Party On! When Images Lead to Flow
Sometimes flow hits in an unexpected place, such as a party goods store. I couldn’t help think my friend, Lynne Barrett, author and educator extraordinaire, was at my side while cruising through Amy’s Card, Party & Gifts. It was as if she was setting up a plot clock as she does in her workshops. Interested in learning more about her writing or teaching offerings? Look here: http://www.lynnebarrett.com/
First, there was the setting – a casino. Then, the military star-crossed lovers from Perth and Paris. Next, a complication – a pregnancy – set the plot clock back. Finally, the war ends and the two tie the knot when Edwin, not Edwina, is born. Too easy? Maybe. But remember that I was simply pushing a cart around and nearly forgot to get birthday cards for my nephews. Indeed, I was floating in flow. If you are in Central Florida, check out Amy’s shop on SR-540 in Winter Haven.
When the Setting Presents Itself
So meandering around a card and gift store that has seasonal décor is a fast way to flow. I snapped a shot of the casino where my characters met. (This cracked me up, because I hadn’t a clue who they were yet.) I simply saw the casino décor and thought of the off-shore casinos that float off the Atlantic coast. Sounded like a gamble, which is how love occurs. Then, I turned the corner and met the leads….
The Guy, The Girl, and the Complication
The guy was from Perth, Australia. I think Perth came first, because my cousin once removed, has a Perth bride. But, the male main character is from Down Under. (I don’t ask these things, I just write it down.) Then, on the display directly across from the kangaroo, rests the Eiffel Tower. The lead female’s name is Paris. A la Hilton. Or, Jackson. She is as intuitive as the City of Light for which she is named.
The next aisle brings a pleasant – if not cliché – surprise to the couple: they learn they are expecting a girl. Yet, somehow, the powder pink shower is for naught. Baby boy is born and adds to the father’s delight.
There’s No Place Like Home
Paris and her yet-to-be named Aussie hunk are done with their military careers. The war is over. So, they decide to live exactly half-way between Perth and Paris in Malwan, India. Wonder how to calculate that distance? Use the TravelMath site found here: https://www.travelmath.com/halfway/from/Perth,+Australia/to/Paris,+France
Your Turn
Take a stroll through any gift store to see décor for a number of get togethers all in one place. Sure you could cheat and do this on Pintrest, but the trip to the store will do you good. Listen to which displays call out to you. Snap some pictures. Use them to collage a storyline or two.
Now if you will excuse me, I need to go write and find out how this story unfolds.
Here’s to growing your flow,
Marisa
