The Writing Desk

The Writing Desk

I purchased a writing desk for myself quite some time ago (years), fully intending it to be my place dedicated to writing.

However, beautiful a piece of furniture as it is, the surface got filled with various special treasures I enjoy seeing, which totally defeated it’s purpose. Writing!

One day, I just decided to MAKE it my devotional space. I cleared off much of it and placed my bible, my new Oswald Chambers Journal (gift from a dear friend, Gwen), my Daily Bread devotional and prayer journal.

Now I have a serious space to do my bible study type of work, and, by just clearing off these books to one side, I can have a place for serious writing, or even a place to draw or paint!

I was encouraged to think on this by attending a writing workshop this cold Saturday afternoon, at the Haig Brown House, with a writer/speaker by the name of Margo McLoghlin. The workshop was called Tending The Spark. Margo has a website here: margostoryteller.net

The workshop involved some meditation, some poetry, some personal sharing and some writing. It was good to have that space and time to think and reflect on the process of writing and creativity. Thank you, Margo!

I want to write a book. However, writing involves some necessary discipline. I can write readily off the cuff and have a lot of collected writing in this blog, but unfortunately I lack the discipline and energy to pull that all together in order to make a book out of it. I will need assistance, no doubt, finances, and steadfast perseverance in order to complete THAT task!

We were asked to write something about a poem we read and listened to at the workshop today. We were asked to write a word that it brought to mind. Focus and clarity were the two words I thought of while reading and hearing this poem.

We were also asked to write a note about the thought. Here’s is the gist of what I wrote in the time provided:

“Focus and Clarity

Dispensing with the usual hustle and bustle of life activity, the noise of life, in order to find the creativity needed for a project CAN take time, as it did for the writer of this poem, and as it has for me at times.

It is necessary, periodically, as a practice. Alternatively, it can happen as moment demands, like stopping to really SEE the flowers, to capture that picture (I love taking photos, another art form). Being in the moment wherever and whenever moment occurs. I think both methods are necessary for creativity.

The motive for what we do, what we create, is highly important. Is it for gain? Attention? To share with others?

For the writer of the poem we heard, any selfish thought was removed over time, so that his purpose remaimed clear and focused.”

Having to think about the writer, his writing, his attitude and his aim, caused me to think of my own reason for doing anything creative. Here is my reasoning, as follows.

I want to make my mark in the world.

I want to create.

I want to share my faith.

I want to cause people to think.

I want to bring hope.

I want to bring laughter.

I want to share the grace of God in my life and the possibility of finding that kind of grace to others who come across my writings.

I want to be a blessing.

I want to please God.

I’ve had a long and interesting life. I will write a book!

One day!

In the meantime, I will use my desk with purpose, for devotional time, for writing, and perhaps even for art!

I must “Tend the Spark”!

Thank you, Margo!

Ann, Sept 23, 2023