I'm in Texas visiting my father in law. He looked much better than I had expected, and was very happy to see us. Fortunately, he is letting DH and his brother drive him to Shreveport to the VA Hospital for his appointment on the 22nd. We're glad we're here to help and we know what his plans are for the future. A relief. We shared a photo book I had made for him and gave him a few things like a super comfy track suit and he's happy to wear it. I always think of Bill as a guy who just knows how to have fun and he's pretty miffed that this happened, but he's still got spirit.
Before we went to see him, I managed to work on my current WIP yesterday morning. One of the advantages of being an early riser is having time to work while everyone sleeps. We're lucky because my DH travels so much we have a free upgrade on our hotel room. So we have two rooms and privacy. I can work without disturbing DD who is a teen and sleeping a lot (their brains grow so much during this time, they have to catch up when they can).
It was good seeing my niece, nephew, his wife and his little girl yesterday. It has been a long time since I have stepped foot in Texas. I had good reasons for avoiding the state, but now I am prepared to come here a minimum of once a year. DD needs to know her Texas cousins. She is their ONLY cousin and now that she is getting older, I think it is important for her to know them. She can already discern why and how we're different. I think the biggest thing she noticed was the quick judgment they reserve for others. This comes, I believe, from parenting styles and also untapped world view. My DD has a lot of experiences in which she's traveled to different countries, different states and participated in different cultures. I think this expands her ability to empathize and accept other people's choices.
Travel expands the mind in much the same way reading expands the soul.
I think that's why I love to travel myself. And writing is like traveling into other people's lives and bringing them to the surface. As a writer, I believe I have to be open to differences in others. And I have to be open to accepting their choices. This brings color and depth into my writing. In fact, having lived a lot of different experiences, I believe makes me yearn to write.
Writing is an extension of wanting to understand, accept and bring to light other peoples' truths.
4 comments:
I couldn't agree more about travel and expanding your horizons. My boys have been to more than 35 States, and so far two foreign countries. Some of it is my strong need to explore, but I also want them to understand that different is not bad, and that we are all the same and yet different, too.
I agree that writing is both a way to explore others, and the result of that exploration in real life.
Enjoy TX as much as possible! The boys are beating Oreos as I type in prep for the truffle balls. Yum!
I hope the oreo truffles turned out well! I just spent the day with Chuck's aunt bobbi who is a dreamboat. I spent my night with the OUTLAWS. Well, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be... but forget talking or having an interest in our lives (especially mine--I am not "working"). My writing is not even asked about from that contingent. My DD was like, I can see why you and my aunt clash.
I'd say having interest in others vs. not is the key reason LOL. But I survived by spending time learning about Aunt Bobbi's family, her QVC shopping addiction (too hilarious), and learning about her favorite recipes.
That was fun.
I've always been a traveling girl. Growing up as the product of a dad with 20 years in the Army does that. *grin* Now hubby on the other hand, had been to Cedar Point as his big excursion... lol! Now, though, he needs the change of pace and scenery as much as I do. It does something for your soul to slow down and see how others live and visit with those you haven't seen in a while.
Hope FIL appt goes well today!
Couldn't agree more about life bringing inspiration to writing!
Just found your blog today and wanted to stop by and say hello!
Happy Holidays!
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