Friday, February 28, 2014

Nothing Ventured...

Ready for class.

Every now and then my writing seems to fall flat, and I start to look for ways to give it a zing. In the past, writing prompts have helped, but I am looking for a long term solution. When a writer friend recommended an online class I was, at first, hesitant. 
I know there are the usual concerns like cost and time, but when I looked at our budget I noticed much more frivolous spending going on. Education is not frivolous, and too, one can make time for something that is worthwhile, something that can improve one’s ability.
There is another concern that rattles me, fear. Fear of failure, or in the context of writing this fear equates to rejection, but rejection is a flimsy excuse for a writer. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with negative response. Anxiety is more the issue here, and it’s aimed at the idea of an online class, something I haven’t done before.
Nothing ventured nothing gained, I tell myself, a cliché, but it’s true. It helps to think back to a conversation I had with my father. Dad loved driving and I often went for rides with him. On one such ride, he told me his thoughts about the word combination, have to. He said, “Barbara, do you know that in this world there is nothing that you have to do?” Since I was a young child at the time, my father did not include a discussion about having to die.
This have to idea seemed unbelievable to me. I proposed many examples to try and prove him wrong. “You have to go to work, to sleep, to eat, dress, brush your teeth, and etc…” Dad listened and suggested alternatives to each.
Finally, exasperated with his game, I said, “You have to go to school.”
He said, “No, you don’t. You can stay home and watch cartoons, or you can put off school till you are older if you want.”
Well that sounded ridiculous to me. “Do you mean like you? You’re too old for school,” I told him.  At around age 35, Dad seemed old to me.
Perhaps he laughed before answering. “You’re never too old to learn new things.”
My father valued education. Since he loved photography, he learned late in life how to develop and print his own photos. When we moved to Guam, he built a boat with a friend from work, but it didn't live up to his expectations. He either gave it away or he salvaged it. Dad was not afraid of failing. He seemed to enjoy the challenge.
I finished my traditional college degree when I was forty-nine. Now, a decade later, it’s time for another challenge. Thanks Dad.

12 comments:

Amber Lea Starfire said...

That's great, Barb! I'm a lifelong student -- when I can afford it (lol). What class are you taking?

barb bits said...

I am taking the class you suggested with Sheila Bender on poetry, Say anything. It sounds like a good one. I'm sure I'll learn a lot. Thanks!!

barb bits said...

This comment from Jackie in an email:

Hi Barb. I enjoyed your post "nothing ventured, nothing gained." I liked your dad's input. Yes, why not challenge yourself with new ideas and put your fears and anxiety on the back burner. You can only go uphill from here! I look forward to your next project! Love from one of your biggest fans, Jackie

barb bits said...

This comment from Lori in an email:

Very heartfelt and sweet.
You get better every year Barb!

barb bits said...

Thanks, Jackie: That conversation with my Dad stuck with me. Glad you're a fan.

barb bits said...

Lori: Having friend like you inspire me to do better!

patsyann@sonic.net said...

Your dad was right. Never too late to learn.

barb bits said...

Dad was right about a lot of things. I'm a lucky daughter. Thanks, Patsy.

Laura McHale Holland said...

I love this, Barbara, absolutely love it. You captured such a sweet moment with your dad that had a lasting, positive influence on you. What could be better? Keep us posted on your online learning progress.

Arletta Dawdy said...

Hi Barb,
I suspect you will give as much as you get from any class you take. Enjoy!
Arletta

barb bits said...

Thanks, Laura: I will keep everyone posted. Maybe I can post one of the poems and work on it on the blog.

barb bits said...

Arletta, thanks for taking the time to comment, and for the moral support! Can't wait for the class to start.