“Everybody needs a hobby.
The words stung but I didn’t flinch. The night was warm and my Merlot had mellowed me. And 23 years of experience was enough of a reminder that reacting to his comment would come at a price. Better to just let it go. He didn’t mean to hurt me. He just meant to remind me that I wasn’t a real writer. And maybe he was right. Maybe. Maybe not. Whatever. A younger me would have permitted the remark to paralyze me. A younger me would have allowed the comment to make me disappear. A younger me would have used his words as an excuse not to try.
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| A younger me. |
"Maybe. Maybe not. Whatever." - I can feel those words. Wise decision to let the remark go. People may have their opinions. You know who you are, what you do, and why.
ReplyDeleteDiana -- The words + photo are powerful. It captures a specific detail showing the way you've changed, but also the way change often happens in a fuzzy sort of way. And, I'm sure you know, but it doesn't hurt to hear it one more time: YOU, my friend, are a REAL WRITER.
ReplyDeleteRuth
IF this isn't the work of a REAL writer, I don't know what is. What a beautiful, haunting slice. LOVE the pic that goes with it. I really connected to what you said. This writing journey is hard and throw away comments can hurt if we let them. Good for you for letting it go!
ReplyDeleteYou are a real writer. There is no question about it. Don't let anything make you believe otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI echo the previous thoughts. You are not only a writer but a thinker. Your writing shows so much thinking that goes into your words. You may not be a book author (yet?) but you are a writer I enjoy reading. Keep the faith!
ReplyDeleteI too agree with everyone. I've loved your postings since I started reading your work, & always look forward to them. They're so thought-filled, like this one, makes me strive to do better myself! Your stance to ignore is wise.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how hurtful off-handed comments can be. You have an incredible strength to be able to move beyond this comment. You are an incredible writer...continue being strong and expressing yourself through your writing. You have an audience who is eager to read your words.
ReplyDeleteThis question of validity - where is the line that marks one as a "real" writer? I have been turning this over in my mind too.
ReplyDeleteJuliann
I think your post touches the soul of many bloggers. At least it did mine. I envy the wisdom and peace of mind you exhibit.
ReplyDeleteYou are a writer if you love to write...and you write...it comes from inside YOU, ultimately. Keep writing away!
ReplyDeleteI think this reflection shows you are a writer. You described the moment and your thinking process perfectly. Yes, words are powerful but our response to them is just as important.
ReplyDeleteJulianne's comment is an echo of my own. In fact I will probably do a whole post on this! And is a "hobby" any less real than anything else we do with time?
ReplyDeleteThe image is such a powerful choice to include here the way you did. You are right, the person behind those words probably didn't even realize it was such a biting insult. You are one of my favorite slicers to read and I truly wish you were the literacy coach in my building so that I could collaborate with you in my classroom. You are not only a real writer, you are an inspiring writer.
ReplyDeleteWow -- that is a powerful post, your writing and the photograph. I read it yesterday and pondered what to say. The responses you received say it all: You are a writer. You inspire. You encourage. I hope you keep writing.
ReplyDeleteOuch! I wish I didn't think it might have been intentional and meant to discourage. The others are right; you are a powerful writer with even more powerful voice. I always look forward to your writing and wonder where you will go next. Don't stop!
ReplyDeleteHow silly! Someone hasn't been reading your stuff, has he? Anyone can say anything. Doesn't make it so...or not so in your case. Keep writing! You have a special gift.
ReplyDelete