Memories help bind the past and the future

A writing exercise on remembering five great achievements from my childhood prompted this month’s blog. I decided to take it one step further and show how I’ve incorporated those early achievements into my writing life.

1) I conquered the monkey bars (or crossbars) – not an easy feat at the time. I started out weak and couldn’t propel myself to the next bar without using my toes. I didn’t give up though, despite some nasty calluses. My mom begged me to stop, worried I’d wreck my hands. I did it though, and I was so proud of myself!
When I started out writing, my skills were lacking. Over the years I’ve studied my craft and despite rejections or negative reviews, I’ve stayed determined and strong. One bar at a time – one story at a time.

2) I went down the scary slide in the park - the one where it felt like you climbed forever to get to the top. Shaped like a rocket it stretched up about the length of a three-story building. At the two-story mark there was a long metal slide that on hot days burned and streaked up the back of your legs. I used to sit there with my legs dangling over the edge but couldn’t get myself to go down. I stared at the sandpit below thinking it would be my doom. I worried the ground might open up and swallow me. One day I found the nerve to push off and, okay yes I screamed the entire way down but afterwards I couldn’t believe how fantastic it felt. I went up and down that slide for about two hours that day and about every day that summer.
I was just as nervous to send out my first story. I still have moments of doubt, my finger might hover over the send button, but I do it and after the shakies go away I feel good about myself and ready to tackle another book.

3) Kissed my first crush George in front of all my birthday guests. George was the only boy invited. My cake came out, everyone sang happy birthday, and instead of making a wish I told George to come over and kiss me. Blushing like a lobster, he got up and kissed me. I was shocked and surprised and smiling ear to ear the rest of the day. I took a risk by asking him in front of all my friends. Not sure what I would’ve done if he hadn’t kissed me, I mean it was my birthday party after all.
I’ve stepped out of my protective shell many times. I never know how readers will respond to a new book or when I tackle something new. I put something out there and then I get these wonderful surprises and positive feedback and it boosts my mood for days.

4) Learned to ride a bicycle. It was a big deal because all my other friends rode theirs but I couldn’t get myself to balance so I’d tip over. I finally did learn but wow was it ever frustrating! It took coasting down driveways and running into cars and trees but yeah, another accomplishment.
I work on my craft every day. I don’t always get things right the first time, but I keep trying. And each day is a lesson on balance – how to juggle all the different hats I wear, and even all the different hats my characters wear. But in the end I can look back and appreciate the road taken.

5) I won 1st place in the 4th of July parade with my friend Tracy. We were dressed as lion tamers and had my cat in a cage being pulled on a wagon. We had these long grass reeds that we pretended were whips and a tape recorder playing a lion’s roar. Such fun! We each received blue ribbons.
I’ve always been creative and I like to find different ways to be creative, whether it’s through blog posts, titles, poetry, new genres, or character occupations. And I believe it’s important to let the kid in you shine once in awhile. Get out some paper and crayons and color! Tap into your youthful side. Memories are wonderful tools, a way to bind the past and the future. My mother always said I was precocious, stubborn, determined, and imaginative. My husband says the same thing. I think those traits will always stay with me.

What childhood achievement do you remember?

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Thanks for swinging by today

~Ann Cory