On Writing

A little on writing today.

I type all of my own stuff, essays, blog posts, stories and books. I think on a subconscious level that's one reason I tend to write pretty concise. This is also one reason I'm a fan of the short story. I like Edgar Allen Poe's notion of reading something with impact in one sitting. The two work well for me. And they make for good blog posts here and other places which is a good way to get feedback. I get an idea from time to time and roll with it. Doing longer works is on a whole other level.

So far, I've written one complete book (which is short by book standards) and started on two others. Books take time and a lot of energy to create. Health problems and and working full time have slowed me down but not stopped me. When I'm doing my best writing, I write up to several pages on Saturday and one or two during the week. Over time, it adds up. When I started my book, I had no idea of where the story would go or how it was going to end. Our brains create stories every night, dreams. I used this process (or something like it anyway) whenever I'd get stuck. I'd lay down and zone out and in time the next part of the story would reveal itself. Sometimes, it would take a few tries.     

One other cool thing about writing is no limits. You can be who you want, when you want and where you want. There are no walls or other limitations. It is a good outlet for your imagination and creativity. Painting with words is not easy but neither is painting. For me, I'm not so sure I'd want to write as my "Job." I'm not fond of the notion of others imposing deadlines on my creativity. I does not feel right. I like the freedom I now have with a blog or two and self publishing. If I want to step away for a few months, no worry or hurry. But keep it moving.

I am learning to bring works to and end and move on. A completed work is better for me than a never completed perfect book. Get out there and learn from what others have to say.

Thanks,

-P.     

My Amazon Writer's Page

https://www.amazon.com/author/paullavack

Fifty Trips Around the Sun

So what have I learned in 50 trips around the sun?I'm generally not a lister but here is one in no order. Just some random thoughts.

Okay, let's go!

1. Find a good partner that will be there through sickness and health, good times and bad and whatever else life throws at you.

2. Stay out of debit! Debit equals servitude. No debit equals freedom.

3. Buy a good new car and drive it until the wheels fall off.

4. Be a creative person. Write, play music, make art. This is your duty to the rest of us, sharing your talents.

5. Educate yourself. Being ignorant is NOT a virtue.

6. Learn a marketable skill. This does not exclude number 4.

7. Don't waste time. Our days here are numbered so make each one count. Even the smallest accomplishment is worthwhile.

8. If you are in the hospital, say please and thank you. Be worth caring for.

9. Stay in touch with old friends and make new ones.

10. Life is indeed too short for skunky beer. Try new things.

11. Question everything.

12. All storms pass. Give it time, nothing stays the same.

13. Do stuff future you will remember and thank you for.

14. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Build good eating habits early in life for a better old age free from doctors, tests and hospitals.

15. Listen to music.

16. Virtual friends and connections are no replacement for the real thing. Do stuff with people.

17. Lift up the younger generation. They are doing just fine. Their music, styles and struggles are different. Help them through when asked. Soon, it will be their turn to screw everything up, just like we have done.

18. Don't believe a word your government says, not one word.

19. Turn off your television. Better yet throw it away. Read instead and do stuff instead.

20. It is not enough just to protest. Offer alternative solutions.

21. Aging is real. The body gets tired. Take care of it. We all do not have the privilege of growing old. Know and respect your limitations. Forgive yourself.

22. Do no harm. THINK Is it Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary or Kind. Uncle Chip would not say shit even if he had a mouth full. Be like Uncle Chip.

23. Cooperation is our natural state, not competition or conflict.

24. Change starts with each of us. Be the change.

25. Don't chase people. If they want your friendship and company, they will seek you out.

26. Other drivers are just trying to get where they are going. Leave your ego at home. Be safe and courteous at all times.

27. Pick your struggles carefully. Know when to walk away.

28. Not every culture has the concept of forgiveness. This is okay. But we all have an idea of fairness.

29. Beware of anyone who dehumanizes others. Let go of notions of us and them.

30. Be quiet and let others speak.

31. Learn science.

32. Comparing yourself to others is not helpful. You are on your own trip and they are on theirs.

33. Learn and use compassion to grow closer to God.

34. Time is relentless.

35. Be patient. Things take time.

36. Step away from problems. The answer will come when you least expect it.

37. Be a good coworker.

38. Be dependable. Be the friend others would turn to in a serious jam or emergency.

39. Have a dog and or a cat. There is no better friend.

40. Don't be afraid to help.

41. Alone time is good. Be happy with your own company.

42. Show me you are fearless and courageous. Don't tell me.

43. Life is not fair but still worth living.

44. Go somewhere you don't speak the language or look like anyone else to learn about people. You may be surprised what you learn about them and yourself.

45. Travel is the best teacher.

46. Be kind in airports. And be flexible.

47. Try.

48. Don't ever yell at your partner.

49. If you think you can you can. If you think you cannot, you cannot.

50. Still learning what I don't know.                          

Reading- "The Four Agreements"

 

Link to buy

So a friend / coworker loaned me this book. It's well worth your time. I thought I'd share some of what I got out of it. What are the agreements? 

1. Be impeccable with your word.  

2. Don't take it personally.

3. Do not assume.

4. Always do your best. 

A few initial thoughts. 

Being impeccable with your word means more than keeping your word. It also means not using your words to hurt others. Don't gossip about others. When you do it is more a reflection on yourself than the person you are talking about. Words can be very powerful for hurting or helping others. Choose them with care.   

Don't take it personally. Whatever people say about is mos often more a reflection of themselves than you. Stay out of the rumor mill and remain unconcerned about gossip. People are going to talk. Let them. Know yourself. 

Don't assume. Ask. Not sure what someone means or wants? Ask them. I like repeating back my understanding, "... Do I understand you correctly?" If not, they can correct me. One of the biggest lessons from my work is learning not to assume something based on looks and appearances. The guy in a tee shirt and jeans, covered in tattoos bay be a plumber or could have a PhD in linguistics. There is no way to tell based on appearances, yet we do it all the time. Try not to. 

Do your best at anything you do. Work in fast food? Be the best worker you can be. If that is not where you want to be, know nothing is forever and you will move on from it. Do the best you can. Your best can very based on how you feel. Late in the day you are going to be tired and worn down. Your best will be different. Don't get upset with yourself.  Retire your inner judge. 

I will remember these by assigning each to a person in my life:

Dad kept his word and did not gossip, 

Uncle Chip judged no one, including himself. 

My friend, Dave, makes no assumptions. 

My wife, Thu, always does her best.

There is a lot more going on in this great little book! Too much to cover in a short blog post. Buy / borrow this book and see what you can learn from it.        

RoScooter

So I got the new pacemaker a few months ago and it seems to be doing well. I've not been writing much lately but that's finally changing. Over the last few months I've missed more work than I like just from not feeling good. I hope that is behind me also. I may have found an answer.

This is a RoScooter, a muscle powered mobility device. Under the black dome are essentially bike parts. It is geared so you can do hills on it. I'm not that strong yet but getting better.  It is as close to running or jogging as I'll ever get. But still great! After just a few weeks of consistent use, I feel better, sleep better and my blood pressure is lower.

Somewhere I read or herd bodies are meant to move. I think that's true. Disabled or not we all need exercise. If you don't feel good no amount of money is going to make life all that enjoyable. What fun is a fancy car if you don't feel like going out? Travel is difficult enough but add feeling bad and forget about it! Tasty food may still  brighten your day some but too much of that leads to an early one way ticket to the cemetery. The roscooter may not be for you but something is. Find it and make something happen.

I'll do an update in a few weeks on this. In the mean time old Sam Fallen has been telling me another story. He is not patient. So look for that soon!