Tag: Creative Ideas

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History in the Making

Corn Flakes, The Journey of a Favorite Cereal

History in the making
  • A health guru…
  • Stale wheat…
  • A tight budget…

This hodgepodge of events would lead to the creation of a long-time favorite cereal!

Corn Flakes’ journey began in 1877 when John Henry Kellogg (“John”) sought to provide a vegetarian diet to his patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. John combined wheat, oats and cornmeal, baked them at a high temperature, then smashed the mix into little pieces. After pouring the hard morsels in a bowl and covering them with milk (to soften them), John served this nutritious breakfast to the patients.

But the concoction wasn’t corn flakes…yet.

In 1898 the cereal’s journey took an unexpected turn. A pan of the wheat mixture was accidentally left out for too long. Faced with stale wheat and budget constraints, John couldn’t bring himself to toss the tray of grains into the trash. Instead, he donned his “creative cook” hat and rolled that stale mixture into thin sheets which crumbled into flakes. He toasted them in the oven, and when they emerged, the flakes were crispy and tasted good.

But John didn’t stop there. Experimenting with corn, he discovered those flakes came out of the oven crispier and crunchier than wheat.

Voilà−Corn Flakes!

But the journey of Corn Flakes didn’t end when those crispy flakes were pulled from the oven. Notable events followed, curiosities that might whet the appetite of fiction writers. The mystery, intrigue, drama or humor surrounding Corn Flakes could be injected into a story.

Mystery: Just who was in the kitchen making something good out of those stale flakes? John Kellogg? His brother, Will? John’s wife?

Envision a character (a young reporter?) snooping around the sanitarium grounds or chatting up a group of gossipy patrons lounging in the hot tub.

Industrial Espionage: C.J. Post (Post Cereal Co.) is said to have been a patient at the sanitarium who worked in the kitchen to help pay his way. Upon his return to Texas, toasted corn flakes (“Toasties”) became part of his cereal line. Did he steal the recipe from John? Add a telling tidbit: Post beat the Kellogg brothers to the patent office to register the rolling machine.

A character could be an employee at Post Cereal during this intriguing season.

Family Drama. Add sugar to those healthy corn flakes? Anathema! Market them? Not on my watch! John’s and Will’s differing aspirations resulted in a rift between the brothers. Ultimately, Will bought the rights to Corn Flakes and by 1906 he had formed the “Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flakes Company.”

Over a bowl of Corn Flakes, a story’s characters might discuss the newspaper’s coverage of the feud or engage in a discussion about the healthiness (or not) of sugar.

“Wink at your grocer and see what you get.”

A free box of Corn Flakes!

What a playful marketing scheme by Will Kellogg!

What a playful scene to add to a story!

Imagine a 1907 male character winking at a female cashier! LOL!

Or perhaps the main character is the cashier; at first it’s fun, but being winked at all day long can get old fast.

The Rooster: In 1957 Cornelius “Corny” Rooster appeared on boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.

Picture a breakfast scene with young children enamored by the rooster.

 In the 1990’s, Cornelius received a makeover. Fiction in that time period could include a debate over breakfast: which Cornelius do you like best?

And there you have it−Corn Flakes!

From the mind of a health guru to Cornelius the Rooster−who’d have guessed Corn Flakes would give us so much to crow about?

Jeannine Brummett lives in South Carolina with her husband of nineteen years, Don, who shares his three adult sons and three grandchildren with her. Reading is big on her list of things to do, but she also thrives on TV crime dramas, NBA basketball, and marvels at the critters and fowl life that live at the pond behind their house. She loves to sing praise songs, attend Bible Study, and help at a local food pantry.

Categories
History in the Making

Thinking Inside the Icebox

History in the making

From the ingenuity of Thomas Moore, the icebox first appeared on the American scene in 1802. Like many new inventions, its production was limited and thus affordable only to the rich. However, by 1884, increased capacity for ice, improved insulation and mass production led to an icebox in most homes.

Constructed of wood, the icebox looked like an attractive piece of box-sized cabinetry with several doors and a large drawer on top which served to house the ice. The shelves were made of zinc or tin as were the walls which were insulated with a material such as straw, sawdust, cork, or even seaweed. A pan at the bottom caught the water as the ice melted, requiring someone to empty the pan before it overflowed on the floor. In more expensive models, a spigot allowed for easy draining of accumulated water.

