I've read alot in my life, and it's often just short pieces a person writes. Radio seems hard like that too, broadcasting to strangers you'll likely never meet. But listening on that drive, or while reading with that cup a coffee, that person's story feels like the most interesting soul. Appreciate those stories from the farm front, whenever they sprout up. . . and God send you that rain, Stacy.
This resonated with me so much, especially the line about "wasting" a child's childhood on our writing dreams. I'm in a season with two under three, working full time and building a an ag small business with my husband as we dream of owning a farm someday and I wrestle with this too, even as I know that my writing and words are a gift from God that I cannot hold in or keep to myself, but I am prone to still make it about me, not Him and that's when it becomes a burden, not a gift.
Thanks so much, Yelena. You have so much going on! I remember trying to write when my kids were that little, and it was a challenge. I will remember what you said about it becoming a burden, not a gift, when we are making it about ourselves. Thanks for that.
I wrote this quote down just yesterday. I listened to a podcast about writing and the author suggested this book, which I then borrowed from the library.
“I want to assure you with all earnestness, that no writing is a waste of time, —no creative work where the feelings, the imagination, the intelligence must work. With every sentence you write, you have learned something. It has done you good. It has stretched your understanding. I know that. Even if I knew for certain that I would never have anything published again, and would never make another cent from it, I would still keep on writing.
Love that, so good! That author's name sounds familiar... I just remembered I bought that book on Kindle this winter, but never finished it (I'm terrible at reading on Kindle). Thanks for the nudge to pick it back up.
"I won’t return to dry wells." So good, Stacy. I'm glad to consider you an internet friend. (And I'm always delighted when my internet friends become Vox/text friends, so keep that in mind. 😜) Are you coming to Nashville?
This is beautiful, Stacy! I'm grateful I've found an internet friend in you. KEEP WRITING, even when the words feel stuck. You have stories to tell and it matters, it matters, it matters.
I’ve never experienced rural living, but I can relate to so much of what’s at the heart of this ❤️. Thank you for sharing, and for the gentle prodding to look upward instead of at myself.
Stacy, this is so beautiful and well-written. I think I need to save a couple of quotes from this one! Thanks so much for sharing it even if it feels vulnerable 💛
"The better question is, why am I searching for my worth horizontally—on a screen—instead of vertically?" --- Oof. Cannot tell you how many times I have struggled with this very thing. ❤️ Thank you for writing and sharing this. I'm glad we are (real) friends 😜
Thank you, Ashlee. I'm glad we are real friends, too. 💛 I woke up around 3 a.m. with a pit in my stomach, partially because I still felt very vulnerable about sharing this post. But also, I was worried that people would misinterpret my words (or that I should have written them more clearly!) and think that I did not appreciate them, or that the people I've met online would think they are not my real friends. So, thank you for commenting and saying we are real friends. Haha.
I've read it a few times, just such a beautiful intertwining of themes. It feels so real to me in the place I'm in right now.
Wish I could share the first rains this spring that we just received overnight! So many wildfires in our province right now, and though we welcome them here, I know they're also not falling where it's desperately needed. As you write, 'waiting and hoping, in the end, it's all we can do.' Thank you.
Wow. So good, Stacy. I love the parallels of the farming and the writing life - two disciplines that have legended (made that word up, sort of) themselves into you.
Everything you write is something I struggle with a hold, too. Thank you for sharing it in such a beautiful way so that we can hold it, and bear it.
This was so beautiful and honest, Stacy. As a fellow Montanian, and a farm girl once-upon-a-time, I feel a kinship with you. Are internet friends like old fashioned pen pals? :)
Thanks so much, Ellen! And yes, Internet friends are like pen pals! I'm still in touch with my pen pal from 5th grade, many years ago! Glad to know you!
This was a stunning read, Stacy. So many lines I wanted to say “whoa, how did she do that with the words like that?” And “same.” I admire your writing. Thank you for this ❤️
I've read alot in my life, and it's often just short pieces a person writes. Radio seems hard like that too, broadcasting to strangers you'll likely never meet. But listening on that drive, or while reading with that cup a coffee, that person's story feels like the most interesting soul. Appreciate those stories from the farm front, whenever they sprout up. . . and God send you that rain, Stacy.
Thanks so much, Ron!
