Writing again...

Many times people have asked me how I come up with ideas for my column. And the truth is there's no clear equation to what my column might be about. It's not black and white. And for that matter neither am I.

I like to consider myself a colorful sort of personality. Color me red for bold, green for down-to-earth all mixed in with some black for an element of surprise and mystery as well as some white for reflection.

All of a sudden I'm reminded of Dr. Seuss' "My Many Colored Days".

In part it reads "Some days are yellow. Some are blue.... You'd be surprised how many ways I change on different colored days. On bright red days, how good it feels to be a horse and kick my heels."

So, when I woke up this morning did I know I was going to quote Dr. Seuss in my column? No way. That's where the element of surprise comes into play. Sometimes when I write I am just taken away... I can travel into the past and write about a memory, move forward and share a goal or stay within the 'here and now' by improvising.

I'm not one for strict routines and when it comes to exercising my writing muscle I like to be a bit impromptu. It's fun to let go and be in the moment. But, if you think about it too hard you lose it. (There's a fine balance to riding the wave.)

So on this subject of writing... a funny thing occurred the other day.

One of my friends from high school ran into me and told me how she really, really enjoyed my column about dancing in the kitchen. She explained to me that she felt like she was with me when she read it. I thanked her and gave her a hug because she really made my day.... She then said, "You should be a writer."

That's when I told her I was a writer -- and she said with her infectious smile, "No, you know what I mean. You should write a book."

Of course, a book! This has been my plan all along.... how did I forget? What was I swept up into? That's when I hollered to her as she was walking away... "I will write a book!"

And she shouted back, "I'd buy it!"

Thanks for the reminder, friend!

And that's what writing a column is all about.

Timberly is a staff writer at the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by e-mail at tferree@gcdailyworld.com or by phone at 1-800-947-4487 or (812) 847-4487.