Today's Writing is: A Thank You Note in Disguise

"Illusions, Michael!" --Gob Bluth

When I sit down to write there are usually a few things I need. I used to think these things were as simple as coffee, iPod, pen and paper. But this is like when I thought Third Day was the best artist I'd ever heard and I just hadn't met Mumford and Sons yet. Recently, however, the fates have given me some well-timed little marvels. In fact, if coffee, iPod, and paper is like "Live out Loud,"  then these lil' guys are like "White Blank Page." Here they are:

     Marvel I) A red mug with a chalkboard speech bubble and two white chalk pieces. This mug was given to me by my pastors Pete and Tamar and it is perfection. Each morning I get up, fill it with coffee, and get ready. By the time I get in my car it's half empty and sitting snug in my cup holder; where it gets polished off by the time I get on camera. Then, at some point during or after the work day, Red and I go to a cafe where he's filled again with coffee and watches me write. Finally, we go home, get washed, and rest up for tomorrow morning. Red is now an essential part of my ability to quite myself enough to write. I see him as my own little VeggieTales friend who sits there supporting me adorably. 

Ya, that's cork board. Jealous? 

     Marvel II) A beautiful notebook designed and created just for me by my remarkable Aunt Cheryl. As it happens, I write all of my first drafts the old fashioned way, with pen and paper. I have just recently starting work on my first novel and having a place that is safe and clean and warm to put all of my precious characters, plots and tragedies is priceless. My secret hope is that the spirits of the muses that help Aunt Cheryl create such lovely cards may have taken up residence in these pages and will make my words equally lovely. A girl can hope.

     My highest accolades to Aunt Cher for making for me a notebook containing beauty, simplicity, functionality, inspiration, and class. Spot on. (Additional aunt accolades for delicious food, inviting me to Easter dinner every year, mothering my best friend and cousin, Taylor, and being fearlessly creative.)

     The thing I love most about these two gifts is that they come from my family and from my church family and it's just nice to have them close now that I'm doing something which requires bravery and the taking of risks.

     A giant thank you to Pete, Tamar, Aunt Cher, and Mom--who gave me the book for Christmas. I'll save you all a dedication somewhere in the future.:) 

Happy New Year, 

Miss Victoria Stern