Throwing Hobbies Away
November 22, 2009
I’ve been isolated for a few weeks now, apart from social distraction (lucky to do it for writing as I don’t have a job). Only briefly, I get to explain my absence to passing acquaintances. There seems to be little credit for my craft as requiring much effort. So I shorten my explanations accordingly. Because in social conversation driven by complaint, I have no right to offer anything. Still, my rank pride wonders if my writing is regarded as “playing,” that my days pass without adversity.
But I remember when I used to jot down poems in private. Embarrassment kept them hidden behind folders in desks. It was agonizing that I found a hobby I enjoyed
at the price of sparse talent. Since then, I’ve tried to make up for it through absolute labor. Yet I could show someone and it’d still be the most uninteresting thing–because it’s still a creative job. I can’t decide whether it’s my selfish need for encouragement or a lack of support from my peers, but sometimes it’s enough to trash my work altogether (as I’ve seen it happen for those who pick up designing, sketching, composing). They can’t see their growth since no one else tries to. They throw their hobbies away–what could’ve been an occupation, even small moments of sanctuary and peace.
Didn’t have time to try flower-arranging until my roses died. It actually added some callous color and shape.
From my experiences, work and play can only really be what we assign them to be. Talent is relative, and the first person we do anything for is ourselves; that is where all our thoughts and actions are both born and laid to rest. Whatever we make something out to be, that is what it'll be, and that's how much we let it fulfill us and make us better people. Even a act as simple as running can become something wonderful, amazing and life expanding, but only if we let it.
Writing is quite possibly one of the most terrifying things for someone to do. I admire you for your work, and although I can never understand fully the effort, pain, and passion that goes into the process, I support you and am proud of you, nonetheless. Keep going, Angela!
By Golly, that's ALL THERE IS.Get through it to the sunshine–which can be only temporary–as nature has made it.I so much appreciate your comments on my blog.And the other thoughtful commentators about YOUR blog.You are much more than a writer.
Doris,the "terror" of writing, this might suggest you know exactly how much passion goes into it–I hope the piece comforts your future aspirations in turn for your giving support. Thank you for your friendship
eshhh eshhhhhh
ok ill be honest thats the best picture ive ever seen a rockwood complex light structure be in, and ive been to 2 other rockwood homes
IT takes time I guess to realize our roads and our achievements including ourselves – I happen to suffer the same fate as you and also in the reverse: I can't notice my progress though others do and IT ANNOYS ME LIKE HELLBut You'll get through Angela – It's what you do ^_^
We all need affirmation from people because we write to touch people. Our deepest fear as writers is that no one hears us, or even cares to. Your voice is heard, and needs to be heard, even if not by some of the people close to you. Angela is heardas her words drop in our brainslike Newtons apple.
Angela…i regret i have not been back sooner, but there is no "lack of support" from this peer!!!!! It is empowering somehow to me to see the inspired comments left to you by your readers…it assures me i am correct in realizing your strength of pen and courage of heart…your reflections offer TRUE insight into what you go through, and even if the words were unintelligible (even if you didn't say "i shorten my explanations accordingly" – though you are talking about conversation, it seems true of these recents posts, too)- even without this, i feel i would still gain a sense of mood through sentence structure, and a sense of urgency. Some will call you gifted, I am sure you are tha gift…thank you Angelamtp
Mic,I responded to your comment in the post after this one.Thanks again