"I feel I'm able to get rid of
any demons lurking in my psyche through my writing, which leaves me free to
create all of this and to enjoy our family life, stepping away from all the
fictional traumas and the dramas. If I write about family in crisis, then I
won't have to live through it, I guess."
- Jodi Picoult
This weekend Trifecta is asking for 33 words that exorcise
a demon. One of our own, or one from our imagination. Let it bleed
on the page.
I have difficulty sharing demons so maybe that is one of my
demons. Being vulnerable. However, there is something that gets me in trouble
from time to time which I should probably suppress. I will share as follows:
You’re
like a museum.
I
React
to your beauty.
Inside.
Out.
Mind.
Body.
Spirit.
Love
all fairly
And
Gush
my appreciation duly.
Have
you no idea?
Sometimes,
Maybe,
Words are better left unsaid.
Photos courtesy of http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/michelangelo-sculptures7.htm
************************
Note: I’m a sucker for beauty of any kind, mostly inside but outside as well. I am also an equal opportunity appreciator! For both sexes but not in a creepy way, I hope. I've made some uncomfortable at times but wouldn't you want to know?
It's weird. I think you are describing me. And yeah, I gush too much with people I really love. Not always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, sorry. I forgot to comment. Lovely poem!
DeleteI say too much when I find something/someone beautiful for any reason. I tend to compliment a LOT. And some people have been embarrassed by it. I do it to friends and strangers. "That sweater really makes your eyes so blue." I should just keep some appreciations to myself.
DeleteOh and I was describing you (and so many others...sorry!) And thanks.
DeleteYeah, I saw myself and felt like a weirdo. But it's who I am. But, come on, the sweater thing should be taken as pure flattery, nothing strange there.
DeleteThe sweater thing is a benign example of something I might say to a stranger. I don't think I'm strange at all. I have a tendency towards flattery that makes people uncomfortable sometimes. That's what I'm saying. I've embarrassed people by acknowledging what I find attractive. I can't help it sometimes. It just comes out.
DeleteI really like this. I tend to do the same...
ReplyDeleteI hate making people feel awkward with my noticing and commenting on things I like. Can't help it sometimes. Thanks, Bo.
DeleteThat's not weird, Gina. It just shows your sensitivity and attention to the little things in life. Details. So many people miss them. You are the person with whom artists want to share their work.
DeleteWell done.
Thanks, ODNT. I notice everything. I would love to think an artist would appreciate my admirations.
DeleteI do this too. And when I see it happening or someone else doing it I cringe because I see myself. Great post!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's something I can't stop either! I'm a chronic compliment giver but only when I feel something genuinely so which I'm afraid is often. Glad to know I'm not alone! It does make people uncomfortable though and that's never my intention!
DeleteThis made me laugh, Gina. I don't tend to compliment like this (I'm the one that gets embarrassed at the attention) - but even if it's embarrassing, it is still flattering. That probably doesn't make any sense :)
ReplyDeleteIt makes total sense. Someone taught me a long time ago how to accept a compliment by simply smiling and saying "thank you". I've tried to teach my daughter the same. There is certainly discomfort.
Deleteit's a shame you forgot one important pic...hahaha. great job!
ReplyDeletePurposely, Tammy, but fun that you noticed! I love David!
DeleteI'm honest with criticism (although I've learned not to offer it unsolicited over the years), and feel it's only right to express my appreciation as well. It may make someone uncomfortable in the moment, but you never know how your words may be remembered and treasured if they're genuine. The world is so mean and if we only said all the kind and admiring things we think, it would be a better place. Compliment away!
ReplyDeleteOf course, compliments and criticism are two different birds. I reluctantly if ever criticize. I believe compliments make people feel good about themselves and happy. I enjoy that. I only compliment genuinely. Otherwise I am tight lipped. And the world would be kinder and gentler, I think. I hate embarrassing people though.
Deleteit's funny, I read this in the mall on my phone last night..and then I did exactly what you do...I stopped at least 3 women, or passed them...
ReplyDelete"Love your blouse!"
