Dr. Seuss was such a great motivator, wrapping empowering messages in the most delightfully silly language. The author, whose name was Theodore Seuss Geisel, has been widely quoted as saying, "I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells."
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Another writer suggested starting every day by writing a limerick as a way to achieve the same thing. I've yet to try. It sure would be a fun addition to my morning coffee, so here goes:
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There once was a girl from the sea
whose life was wrapped in ennui
until one day she stepped out
and kicked off her doubt
and now she's content to just be.
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I put up HORTON HEARS A WHO! cover because I want to also share this little gem from it:
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Don't give up! I believe in you all.
A person's a person, no matter how small!
And you very small persons will not have to die
If you make yourselves heard! So come on, now and, TRY!
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I don't know about you, but I want to make myself heard. Each of us has a voice, a story, but it may not be heard if we think we are small.
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Now, I want to shout-out two of my favorite bloggers who have contests going on to mark milestones.
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Wen Prior at On Words and Upwards is celebrating her almost-anniversary, giving away books and other treats. Wen's humor and storytelling shine through in her posts. She is not only a prolific blogger, she writes fascinating tales, paints and plays music. And she also writes killer pitches and recently was one of five people picked out of 500 in agent Rachelle Gardner's one-sentence summary contest. Visit Wen. Stay awhile. You won't be sorry.
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Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse has created a site that is like the most amazing Thesaurus ever. Do you need help thinking of new ways to describe anticipation or guilt? Maybe you've never been to an abandoned mine or prison cell. She's got descriptions to help you. So many people make their way to her blog, she is celebrating more than 800 followers and more than 200,000 page views! Whew. Her prizes will knock your socks clear off. I was lucky enough to win a critique from her once. Trust me. You want to enter.
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Okay, then. If you have anything silly to say, please do!
Thank you for the mention, Tricia! Horton Hears a Who is totally my favorite kids book.
ReplyDeleteI love the Bookshelf Muse, too, that site is really helpful when your brain seizes up!
Great post, Tricia! And, why am I not surprised that your girl came from the sea?
ReplyDeleteI've nothing silly this morning. I'm always so serious.
So cool! now I feel inspired to write a limerick!
ReplyDeleteIn the days before we were dating, I discovered my hubby had a sense of humor when he took a copy of _Horton Hears a Who_ to a very serious theology conference and had a speaker--also named Horton--sign it.
ReplyDeleteDH had "keeper" stamped all over him from that day on!
Wen: You totally deserve it!
ReplyDeleteDavin: I know you lean to serious, but, I swear, you'll be amazed what a little limerick writing will do. :D
PJ: Yay, go for it!
Laurel: Oh, I love that story. Most definitely a keeper.
"I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells."
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun post to excite the neurons.
Horton Hears a Who is a great book- I love all of Dr. Seuss's books and so does my daughter.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I love Dr. Seuss. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteGreat links. I don't think I follow either of them! I must remedy that.
I love your limerick. I was a girl from the sea once too and it definitely resonated with me. Thanks for the linkage.
ReplyDeletePaul: Hurrah for excited neurons.;)
ReplyDeleteStephanie: I think Dr. Seuss makes a lot of people happy and that's something I'd aspire to.
Palindrome: He's so fine. ;) Enjoy the links.
Anne: Thank you. That's makes my day.
How can you not love Dr. Seuss? Thanks for a Wednesday smile. Also Tricia, there's an award over at Middle Passages for you today.
ReplyDeleteLove your limerick. I've never been able to write good limericks - they're always really cheesy :)
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile, a well-needed one, I might add!
ReplyDeleteI am horrible at limericks. I leave them to the experts like yourself!
Liza: I'm thinking of you and wishing you more smiles soon. And thank you for the sweet award.
ReplyDeleteJemi: I don't know why, but my brain seems to fall into limerick pattern if I let it. Haven't done one in years and it just kind of came out. Not sure what that means. :D
Lydia: Makes my heart sing to give smiles. :))
Very nice tips! I will definitely check out Angela's blog. Good of you to introduce her to some new readers!
ReplyDeleteI do so love Dr. Suess. silliness is the sweet wine of life, don't you think? :)
ReplyDeleteI love Wen too :)
Thanks, Samuel!
ReplyDeleteTabitha: I'm ready for silly anytime. ;)
Nothing really silly to say, just never give up on anything you do is a great motto to live by (one of the few rules that I live by, also). Write on, Tricia, and I'll be checking out those blogs and their contests right about...now.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I like Fairy tales and Disney movies and dance movies and musicals. The plots are a formulaic, but there's nothing like a happy dose of silly.
ReplyDeleteLove your limerick. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat linkage.
Nothing silly to say. Odd, that.
Happy Thursday!
Lola
Enjoy the contests, Vatche.
ReplyDeleteClaire: Silly is good. I need more silly. :)
Lola: Thank you and happy day to you, too!
I LOVED your limerick. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Wen and Angela!
What a delightful limerick - and such a great idea to kick off your doubt - like a pair of shoes filled with sand.
ReplyDeleteI must explore the links too!
Thanks for commenting on the editor interview on my blog.
Karen: Woo-hoo! Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteMegan: Hi and thanks! I need to kick up my heels more often, I think.
Fun limerick!
ReplyDeleteI’m a big fan of Dr. Seuss. A first edition Horton Hatches and Egg, is one of the most cherished books in my collection. My father passed it onto me from his childhood.
I love Dr. Suess. My kids favorite is a little book called What was I scared of. It's hilarious and sweet.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out Wendy's contest!
Sarah: That is so wonderful--to have a book that was your father's. :)
ReplyDeleteNatalie: What a wonderful legacy he left the children (and adults) of our world.
I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells is probably the most profound thing ever said.
ReplyDeleteLove the limerick and I adore Horton. Just seeing the his picture makes me smile. And thanks for the great links! I'm off to visit Wen. :)
ReplyDeleteRayna: Ha! Great comment.
ReplyDeleteViva: Thank you. I'm so glad you're back. :)