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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Sunday Scribblings

I’d been mulling over this topic of traveling for some time and hadn’t been able to come up with anything I felt I could present in a fresh and inviting way. Reading other bloggers' posts led me back to one of the initial thoughts I had about traveling: the places I’ve experienced through reading.

In the latter part of 2007, I joined Shelfari a site for book lovers. As much as I love writing, I love reading more. Through reading, I have visited places and experienced personal journeys I would not have known otherwise. I read to heal, to learn, to grow, to connect with others. I enjoy hearing about what others are reading.

I also run a lit study group for young women, and it is my life work to help these young women find their voice, to discover they are not alone, to realize they matter and to believe their stories matter. The young women of Color Online are amazing and I am convinced our shared journeys will lead to healing, empowerment and change.

Truth be told, I joined the blogging world because I wanted to create a space for Color Online. I needed to learn how to blog so I could introduce our members to another writing tool and to help them increase their technology skills.

What I didn't know was how much I needed to write for me. I hadn't realized how much I would gain choosing to travel this road. And this brings me back to why I read: I heal, I learn, I grow, I connect with others.

To read more travels go here: Sunday Sribblings.

12 comments:

Sherry said...

Well spoken Susan.
I too joined Shelfari (this week) and I think or I thought I loved reading more than I loved writing. I think the journey we make through books influences and encourages what and how we write. It gives us our voice.

Crafty Green Poet said...

I love travelling through reading too! Your lit group sounds great!

Becca said...

Books have been my fellow travelers for many years, and I think a passion for reading often translates very well into a passion for writing.

I like the idea of your lit group - I wish you much success with it.
I think blogging is a great way to encourage young people to write (and read) more widely.

Thank you so much for your kind comment on my post today. I am truly enjoying getting to know you through your work here. And congratulations on your new poetry blog - that first prompt was awesome!

I have a new blog myself, dedicated to "all things bookish."
Come and visit me there!

http://ravenousreader.wordpress.com

Lucy said...

What a perfect response to the prompt, I LOVE traveling through books too! Right now I am reading and LOVING 'snow flower and the secret fan' BUT I'm suppose to be reading Atonement for my book club. I look forward to heading over to your highlighted links next! :))

Shari said...

I like historical fiction - traveling back in time to experiences and lifestyles of the past. Like you, I enjoy books that help me heal and grow. I happen to be reading one of those right now - Lose it for Life.

myrtle beached whale said...

writing is definitely a journey. well said.
http://myrtlebeachramblings.blogspot.com/

JP (mom) said...

Isn't it interesting how one intention can unfold other possibilities? As fellow travelers in this amazing journey called life, we can definitely learn from one another.
Lovely post, JP/deb

Sian said...

I liked your take on this. We are all travellers but places like SS, shelfari and your lit group make us companions.

Bethany Bassett said...

I've always found writing and reading to go hand-in-hand, both invaluable to me in my journey toward creativity and self-awareness. I like the way you thought of this in the theme of travelling!

Writer Bug said...

Great post. I love that you found something for yourself from helping others. Isn't that always the way?

January said...

Blogs have that affect on people, you read a blog for one thing thing but find yourself taking more than you expected.

Great post! I'll have to check out your wonderful project this week.

Christine Gail said...

Susan

How wonderful it is that what started as an adventure in helping others has helped you yourself grow and heal through your writing and reading and sharing. As you continue on this journey I am sure you will help and inspire even more fellow travelers than you could ever imagine.