Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Calling of the Muse

Over the break, I bought Judy Reeves' book A Writer's Book of Days. The following is a short inspiration from the introduction of that book:

"My grandmother used to tell me that when we're born God puts His big thumbprint in the middle of our forehead and says, "You're a musician," "You're a baker," "You make pottery," and so on. To some of us, He says, "You, you're a writer." Those of us who were marked as writers (or as musicians or painters or dancers) but have pushed aside the calling of the Muse might as well surrender and do the thing we're meant to do. Otherwise, that longing inside our hearts will never be stilled."

My Muse, bless her heart, keeps yelling at me to write and to create (not that those two things are necessarily exclusive. I mean, to write, we must create).

So, tell me, what's the thumbprint on your forehead?

7 comments:

Amy Jo said...

Very good question. I wish someone would let me know the answer!

Jolene said...

Yeah, my fingerprint is smudged a little (when God told me to hold still, I should have listened!)...maybe that's why I want to paint, I want to sculpt, I want to write, I want to weave...I want to create beauty. According to my husband, my fingerprint is the art of driving him crazy! =)

Stellar Meadow said...

My muse is SCREAMING at me to be more than I am. And I love that word for it- muse. Positively perfect. So true about just surrendering. I know what stills my needy soul. (: Nothing else will do. Thought provoking post, as always!

Alyosha said...

I'm still in denial, and it sucks.

orangemily said...

I'm not sure, still narrowing down the list. = )

Joe Average Writer said...

I think I was smacked with a stick rather than imprinted. The vibrations still haven't stopped. Occasionally, if I try really hard to hold still, I can see stars!

Liza said...

My thumbprint says keep doing what you are doing. You'll get there.