After the travelogue

Everything I say is a rough draft. What I really mean is written down. I have no problem letting friends and strangers hear these works in progress as I workshop thoughts and stories. This is the creative process. I’m not ashamed of it. Fiction, jokes, observations--they are all tested on the ears around me, then discarded or developed further.

“” — Adrian

“” — Kimberly

But as I began to reflect on my trip to Thailand, I noticed I was holding back with those closest to me. Not that I was afraid. I wanted to share. Intensely. But I realized I wanted them to hear the polished thought first. The fully faceted emotion. I wanted them to experience the best articulated version untainted by my verbal floundering. I wanted it to be treated seriously--my words are never serious until they’re on a page. So I wrote. And I tested my rough drafts elsewhere. And chose my words carefully. And I prayed that I would be understood.

“” — Jacob

“” — Janie

I don’t know if I succeeded in this. To be known how I hoped. But so many more people than I expected decided to follow and read this pop-up newsletter. And they wrote to me. Left comments. Sent messages. And friends expressed disappointment that there would be no more entries when Travelogue concluded.

“” — Isbiltur

“” — Will

I was encouraged. My writing affirmed. Honored to have a community that cared enough to listen. I’m proud of the work.

“” — Meredith

“” — Paola

And I felt loved.