Before composing this blog post, I read two pieces of writing called What is Creative Nonfiction? (Lee Gutkind), and Making Scenes in Memoir (Lee Martin). The authors of these readings wrote all about putting together and creating scenes in creative nonfiction pieces. In this blog post I will be creating a scene of a moment in my present life. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon as I lay on a stiff rainbow of threads, slowly swinging back and forth. Back and forth my thoughts are swaying, mimicking the leaves on the plant in front of me. My eyes are wandering, gazing into the ómbre blue sky. Salty fumes flowing consistently, creeping up and into my nose. I can hear the sound of the waves crashing, as well as the click click of the grill turning on. What a wonderful combination. My family is gathered in the kitchen whipping up a seafood smorgasbord. I can feel the hidden sun rays beaming on my forehead, as if it switched my brain into gear.
“A penny for your thoughts?” My aunt approaches me with her gentle yet strong voice. I snap out of my daydream. I didn’t even get a chance to think before responding. This is how I knew it's time to acknowledge my daydream. “It’s time. I need to begin a new chapter of my life. I can’t stop thinking about it.” I respond. My aunt waits for the right moment to slide on the hammock with me. She wraps her sun-kissed arms around me. “You have to do what’s best for you” she assures me. I can feel the heat of her skin seeping through her white t-shirt. “I know I do. But I know you know how terrible I am with handling change. I am so used to my routine. Working at that daycare for the past 3 years has brought so much joy to my life. I don’t want to abandon my babies.” I felt myself choking up. “All good things must come to an end in order for even better things to grow” my aunt responds as she swings off the hammock, leaving me to rock back and forth some more. She always knows how to get me to believe in myself. I wait for the swinging to slowly come to a stop. I lay still and imagine all 50 ways the conversation of me giving my notice would go. I know I can't work there forever. I also know I can not truly excel in college while taking care of 12 babies when I should be studying. I am at a point in my life where I should be thriving. Learning. I don’t want to feel so incredibly drained anymore. I love taking care of those children. However the toll it takes on me mentally and emotionally can not be justified. I sit up and place my bare feet onto the cool, smooth deck. I look out into the dunes, and let out a sigh of relief. I can finally clearly see a glimpse of the future ahead of me. The smell of the freshly steamed seafood and the vegetables on the grill is lingering over towards me. I get up and make my way back into the kitchen, feeling the love of the room smack me back into reality. I can do this.
5 Comments
Sabatino
9/18/2018 06:27:23 am
This post provides description, action, and reflection to create a narrative scene. The sensory details and use of dialogue allow the reader to relive the moment with you. In class, let’s talk about composing in the present.
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Ray Cabance
9/20/2018 01:46:36 pm
I like the details and conversation that you had with yourself and to question what we really want in life. I also love the and conversation you had with your aunt and how much a support she is in your life.
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Seth Greiner
9/21/2018 02:41:21 pm
The detail in the beginning of this scene is amazing! I feel like I was practically there. I also loved the way you started the dialogue, it felt very natural.
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Erin Lynch
9/23/2018 02:28:53 pm
Amazing detail. I really felt as if I was there. I really enjoyed reading this.
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9/24/2018 02:21:17 pm
At your home on your porch in this scene you recount talking to your aunt. It is very personal and I can relate. I enjoyed reading this.Thank you.
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