Ice needed to be replenished every two to three days and was available from the local ice house. Some folks picked up the solid block of ice and transported it home themselves. Others availed themselves of the delivery service, whereby a driver arrived with his horse-drawn carriage, pulled a block of ice from the back of the truck with a two-pronged hook, hauled it inside the customer’s house and lifted it into the ice drawer of the icebox.

An exciting acquisition to anyone’s kitchen, the icebox offered conveniences not enjoyed by previous generations:

  1. It eliminated the need to trek out to an underground pit or brook house, or stoop at a hole dug in the cellar floor, which were common ways to keep foods cool in earlier time periods.
  2. Daily trips to the local market to purchase fresh food were replaced by excursions only a few times a week.
  3. Time and energy expended to preserve foods by smoking, salting or canning became more a cook’s choice than a necessity.

As thrilling as the icebox might have been, not everything about it was cause for celebration. It held odors. Whether a naturally odoriferous food or something that spoiled, the smell would not go away. And one food could take on the “aroma” of another. For example, the butter could smell like fish.

However, the benefits of being able to keep food fresh and fingertip close were huge, evidenced by the industry’s attention to continuing improvements of the appliance.

As writers, why should we care about old iceboxes?

Writers of historical fiction can utilize an icebox to add detail to a scene or enhance their stories:

(1) A character grabs a chunk of cheese to add to Sunday dinner and notices that the ice is getting low; (2) Perhaps a grandmother shares an “I remember when…” memory, giving a peek into long-ago day-to-day living; or (3) An overflowing water pan might reveal a character’s short-temperedness, or a nasty smell might add tension as the cooks sort out how to handle it.

Romance Writers, can you picture the growing attraction between the oldest daughter and the ice truck driver? Or perhaps the handsome town bachelor owns the ice house.

Contemporary writers are not left out of the possible uses of “iceboxes” in their works. A key character might be an antiques collector, or perhaps the CEO of an appliance store chain, having descended from a family involved in marketing early iceboxes. Mystery Writer, can you envision an unidentified body being discovered huddled against an ancient icebox in your heroine’s antique shop?

Whew! Who would have thought an icebox could reveal character traits, stimulate career choices or spark plot twists?

Well…probably not Mr. Moore.

But for writers? There are oodles of cool ideas inside the icebox.

Jeannine Brummett lives in South Carolina with her husband of nineteen years, Don, who shares his three adult sons and three grandchildren with her. Reading is big on her list of things to do, but she also thrives on TV crime dramas, NBA basketball, and marvels at the critters and fowl life that live at the pond behind their house. She loves to sing praise songs, attend Bible Study, and help at a local food pantry.

Categories
Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #10 – Keep your creative juices flowing

During this busy season it can be difficult to find time for creativity. The left side of our brains are on overdrive—making lists and checking them twice, decking the halls, roasting chestnuts, and ensuring a holly jolly Christmas for every boy and girl, way into the silent night. Here are some fun ideas to keep the right side of your brain jingling all the way, during the most wonderful time of the year.

