Thursday 27 January 2011

Talking, Then Listening

"Mum," said The Small One, idly picking up a very sticky glue runner and then failing to put it back down again, "you haven't done any scrapbooking for days and days.."

Well, I haven't felt like doing anything much this week, really. The felt farm is waiting for its finishing touches; and the beautiful papers Sandra sent (Gotta Craft Sale! Soon!) are waiting for the attention they deserve. But I have had time to think.

I came across a quote in the paper at the weekend - and it has worked its way into my brain and twisted itself around all the other thoughts being stirred by Yesterday And Today.
"What one wants to say is formed in one's chiildhood, and we spend the rest of our lives trying to say it."
It's from Barbara Hepworth, the sculptor, and it is saying something to me at the moment. I sift through the old photos, looking for stories to tell, and I look at that little girl with the big smile (and the even bigger hair bows).

And then it comes to me that what she is trying to say, what she still wants to say, is that everybody's story deserves to be told. The family "Gazette" I gathered contributions for, Grandpa's life story I typed up laboriously (what was I? nine? ten? ), the school magazine I edited - it's all been about listening to those voices and letting them be heard.

It's been right there this week (and every other) in the blogs I've been reading. (You know - in that golden hour when you think the paracetamol is actually working. Before it wears off again.). Stories that deserve to be told. Like Ruth's brave retelling of a health scare, Becky's pleasure in her son's new job, Amanda's first blogaversary, Sandi's Design Team appointment, and Karen's; and all those other bits of news I wouldn't miss for the world. Everybody's story deserves to be told.

So, I haven't got any new pages to show you this week; but I hope I've given you something to ponder. Is there something you've been wanting to say? A theme to whatever you do? Maybe since before you were old enough even to work a pair of scissors and your favourite paper punch? You know I'm listening...

21 comments:

Heather said...

Wow thats very deep Sian. Could open creative floodgates for many people :)
Hope you are feeling yourself again soon - we miss you xx

Cheryl said...

Sometimes a period of reflection is necessary, and today it's so much about 'run! keep up! be better than you were yesterday' that often we forget to stop and consider things. Hope you're feeling back to normal soon. x

Sandra said...

I love the fact you care about everyones story - now thats a gift you've been given and you use it so well. Please look after yourself and get lots of rest - I hope you feel better soon. xx

Julie Kirk said...

Coincidentally, something Alexa said in a blog post this week sparked a very similar train of thought in me. She said my class was giving people confidence and I was bowled over because *that's* my story.

That's what I've been trying to do in different ways since ... always. It was so good to hear it from someone else's side.

x

alexa said...

Glad to see you again, Sian, and hope that the paracetamol works for longer and that you won't be needing it very soon... I love the way you are also so ready to listen - because a story which is not heard bcomes a lonely and withering-away experience. So perhaps although we are not able to blog sometimes and tell stories, the fact that we visit, listen and validate others' stories is, in itself, a huge gift ...

Lizzie said...

That is very thought-provoking, Sian. I think we all have many stories to tell, buried away in our memories and sub-concious. But, maybe, in the end, they are all the same story...
Hmm.. something for me to ponder.
Thank you for posting this - I like to be made to think!

I do hope you are starting to feel better. It's so horrible to be ill; hope you're soon back to normal. Will there be a Scrapbook Page to document the ideas from this post? I hope so!

Cheri said...

Such a beautifully written post Sian. I hope the time for reflection has helped heal your body while it has been sparking your creative mind!

Ruth said...

This post really 'spoke' to me. Thinking about stories for Y&T has made me open up memories that have been closed for years and I think, in the end, that can only be a good thing.
This last week, I've wished you lived around the corner, as I would love to brainstorm the Y&T ideas I have with you. And, of course, I could have popped round with chicken soup and words of comfort ~ glad you're on the mend.

Maria Ontiveros said...

What a sweet post Sian. . . there's another quote I love -"The things we remember from childhood, we remember forever." I know story telling Sunday is coming up, and this is great inspiration.
Rinda

Sian said...

You and me both, Ruth! How nice that would be

scrappyjacky said...

A lovely,thought provoking post,Sian....so well written as always.
Glad you're on the mend.
Re your comment....I love looking at other people's shopping as well!

Jennifer Shaw said...

Wonderful post, Sian. I think that many of us are born story tellers. My sister and I often joke that we are authors without a story. I love that our blogs allow us to get our daily stories down. Even if nobody is reading mine, I still feel good to have written it. Hope you are feeling better. :)

Anonymous said...

Lovely post! Thanks for sharing and getting us all thinking...and hopefully writing!

Amanda said...

How lovely to see you Sian I hope you feel up to some paper creativeness soon. Thank you for your kind wishes on my blogversary.

Sue Althouse said...

Yes, I have a story I want to tell and realize perfectionism is keeping me from getting it told. Shame on me. I need to just do it!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a speedy recovery Sian and thanks for the mention on your blog xxxxx

humel said...

Really interesting post, Sian. It got me thinking. I'm not quite ready to share my answer yet - maybe tomorrow, maybe never! - but it was a moment of realisation for me xx

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Beautifully written and great food for thought, Sian. I hope you are feeling tip-top again very soon. Thanks for the lovely post! xo

Alana said...

Everyone has a story....if they are willing to open up and tell. I love your stories, they way you observe everyday family life and remark on conversations that hve taken place in your home. Hope you are back to form soon so that we can hear yours again.

Anonymous said...

Found your post really interesting Sian. Taking Y&T is definitely opening up memories that I want to make sure I get down on paper.

Liberty :) said...

i decided everyone was fed up of hearing my story so I'm taking a break. I want to blog my memories as I remember then, I want to blog about the everyday, but all of it is just too personal to share on a public blog. Without that, I have nothing to share except the odd scrap page, so I'm blogging behind closed doors for me,myself and I and not sure if or when I'll share any stories again. I wish private blogger would work as I want it to :( Hopefully a scrap page will appear soon from me!

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