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Sunday, August 23, 2009

The Best Writing Comes from Our Hearts and Memories!

Thank you all so much for leaving your happy words, thoughts, and phrases. You made my 100th post so much fun. In fact, you inspired a new activity!

I was just thinking that all too often we see what's wrong with life. We forget about what's right and good. All of our happy thoughts made me focus on one particular memory that made me think of the simple pleasure of seeing joy and love.

One of the greatest places in the world to see love is at the airport. Have you ever taken the time to watch the faces of people as they recognize someone they love (and have missed) file through busy airport turnstiles? Tears of joy and smiles of delight are often smothered by bear hugs that last long enough to cause carry-on suitcases to fall on the worn carpet floor. For at least one special moment, love and hope abound. Cynics who think that the world is filled with bitterness and anger should spend a day observing reunions at the airport.

The best writing comes from our hearts and memories. So, with that in mind,
this writing activity should be easy for you! Just finish the following sentence (pick one or do both).

One of the greatest places to see love is ______________________.
One of the greatest places to see joy is _______________________.

Before you start writing stop for a minute. Close your eyes and really recall the memory. How did it smell? How did it sound? How did it make you feel? Let your mind's eye write on for as long as you want! Show me happiness! I can't wait to read what comes from your hearts.

Teachers: Start this exercise orally with your kids. Remember, creative talking stimulates creative writing. Convince your kids that what they have to say is important by listening to them and joining in the oral experience!

18 comments:

Jan Mader said...

One of the greatest places to see love is ______

OR

One of the greatest places to see joy is _______

OR BOTH!

Ziggy Stardust said...

One of the greatest places to see love is in the eyes of Sasha, when I get home after being gone for a while.

One of the greatest places to see joy is in a maternity ward, the families, the new parents, that is pure joy.

2cats said...

One of the greatest places to see love AND one of the greatest places to see joy is in the newborn nursery of a hospital.

DJan said...

I must agree with Chicamom85: dogs are one of the greatest places to see love, because your dog is filled with pure love for you, without attachment to your deeds.

One of the places to see joy is indeed in the faces of parents when they first lay eyes on their offspring.

Jan Mader said...

I never thought of the nursery or maternity ward and I should have for sure (since I have three sons and two grandchildren).

Another place to see joy is at a park. The toddler swings are filled with kids who are laughing belly laughs as they're pushed high into the air.

See how one thought leads to another? Nursery made me think of my own kids and my own kids made me think of parks...

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Love comes unexpectly.
It isn't searched for.
Love knocks on hearts,
on unexpected days,
through unexpected doors,
they that allowed the doors to open,
will find the love,
it happend to me,,,,it happened to them,
when they first held me.
Sometimes love just happens
when you least expect it.
Love is everywhere,
if we let it happen.,,,even to pugs.

Al said...

One of the greatest place to see love is when a Mother breastfeed her baby.

One of the greatest place to see joy is when you give love to less fortunate children.

And I agree with Tweedles, love just happens when you least expect it...how wonderful.

AL

Joei said...

For me One of the greatest place to see love is when I saw woman giving birth to her baby.

One of the greatest place to see joy is when I see smiles to my patients face every time I say hello to them, or when I am interacting with them.
and

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:5-7

-joei

Tweedles -- that's me said...

One of the greatest places to see Joy is sometimes right before my Eyes- when Good Fortune happens- like popcorn that falls on the floor and I get it FAST before it can be picked up. That is my Good Fortune and joy to me!
Some humans would think that is like winning the lottery!

Suzanne Ross Jones said...

Another inspiring post, Jan. And congratulations on your 100th (didn't want to ruin the flow of thoughts by commenting on that post).

Agree about newborns and children - and love Tweedles' poem.

A place to see love - the faces of good friends.

2cats said...

A funeral is a sad time but you can see love there. Love on the faces of the mourners as they comfort each other and as they say their last good-byes.
Joy can be seen at a wedding.

Jan Mader said...

I never would have thought of that...you're right, there's so much love..powerful love...at a funeral.

There's love in gardens too...have you seen the face of someone who is tending roses? The love might not be as powerful as the love for a human, but it's there nonetheless. The scent of sweet roses, the gentle touch of caring hands, and the look of pride as the roses blossom are all signs of love to me.

Anu Lal said...

You are absolutely right Jan. I agree with you. The best writing happens when our heart starts giving instructions to our hand, with the hidden doors of memories opened. Many of the recent literature lacks this and only became an act or trick, which can be performed through knowing the jargons of the theories and language.You have addressed them as cynics.Good.
Congrats for the 101 post.
May your muse be always with you.

CATachresis said...

I've been thinking about this and agree that the love and joy of a mother when she looks at her newborn is definitely "one of the greatest".

Perhaps, though, the ultimate expression of love was seen at the crucifixion. The enormity and significance of that event has ramifications for all our lives and for all eternity.

That was just a passing thought lol.

Joei said...

Hi Jan!,
I tagged you please visit it on my post its "How Old is Old"

have a nice day!

-joei

ocmist said...

One of the greatest places to see love is watching a mother dog caring for it’s pup.

One of the greatest places to see joy is in the faces of our dogs when we come home, even if we’ve only been outside for a few minutes!

Sandy said...

Greatest places to see joy would be watching the face of a young excited child for the first time as DisneyWorld. Experiencing the excitement through them.

One of the greatest places to see love is around a dinner table with a loving, caring family.

Thanks for having the special family gathering last night. There sure was a lot of love last night, when we gathered up to honor our parents 62nd Wedding Anniversary...I posted some pics if anyone wants to hop over for a look see.

Hugs
Sandy

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Wild animals in nature show love. Have you ever seen a mama deer wash her little for 20 minutes after it takes a nap? That's love.
Have you heard a mama horse winny,& nicker and then nudge her new born baby on the ground?
Thats love too

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