Ann Lamott, says that as writers we need to help others regain a sense of “wonder, of seeing things anew, things that catch us off guard, that break our small, bordered worlds.” She encourages us to follow a child around, and to take note of what they see and the enthusiasm in which they notice.
So I did.
I followed her.
I forced myself to listen.
And this is what she noticed.
- “Oh, I woke up this morning. I woke up this morning!”
- “Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast! Breakfast is dish-us!” (Translation: dish-us = delicious, and don’t be too impressed, breakfast was cereal).
- "I love you little, little, poor guy. I do!" (Picture tiny ladybug struggling for its life).
- "Look! Look! A bird flying high. Catch it! Catch it! Catch it!" (Random bird bouncing around in the neighbor's grass).
- "Eeeek! A shoe! A shoe! A shoe! This orange shoe is my favorite!" (The shoe is actually yellow, and it is a Polly Pocket shoe, and there is only one because I happily vacuum up any Polly Pocket gear I see).
Yes, regaining awe. Love it. Love all of it.
What do you want to jump and show your readers? If you could grab them by the hand, and lead them somewhere amazing, what would you show them? What does your writing scream?
: :
Counting each of these as big blessings with the other Ann, the one who makes us search out and appreciate the little stuff.
Also, linking with my friends at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood.
Did you check out June's list of Serving Your Family Ideas? If not, you must! How goes that quality time? This weekend we held our first book club meeting, Peter Hatcher style. Do you remember Peter and his toothless brother, Fudge?
31 comments:
:) love anne lammott. love what kids say (my 4-year-old nephew was VERY excited to see a dog today. "wildlife" he exclaimed in hushed excitement.)
Oh Amy, I love this! You were right--sounds like we have a lot of the same kind of little-person chatter going on in our homes! Glad you found my blog so I could find yours! :)
The picture of your daughter is precious. Little children express such joy in the simple things. Their joy is contagious! Thank you for sharing.
What a great idea! And, first I have to say that I love that little face. Can't wait till I get to see it in person again soon. She's changed so much :) I just heard a quote that reminds me of what you wrote, "A writer’s job is to imagine everything so personally that the fiction is as vivid as memories.” -John Irving
I know it's about fiction, but I've been thinking about the power of words to take people places and the responsibility that comes with that creative ability. You've given me even more to think about, and you know I love that!
Wonderful post! What a doll baby, her joy is infectious! My little girl Maggie takes me on similar journeys of wonder every day.
Perfect way to slow down and see...with a little wonder-mentor. You know me--I celebrate every Not-So-Fast moment a family enjoys together.
May this vivify your relationship with the Lord, your parenting, your writing...and many other unexpected places deep inside you that begin to awaken and see more deeply, truly, profoundly, delightedly.
annkroeker.com
First of all, what a cutie! Secondly, that is a great idea. Just from reading your post I was taken back to a time when everything was wonderful (to the little ones).
As for the question, I'll have to chew on that for a while - that's a lot to think about. Thank you!
This is so precious. I miss my kids being young and finding enjoyment out of the small things. Enjoy them while they are young. And...I love the quote re: helping our readers regain their wonder! I am going to work on that.
ok, just tried to leave a rambling comment...guess it was too much it 'couldn't complete my request'...
LOVE YOU! LOVE YOUR GIRL!
was rambling about what it is I am (not) seeing...missing the forest for the trees--roots ripped out and wanting to cry and being real and loving Him and hopefully, somehow, fanning the flame:)
incredible. what your daughter taught me through this post. i am changed... (and i love lamott...)
what a sweet post and so full of truth. Oh to live like that everyday. So glad you shared her sweet words with us.
Nicely done Amy, and I hope the ladybug beat the odds and pulled through. I'll have to try this tomorrow with our crew.
Oh how I love what those kiddos say! So precious and thank you for letting us in on the listening!
"Break our small, bordered worlds" - love that! Children are wonderful leaders in that regard, aren't they?
You pose great questions at the end of your post. If I could grab my readers by the hand and lead them anywhere, it would be to contentment, happiness with the life God gives, right now. That's what I'm working on for myself, too!
if I could...them to know how much God truly completely loves them in their brokenness and pain and addictions and that there really is freedom in Him and help them anyway I could.
and I SO love seeing through the eyes of a child...good and true stuff...the little children can bring us back to simple faith yes? you are changing...something...i can sense it
xo
T, You do this well in your writing...showing us to look for freedom in brokeness.
oh my. i love this! funny because i blogged about listening to my daughter yesterday... kids just have a way of seeing the world, don't they? and i love that anne lamott. i'm not quite sure what i want to show my readers... maybe just living a "carpe diem" life in the ordinary things, since that's what i'm trying to do myself. hm. now i'm thinking! :)
Joy in sheltering -- that's what I want to share when I grab my readers by the hand. Oh the joy that abounds when I shelter and encourage those around me. You've surely felt the joy since you shelter with the words God urges you to write.
Love the picture of your daughter.
Blessings,
Pamela
I read once, that if we followed a young child around and mimicked all they did physically . . . we would get enough exercise.
I am loving the wee kids in my life right now . . . they, too, help me keep the wonder.
Fondly,
Glenda
As I was reading your daughter's comments, I thought, "That girl knows how to find delight." Thanks for encouraging us to recapture that skill. (And, I love that you apologetically vacuum up Polly Pocket pieces)
Thanks for your comment over on my blog. It was great finding you! I'll definitely be back for more of your posts!
I could literally hear your daughter through this piece, Amy.
And I'm tucking away your question for some soul-searching day. It is SUCH a good question.
This was seriously awesome Amy ... loved it!!
Oh my gosh, your daughter is adorable! Glad to hear I wasn't the only mom that gleefully vacuumed up Polly Pockets *ahem*
And thank you for your kind words today - they made my day.
Love this. I can relate as I often watch my 6 year old son and try to see things as he does. Never ceases to amaze me. :)
I am so excited to be connecting with others who are going to She Speaks! Hope to get the chance to meet you there :)
Happy Wednesday!
~shelly
Thank you so much for stopping by on Monday. I am following along with you, as you have a beautiful space here.
This is a great idea. My son and his awe of the world inspires me everyday. I going to be deliberate about paying attention, as you did and share it.
Delightful, this.
So many simple, simple things are worthy of awe.
Like so many others, I also love Anne Lamott.
My favorite from your post, though, was "I woke up! I woke up! I wish I started each day like this, with such joy for living.
Oh, the lessons to be learned from the littles. Loved this post.
you'd probably like the book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. She did the same thing and called it child wonder. :o) Great post!
Glad you happened to find my blog by mistake! :) I was on vacation all week, but will return to posting and writing soon. I love Anne's stuff! All good writers make observations of Truth that we all see and know, but don't always know how to put into words. Or they put into words in a new, fresh way.
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