Writing and Seeing

We just had our Write to the Bank conference here at our Sanctuary in Franklin, TN. It was a smashing success. It was fun to meet so many new faces who have such a burning desire to write and to express their creativity. Many people were far into the process and needed help on the business and marketing end of writing and we had plenty to say about that issue.

I have attended a LOT of writer’s conferences through the years and I honestly do believe that what we have to offer in this two day event is far more than I EVER received in practical, useful information about writing. One thing that kept coming to the forefront in all our discussions is the need to “think outside the box”. The term may seem clichéd at this point but taking an honest look at how books are available and the changes in publishing were key topics at this event.

One of our attendees, Kaci Allen from this area, took a picture she shared with me later and I simply couldn’t figure out what it was. She said it looked to her like a guitar and I could certainly see that in the picture. But where and what?? So I wrote back and asked her. She said it was in our yard and was a koi pond liner leaning up against the back of a tree. I was floored because I pride myself in being pretty observant. I can see things everywhere around me that most people miss. I attribute that not to a unique gifting but to becoming more observant due to ten years of art classes and reading books that have helped me become more AWARE of the world around me.

But here in my own backyard I have a giant “guitar” I didn’t see before.

Kaci’s observation was a great example of her own creative nature and her ability to see the world with different……..and more creative………..eyes. Look around you today and see if you can find an example of something God has put right before you that most people would miss in their busyness and tunnel vision. I’ll bet it will change your outlook on the whole day because there really is beauty all around you……….it’s just that we often miss it because we are encumbered with the laborious task of living.