Today I'm linking up with the Five Minute Friday community, writing for five minutes on a given prompt.
This week's word is OBSERVANT.
I watched a movie not long ago about an observant person.
The movie's called Paterson, and it's about a bus driver in Paterson, New Jersey who is also named Paterson (the specific reason why is never explained) and who has a "secret life" as a poet.
He carries a notebook with him everywhere and writes his poems in it -- we see the drafts appearing across the screen as he walks to work or drives his bus around the city. He stares at a matchbox while eating breakfast, and that inspires a poem that ends with his love for his wife. He eavesdrops on the conversations of passengers on his bus, stops to listen to a rapper composing in a laundromat, chats with a young girl who has a notebook of her own.
His daily routines are mundane and rarely change, but his inner life is rich. There isn't always a direct connection between what he observes and what he writes; the things he sees and hears are more like compost enriching his creative life.
Our lives are richer when we are observant, when we take notice of the things around us. It's so easy to walk around in a fog, stuck in our heads, preoccupied with ideas and worries and plans. At least it is for me. Simple objects, sounds, and conversations can inspire our creativity. They can also connect us with other people and remind us that we're just a small part of something greater.
I love that last sentence, especially "it reminds us that we're just a small part of something greater." Thanks for writing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by to read and comment! Take care.
DeleteI appreciate how you articulated this, Jeannie. "His daily routines are mundane and rarely change, but his inner life is rich. There isn't always a direct connection between what he observes and what he writes; the things he sees and hears are more like compost enriching his creative life."
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lisa. I'm grateful you took time to come by and read and comment today.
DeleteHe's a great actor, I'll have to check out that movie. and I can always use the reminder to keep my head up and eyes open.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy the movie, though be warned, it's very slow and simple. I loved it for just those reasons, though. Adam Driver was excellent; he is so versatile. Thanks for coming by to read and comment, Brooke.
DeleteI’ve often thought I’m too observant! All those details keep me in my own mind a lot. You’ve caused me to ponder though, maybe I’m creating fertile soil for creativity to grow, too. I pray it’s so! Thanks for sharing this Jeannie! Always love to read your words, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you ARE creating fertile soil, Cindy! I like to think that none of that goes to waste. Thanks so much for being here.
DeleteI like how you tied the movie about observant with this weeks prompt. I like the story line. Great insights about conversation and the such can inspire our creativity and also connect us with other people. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from FMF#6
Thanks so much for being here, Paula – I appreciate your comment!
DeleteI notice almost everything,
ReplyDeletethen notice something else,
a butterfly upon the wing,
a seaside pile of shells,
and this may be my downfall,
that I see far too much,
and want to embrace it all,
but some say this is such
for a bloke who's hyperactive,
attention span of dimwit kitten,
never thoughtful, just reactive
and who with own joy is smitten,
but what the heck, that must be me,
master of ADHD!
That's awesome, Andrew. It's that "Look, a squirrel!" syndrome -- but hey, far better to see the squirrel than not see it ... unless you're driving on the interstate or something, ha ha. My son, who's 18 and autistic, is the prime noticer. We went for a walk today and he was so thrilled to see a small flock of geese going over. He is a good example to us to keep our eyes open and see what's around us.
DeleteThis is so good, Jeannie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, GGG -- I really appreciate your stopping by to read and leave a comment! Take care.
DeleteVery true. I wonder if the pandemic has made us more observant – or if the stress makes it difficult to really live in the moment. Thanks for being here, Stephanie!
ReplyDelete