The Ambassador of Hope
Spreading hope through stories
A message from Sanjukt appeared in my notifications. Kind words about my writing from someone I did not know. With a link to his project attached. Spam, surely, you may think. I don’t like spam, not even the type Monthy Python sang so cheerfully about.
But this message felt different. So I clicked the link and found a wonderful project. The Wallobooks project. Sanjukt asked me whether I wanted to share a story for their project, to create a storybook for kids who do not have access to books. I love stories, and books, and so do my kids. I can’t imagine a world without them. Fond memories of my childhood, reading late at night while I was supposed to sleep, came back to me. Then I imagined a place where books and stories are not available. A place where kids should not be, a place where kids would need the escape of a story most. So, I replied. Then sent a story to Sanjukt and Swastika. I reworked one I had written for my kids a while back. Now, they are working on the layout and distribution, so more kids can, I hope, enjoy it. I even was awarded an honorary title: Ambassador of Hope. I’m proud of that, sure I am. But it has little value if the story doesn’t reach the kids it’s intended for. But that’s what Sanjukt and Swastika do so well. Check out the Wallobooks website to learn how.
Poetry from the Green Heart
Recently, the Poets on Medium celebrated heart week. A week of poetry writing and sharing, to inspire hope and love. I wrote one about the places I live in, the Green Heart, an oasis of fields and flows in the heart of The Netherlands. Enjoy, and share if you like it.
Writing tip
Once I did a course on Tangible Things. It was about exploring history through objects. I learned how to look at objects differently. Not just see it, but touch it, smell it, describe it. I found that very useful to get inspiration going. So, when I’m out of words to write, I go outside and pick up a random object. Could be a pebble, a leaf, a flower, a piece of trash, anything. I look at it, and describe it. I include the thoughts triggered by the object. It helps me not just to get the words flowing, but also to practice finding inspiration everywhere.
If you can’t go outside, here’s a photo of a random object for you. Share your descriptions, if you like. I would love to read what you see.
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