I am pleased and honored to be the newest member of the Cape Cod Children's Writers. Please check out our web site at:
Cape Cod Children's Writers
Soon my bio will appear there and one of the best things about being a member of this group is they have a blogging section and the members blog on the site regularly. I haven't even attended my first meeting yet, but my first blog may be being written as we speak. Sometimes, when the topic applies, I will post it in both places. It just so happens that one of the other members, Jeanne, posted a blog last night on the site that struck a nerve about something I've always felt very strongly about. Please check it out. Her blog, (Jeanne is an author/illustrator) was about picture books for adults, sparked by a question asked by a child. I think you will find it an interesting topic, and one you may have not thought about before.
As I read her words, images from things I used to contemplate when I was a kindergarten teacher, came to mind. In my 23 years of teaching five year olds, I spent a lot of time in other classrooms in the primary school. The one thing that used to bother me the most was the absence of easels, paint, clay, etc. in first grade classrooms. These children were only six years old and to see them reduced to academia at such an early age made me sad. Their teachers were wonderful. They were some of the brightest and most creative individuals I know, but they also were being crucified by the standards and regulations imposed on our NY schools today. In kindergarten I got "special dispensation" because kindergarten isn't even required in NYS and you would expect paint, clay, and sand, to be present in a kindergarten classroom. First grade, however, is a different story. The stringent requirements for reading and math, and now science and social studies that must be covered before the end of the first grade year leave precious little time for a six year old to be six during the school day. That always broke my heart.
As a writer, I spend a lot of time talking to and listening to people and I have come to think that this is also true for most adults. The people I meet have the most interesting stories and amazing talents. When I say to them, "That is an amazing story – you should write that down." I hear more often than not, "Oh I'm not a writer." or "I'm not creative enough to write."
How sad that makes me feel. Over my 58 years of living I have come to believe that every man, woman, and child is an artist. Everyone has a story. Everyone has something from their creative side to make with their hands, or create with a brush or write with their words or sing with their voice or act on a stage. One thing I learned on my journey these past three years in the arts is that being a writer doesn't mean you published a book. Being an artist doesn't mean you have work displayed in an art show. Being a musician doesn't mean you made a hit record.
Being an artist is something that lives inside of everyone. It's a side of us that most people don't think about, or if they do, they put themselves down with the "I can't possibly show anyone that" or "tell anyone that" or even be able to write it or create it for their own eyes only.
It's interesting that Dr.Phil runs a side bar asking people to write to him under the title of "Dr. Phil, Make Me A Star In My Own Life." That right there leads me to believe there's a real need out there for people to be given permission to explore and bring out their creative sides and tell their stories. To be honest, I have to give a bit of credit to Facebook and social media, because these tools have also given people a stage to be on and in some ways many people have begun to see that they can share writing, art, and photos and just maybe they should take that part of themselves a little bit more seriously.
My artist dates with myself have gone a long way to leading me back to that six year old that so enjoyed the sandbox and the messiness of the paint. So, if you have a story, or even the inkling of even thinking you might have a story, or you took a picture with your iPhone and you think it's kind of cool – give it chance – put the pen to the paper or click a few more pics outside of the kids and the family gathering. You just might be surprised when the six year old pops out – and the freedom you find in it. Even if you never show anyone or tell anyone – YOU are already a star in your own life and you really don't need Dr. Phil to tell you so.
And so, as another day goes by, ahh…I've wanted to say that to people for such a long time, thanks to my artist/writer friend Jeanne for the inspiration, check out our site, and….I have written.
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