Delicate ideas that blossom for a blog post come out of nowhere.
Magically appearing, right?
As if you were just standing there, waiting for the idea to pop into your head. So you could balance it with just the right words. And paint a beautiful watercolor-like image for your readers and for yourself. Ah, to be able to paint. Like Picasso…
Or are the thoughts in your head that ramble simply nothingness? Or can they be used like a famous writer, E. B. White, did? He could write about nothing and make it spectacular, at least as a kid I thought so. Still, do.
“What do you mean, less than nothing?” replied Wilbur. “I don’t think there is any such thing as less than nothing. Nothing is absolutely the limit of nothingness. It’s the lowest you can go. It’s the end of the line. How can something be less than nothing? If there were something that was less than nothing, then nothing would not be nothing, it would be something – even though it’s just a very little bit of something. But if nothing is nothing, then nothing has nothing that is less than it is.” – E. B. White – Charlotte’s Web
It isn’t easy at first, though, it takes some patience. And practice. To look for an opening to an idea you’ve yet to discover.
And perseverance and a bit of fight to keep plugging along. Someone else, no doubt, is thinking just the same thing, at the same exact time – while “Will their take on it be better than mine?” runs through your mind.
You know for darn sure that the opening line is something to work toward. To draw your readers in.
To make them want to read more. Where should that one idea take the readers? We need to remember that when we write too. And we need to play with all the delicate ideas rushing around in our heads. They won’t last for long before they fly away and vanish into nothingness.
We need to get to a balancing point, at some point in time.
There’s always more to write. There is more to reach for each sun that rises.
To the right, we write, before we head back to the left to gather another thought.
And there we are right smack in the middle of a post. How did we get here?
Are we to the end yet? To the balancing point?
It’s a careful, step by step process.
We get a bit closer, each and every word that we type or scribble to the page. Each new day, we begin again.
As the sun rises up into the sky, we try. Try to find the words to describe, those thoughts that catch our eye. Hoping to latch onto a unique vibe. Out of nothingness. Just once. Or once more.
Or we stop there. Ending up on a thin line to hang onto, balancing, until we write again…
Post inspiration – A beautiful sunrise and bees…and…E. B. White
PS – Hope you’re having a wonderful week! What do you do to balance your writing acts? What about your thoughts? What if you’re not a writer, and you create something else, how do you balance your efforts? As a child did you read Charlotte’s Web? Did you like it?
Charlotte’s web was one of the first books I read cover-to-cover. It is that book that made me realize writing can take us anywhere and it inspired me to write. I find writing stories and blogs to be quite different animals. I loved reading your thought process and the vanishing ideas happen to me all the time. They are like delicate wisps of air that give flight to feathers and leaves – impossible to hang onto and once gone, they are gone. Lovely thought-provoking post, Shelley.
Thank you for sharing your insights. I fell in love with that book when I was young, it’s still one of my favorites – and I’m reading it again for fun. I can’t even remember how many times I’ve read it. I love your description of thoughts that take flight – such beautiful words! 🙂
Charlotte’s Web was one of the first English Language books I read when I moved to Canada as an 11yo girl. My girl, also 11, read it back when she was 7 or so I think. 🙂 Lovely book. Lovely quote about nothing. 🙂
Yes, the hook. I see that with the internet especially, the hook is important. Sometimes, something as simple as a good title will lead you to want to read more. Sometimes, it’s the first sentence or so, or both. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter and you read anyway because you’ve formed a liking to that writer/author and you anticipate it being just as good if the title or hook was different. But mostly, your analysis of the balancing act is spot to me! I agree. 🙂
Aw, did you talk to your daughter about how much the book meant to you at her age? I did with my kids. It is a great book 🙂
Yeah, the internet is especially challenging.
I’ve yet to figure out titles or beginning sentences that work. It’s all a mystery to me.
You have such a keen way of investigating and making sense of the challenges of blogging. I appreciate hearing your thoughts, thank you for sharing them. Happy balancing to you!
Hi Shelley, I am putting “Charlotte’s Web” on my Summer reading list. I know I would enjoy it again, from an adult perspective. You remind me how “balancing” affects every part of our life, even writing. Gorgeous photos! 🙂 Erica
Hi Erica – yay, I’m sure E.B. White would be tickled that the book still has a draw to it. I’m reading it again right now. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and the pictures. Happy writing to you! Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts.
Hi Shelley, If I recall correctly, I think you are presently on a road trip. I was not aware there was a separate “Reader” WP in my Firefox app. I use Firefox when Safari does not access a blog or I can’t comment on a blog. Therefore I am reading your reply today. I am always learning something new:) Thank you for your reply:) Erica
Ah, yes, isn’t it crazy there are so many ways to navigate through this blogging stuff. I learn something new all the time.
