penandpatience

Writers Words: “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 –page book. Write a good one.” –Brad Paisley, Singer-Songwriter

 “THE BIG DIG,” my narrative non-fiction essay has recently been published in the “Comin’ Up Roses,” February/March 2017 issue of MaryJaneFarm Magazine: www.maryjanesfarm.org

“CEMETERY PLOT,” fiction short story is pending publication in the newly transitioned The Storyteller Anthology Magazine. www.thestorytellermagazine.com.

MARCH 2017 MONTHLY MUSING

SAY IT WITH SAYINGS!

     “Do as I Say, Not as I do.”  My Dad said that to me many times over the years when I was growing up. Both Mom and Dad were smokers, admitted it was a “filthy habit,” and although they smoked, I should not. So, with the exception of giving it a try, choking half to death and a brief adult trial, I did as Dad said, not as he did. Consider this: his generation didn’t have the medical knowledge on nicotine addiction or the health hazards caused by smoking and yet they didn’t want this abominable habit inflicted upon their children.  Another of Dad’s favorite sayings: “If your ship is to come in, you must put your oar in the water.” Whether it was his saying, or learned elsewhere, I never knew. I only knew that if I wanted something in life, I had to work for it.  Add my own favorite:  “Helping hands are at the end of your arms.”   I believe most of the time individuals can help themselves through most problems without the expectation that others will do it for them.

What are Sayings? Sayings can be defined as a collection of short, pithy expressions identified with a particular person, especially a political or religious leader. Per Wikipedia: “A saying is any concisely written or spoken linguistic expression that is especially memorable because of its meaning or structure.” Many times these short, succinct words can drive a point across faster and more efficiently than a lengthy or wordy harangue.

     Listed below are a few favorites:

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.” –Chinese Proverb

“Life is always going to be stranger than fiction, because fiction has to be convincing and life doesn’t.” –Neil Gaiman, Author

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” –Confucius

“It is impossible to discourage the real writers – they don’t give a damn what you say, they’re going to write.” –Sinclair Lewis

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” –Victor Hugo

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” –F. Scott Fitzgerald

“The ax forgets; the tree remembers.” – African Proverb

“Spirit is always there within you, shining with the brilliance of a thousand suns.” –Deepak Chopra

“Nothing is to be more highly prized than the value of each day.” –Goethe

And …., a special one for writers:

“The pages are still blank but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.”  –Vladimir Nabakov

     OK, now it’s your turn! Send me one of your favorite quotations/sayings in the Comment Section of the site.  I’d love to feature them in a future Musing naming the original author and individual who submitted it.

     And, here’s another great site for Readers and Writers: Gary McLaren’s, “Writers Unplugged.” www.writersunplugged.com  and www.garymclaren.com

Gary McLaren is an Author and Digital Entrepreneur. His first website: Worldwide Freelance ( sign up for your free newsletter)! He’s written and published a number of independently published books: A Quick Guide to Social Media for Writers; The Indie’s Author’s Guide to Publishing EBooks; and The In-Flight Magazines report.

READERS:AND MOST IMPORTANT…. DON’T FORGET TO LIGHT IT UP BLUE FOR NATIONAL AUTISM MONTH THIS APRIL!