Today was the second annual Dillon family reunion since we used to have them over ten years ago. After moving from Smith Center, KS, we all kinda lost touch and weren't really looking to find it again, but last year, my Aunt tracked us all down and invited us to a reunion. It's been really great getting to know everyone again. The last time I spoke with many of them (before last year, anyway) was when I was in 6th grade, so a LOT has changed since then.It was a really great time, too. Less awkward reintroductions than last year, more time for just chatting and playing with the youngin's. That's always fun, because I can still remember being about the youngest at those things.
Now, my point for posting it, besides just to let you know what I've been up to, is that I was incredibly inspired by this. I've been having a bumpy time lately with my writing, and even tried writing a bit on the way up there (2 or 3 hour drive), but was uncomfortable and uninspired so I didn't get a lot done. But, after seeing my family, playing around all day, and visiting places from my childhood, I was on FIYAH! ;o)
I've been writing like a madman since.
I still really want to take a trip all by my lonesome sometime and stay in a hotel for a week or so, then just ride my bike around all over and check everything out. It's so bizarre to see how small everything is. Seriously, I remember my house (which was torn down and is now just an empty yard) being SO far away from the highway, but it turns out, it's two tiny little blocks. So weird. There's just so many memories and stories there. As much as I hated living there when I was a kid, I always loved the town itself. It helps me get back to my childhood, which, as a children's writer, really helps inspire me.
If you haven't already, I recommend going back to places you spent time (or town's you lived in) when you were young. It'll spark you more than you realize.Anyone have stories like that?
5 comments:
Sometimes I hate going back to places from where I grew up because it's changed so much, it ruins my memories. I kind of like them kept as they are. Unaltered. But it does bring up floods of images from the past. Mine are all on military bases and off limits to me now though. Bummer.
Sometimes I hate going back to places from where I grew up because it's changed so much, it ruins my memories. I kind of like them kept as they are. Unaltered. But it does bring up floods of images from the past. Mine are all on military bases and off limits to me now though. Bummer.
I go back to my home town pretty often, since it's not very far, but I've seen other places from my childhood less often. I never want to linger long while I'm there, but rather I'm content to watch them roll by while I'm riding in a car. They seem like images of a dream, prodding the memories in my brain active again. I don't know if I would even call it comforting, but it's there, just the same.
Sorry for the delay in response, everyone.
becky - That's so sweet. Can't wait to do the same.
amy - Yeah, I can understand that, too. My old house is gone, nothing but an empty yard. My grandma's old house is gone, nothing but an empty year. The library I used to practically live in has been turned into a fitness center. There are a lot of things like that. But, it sparks my memories, for sure.
anna - See, I want to get out there and role around in the dirt! ;o) Even if it's not quite the same, I've got a good imagination.
Oh, and one thing I did the first time I went back to my home town... the was this stone wall that went around the block, probably six feet high. All the kids would walk around the park on it. I was always too scared (and too fat at the time), so I never did. But, last time I went, I walked the suckah! It was great. I felt like I had some closure on the bad things from my childhood, while still being in touch enough with it to do something silly like that. ;o)
Thanks for the thoughts, everyone!!
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