A Writer Writes...

Yup, these are my stories.  My writing.  Humor, insight, well, maybe.  Oh, and I'll throw in some photography, too.  Helps me understand my world and what I'm really seeing.

These will be stories about LIFE, specifically my life.  It's a funny thing about writing.  I've been doing it since I was a little girl and learned that I could write a story almost as well as I could tell one.  That was one of those EUREKA moments!  Maybe it was the power of language--or, maybe I discovered the magic in simple adjectives.

A few days ago I had an email from a friend asking me how I would define "the creative source" that I so freely tap into as an artist and a writer.  (Oh, sidebar--I'm working on my website for art right now:  www.tobybakerart.com, which should be up and running soon.)

Isn't it funny that something as simple as trying to define "the creative source" could be such a tangle?

I really had to think about it. She wanted to know where "it" was located.  For me, "it's" deep inside, in the very center, my very core.  Where did it come from?  Obviously, for me, from the Great Creator, God, my Higher Power.  How did I visualize it?  Like a delicate yet tenacious web of pure energy.  I am a single tiny strand, almost invisible by myself but connected to others, well, it's a powerful force.  It's also one that completely runs on the ying-yang, the cause and effect, the if a butterfly flaps its wings on one side of the world, is it felt on the other.

       
 I have just begun to understand that this wellspring, that I drink from so freely and so often, that has always been there for me, has just one stipulation-- TO USE IT.  There have been so many times in my life that I've gone willy-nilly off in directions that did not fully utilize my gifts and talents.  I always ended up feeling dissatisfied, anxious to leave and unfulfilled.

Now I realize by USING this gift I am a contributing strand to the universal web, sharing the best of me, fulfilling my purpose.  I am influenced by my world and in turn hope that my writing and art connect me with others in this web of life, influencing, shaping, amusing or inspiring.

And, so, Dear Readers, that is my intent with my blog.  I have been putting off the beginning of this journey, but it starts today.  Afterall, I am a writer and a writer writes.