I have been thinking about what to write for the 100th post of this blog. And laughed at myself for giving it such importance that it was causing some stress. So I decided just to tell you why I am writing and how I feel about it.

I started this blog, after a not so gentle push by a friend, to try to carve out a small amount of time for writing. I had sorted through 20 years of poems and published my book of poetry in March and had such a longing to get back to thinking and writing and creating, that this blog seemed like a good way to start. I committed to trying to write everyday. At least to think about writing something everyday!

One of the reasons I write is because I love words – I love how they are spelled, how they look on the page – how one word can convey so many different meanings – how emotions are tied to these different meanings – how just the right words, strung together – can move you, make you see things in a different way.  I do not believe that anything I write will change the world or become part of the annals of great literature. But I hope that occasionally something that I write will amuse or engage the reader and somehow be meaningful to them.

I describe myself as an observational writer. Relationships fascinate me – our relationship with nature and with each other.  Poetry is a vehicle for me to explore these relationships and observations. I hope that my poems will trigger a memory or show a side not considered or just call attention to a leaf or a bird. If someone thinks ‘I’ve felt that’ or ‘I hadn’t thought of it that way’ after reading something of mine, well, that would just mean so much to me.

But I have learned not to anticipate reactions. A friend that was having problems with depression, read one of my poems that I feel is almost a literal translation of what depression feels like. My friend told me that he really liked this particular poem. Well, of course, I was just so pleased with myself! (see swelling of ego) He read my words and was moved to self awareness regarding his problem. ( I had saved him) So I was sure that he would be helped in a real and significant way – all because of me! ( Oh how fortunate for the world that I am a writer!)  Yes, he said, I like the desert too. ( Cue laughter!) I learned that lesson well. I hope that  what I write has some value for the reader, but the value, for me, is in the writing itself.

I will continue to think and write and enjoy posting on this blog. I am especially enjoying the posts about our house in NW Arkansas – The Last Really Good Shack – and will continue to write about our adventures there.

I think about how to string together words to describe emotions or observations all the time. Some of these end up on scrap pieces of paper, some end up as poems on this blog. I will continue to write as always.

And just a parting word, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and thoughtful comments of the truly talented people that stop by this blog. The fact that you take the time to read and comment is very moving to me. I appreciate your time and do not take it for granted. Thank you!

So this is my 100th post ….. to be continued……