This resonated with me so much, especially the line about "wasting" a child's childhood on our writing dreams. I'm in a season with two under three, working full time and building a an ag small business with my husband as we dream of owning a farm someday and I wrestle with this too, even as I know that my writing and words are a gift from God that I cannot hold in or keep to myself, but I am prone to still make it about me, not Him and that's when it becomes a burden, not a gift.
Thanks so much, Yelena. You have so much going on! I remember trying to write when my kids were that little, and it was a challenge. I will remember what you said about it becoming a burden, not a gift, when we are making it about ourselves. Thanks for that.
I wrote this quote down just yesterday. I listened to a podcast about writing and the author suggested this book, which I then borrowed from the library.
“I want to assure you with all earnestness, that no writing is a waste of time, —no creative work where the feelings, the imagination, the intelligence must work. With every sentence you write, you have learned something. It has done you good. It has stretched your understanding. I know that. Even if I knew for certain that I would never have anything published again, and would never make another cent from it, I would still keep on writing.
Book: If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland © 1938
Love that, so good! That author's name sounds familiar... I just remembered I bought that book on Kindle this winter, but never finished it (I'm terrible at reading on Kindle). Thanks for the nudge to pick it back up.
"I won’t return to dry wells." So good, Stacy. I'm glad to consider you an internet friend. (And I'm always delighted when my internet friends become Vox/text friends, so keep that in mind. 😜) Are you coming to Nashville?
Thanks so much, Laura. I'm glad to have you as an internet friend, too! I love Vox! :) As of now, I am not planning to go to Nashville.
This is beautiful, Stacy! I'm grateful I've found an internet friend in you. KEEP WRITING, even when the words feel stuck. You have stories to tell and it matters, it matters, it matters.
Thanks, Ashley! So glad to have found you on the wild, wild web! ;)
I’ve never experienced rural living, but I can relate to so much of what’s at the heart of this ❤️. Thank you for sharing, and for the gentle prodding to look upward instead of at myself.
Thanks, Kendra! I will need to continue to remind myself of this (and have friends remind me too). :) Grateful for you and our internet friendship! :)
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability, such beautiful and vivid images in this. And I feel it too about writing. ❤️
Thanks so much, Alyssa.
😍
Stacy, this is so beautiful and well-written. I think I need to save a couple of quotes from this one! Thanks so much for sharing it even if it feels vulnerable 💛
Thank you, Kym, that means a lot.
This is really beautiful, Stacy ❤️
Thanks, Katie.
"The better question is, why am I searching for my worth horizontally—on a screen—instead of vertically?" --- Oof. Cannot tell you how many times I have struggled with this very thing. ❤️ Thank you for writing and sharing this. I'm glad we are (real) friends 😜
Thank you, Ashlee. I'm glad we are real friends, too. 💛 I woke up around 3 a.m. with a pit in my stomach, partially because I still felt very vulnerable about sharing this post. But also, I was worried that people would misinterpret my words (or that I should have written them more clearly!) and think that I did not appreciate them, or that the people I've met online would think they are not my real friends. So, thank you for commenting and saying we are real friends. Haha.
I've read it a few times, just such a beautiful intertwining of themes. It feels so real to me in the place I'm in right now.
Wish I could share the first rains this spring that we just received overnight! So many wildfires in our province right now, and though we welcome them here, I know they're also not falling where it's desperately needed. As you write, 'waiting and hoping, in the end, it's all we can do.' Thank you.
Thank you, Christina. That's too bad about the wildfires! Hopefully they will be put out soon!
Wow. So good, Stacy. I love the parallels of the farming and the writing life - two disciplines that have legended (made that word up, sort of) themselves into you.
Everything you write is something I struggle with a hold, too. Thank you for sharing it in such a beautiful way so that we can hold it, and bear it.
Legended is a good word. :) Thanks, Callie.
This was so beautiful and honest, Stacy. As a fellow Montanian, and a farm girl once-upon-a-time, I feel a kinship with you. Are internet friends like old fashioned pen pals? :)
Thanks so much, Ellen! And yes, Internet friends are like pen pals! I'm still in touch with my pen pal from 5th grade, many years ago! Glad to know you!
I love how you’re able to get your feelings on paper in ways so many of us can relate to. Keep writing!!💕
Thanks, Mom. 💛
This was a stunning read, Stacy. So many lines I wanted to say “whoa, how did she do that with the words like that?” And “same.” I admire your writing. Thank you for this ❤️
Thanks so much, Fay! I appreciate you reading and your kind words.