During my lunch break today, I decided to take a detour and go into a gift store down the street from Poynter. I was immediately drawn to a row of cards that featured poignant photographs of people. Somehow, the cards made me feel connected to the people in the photos, even though I obviously don’t know them.
Words started flooding my mind, and I felt compelled to write. Photos do that to me, turning on my mental carburetor and fueling my passion for the written word. So, I spent the $8 and bought the cards, slipping in a Winnie the Pooh card as well. After work, I headed to the bookstore. Surrounded by Gabriel Garcia Marquez books, I looked at the cards and free wrote. I often joke with my friends that I’m a “newsroom nerd.” I’ll admit, maybe all this sounds “nerdy,” but heck, if you’re stressed, tired or in a writing mood, this is a pretty cool exercise.
I had difficulty uploading the photos I took of the cards, so until my computer stops being so slow, I’m going to just write the words that came to mind when I looked at the cards:
Card with photo of a child with the quote: “To know the beauty of the clouds and wishes and wagons filled with dreams we must see through the eyes of a child.” — Curiosity, fervor, passion, insight, wonder, energy, life.
Card with photo of a sleeping baby lying on its back — Peace, innocence, serenity, comfort, joy.
Card with a little girl on the beach, covering her mom’s eyes — Childhood, special bond, fun, relaxing, longing, sacrifice.
Card with a little girl kissing/holding onto the cheeks of a little boy — Friendship, love, cuteness, bravery/courage, concentration, focus.
Card with image of Winnie the Pooh holding Piglet’s hand with the quote: “My very favorite things are small things.” — Connection, friendship, loyalty, joy, protection, simplicity.
Word on the Street 