  1. If you’re scheduled to attend a particularly boring or stressful holiday event, party, or gathering (come on, admit it, no one is immune) spice up the drudgery by mentally hijacking the event and making it your own creative playground. Designate yourself the secret narrator of the meeting. First, choose a genre. If you want to really exercise your storytelling muscles, choose one that is outside your comfort zone. Then, from the time you enter the venue, mentally compose a literary masterpiece based on your observations. (Note: don’t verbally act as narrator. People will think you’re nuts!) As you meet new people, plot them into your story. As narrator you have the power to transform the mundane into mystery, chaos into comedic, and an obligatory gathering into an opportunity for creative genius.
  2. This is the season of giving, so we might as well give creatively. Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received are ones that didn’t cost much monetarily but were worth their weight in gold when measured in thoughtfulness. For those most important people in your life, why not give them the best of your God given talents. Use your way with words to create a personalized scavenger hunt with clever clues that lead to a gift. Write a poem and use a program like Canva to set it attractively, then frame the treasured keepsake for your loved-one to enjoy. Compose a song, hire someone to set it to music, and record it for family or friends. The gifts that are cherished the most are ones that are given from the deepest part of us.
  3. Use your literary skills to spin a yarn about the origin of an obscure holiday tradition. My first writing award was presented to me in the seventh grade. The challenge was to write a creative story, 500 words or less, that explained how zebras got their stripes. A zany tale that featured the Keebler Elves won me second place, and I’ve been hooked on writing ever since. This is a great time to prepare publishable pieces for next Christmas, so don’t hold back. Let your creative juices flow.
  4. I’ve saved the best for last. During this holiday season press in to the One who gave you your creative gifts. From a very young age I’ve felt the gentle and gracious pull of the Father calling me to worship. I was eight years old, sitting on the shag carpet in front of our console television watching a Christmas special. A carol I’d heard many times before came to life for me during that program. As the choir sang, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” I dropped my face to the floor and began to weep. My mother was alarmed and tried to comfort me. But I had no words to explain to her what was happening. God was drawing me to Him—to adore him. And I had to. He deserved my adoration, my worship, my whole heart. When I consider how often I’ve failed Him and others since that sacred moment, and that He, already knowing every future fault, still called me to that privilege and honor of His presence, I’m humbled and long for the heart of that eight-year-old worshiper again. When we abide in Him and He in us—there’s no stopping Him from creating in and through us the fruit that will last.  

Scripture: John 15:4

Fun Fact: One of the easiest ways to get back into the creative flow is by using writing prompts. According to Writer’s Digest writing prompts, “force us to take a premise and find creative avenues to turn it into a story. They allow you to break out of funk you’ve been trapped in and enter an entirely different arena—likely one that you hadn’t considered before.” I’ve used them before, and it works! Here’s a link to some that might help:

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

Categories
The Poet's Pen

Poetry, Poetry Everywhere – Poetry Topics

Sometimes poets are asked, “Where do you find things to write about?” Everything is a possible subject, although there are some topics you might want to refrain from tackling. Below is a list that offers some ideas for your next poem.

Possible poetry topics

  1. Describe something. Paint a picture with words – mountains, a stream, a new vehicle, etc.
  2. A response to something – a rebuttal about something directed at you or a cause you support.
  3. The scent of something – baking cookies, cinnamon, roses, hay, etc. It could also be a bad scent such as decay or death, the smell of medicine or a hospital. Along with scent don’t forget the other senses of touch and taste. Think of the creamery coldness of ice cream or the feel of silk.
  4. A special occasion such as Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary.
  5. An emotion – love. hate, fear, excitement, joy, etc. 6
  6. Someone you love. Children make good subjects.
  7. A pet or other animal. Describe its fur, eyes, teeth, or intelligence.
  8. A color, its scent, how it makes you feel. What would the color look like if it were a person?
  9. Religion or a lack of.
  10. Personify a disease. For example, describe arthritis as an old man.
  11. Ravages of time, an age. This could be a place or a person reflecting on his life.
  12. Write about your first something – kiss, job, child, pet, etc.
  13. Look to history – select a time or historical subject to write about.
  14. Books can offer inspiration. For example, the Bible is full of great ideas.

Have fun. Use the above suggestions to spark your own poem.

Darlo Gemeinhardt writes middle grade novels. She believes that there is a story in every dog. In her spare time she takes care of 1 husband (of 40 years), 29 dogs and trains with TALLAO, K-9 SEARCH AND RESCUE. Visit her at From the dog pen.com

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Looking for Article Opportunities

Writers just beginning to write articles look around them and the big question becomes, “I know some of the basics of writing articles but how do I find places to submit my work?”

Article writing can come in many forms these days. Just look around you. Everything that has words on it has been written by someone—magazines and blogs, of course, but also placemats in restaurants, stories on sides of products such as kid’s meal boxes, flyers, newsletters, and more. So be creative and think outside the box.

Articles require research and it is sad not to be able to use and reuse your research for other things. Don’t spend time in extensive research without looking for ways you can use your material for other articles or projects.

For example, you may have just submitted an article on cats and what great pets they are for a general interest magazine. Why not create a fun quiz for kids about the quirky habits of cats? Or make a list of fun facts about cats? Those are things you could submit to another magazine or pitch to cat product manufacturers as something fun they could put on the side of their products. You could also write a children’s story that incorporates some of the things you learned.

