Car For Sale

I cut through the Golden Corral parking lot the other day, and a car was parked there with a big for sale sign on the window. Since I was at a stopsign, I checked out the sign. On the window of an older model cadillac was a sign that said something like this: Buy this car and we'll include a month of free meals at Golden Corral. The next day the car was gone, and I couldn't help but wonder, was it the month of free meals at Golden Corral? So, of course, the writer in me begins to craft a story in my head of a poor,lonely widower who's eaten a few too many ham sandwiches. Throw in the nostalgia of an old Cadillac, maybe much like one he and his wife used to take on dates, and he has a changed life. Flash forward 30 days later, he's a few pounds heavier, with color in his cheeks, and friends with all the regulars at Golden Corral. Maybe there's even a promising relationship blossoming with widow Baxley who comes in for dessert every night where she sits alone and reads the newspaper.

And then I began to think, the power of a creative offer is pretty amazing. That darn car for sale stood out to me because of the free meals. Did I want or need free meals? No, but it got my attention. So it reminded me of just how important it is to make my queries fresh and unique. AND my actual work.

Also, I'm reading a very interesting book. I'm going to say more about it later, but it talks about keeping your creativity alive. One suggestion is that you commit to an hour a week for a date with art. What the author explains is that to nurture your own creativity, you must intake many examples of creativity. So I had my first date with art tonight. I went to a neighboring town's Arts Council to see an art show of a friend, Lynn Jenkins. Her work was stunning, bright and richly colored. All the images depicted coastal scenes that conjured great memories and familiar places. She's a mother of four, like me, although her kids are a little older. Still I was inspired on so many levels. Her talent, clearly nurtured, showed vast improvement in her work since I'd last seen it. I felt encouraged, inspired and ready to recommit to finding the right balance between my work and my calling as a wife and mother. So schedule an art date for yourself this week! And share some ideas with me.

Thank you for all your nice e-mails about my blog this week. But I'm wondering why you don't comment. Is anyone still having trouble commenting? If so, just let me know, and if you just want to e-mail, that's great, too!