In celebration of my 190th post today, I’m re-blogging my first one. I began with 0 followers, but I had the germ of an idea of imparting my little flashes of “life” and insights to anyone who might stop by. A little more than 3 1/2 years later, through my writing I have shared experiences and perceptions with thousands of you thoughout our world, including the U.S., England, and Ireland; South Korea and South Africa ; Chile and Indonesia; Spain and India, and dozens of countries in between. THANK you for joining me on this mutual voyage of discovery.
I was walking on a newly discovered path when a white piece of paper fluttered down toward my face, seemingly out of nowhere. Strange, I mused, continuing to stride quickly and purposefully. I had hit the timer on my athletic watch, and was determined to walk briskly and beautifully to the end of the path and back until the timer dinged after sixty minutes.
My attention was diverted, however, three minutes later by another piece of white paper flying from the sky toward my face. It floated slowly, almost meanderingly, as if waiting for me to reach my arm out to catch it.
Instead, I ignored the potential break from my concentrated walking pace. The paper fell between my feet as I hit the graveled pavement with a strong stride.
Damn, I sighed when, less than a minute later, another piece of paper fluttered between my furrowed brow. I grabbed the irritating piece and crumbled it in my palm. But my pace faltered as I dared myself to look at the offending paper. How could I not?
I took a deep breath, stopped my legs, and immediately felt the blood beating furiously up my thighs toward my heart and back down to my feet. I experienced some light-headedness, so I began to walk again, slowly, toward a park bench
not far away. I sat down and took a deep, rejuvenating breath; stretched my legs out in front of me; and opened the piece of wrinkled, unlined paper.
“LOOK
UP,” it said.
I stared straight ahead and wondered if I dared. Some high school prank, no doubt.
But I couldn’t not look up.
My head tilted back and my eyes widened as my mouth opened to a large O.
Three clouds were joining to shape themselves into two separate letters, fat and plump.
H I
I closed my mouth and looked straight ahead. Then I tilted my head again, hoping I’d been momentarily delusional.
H I,
it said still.
I stood up, turned off my timer, and walked slowly toward nowhere. Perhaps I had been looking straight ahead too often, in this life of mine.
I whispered, Hi back, with a smile on my face as my footsteps reminded me that it’s our journey, not the destination, that counts.
As another piece of paper twirled in front of me, I began to comprehend that we also need to challenge our perspective – every day.
(Globe thanks to Google images, Photos by Pamela Wight)
Wow, Pam, you are so talented. Really enjoyed reading this blog, too!!! Keep writing more as I so enjoy reading your work. Take care!!!
LikeLike
It means a lot that a high school compatriot is such a fan and a follower. Thanks for all of your support, Bev!
LikeLike
This is great! I look forward to reading many more of your blogs. Loved the pic with the rainbow.
LikeLike
Thanks for the comments and for reading Roughwighting. Looking forward to writing together in March!!
LikeLike
I just stopped by and read a little about you and your writing. You are really good! I encourage you to embrace all your dreams! Love, Amy
LikeLike
Thank you for your encouragement! This post ‘speaks’ to me of keeping our eyes and ears open, always, for the unexpected. Like finding each other’s blogs!
LikeLike
Did you ever discover the source of the pieces of paper Pamela? It would have to be someone who shared the same interpretation of those clouds and possible you could have become good friends.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
LikeLike
My belief is that my muse was up there, just teasing me enough to open my eyes and push me along a bit. Now I’m looking up more, and around, and through the eyes of the universe. How’s THAT for mystical? 🙂 As always xoxox HUGEHUGSTOYOU xoxoxox
LikeLike
Congratulations on your 190th post, Pam! That is an awesome achievement. I look forward to reading more of your beautiful writing.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jill. Let’s continue a mutual admiration society. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is 190th a thing then? Seriously though, beautiful post. Obviously I wasn’t following you back then, so I never saw this one, glad you reblogged it. I can’t help noticing in your list of countries that you mentioned Ireland, but not England, I know you said and “dozens of countries in between” but who wants to just be an in-between huh? 😉
LikeLike
YOU ARE SO RIGHT! In the beginning of Roughwighting, I think I had more English followers than American. I have changed my opening paragraph – check it out! I happen to know that I have mega-English genes inside me (not only is my last name Wight, but I love flowered wallpaper, and I drink gallons of English breakfast tea).
