October 12, 2007
A World In A Grain Of Sand
A little-known fact of little interest to anyone other than my relatives, but true nonetheless.
He also acted as a postmaster, barber, violinist, builder of houses, and an infantry soldier in World War I. He did whatever he had to do to feed his family, and did it to the best of his ability, and always with his own special touch. I have his violin. It’s unique. It bears the scars of his collar buttons and suspenders, and has the most beautiful tone imaginable. And the house he built by hand still stands in the backwoods of Virginia.
I always find that this is what strikes me about the truly impressive work of other people—the idea that they not only do their best, but they put a little something “extra” of THEMSELVES in that work or craft or project. That is what makes it special after all, uniquely theirs, whether it’s a story, recipe, scrapbook, telling a dirty joke…whatever.
If you’re looking to impress, that’ll do it. Wanna sell? Give that story your voice, your flair. See the possibilities, and claim them as your own. There’s nothing new under the sun—only you to make it so.
Sooo…in the spirit of the season, I thought I’d offer these examples to prove my point. I love the creativity of these people! Silly pumpkin carvings? Uh-huh.
I hope they make you smile.



Is it my imagination or were people of earlier generations more milti-skilled, and today we’re more specialists?
Great pictures. I love the “hamburger” pumpkin!
Bernita, I don’t think it’s your imagination at all.
Perhaps they had to be.
Isn’t that something, Jenn?
I love the little flasher!!
Thanks, Tanya.
(Did I mention that I love the little flasher?)
those are great . . . I would never think to do that . . . my brain is not creative that way
I LOVE the flasher!!!!!!!!
Well, Dennie, they probably can’t write romance—unless it would be some kind of kinky pumpkin-stem intercourse thing, with seeds flying everywhere, which I don’t want to think about…
Isn’t he great, Ames?