It snowed here yesterday!
It’s a big deal for us in western Washington. We don’t get much snow here in the lowlands by Puget Sound, so six inches of snow is a treat. It will all be gone soon enough, so I plan on enjoying it while it lasts.
Hmmm, that gives me a thought . . .
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” Charles Darwin
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Take that quote and think of it in the context of the talents you’ve been given as a writer.
I’ve read your work and yes, you have talents.
Are you wasting it?
Like the snow we just received, life is limited. It will be gone soon. Believe me, I’m painfully aware of that fact. I still remember, clearly, much of my childhood and teen years, and I’m absolutely shocked that I am now sixty-eight with only what, ten years, fifteen, left to live? How in the hell did that happen? But happen it did, and the question now is how am I going to live those remaining fifteen years? How much of that time do I plan on wasting? How much of my remaining talent do I plan on wasting?
It’s a question we all should ask.
We’ve been given a gift, my friends. Very few in the world have the talent to take random words and unite them in such a way that they create a story, or a poem. And a very, very few have the talent to write those words in such a way that they elicit emotions from the readers.
Don’t waste that talent!
THAT’S ALL I’VE GOT FOR YOU TODAY
Stop reading this and write. It’s what you do as a writer.
And please support one another. Share the work of others. Give words of encouragement. Keep the light burning for all writers.
For those who asked, I’m still devoting my time to coloring books, so the novels are still on hold. Such is life!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Bill, it is 60 degrees here today in NY in February, which is not the norm. However, the temps are to drop tonight and supposed to get 6-10 inches of snow overnight into tomorrow. So, winter and Mother Nature seems hasn’t forgotten us yet it seems. But hasn’t been a cold or snowy winter overall so far. So, I can’t complain. Happy Wednesday and always love your updates here 🙂
Happy Wednesday, Janine. The exact opposite here..the snow is melting and mid-Fifties tomorrow. LOL You have us to thank for that snow. Stay safe and warm.
We’ve had no snow this year, apart from an hour of flakes that fell and didn’t settle. Gone are the days when the snow came up over my boots and there were icicles like long knives hanging from the gutters and Jack Frost painted pictures on my windows. …A short interlude for reminiscence there.
Oh, can’t I identify with what you’re saying in this post. I wasted so many years in my youth daydreaming and getting on with very little. But now I’m in a bit of a panic as I know what I want to achieve but have so few years to achieve it in. Some of my friends, who are 10 or 20 years, are kept alive on pills, and some have died. This is so scary.
Yes, we writers must encourage each other and try to find time to read each other’s work. What I’m doing is alternating between reading novels published by one of the big five and novels published by small independent publisher or indie authors, with the odd short story or poetry anthology thrown in. You will be glad to hear that your latest novel is moving fast towards the top of the queue.
Sarah, practically everyone I grew up with, and almost all of my family, are dead. That’s an eye-opener for this man. How I managed to outlast everyone else is beyond my comprehension, but here I am, and I have a ton of books still left to write….thus the impetus for this posting.
Thanks for remembering my book…I appreciate the support, and I will reciprocate this summer.
Growing up we had harsh winters here…now the key word is “mild” year-round. I kind of miss the way it once was.
Have a brilliant day, my friend, and thank you.
That’s so sad, so many people you’ve know having already departed the world. I guess you’re still here because you’ve still got so much left to do and so many new online friends to encourage, too. I found this latest wise post of your so kick-up-the-backside inspirational!
I appreciate that, Sarah, and I’m happy it hit home with you as well.
Ah the back half question–the answer to that question is what prompted me to start writing–so glad I did! Enjoy the snow and stay dry–I need to start reading more again–including your latest!
Thank you Audrey! I hope you enjoy the book….you are appreciated.
Well said, Bill. Today, this moment is all we have. But I can’t stop reading to write because reading is as important to me as writing.
Reading holds the same for me, Jo…it’s my escape to relaxation and I will always hold it dear to me. Thank you!
Hi Bill… it is always something special to see the first snowfalls. after the 20th or so well they wear thin on us Albertans. Feel free to place your order as we have some to spare. Some areas are digging out after a one time dump of 3 feet of the stuff.
I think, Rolly, I would grow quite tired of it, so no thank you, I respectfully decline your gift. LOL Blessings my friend, and thank you.
Hi Bill, very cold temps here but no snow just a scattering awhile ago of snowflakes. Age really does have a way of creeping up om you I remember childhood things, memories of school and here I am at 51! Where did the time go so better get on with enjoying every minute!! |Have a wonderful weekend on the farm xxxx
You and me both, Irish! We still have great things to accomplish, so enough of this…let’s get busy.
Hugs, my friend
You’re feeling philosophical today, Bill. I’m glad you put it to paper. Thanks.
I have a rare philosophical moment, Zulma. Thankfully not too often or I wouldn’t get anything done. LOL
Oh Bill, discovering the value of life seems like lifelong endeavor. I suppose a one hour of time invested in a nap as needed, part of it meditation upon the most important life’s journey related matter a day (not evryday) isn’t as much vasted time though regretable ” I could accomplish more…)
On the other hand, we have time ahead of us to “catchup” implementing givent talents. Imagine my friend, when you will be my age, I will be ninety five and we will look retrospectively to these days when the snow was deep, winter miled and a wierdest political confusion in the country we survived. Head up, I have read abou an author publishing at ninety seven.
be blessed and of good cheer
My goodness, Michael my friend, you bring hope and inspiration in one simple message. Thank you for that, and may we continue this friendship for many years to come.
True words, Big Bro. 🙂 Support. So important. So poignant. So needed. Thanks for this.
Thanks Lil Sis….you are appreciated so much!
Bill
A pretty wet summer here, but it’s made me think of how much we waste. How much of my garden is wasted with nothing growing, I’m changing that, and changing what I do with my time.
I might not be able to produce as much as some, but it can be top quality!!
Great post here friend.
Lawrence
Thank you Lawrence! We had the same thoughts at the end of last growing season, how much we had wasted. We are correcting that this spring for sure.
I was sitting here working on a post for next week and suddenly thought, “Oh! I have a guest post idea! I could write about how ‘mindfulness helps the writer’!” Would you like a guest post, Big Bro? No worries if not. Just had a fleeting thought there, hehe. Back to my own writing. 🙂
Bring it on, Lil Sis! I would love a guest post by you…..any old time you finish it, send it in an email to holland1145@yahoo.com and I’ll get it posted the following Tuesday.
Your candidness in this post shows what a great writer you are, Bill.. not everyone can write in such a way that he or she appears to be right in front of me.. but that is exactly what you have done here. I have been a slump and it’s not been my best few months but your words remind me that we have to make the most of our talents and the most of LIFE in general with the time we have on Earth. MANY HUGS
Aw thanks, Christy! You aren’t in a slump. Your muse is just taking a vacation. No worries! When the muse is ready you’ll be ready.
Our Florida winter consisted of two days of 45 degree weather. I do miss the snow! I’ve not been able to write this past few months due to work schedules — still, I must find time to get back into it soon. I miss the flow of words and how it makes me feel complete.
Two days, Dee? I am flush with jealousy at this point, as the rains hammer down on us.
You’ve certainly delivered food for thought, my friend. Time goes by so quickly the older I get, it seems.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the snow. Parts of the country are currently experiencing blizzard conditions. I sure don’t miss that! However, as a result, it’s cold and windy here in Central Florida. Last week temps were in the eighties. This week you see the locals wearing coats, hats and boots.
Sha, I could never live somewhere like Arizona, but I could sure use slightly more moderate temperatures right about now…and less rain!!!!!