Inspiration is a word that I hear too often without appreciating its true form. The word, itself, recollects images of posters from middle school counselor offices (okay, I might like the one that shows the Dalmation litter boasting a rainbow-spotted pup) , but beyond the disposable and marketable "inspiration" that you can find on every Target shelf, there are true moments of inspiration in this world.
I can recall watching a childhood friend of mine holding a piece of chalk to the cement of my driveway while she twirled in circles. The spiraling designs she created were ones that I had never made before. She giggled with contentment as she stopped spinning and took a few dizzy steps to regain her balance. Just as her laughter subsided, a squeal erupted from her lips. "EEEEK!," she looked at me with bursting excitement, "Come do it next to me with a different color!" she demanded. I couldn't have hoped for a better invitation. Here I was, almost silenced with envy at her beautiful circular creation and there she stood, beckoning me to join her.
I was inspired by her carefree approach to art that day on my driveway, and later in life, this brazen redhead would inspire and motivate me in many more ways. I have thought about this day many times. However, a new revelation has occurred to me. She didn't have to ask me to join her. It wasn't the tango. She could have easily continued her spinning, twirling, giggling, and shrieking with a party of one. Perhaps she caught a glimpse of me standing statuesque with jealousy that I had not come up with this idea myself. I believe others might have turned to me and said, "Look at what I did!" She did not. She looked to me and said, "You should, too!" That is inspiring in a whole new way.
I have been inspired by the lives of a few bloggers, and in the same way that Jane asked me to join her, I discovered a wonderful invitation today from one of them. Miss Nici Holt, of Dig This Chick MT.com has updated her blog with hilarious diddies and tidbits of her life in a weekly special called "Hump Day Nuggets." Upon reading some nuggets from her today, I discovered that she created a little icon for this and offered it to others to use. I can just picture her reaching toward me with an oblong shape of chalk and calling to me, "You should, too!" Thank you Nici. I don't know you, and you "did it first," but you have welcomed others to the party. Here's to Hump Day Nuggets!