Perhaps you have done an article for a local magazine and learned a lot about your area. Create a placemat with games and fun facts that you could pitch to local restaurants. Better yet, offer to customize the placemats by including a few fun facts about that specific restaurant. Some restaurants have the history of their businesses on the placemat. Here again, writer opportunity!

When you see a possible market, be bold and don’t hesitate to approach a business or editor with an idea as to how you can help. Introduce yourself as a writer and tell him or her that you noticed they used written materials. Offer to send samples or a list of ideas. Then make sure you follow up.

Bottom line, be attentive as you go through your day and make note of written items you see. There may just be a writing opportunity right in front of your eyes.

 

Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Her passion is helping others discover the joy of writing. Linda recently released Articles, Articles, Articles! and is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and 17 books including the new LINKED Quick Guides for Personalities. As Director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Linda helps many writers take the next step in reaching their writing goals. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Do You Consume Art Wisely?

The intentional writer

Remember that old saying, You are what you eat? Just as the food we consume affects the overall health of our body, so the art we consume affects the overall health of our creative output. We are an amalgam of all we have seen and experienced.

Which means what we consume matters. A lot.

Because, as Solomon so aptly put it, there is nothing new under the sun. The best artists understand that their most original art comes from intentionally borrowing good ideas from other artists and adapting them in their own unique way for their own particular purpose.

“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.” Jim Jarmusch (as quoted in Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon)

How to consume art with purpose

Don’t imbibe indiscriminately

The wise artist of any genre is intentional about what they consume because it will affect their creative efforts, for better or for worse. We need to seek art that will stretch us, inspire us, and make us think. We need to find masters of our genre and spend time with them—not to imitate but to absorb and transform. We need to view the literature and other art around us with the mindset of what is worthy of being borrowed and what is not.

Seek out anything that sparks joy

I have found the question, “does this spark joy?” to be helpful in many areas of my life (not just decluttering my home). You might prefer to rephrase the question to ask what intrigues, what resonates, what stirs your creative soul. When you run across art that sparks interest or appreciation—books, movies, visual arts, music, décor, whatever—take the time to absorb it. Don’t waste brain cells trying to assess the merits or importance of what strikes you. (Even amateur art or hack writing may speak something worthwhile into your subconscious.) Instead of judging, ponder why something struck you. Or simply accept that your subconscious knows what it’s about and trust it to reprocess all the good inputs into something beautiful.

Keep an inspiration file

Don’t allow random bits of inspiration to be lost. Find a way to capture them. Take photos of whatever catches your eye and then transfer them to your inspiration file. Keep pads of paper within arm’s reach so you can jot down sentences, dialogue, or concepts as you come across them. The more intentional we become at collecting whatever inspires us, the more likely those bits of brilliance will end up enhancing our creative thoughts.

Reverse Engineer

“It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.” Jean-Luc Godard

Study masters in your genre. Take a piece apart and figure out how the parts were put together. Dig into the details and ask questions like:

  • What techniques has the author/artist employed here?
  • Why does this work?
  • What strikes me the most?
  • How is this piece unique?

Can you adapt the same underlying structure or strategies in your work?

I hope I have inspired you to seek out art of all genres. The more you fill your creativity tank wisely, the more creative your writing you will become.

Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a story to tell the world. She loves to encourage fellow writers to be intentional about their craft and courageous in sharing their words with others. Lisa shares her words through dramas, Bible studies, historical mysteries, and her blog about intentional living. You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter and Twitter @LisaEBetz

Categories
Create. Motivate. Inspire.

On Writing: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated

Progress has stalled on our latest writing project. We avoid our desk, tamp down the guilt, and stay busy doing anything but writing. Another day slips by with few words on the page. What’s an anxious writer to do?

Try these 5 techniques to stay motivated and keep the words flowing:

  • Set writing goals and put them in writing.

Have realistic daily, weekly, and monthly goals marked on a calendar for quick reference. These can range from word counts to number of pages. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of meeting a goal. A disciplined writer is a happy, productive writer.

  • Reward yourself for meeting goals.

