Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Discovering A Hidden Muse


If you are a writer, dreamer, actor, artist of any sort then you are always looking deeper. Studying people, trying to connect with something or someone that will allow you to create.

As a writer I like to study people. Never take anyone for granted since you can't figure out a persons life journey by just looking at their faces.

Well this weekend I discovered something about one of my kids that I'd missed.

SAY WHAT? IS THAT MY KID?

Parents usually seem to make assumptions about their kids without actually studying them. Getting to know them. Know what makes them ticked.

Well this weekend I learned something about my 8yr old that I've taken for granted. Only because the kid is always around me.

HE's A SHOW HOUND

While in Downtown Disney, my oldest son (17yr old) started dancing. My 8yr old copied his dance moves, but about 5 minutes into their duo and a large crowd later,my 8yr stole the show. I didn't even know this kid could dance like this. He did break-dancing, flips, and moves he'd been watching on several Dance Crew shows and the boy actually absorbed it all. He had a huge crowd and my mouth was hung opened because I so didn't know this kid!

TRANSFORM IT INTO YOUR ART

The writer in me just soaked it in - after my tongue made it's way back in my mouth. And I tucked that knowledge away to put into one of my characters to come. That little something that gives them a ZING, BOP ... and makes the reader cheer for them.

REALITY TO ART

That's what writers need to continue to do. Find time to get out and discover people - discover your art. And have fun too!

Don't be afraid.

SO HAVE YOU FOUND A HIDDEN MUSE? Where? Do Tell...

7 comments:

Unknown said...

That's awesome! Great point: people can/will always surprise you, even the ones closest to you.

In fact, I'd guess it isn't that uncommon for kids to sneak up on their parents like that. Life is so busy, and families are so saturated by one another, sometimes (thinking waaayyyy back to when I was a kid in large family) keeping a few secrets is the best way to keep your identity.

Kelly Hashway said...

Good for your son! And you are right. We do need to get out there, have fun, and take chances. Thanks for the reminder.

Catherine Stine said...

Cute story about your sons. I learn new things about my two sons all of the time. My older one is such a brave tarveler-just went on a vacation to Jakarta and Singapore! The younger one has such compassion and patience. We test drove a Nissan Cube today, and he listened to the car guy's rap for an hour--soaking in information like a thirsty sponge. I get character ideas from them, and lots of fascinating folks I run into. It's all good. Humanity as muse?!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

That is so cute! I hope you took pictures!

LM Preston said...

Lol! I did. and with it got some great ideas for a new book that I probably won't have the time to write for like 2 years :-D

E. Arroyo said...

That's great! My kids are always surprising me. =)

cleemckenzie said...

Loved the image of the boy at the peephole. I feel a story coming on.

Don't you love catching glimpses of your kids doing things you never expected?