"great shoes!!"
and one that smiled at me first, I said back "you have a great smile.."
she said.."I was smiling at yours!"
instant friends. :)
the thing is that telling others about how talented, put together, pretty etc they are, helps me too. To see the beauty of others around me, to immerse myself in a community instead of hovering around the outside of it.
I always say that a kind word will change everything..I've seen it happen.
this was really really lovely.
You are exactly like me in this regard. You say the same things. It makes me happy to express them so I guess I'm a bit selfish as well, getting something out of it.
DeleteThe more I look or tune into beauty, of any kind, the more I see it! I'm happier! A kind word does change EVERYTHING!
And to have someone smile at me..... Love that! Thanks for your comments, Kristin.
I keep my feels to myself, but I know a few peeps who are gushers (: Great piece!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Draug!
DeleteOh this is good! I think if your a happy person your appreciation just bubbles out. :D
ReplyDeleteAppreciation of beauty and expressing it, come easily to me. Thanks so your comment, Linda!
DeleteAn interesting take & makes one think,liked it a lot:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI liked this a whole bunch!
ReplyDeleteThe few times that I have told complete strangers that I admired their dress or shoes or what not, I've been rebuffed, not always nicely. But women don't know how to accept compliments, especially when there's not any sort of reciprocity necessary. Yes, I am overanalyzing! I'll stop.
Accepting a compliment is something you must learn and many don't. That's what I forget but it doesn't stop me. I agree with your point about reciprocity.
DeleteI KNEW it!!! You love me - you really love me.
ReplyDeletejk - beauty is/should be beloved by all. :)
I do, I DO! And I agree!
DeleteTee hee, I'm a gusher, too! And I feel sorta embarrassed by it as well. I really love this poem. Now I'm gushing at the beauty of it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are sweet. We can't help it, can we? Thanks for your kind comment, Sandra.
DeleteGreat images to accompany your poetry.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charmaine. I love David.
DeleteI like to give compliments too. Sometimes it takes people off guard, which is kind of sad. It's like no one ever tells them something nice.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad, isn't it? A world without kindness would be devastating.
DeleteI don't know if I would characterize myself as being to effusive with the complimenting but I am really good at making people feel uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI don't mean for that to sound like I am proud of it because it is not my goal (at least not with most people) but sometimes the words just don't come out as softly as I might want them to.
Blogging is good for exorcising demons- it is highly recommended.
Hahahaha. You have a way about you... ;-)
DeleteIt takes effort to chose words carefully and I really try to and for that reason, not all my words get shared. So much of what I think/am thinking, I don't say. Just don't.
I like it for that reason as well. Thanks for your comments, Jack!
I tend to compliment other women on their accessories or clothing when it catches my eye. They usually seem flattered by it. I don't do the same with guys. I feel as though they would take it as me hitting on them or something.
ReplyDeleteI will do the very same thing with guys. I appreciate nice clothing on men. And things they say or do. My guy friends must be used to it because they don't think anything of it (at least I don't think so) when I say "love those shoes", "awesome sweater", "that was so nice of you to say", "very clever", "that color looks great on you". I think it could be delivery sometimes too. I don't say it in a flirting manner because if I were flirting, we would all know it.
DeleteI think that's a lovely demon to have. Some may be embarrassed a bit, but there is likely some pleasure from it as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tri. People do get embarrassed. And I hope there is pleasure too.
DeleteCongratulations, Gina on the win! So well deserved for both the piece and the sentiment. I so get this. I have a tendency to do the same. Better than the opposite. I could continue to gush about your generosity in the community, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Stephanie! You would never make me feel uncomfortable with a compliment. I'm sitting here smiling and thanking you for your kind words. I really appreciate your comments and I'm glad there are "others" out there. We aren't alien beings...
DeleteBeautiful words...congratulations, This is a fifth times I;ve read this and I loved it. well deserved honor.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Thank you so much, Lance. Five times. Wow! And I'm glad you loved it. I love beautiful things and David is among my favorite sights. I AM honored.
Delete