I took Duane to have the new-knee staples removed today. The nurse who removed them is beautiful. Blonde, straight white teeth, and a pretty smile. She's been married a year, she and her husband are buying her grandfather's farm, and she wants four children starting as soon as possible. "Is that crazy?" she said, and then answered her own question. "I don't care if it is. Family's important to me. To us."
Night before last, the U.S. Women's Soccer Team brought home the world cup. With skill and dignity and class.
This morning, my daughter-in-law accompanied me when I went walking. We walked faster because she's younger, and she took time to eat raspberries while I huffed and puffed to keep up. I don't think she broke a sweat, but I love her anyway, and it was fun walking with her. I love my sons for a great many things, none more than the daughters-in-law they brought me.
On June 9, I went to Walmart. It was raining when I went, but, you know, it rained all the time in June. No big deal. But when I left, it was pouring. I'd been waiting inside the entrance doors for about 15 minutes when a pretty young woman offered to help. I said No, I could wait, but she insisted, and she held her umbrella over my cart and me all the way to my car. Which was way across the lot because I don't search out good parking places. (That's one of the things you find yourself doing when you wear a Fitbit.)
I have a friend who goes with a sister-of-her-heart every few weeks while the sister has chemo. They talk and my friend knits and relationships mesh and tighten at the same time as they wait and hope there.
I have other friends who sew and sew and sew for children's hospitals. Blankets, gowns, cancer turbans, stuffed toys that offer comfort and warmth.
There are so many pictures of guys out there with six-pack abs and sexy stubble and maybe some tattoos and soulful expressions. These are the ones who go on the covers of romance novels and that's fine. Though none of my heroes ever really "fit." They wear shirts most of the time and hardly ever look soulful.
But I've realized as I've sat here that those guys on the covers don't motivate me at all. And much as I truly love them, the guys in my books aren't my inspiration, either.
But the heroines, well, that's another story altogether. Those women I listed up here...and others like them? They're my inspiration. They're the ones whose stories I want to tell, the whole laughin', cryin', livin', and dyin' thing.
How about you? Who's your inspiration?
I think you're on to something, Liz. My heroines are hard working women who don't really appreciate the power they have until the end of the story, when their backs are against the wall. They commit an act of bravery, usually in defense of someone they love, that surprises them. But, the hero knew she had it in her all along.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Liz.
Is that a nurse shark? They're really great smoked.
Hi, Sandy. I have no idea what it is, only that it was a shark :-). My son-in-law is the smoker king, though, so I'll tell him that.
DeleteYou have a bunch of inspiring friends. They are self-sacrificing and using their skills and abilities to help others. Those are the truly inspiring people. A couple of months back it was pouring outside and I'd just come out of BJ'S on the way to my car. While I was trying to figure out how I was going to get a multitude of bulk items into my trunk in the pouring rain I noticed that someone in a car that was pulling out of the same parking lot kept stopping and looking at me. Well it was an older man. He got out of his car and insisted on loading my trunk and then he took my cart back to the store for me. He was my hero!! He was probably at least 30 years older than me, but I have many physical issues including bad hips and just remembering that day brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for your post. It brought back great memories.
ReplyDeleteI loved that story, Laurie. I'm so glad he was there. Thanks for coming by.
DeleteHE CAUGHT A SHARK? I think I'd've screamed, too! And I agree - the heroines drive me much more than my heroes (usually).
ReplyDeleteYes! I couldn't believe it, either. Funny thing is, I never truly realized until last night when I was writing this post just how much the heroines do drive me when I'm writing.
DeleteI'm inspired by history. Reading about the past always seems to give me story ideas. And I agree with you about the hunky guys. I like to see pictures of the hero on the cover but I like to see their faces. To me, faces are much more interesting and appealing. Which means I hate totally "headless" covers.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I love history, too, and am often inspired by it where (or when?) I least expect it! However, I'm just the opposite with covers. I DON'T want their faces there because I want to decide in my reading mind what they look like.
DeleteWhat a nice group of lady friends you have.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Mary. I hate the headless covers and prefer seeing faces. I'm bored with the semi naked/naked torso's of men seen on a lot of today's covers. But that said, I am inspired by my heroes when writing my stories, my poor heroine always needs more work in rewrite. :)
Yeah, I'm over the naked (and shaved) torsos, too, but no one in marketing has asked me yet. But I love that you're more hero-led. Our differences make us so interesting, don't they? :-)
DeleteMy children are my inspiration, Liz. They continue to amaze me, and I'm always learning something new. As for heroines, I write strong, stubborn, women who think and believe they can conquer anything. Perhaps it's because I've overcome so much in my lifetime. :)
ReplyDeleteMine, too, Mary, and my grandkids, too. I'm always learning new things, too, and I am so happy for that.
DeleteI have a photo of my husband hold an alligator. It wasn't very big but the guide told him it could take off his arm! He has always been my inspiration. My husband, not the alligator! He inspired me with his selflessness. His tenderness. And his constant urging for me to grow in whatever direction I wanted. He just gave and gave. He didn't have a six pack or muscles. He did have endearing blue eyes. We had almost fifty years together before I lost him to a brain tumor. I'd rather have him on the cover of my books than a hunk.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Claudia. I'm glad for all you had--and still have--with your hero. Thanks for coming by and for the great comment.
DeleteYou know, I just pretty much love people--most of them. The news shows us all the bad ones, but there are so many good, decent people. Men and women. Even kids. They inspire me. And it's even fun to toss in a bad apple once in a while for conflict:)
ReplyDeleteI think that's the best answer yet! I love people, too, especially watching them!
DeleteLove your post. In the psychology classes I teach one of the concepts we talk about is stream of consciousness. This post is a great example. I may bring it up on the board when I try and explain what it is...giving you credit of course. Unsung heroines or heroes inspire me. I love to hear stories of people who do incredible things for others without asking for recognition or wanting to bask in the limelight.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carolyn, and I would be so honored if you used this post or any part thereof.
DeleteGreat post, Liz. And shark is actually pretty tasty if it's cooked right.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stanalei, and I think I've actually eaten--and enjoyed--shark, but it's an entirely different thing when a 13-year-old piece of your heart is holding one! Lol.
DeleteThe only way I'd go into North Carolina waters these days is in a boat. LOL Connor may have saved a future swimmer :) as well as the boat.
ReplyDeleteYes! I worry the whole time they're there, but so far all is well and they're having a great time.
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