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St Pancras Renaissance hotel – ok, maybe not the most humble of surroundings! |
As suspected, September is turning out to be rather hectic! I have been packing up my flat to move at the end of the month and after several years of being in the same place – it feels like a big upheaval.
In the midst of this however, I have been reminded of the incredible support system that I have in place. I have had so many offers of help and so much invaluable advice, that I can’t keep track. It really does feel that I am moving onto not just new but much improved surroundings. I am humbled by people’s kindness.
The word ‘humble’ has come up quite a bit recently in conversations with family & friends and I have been giving it some thought.
Here are a couple of definitions:
- Near the ground; not high or lofty; not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming; as, a humble cottage.
- Thy humble nest built on the ground. -Cowley.
- Thinking lowly of oneself; claiming little for oneself; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; modest.
I was particularly drawn to the ‘humble cottage’ example – not that I am moving into a cottage but nonetheless…!
I was treated by a friend to Damian Barr’s Literary Salon at the stunning St Pancras Renaissance Hotel recently. It was a wonderful, inspiring evening.
We listened to an impressive line up of authors talking about their work and it was clear that those who really struck a cord, were those who appeared most humble. In fact, my friend and I whispered to each other at the same time “He’s so humble!” with regards to one author in particular. I admired this. I admired that with success and what could even be seen as a privileged life – somebody can remain grounded and completely focused on their writing. It was also the way that the authors were driven to tell their stories and in some cases, the story of those important to them. They told these stories with honour and respect.
What I took away from this was to tread lightly in this world, to allow time to slow down in hectic times and as a friend said ‘rest in the chaos.’ To be thankful, to not become arrogant and to carve time for the things that matter. Remember your roots. Remember why you wanted to write in the first place.
Finding your time to write…
Here are the highlights of our Creative Writes Autumn/Winter 2014 workshops, being held at the lovely North Bank House in Muswell Hill, N10.
These workshops offer you the support, motivation & space to write in this hectic world…
– A block of three Wednesdays, October 8, 15 & 22 (only three places left!), 7.30-9.30pm
– Monthly Themed Writing Workshops on the last Wednesday of each month – programmed until March 2015 (with the exception of December 2014). The next themed workshop is Colour As Writing Inspiration on 29 October.
– Motivational Writing Surgery on Saturday 1 November, 2-5pm.
There is also a block of three December Wednesday evening workshops, Skype one to ones and a new focus on one to one Masterclasses; Writing Your Legacy.
Full details & booking here:
https://www.creativewrites.co.uk/p/bookings-workshop-info-how-to-book.html
Please email info@creativewrites.co.uk with any questions.
Bye for now,
Nichola