LikeLike
Congrats on 3 1/2 yrs of successful blogging and your 190th post! You are a super talented writer and this first blog was/is wonderful!
LikeLike
You are one of my deepest, greatest supporters, and that means more than you’ll ever know. My guy asked me why I chose to celebrate the ‘190th’ post. Because it’s a bit odd to do it that way, who wants to be even, right? I know you’ll understand this. xoxo
LikeLike
Congrats on a great accomplishment. I’m thankful to follow you!
LikeLike
I’m thankful you found my blog also. Yours is a beautiful tribute to being a grandparent. I look forward to reading more…
LikeLike
Thank you so much! 🙂
LikeLike
I sense that clouds and the sky is a recurring and inspiring symbol for you, Pam. 🙂 So glad to have “met” you through your blog…
LikeLike
Huh, you’re right, I hadn’t even noticed that! There’s something about the openness of the sky and the clouds (which make a beautiful mark against the openness) that fills me up with hope and an ability to feel less constrained and more able to believe in ‘more’ to us than meets the eye. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the inspiration. I’ve been blogging for 6 months and it’s slow. You’ve reminded me to keep my eyes and ears open and relax!
LikeLike
Your blog is fascinating for its history – I love Bath, Maine and see it differently now thanks to your latest post. Keep on plugging away! (and look up, who knows what inspiration may hit!) 🙂
LikeLike
It is obvious that your wisdom has been a mainstay in your writing Pamela, thank you for sharing. I can tell you, from very personal experience, that I can be quite stubborn in my ways at times – blinders on and focused on the finish line, too much on the finish line. Yep, those two words – challenge and perspective – they occupy a necessary part of our every day, Here’s to more looking up, down, and side to side – and congrats on your milestone post 🙂
LikeLike
And don’t you think openness in our perspective helps our writing, Dave? Keep up the daily challenge – your stories are great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man, even your first post is amazing. I’m jealous. I prefer to ignore the first few months of my own bloggy adventure.
This reminded me of the electric sign in the wonderful Steve Martin movie LA Story. Have you seen it?
LikeLike
Ohhh, I just looked up ‘electric sign in L.A.Story,’ which helped me remember that movie (which I really liked) and the sign (which was very cool). Thanks for reminding me. Yes, my friend, I think there are signs out there for us to help us with our blogging (after all, what ELSE would I have written about for my first blog?) and our writing, and our life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam, Reading this from Cape Cod where I am caring for my dad. Love you, Ellen
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii. You’re back in my new neck-of-the-woods. If you have chance to come up from the Cape, let me know. We’ll get the group together and WRITE! Good luck with your dad. xo
LikeLike
A wonderful example of why we need to slow down every now and then and just enjoy the moment. It should be such a simple thing, and yet for many of us it rarely happens. Thank you for the reminder to enjoy the ‘now.’ 🙂
LikeLike
Thank YOU for taking the time to read my little parable. When I write these posts, I know I’m reminding myself as much as others to… (inhale, exhale) breathe and enjoy the moment.
Hope you’re enjoying the moments in your weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulation on your 190th blog. Your are such a talented writer and I’m always get some wisdom and encouragement from reading your blog. Thank you and I’m so glad I found you in cyperspace.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you found me too! My recipe box (and dinners) have improved thanks to your blog posts! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Pamela, let me know if you need any help
LikeLike
I love the clouds and messages, this was a wonderful first post. So glad you shared it (again) since I just ramble around, sometimes visiting and sometimes sidetracked. I hope you will continue to Look Up! Smiles, Robin
LikeLike
I’m so glad you stop by once in awhile, and I’m so glad I stop by your place. However, I am now singing Four Seasons songs non-stop!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, lovely. A message from the clouds or from infinity. I like your message. Very nice. We all need to slow down and look at what is going on. So many folks are only attuned to themselves and have no idea what they are missing. Keep your thoughts and stories coming. They are a welcome addition to things that I enjoy.
LikeLike
Well, your comment just made my day. And that’s why our comment boxes are so important, aren’t they? Glad yours is working again. Keep those comments coming! I’m off, looking up in search for more universal messages. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you loud and clear. Even if we are the two busiest people I know, I believe we take the time to enjoy the messages in the clouds.
