LYRIC O' THE DAY:
I've seen this happen in other people's lives
And now it's happening in mine.
--That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, The Smiths
I've seen this happen in other people's lives
And now it's happening in mine.
--That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, The Smiths
Last night Blogger ate my original post, which I took as a sign that I needed to go to bed and/or I was within minutes of being smited. Maybe I should have referenced the Jesus Fish Stick instead, it is Lent after all.
Welcome to the first spring installment of fearless Ninja captain Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers’ Support Group. I was planning on posting a list of things to do instead of being insecure, like surfing Ebay for Jesus-shaped food items or decoupaging images of Oprah, but then I found this:
 |
A little investigation and I found that the quote is from Vonnegut's work A Man Without a Country. The full quote actually says, "If you want to really hurt your parents and you don't have the nerve to be gay, the least you can do is go into the arts." Now that first part doesn't ring true in my microcosm of the world but the rest of the quote really resonated with me.
Much of my insecurity comes from trying to define my success. What do I want out of this life? Is this really my path? What do I want out of my writing? What will make me finally feel worthy? Somebody give me a sign.
 |
| The true Breakfast of Champions? Vonnegut humor. |
We are surrounded by a sea of talented people, all waiting for their own version of the Jesus pancake (or whatever your religious and culinary preference). What Vonnegut so simply states is that creation IS the reward. It's the divine blessing; it makes us rise above the dirt, the amoebas, and the Snookis. The flow of ideas from within fill up your soul and make you successful. The ultimate reward is realizing how incredible it is to embrace an art and make it your own.
The worthy create.
Although a trip to IHOP never hurt anyone, either.
Although a trip to IHOP never hurt anyone, either.
I couldn't imagine not creating something - and as I can't draw or play an instrument, I'm forever grateful for my writing!
ReplyDeleteIt may not be good but when I'm done I feel alive, like I've contributed something to the universe.
ReplyDeleteThis is my sign!!! Thank you! LOL. Love it. Now I'm off to get pancakes. =)
ReplyDeleteAh, this is so true. What a lovely post. And now I'm craving IHOP blueberry pancakes. : )
ReplyDeleteI broke a tooth last night and now I have an 11:00 AM, Monday, dental appointment.
ReplyDeleteMy dentist is going to get paid BIG BUCKS to "create" a new toof for me.
DENTISTRY: Now THAT'S the "art" form I wish I woulda studied, instead of "acting" and "writing" and all those other "starving artist" arts.
Uhp! I'm an idiot!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
There is so much I love about this post.
ReplyDeleteAnalog Breakfast of Chumps and Champions, alike.
You get another gold star -- especially for cooking this up after your first post got munched. This is one of my favorite places to visit on the Internets.
SO. TRUE.
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT post!!!!
That was funny! About choked when I read the quote. And what is it with people seeing Jesus in food? The day I see Jesus, I promise, He will not be in my mashed potatoes!
ReplyDeleteJesus food would be creepy to eat. Well, I didn't have any issues eating my Abe Lincoln Dorito so I probably wouldn't have an issue with a Pancake Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThe Vonnegut quote was great. Blogger eats all sorts of stuff. It's very frustrating.
You're so articulate, Julie, and I'm always laughing out loud when I read your posts. I especially like your interjection of "the Snookis" AFTER "the amoebas." Vonnegut's quote is priceless. Thanks for the inspiration to continue to create with stops at IHOP as needed.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
This post is one of my favorites. I am always lookinmg for a sign that I am headed in the right direction, that this is my true path. I forget to just enjoy the journey and stress myself out all the time.
ReplyDeleteIHOP has awesome pancakes and now you've got me thinking about a short stack with lots of syrup. ;)
The one good thing I know is that if nobody ever read my words i would never stop writing. Or maybe that's just pushing a rock up a hill. Whatever works.
ReplyDeleteIf you were really really, ravenously hungry and you made a pancake, the best juiciest pancake ever, and your mouth was watering, and when you flipped it there was the most magnificent God like image with an obvious message on it, would you eat it? I would!
ReplyDeleteDi
X
What a great post! And it is so true! Just creating for the heck of it has made my life so much better. I always tell myself my goal is not become the next Stephen King (though having one of my books sitting comfortably next to one of his outside my house would be neat), but to write what makes me happy and do it the best I can. Great to know there are others outside who think alike.
ReplyDeleteKeep creating and being uplifting. I'm a new follower!
From Diary of a Writer in Progress.
I love my trips to IHOP! :)
ReplyDeletePS. My answer to your 11 questions goes up tomorrow.
The second Vonnegut quote I ran across today. I <3 him. I stood behind him in line once at the news stand. That pancake looks yummy.
ReplyDeleteExcellent quote and excellent advice! It's hard to see that sometimes, but there is reward in creation. :) Now I really want pancakes...
ReplyDeleteNot much for IHOP, but I love the Vonnegut quote. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA motivating post! I think we often try to define our success based on what others have done and are doing, and we fail to see the big picture of what it is that we want to get out of what we do with our lives.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love that quote :) Indeed, the arts isn't just a hobby - it's a lifestyle!
PANCAKES. Nom nom nom.
-Wendy Lu
The Red Angel Blog
I love that quote! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE this, Julie. I may have to copy that Vonnegut quote (not the first part--it doesn't do it for me, either), and keep it next to my meditation candle. Brilliant. It's all about being worthy.
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't see this sooner! Great Vonnegut quote, and I love the Snooki reference! She's with child now, so I'm sure she'll hit IHOP after her bar hops! Julie
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I left you some awards on my blog. :) Hope you're having a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteJulie, I love the way you view things/life/pancakes. haha! You are always so witty. This is a great message for all creative minds. I tend to get writer's block (for artists) when I am trying too hard to create something with the idea in mind, that I have to please others or figure out a way to market myself. I do so much better when I just passionately do what I love to do and not care about the outcome. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHope life is full of Jesus pancakes.
Have a super St. Patty's!
Hello, my dear Jules. I know you've been tagged a lot for these things of late, but I just wanted to let you know that I'd tagged you, too. I like the blogs you compose with personal little factoids.
ReplyDelete