Beautiful post! Patience and practice…yes, I agree, are necessary in the writing process. The balancing act of writing for yourself or the audience is a tough one. And how nice when they intersect successfully! I have not read “Charlotte’s Web” – at least I don’t remember reading it. Good idea though 🙂
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. All of this blogging stuff takes a considerable amount of balancing. Oh, my, goodness – yes, you should read it!! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!!
I o loved this entry! I adored Charlotte’s Web when I was younger, it was one of those magical reads!
Thank you, Beckie – I agree, it was such a fun book – I’m reading it again, and love it just as much as the first time I read it. Even though at that time it was a ‘have-to’ read! 🙂
What a lovely post! So many blossoms and bees! We’re having the same phenomenon with the profusion of flowers this year. I wonder if it’s nature’s way of helping the bees. 🙂
Now I want to read “Charlotte’s Web” again!
Thank you, Linda – glad you enjoyed it. I agree – I sure hope all these flowers are nature’s way of helping the bees. Our trees have been FULL of them. And we’re slow to mow so the dandelions are visited often as well. Yay – I bet Alex might enjoy it if you two read it together?! 😉
I love E. B. White’s thoughts on nothing. The flowers and the sunrise photos are so beautiful.
Yes, E. B. White was a wise man – just like you, Dan! Thank you, I appreciate your encouragement!
I do love Charlotte’s Web. And that quote is the kind that makes you shake you head and read it again and go what? Oh, the fun with words you can have. Loved you photos. So nice to the the new blooms and pretty blue skies. Hopefully today and tomorrow we can dry out a bit.
Me too! Yes, that’s what I did when I read it. I also was transported back to the same seat I was in, back in grade school, when I first read it. It stuck for me for some reason. Playful words tend to do that for me. Glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, it is nice to see the new blooms and blue skies. We’re on day two of drying out in between storms. Hope you are too! Enjoy the sun!!!
I was a voracious reader as a child and yes, Charlotte’s Web was read several times along with some of the other classics like Wind in the Willows, National Velvet, Black Beauty, My Friend Flicka, Misty of Chincoteague (can you tell I was in love with horses) and many others.
Like you, I loved to read, still do. – Oh, my, yes, those are great classics – and yes, you sure did love horses! 🙂
Great use of pictures with your story, Shelley. I re-read Charlotte’s Web last year as part of a reading challenge and I had forgotten how wonderful the story was.
Thank you, Janet. That’s so fun that it was part of a reading challenge. It is a classic, that Stephen King would cringe at – way too many adverbs for him. But I think that adds to the whimsy and delightfulness of the book!! 😉
I liked “Charlotte’s Web” very much when I read it … you have captured some beautiful pinks and sunrises and bees … the pinks are just gorgeous. I shot of Copper taking it all in as well.
Thank you, Linda. It was a beautiful sunrise morning. The pinks, against the blues attract my attention right along with the bees. Copper is smitten with those days too!
I love those pastel skies – Copper has a good eye!
Thank you – yes, HE does! ;-)!
My third grade teacher read Charlotte’s Web to our class in its entirety. It was one my most favorite memories about 3rd grade! I’ll never forget gathering with my classmates on the rug around her rocking chair as we listened to her read it after lunch every day. I read it aloud to both my sons when they were in elementary school and I read it again about 6 years ago one summer just for the fun of it. It’s a wonderful book and one I will always cherish. It covers SO many important things: friendship, loyalty, love, honesty, kindness, life, and death. Have you read E.B. White’s Trumpet of the Swan? It’s a gem too and one I also read to my children.
Loved this post Shelly!
Thank you! Oh, my, Gail…I got chills reading your comment. I remember my 2nd grade teacher reading books to us. And how much I loved that part of the day in school. I remember being fascinated with how her mouth formed the words. Yes, you’re spot on – Charlotte’s Web covers all of those wonderful things about life. I can’t remember if I read Trumpet of the Swan – but I’m going to add it to my summer reading list. You’re a wonderful mom to read those classics to your kids. I’m sure they appreciated those moments.
You have made me want to read E.B. White this summer! LOL! I actually never thought I would like a book as much as Charlotte’s Web, but I have to say, I think Trumpet of the Swan is my favorite. You really can’t compare the two though as Trumpet of the Swan is just a different kind of book. I’ve read that it shows the quieter side of E.B. White. It is just a very sweet, sweet story.
YAY! I’m adding Trumpet of the Swan to my list right now. I don’t want to forget it. I like reading authors that can switch up their writing styles.
Really lovely–the images and your words (and White’s!)
Thank you, Rebecca! 🙂