histories. I did the same with my Mom, but she sadly passed away before we could finish, and I now feel a certain amount of pressure to get the booklet filled. Having the book lit a spark in me and I’ve begun writing “Me, Myself and I” filled with fleshed out stories prompted and inspired by the booklet. Some I’ll take from the book’s prompts, others I’ll write down from my memories of a young woman’s adventures. It was colorful to say the least, growing up in the 60’s and 70’s and I may have to redact some of them, or at least do careful edits. 🙂 I’m very interested in your personal stories and excited!
I love that! I wish everyone would write some version of their stories.
Yes, I’m sure mine will be redacted as well, but I was thinking I need to tell the stories when I’m not the hero, when I made mistakes, and have some regret. If I only tell the stories when I am awesome, it would be indulgent and inauthentic. It will be fun to sort through that and find the balance.
You’ve been inspiring me for over ten years. Looking forward to reading your stories!
I have loved your content choices through the years and I know I will love your future offerings! Your gift is amazing and my daughter and I feel blessed to be able to share bits of your life. We don’t expect perfection and instead we enjoy your authentic self that you so beautifully share. I often think that you quite likely don’t fully realize the impact you have had on many people’s lives as it relates to encouraging them to tap into their God given gifts. Please tell your stories, share your projects (I enjoy the fails as much as the successes because we get to learn from them), and continue to encourage the artists that are still seeking the courage to truly call themselves an artist. I find it very endearing when you feel comfortable sharing your hopes, dreams and parts of your heart. You are a true gem Marion.
Beautifully said. My sentiments exactly.
Thank you so much. This comment brought tears to my eyes. It means a lot.
Looking forward to reading your stories. You are such an inspiration to many. I find myself weekly going back to read past posts as they offer hope, encouragement and good ole fashion common sense. Thank you Marion for sharing all your time and talent with us. It is greatly appreciated. More than you will probably ever know.
Thank you. 💙
I love your blog and can’t wait to read your stories! You and your blog are very much appreciated!
Marian, you are a special person with whom God has given many gifts. One of those gifts is the power to inspire.
You inspired me nearly 20? years ago to make slip covers for my dining chairs. It took me FOREVER, and they were wonky, but I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Over the years I have tried many projects spurred on by your example.
It is thrilling to share in the success you have had and those that continue to unfold.
I look forward to hearing your personal stories.
Thank you so much! This is exactly why I share online and keep coming back to post here on the blog. 💙