Life is still beautiful

Since I started blogging, I've received news of several tragedies - some of true friends who spread the news on their blogs, some from people I only know through their blogs, and some of people I've met after their traumatic experiences.

The latter happened to me last night, like it probably did to all of you, when I found out that Stephanie and Christian of "Nienie" fame were in a private plane crash and fighting for their lives.

I don't know Stephanie personally, and I've only met Christian a few times, but I do know that they are parents to four small children - and that they have a unique passion for life and finding its dramatic charm. (Even if it made some of our homes look awfully average.)

So I'm praying for them and hoping for the best. I'm sure you are, too.

Do I feel completely unjustified in posting about them when they aren't my family or even my friends? Yes. Is it still weighing heavily on my mind? Yes.

It's hard to not feel like tragedy is raining down on our world between the recent experiences in my family, world affairs and roundabout news like this. Maybe it's being an adult. Maybe it's modern communications. Maybe it's the end of the world.

But this I know - there always still hope. While one person lies in a hospital, another lies there bringing new life into this world. It's tempting to stop living for fear of all the things that can happen to us, but as NieNie showed us, you have to keep believing in beautiful things.




... unfortunately, I'm not so sure that my hair is one of them. So that pic will have to wait for another day and lighter post fare.

So you think you can write?

Love these templates at Design Police (found by Mr. Dub)

My dear old friend, The Rookie, invited me to participate in a writing meme. And while I'm not a huge fan of memes - mostly because I never have "10 things you don't know about me" because I'm unfortunately inclined to share EVERYTHING about my life, including bowel issues, with complete strangers - I was very excited about this meme; because something you might not know about me is that I'm obsessed with writing and grammar and love to learn more about what makes someone good at either.

Unfortunately, Rooks already said everything I really wanted to say in her own meme. (And probably much better than I could have, though it was short on constipation references.) But I'll give it a try anyway.


The Rules:
1. List three things that make writing good and powerful.
2. Link back to the person who tagged you.
3. List three things that you believe are necessary to make writing good and powerful.
4. Tag five others and comment at their blog informing them that they’ve been tagged with this meme.


Three Things:

1. Words - Good writers love words. They love the subleties of syntax and appreciate the selection and positioning of words in even the most mundane formats. They like to contemplate the differences between "merit" and "deserve" and are eager to learn new vocabulary and implement it. They also want to place their words appropriately, with proper punctuation serving as the traffic lights in their pen's travels. They know that reading good writing leads to better writing.

2. Brevity - As a frequent user of run-on sentences and paragraphs, I'm truly a kettle calling out black pots. But when I'm writing an article for publication, I'm a stickler for concision. Don't overdo it with the prepositions. Don't repeat yourself for emphasis. Just make your point well and make it fast. Use less words to say more or you just sound lazy or uninformed. Of course, if you are Jane Austen, then to H with it all - tell me all the textural properties of your dear friend's dress' bustle. There is an appropriate time and place for all types of writing, you just have to figure out what they are. (Like blogs ... where punctuation, good writing and brevity are totally optional. Just see my next paragraph!)

3. Genetics - You're not going to want to hear this one if you struggle with writing, but I truly believe that some people are just gifted in writing, just like others are born musicians or shot-putters - though I must admit that being a good writer never really receives the same kind of accolades as being an athlete or artist, probably because it's a quieter talent than others, like tuba playing. But I must say that my writing inclination is inherent. As a young child, I found myself alliterating poems just because it came out that way, not because I knew it was an effective literary devise. (Though it must not be abused, I warn you!) Even today, I often find myself unintentionally imbuing an article with hints of irony or using wordplay without even meaning to do it; it just comes out that way. And while I wish I could take the credit, I come from two very verbal and well-versed parents, both who are the products of parents who were equally talented. (And one great-grandfather who I must brag and say was an LDS apostle and author of many immaculate books.) But lest you fret that you can never be a good writer, I want to remind you that practice does equal perfect, just not prodigy. And I'm certainly not one of those myself. I am constantly recognizing my writing faults by reading other writers who are brilliant.


Oh, and I tag:
1. Any of you who love to write or have an opinion on this thrilling matter.
2. The rest of you.
3. Anyone with green eyes.
4. People with fish.
5. Vern.