Oh, how we abhor procrastination guilt! But if goals are met—even small ones—rewards can be enjoyed guilt-free. Take a walk, enjoy a sweet treat, meet a friend for lunch—anything to give our muse a break so we can return rejuvenated.

  • Establish pre-writing rituals and build creative anticipation.

This is my favorite motivation technique. Before I sit down to write, I have my morning coffee or tea, a light breakfast, devotion/quiet time, and then I dress for work (even though I’m working at home). Throughout my routine, I can feel the creative energy building. When I sit down at my computer, I’m ready to be productive (most of the time).

  • Keep an idea journal with notes, scribbles, visual aids, etc.

This journal or notebook needs to be a part of us, something that never leaves our side. Ideas will come at the most unusual times—while trying to fall asleep at night, in line at the grocery store, during the Sunday sermon, in traffic, watching a movie, etc. If we don’t write it down, it may be gone forever. When we’re short on ideas, our journal is a treasure trove of inspiration.

  • Share goals and ideas with a writer friend.

We must have accountability in our work. Writing is about community. We need someone to ask about our progress and to simply check in regularly. Another writer knows and understands the unique struggles we face and can help us through the dry times. Also, creative brainstorming with other writers can be pure joy, inspiring myriad projects, ideas, and story plots.

 

Are we ready?

Fire the laptop. Prime the pen.

Keep writing!

[bctt tweet=”5 techniques to stay motivated and keep the words flowing @A3Writers @LThomasWrites #writing #motivation” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Establish pre-writing rituals and build creative anticipation @A3Writers @LThomasWrites #write #pubtip” via=”no”]

 

Leigh Ann Thomas is the author of three books, including Ribbons, Lace, and Moments of Grace—Inspiration for the Mother of the Bride (SonRise Devotionals). A regular contributor to AlmostAnAuthor.com, Just18Summers.com, and InTheQuiver.com, she has also published with Southern Writers Suite T, The Write Conversation, and Power for Living. She is a contributing author in 10 books and her award-winning fiction is included in three editions of Southern Writers Magazine’s Best Short Stories. You can find Leigh Ann on her front porch daydreaming story plots, or blogging at LeighAThomas.com.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lthomaswrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leigh.nallthomas

Categories
Uncategorized

When an Asset Becomes a Liability

The setting sold us. A property with mature trees and a creek running behind it. Even in March, with the trees still bare, we saw what could be: morning coffee on a shaded deck serenaded by a chorus of birds. We were confident that deer and other wildlife would be frequent guests.

The ink was barely dry on the mortgage papers when we learned about the special assessment. Built on private property to avoid city code restrictions, our home and several other structures in the development were built too close to the waterway. Erosion threatens to undermine their stability. What we considered our new home’s finest asset has become a $100,000+ liability

The thing we love has become the thing that costs—dearly. Or as my father likes to say, “Anticipation exceeded reality.” I hated hearing that as a child. It seemed to be setting us up for disappointment. I suspect he was trying to instill a life truth. For those of us who choose to spend all or a good portion of our life writing, it’s probably a good aphorism to keep in mind.

I doubt few writers expect to make the New York Times best seller list with their debut novel. Success stories like this are the exception rather than the rule. I believe most of us write, even if it’s only journaling, because it’s something we can’t not do. Whether we take pen in hand or type on a computer keyboard, putting ideas and thoughts on paper fulfills a longing. It satisfies something deep inside. Ed Cyzewski says in Write, Pray, Grow, “… writing provides a way to process and think deeply about difficult topics.” [bctt tweet=”Even if we only write to sort out our thoughts or ideas, there’s great value in it.” username=””]

Even so, the call to write for publication comes with certain assets and liabilities.

