Lovely summer morning to all of you!
It's finally July, with hot dogs, lemonade and lots and lots of sunscreen for the Heliophobics like me. Not to mention my favorite hometown event, the Cache Valley Cruise in. Where old cars get glossed up like new and cruise down main street on a balmy Saturday night. But before the main event, cars park at the local fair ground for bragging rights, haggling buyers, and big-time stories of how they got, or almost lost their pride and joy.I could spend all day there perusing hot muscle cars and their hard working owners, but my camera had another idea. Every so often, between the pristine white Camaro and the Sapphire Studebakers, a unique piece of art catches my lens. I'm not sure why I like it. Maybe because there's a story in there somewhere, or maybe because it shows true to life and time. Maybe because it sticks out like a sore but prideful thumb. Its something that dares to be different in a world of spit and polish. I envy it in a way.
It reminds me of one angelic critique partner of mine that dared to throw her memoir out for the whole world to see. Her voice rang proud and clear in her writing, and true to her young age. I loved it because it was raw and different and brave. Much like the cars at the show, it didn't try to polish into something it wasn't. A rare glimpse into history that, if modified, may have lost part of itself under all that luster.I envy her too in a way, because she knows the raw edge of her writing and she has the pride to embrace it.
Friends, don't forget your edge when you sit staring at a blank page. Its what makes you unique. I know there are mountains of books published on the writing craft, but if every rule is followed, we'd wind up with cookie-cutter stories. I don't think New York wants that. They still angle for something unique. Much like my camera lens.
6 comments:
Thanks, Kacey. We all need to be reminded that our edge is our uniqueness. I'm keeping mine :) Fun read.
The "Cruise In!" Right up there with "Peach Days" in Brigham City in September. Wow, my head's spinning from the flashback! We have both (and called Peach Days) down in the southern end on Easter weekend. Love the car show. It's an annual outing. Love your camera shot, have an oldie-but-goodie leaking on my driveway as we speak. Covering the relics with fancy paint makes them appear better, but still doesn't tell the story like a rusty old door handle or a worn steering wheel. If you handle something rough and study it, you ask the "what & why" questions that birth a story. Run your hand over smooth and glossy and all you say is "pretty." All the mystery is covered up. We don't feel an attachment. Gritty, moving stories stay in our heart long after the last page is turned.
Tdhanks for the great blog. I love the Cache Valley Cruise-in and the old cars. They bring back so many memories -- am I telling you how old I am? Missed it this year, but going to any of the car shows is so awesome. I loved what you said about your young friend and her raw writing and being so proud of it. Isn't it great we're all so different?
Happy 4th!
Doree, and J Coleman, thank you for yor comments. So glad you enjoyed it.
Being true to yourself is the key in writing and life.
I love that you're helping us to remember this and living it too.
Very true Sandy. Thank you for the comment. And K.R. Bailey, look me up next year. I'll meet you there :-)
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