LikeLike
Particularly when we go for hikes and climb up high to the sky. xo
LikeLike
love your words and you!
LikeLike
Back at you. And YOU are one who I know recognizes the ‘signs’ out there.
LikeLike
Aren’t we all so lucky that you began blogging and sharing your life with us! So happy to read you and feel so much of life experience through your brilliantly selected words.
LikeLike
L’espace Bien Etre. May we always feel that we have a safe place within each other’s thoughts, hopes, and dreams. xo
LikeLike
This was your first blog. Amazing! Congrats on 190 posts. 🙂
LikeLike
Gung Hay Fat Choy (a little late, but late is better than never). Thanks for the congrats, all the way from Spain! So great to share each other’s lives via our blogs.
LikeLike
Congrats on 190! I am amazed when I look back at my first posts – they aren’t nearly as great as your first!
LikeLike
I must admit, I edited it a bit (you being an editor, I know you understand), and I added the photos. 🙂
LikeLike
This is so beautiful!! Thank you for this today!
LikeLike
Well, coming from poetic you, your compliment means quite a lot. Thank you..
LikeLike
I am so glad you choose to challenge your perspective every day, Pam. Your blog NEVER fails to bring a smile, a feeling of joy at your unique expression. Just think how many times the sky speaks to a person and the person refuses to acknowledge that the sky can speak! I am bemused just contemplating that. Congratulations on your 190th post. Whoopee! Love, one of the thousands of admirers.
LikeLike
We are mutual admirers, my switcheroo buddy. Here in NE we got more snow last night. The sky is cloudy this morning at 6:30. But I’m lookin’ up there, waiting for it to speak to me. Something about the beauty of velvety grayness and deep clouds full of expectations. Huh, listen to that!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your 190th post, Pam. I so enjoy reading your blog!
LikeLike
Same to you! You have a sense of humor even when you’re recovering from the flu! You’re photo of your dachshund and Snoopy Dog is hysterical. 🙂 Love your blog links too.
LikeLike
Pamela, sometimes the Marin skies tell us all we need to know. So, I will follow their lead and just say “hi.”
LikeLike
Smiling…. and yes, how did you know those “HI” clouds were from Marin? (and the path is on Marin’s Tennessee Valley – gorgeous, yes?)
LikeLike
I can almost see, smell and feel Tennessee Valley now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on your 190th post! The sun is saying “hi” through all those gray clouds as I type this!
LikeLike
I’m looking out the window as I type. The little bit of blue sky peeking through the gray clouds is spelling something …. WAIT… I SEE IT. It says S O O N S P R I N G !!!!!
LikeLike
What a beautiful first post! And a lovely reminder as I start off my day….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to the year of the goat. Peace, tranquility, and lots of reading with interruptions of looking UP once in a while.
LikeLike
Exactly! Happy new year of the goat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a cool piece of writing Pam – and a nice reminder of our priorities.
LikeLike
I find I need to remind myself daily! Another snow storm is threatening, my fingers are almost too cold to type, but by goodness, I’m going to look up in that gray dreary sky and find HOPE. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulation on the growth of your seedling. I remember starting my business in 1993 and wondering if it would ever get off the ground. It took time and a lot of phone calls and proposals and homemade flyers, but darn it if it didn’t turn out grand. So in the beginning I was after dollars and took on everything I thought I could do and worked for anyone. Then, I had the thought that since it was my own business I could work on projects I really knew how to do and work for clients that I liked. My business taught me that I’d be better off enjoying the journey and not worry about the destination ($$$$). Love this piece of writing. The source of inspiration is not as important as the change in attitude.
LikeLike
So much wisdom in these words, Chuck. Truly, the act of writing and publishing is the same as you with your business. We really must write for the love of it, because god knows few make money from their words. But really, how much better is a life in which we’re immersed with something we love, versus something that gives us monetary wealth?
LikeLike
Pingback: Bodacious Loquacious Original & Gratifying | roughwighting
What a fabulous first, and 190th, post Pam. You were getting us to think about our lives, our attention, and our perspective, even then. What a pleasure it is to read. 🙂
LikeLike