“Once upon a time, ” I say.
You look up from your morning tea. “That is not a very good beginning. I’ve heard it before.”
“Once upon a time, ” I say again.
“Are you writing another book?” You set your teacup into its saucer. Clink. “It doesn’t sound too promising.”
“What’s this?” I ask. “The Princess Bride? Am I the grandfather and you the child, giving me a hard time?”
“You might be my grandfather. But you are a little young. And, besides, you’re a woman. Dark-haired, 5’4″. My grandfather was 5’11”, blond.”
“A time, once. A book, once. But not a book, because I am too tired and busy to write one. And yes, I know I have a history of saying no-book before a book comes along, but this time I mean it.”
“You mean it?”
“I mostly mean it.”
“That sounds suspicious to me. You are giving yourself an out. Or an in, as the case may be.”
“Beginnings are like that. You need an out. Or, an in, as the case may be.”
“What are you starting here then? Are you going to tell me a story?”
“I think not. I think it is just a book of beginnings.”
You take another sip of tea. French. The Bagatelle. “Only beginnings? That doesn’t sound too promising.”
“I’ve heard that before, ” I say.
Photo by Claire Burge. Used with permission. Story by L.L. Barkat, author of Rumors of Water: Thoughts on Creativity & Writing.
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Monica Sharman says
Just gimme the Bagatelle and everybody’ll be fine.
L. L. Barkat says
Is that a water gun you are holding up to me, demanding the Bagatelle? 😉
L. L. Barkat says
Well, I don’t know.
You could try it 😉
Will Willingham says
Was actually thinking more broadly. As in, a life.
L. L. Barkat says
Well, I guess you could try that too. If you are in the market for a good beginning 😉
And how did you know I wasn’t talking about a life?
Will Willingham says
So, what might happen if really, things only began?
Might there even be some continuity to an actual progression and finish from that?
Charity Singleton Craig says
A book of beginnings . . . reminds me of the song that never ends. Beginnings are so fresh and hopeful, and sometimes a little hard. Looking forward to this!
L. L. Barkat says
Well, yes. That is a dilemma. Does a book of beginnings ever end? 🙂
Thanks for looking forward. I can tell this is going to be fun.
Megan Willome says
Uh oh. She’s on the move again. 🙂
L.L. Barkat says
Ah, you know. Dandelion seed 😉
Diana Trautwein says
And here it comes. . . something else new and wonderful. Prayin’ I can keep up – I’m more than a little slow, you know.
L.L. Barkat says
No need to keep up. It will be an easy pace and fun for the heart and mind. Once a week. Unless I don’t feel like it from time to time 😉
LLB says
I like the way you give yourself permission.
sarah says
Enticing.
Claire says
🙂