Those who see only the “glamour” of writing: the ability to set your own hours, work from anywhere, and the thrill of seeing your name in print, ought to be aware of the realities of the writing life:

  • Writers block is real. Many is the time I’ve sat down to write and came up empty. The perfectly worded phrase or concept I “wrote” as I drifted off to sleep the previous night is gone. My internal editor criticizes every word before it hits the paper—and I continue to stare at a blank screen wondering why I thought I could do this. Every writer experiences periods where the words and ideas vanish. Acknowledge it, call it by name, and walk away for a time. In fact, many writers suggest a walk or another type of diversion to get your mind working in other ways. The change of scenery and thought processes often triggers creativity.
  • Expect rejection. Unless or until you secure a book contract with a major publisher, you’ll be submitting book proposals or magazine articles with no assurance they will be accepted for publication. But you’re in good company. Kathryn Stockett submitted The Help 60 times before it was published; Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected 30 times; Beatrix Potter self-published The Tale of Peter Rabbit—before self-publishing was as easy as it is today. Persevere through rejection and learn not to take it personally.
  • Writing is a discipline. Some consider it a spiritual discipline like prayer. A discipline requires that you do something even when you don’t feel like it. Once it becomes a habit missing a day puts you off kilter. Certainly independent writers have more flexibility in setting a schedule than 9–5 employees, but they do need to discipline themselves to put in the time necessary to produce. For those still working the day job it likely means making time in an already fully-scheduled day to write. For some that’s early mornings. Others find they are more productive after everyone else in the household has gone to bed. Stay-at-home parents, like Cyzewski, have learned to make the most of down times in their children’s schedules and write in short blocks of time throughout the day. Learning what works for you and then cultivating the discipline to stick to it is critical to a writer’s success.

We’re still absorbing the blow of an unexpected expense. The good news is that because we are part of a homeowners association, the cost of the stabilization project will be shared equally by all members. Such is the value of community. Writers, too, need the encouragement and support of a writing community. A mentor, a critique group—in person or online—not only helps hone writing skills, but can serve as a counterpoint to the discouragement and self-doubt that often plague a writer. A writing community like A3 or Word Weavers just may be the greatest asset a writer has.

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Categories
Have Words, Will Travel....Travel Writing 101

When the Love of Travel Takes On a New Meaning

Have Words Will Travel
Upon returning from a writer's conference earlier this year, Cathy found a 1963 Shasta Airflyte Camper sitting in her driveway. Since then, she has taken quite the fancy to travel writing. She hopes you'll join her on this adventurous journey!

There is no denying that February is the month of L-O-V-E so let’s do something a little different. Okay, a lot different.

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

As writers, our senses snap to attention when visiting a new place. We see things with fresh eyes and catch the aroma of foods never explored, but if we’re not careful those same senses can become dulled by the routine of life. We drive home the same way every night, listen to the same genre of music, and munch on Chinese food every Friday night without a second thought. Our senses gradually become accustomed to our day-to-day doings—taking them for granted—and if we’re not careful, the same can hold true for the people in our lives.

If you’re wondering if I mistakenly submitted this post to A3 instead of Psychology Today, rest assured this is no mistake. After all, is there any destination more traveled, more wondrous, awe-inspiring, or rewarding than that of the heart?

It’s for this reason I encourage you to consider traveling to that wondrous place through what you do best, writing. Below you’ll find a few ideas to try this month, but being the creative person that you are, I’m sure you’re already way ahead of me. (I hope to hear from you in the comment section!)

  • Take small slips of paper and on each slip, write one thing you love about that person, a favorite memory that you both share, or a specific way that person has impacted your life. Fill a container (I love Mason jars!) with the slips; tie a tag explaining how the recipient is to remove and read one slip each day for the month of February, or whatever length of time you choose. (For bonus points: Sprinkle a layer of rose petals on the bottom of the jar. As they begin to dry, the slips of paper will become immersed with their scent.) Okay, maybe I should have submitted this to Good Housekeeping, but let’s continue.A3map216
  • You’re a travel writer. Draw a map that includes your relationship milestones. Be as colorful and creative as possible. To top it off, plan a mini-getaway to a restaurant or particular place where one of your milestones took place, if possible.
  • You are a trained observer. Plan to travel to a place you both love, whether it’s just for an afternoon or for an entire weekend. The theme? Love, of course! Go on an expedition to find all the things you love about that place. Engage those five senses. Take pictures, journal about your time together.

If you’ve lived on this planet for any length of time you know that the heart of another is sometimes the most difficult destination of all to reach, making the journey all the more valuable.

This month, and every month, enjoy the greatest adventure of all—love.

How about you? Are you willing to try one of the above ideas, or do you have a love-related writing idea to share? I’d love to hear from you!

 

Photo courtesy of The Knot, one of the best sites around when it comes to love and marriage.