I love each of these and the context around them. One of my favorite adages comes from the painter Chuck Close, who says, "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." It really cuts through the preciousness (that I, myself, sometimes adopt) about waiting for creativity to strike rather than making it happen.
Yes, I agree. It's that dangerous belief that one must wait for the muse to bless us. Nope. Just get to work. And yes, of course there are easy days (weeks? months?) and hard ones. But, to adapt a sports saying, you writing zero on 100% of the writing days you choose not to use.
My dad used to frustrate me with this adage, retort or phrase, depending on topic, "ive never been permanently lost." This seems to fit into your other adages rather nicely, in my view. It makes one stop, think, readust, and then go on. Very sage that James Juros.
Oh, I love that, Jennifer! Never been permanently lost--which redefines being lost as being, in fact, on the way to someplace. And, yes: stop, think, readjust, go on.
Love this piece (and not just because my dad and I are quoted here)! All of these sayings are spot on. We can learn so much from each other if we listen :-)
I love each of these and the context around them. One of my favorite adages comes from the painter Chuck Close, who says, "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." It really cuts through the preciousness (that I, myself, sometimes adopt) about waiting for creativity to strike rather than making it happen.
Yes, I agree. It's that dangerous belief that one must wait for the muse to bless us. Nope. Just get to work. And yes, of course there are easy days (weeks? months?) and hard ones. But, to adapt a sports saying, you writing zero on 100% of the writing days you choose not to use.
Henriette,
My dad used to frustrate me with this adage, retort or phrase, depending on topic, "ive never been permanently lost." This seems to fit into your other adages rather nicely, in my view. It makes one stop, think, readust, and then go on. Very sage that James Juros.
Oh, I love that, Jennifer! Never been permanently lost--which redefines being lost as being, in fact, on the way to someplace. And, yes: stop, think, readjust, go on.
Love this piece (and not just because my dad and I are quoted here)! All of these sayings are spot on. We can learn so much from each other if we listen :-)
I had a feeling you'd like it :-) And, yes, it's true: all we have to do is listen to what other people are saying. It's super wise a lot of the time!