Even without a wayward draft to misdirect a bird in flight, a folded slip of paper aimed at a trashcan might yet miss its intended target and land on the floor, a dust collector for those with short brooms.
A baker en route to delivering fresh cookies to lucky children might trip on the upturned edge of the sidewalk, the treats toppling onto the concrete, landing in a crush of sweet crumble for alert mice.
Aiming for the concentric circle of chlorinated water at the community pool, a diver might wobble his torso, miss the mark, and land in a belly flop, water erupting as wildly as back flipping whales.
Stories do not begin in perfect landings but perfectly good stories begin in chaotic tumbles down all kinds of chutes. The struggle of climbing back up makes for great reading.
Just a thought 27
Image: The Dance of Cogul, Levantine rock art of the Iberian Peninsula
Sharon Bonin-Pratt's Ink Flare 
Comments on: "I Could Aim Better" (26)
Poor all these tumbling people but you are right. Tumbles of some sort happens all the
time with either a comical result or a more serious one. Either way, there will be a story
to tell.
miriam
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are absolutely right, Miriam. I tend to take note of the serious drama but some of the stories are hilarious.
LikeLike
Shari, how true and well-observed! The perfections of life would make dull reading indeed…people have always, and rightly so, been enthralled by the journey, battling obstacles along the way! Sharing the tales, learning, relating to them, finding joy, humour and love. A delight to read your reflections this morning. hugs xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Annika. Most of my work starts off with one leg shorter than the other. Thus the wobbling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. And it makes them interesting.
LikeLike
I know you also like those quirks, Jacqui. Your characters always intrigue me for their oddities – and their strengths.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love interesting people. I’m glad that comes through my writing.
LikeLike
Yes, it definitely does. Not only interesting, but endearing – some of them, anyway.
LikeLike
Well said! A very poetic way to describe the process of a “discovery” writer. I never bemoan the time taken to run down those chutes, as they lead to all sorts of fun explorations, and sometimes, to good story telling.
LikeLike
They do, don’t they, Jenna? Your own writing explorations reveal lots of fun tumbles and rewarding discoveries.
LikeLike
This is something I need to remember for this next month. Thanks, Shari. 😀
LikeLike
If this thought helps you in some way, then I’m very pleased. Thanks, Glynis.
LikeLike
There is a parallel with scientific discovery isn’t there Sharon: how many breakthrough discoveries or inventions have started with a “mistake” in the laboratory? I’m going to remind my wife of this truism the next time I am cooking in the kitchen!
LikeLike
Decades ago, Carl Sagan hosted a TV show, and also wrote a book called Cosmos. He often talked about the mistakes that led to great inventions. I’m impressed that you cook – I force my hubby out of the kitchen on the rare times he offers to help. He means well, but…
LikeLike
I like reading and seeing through your eyes, Shari. Those last two sentences speak soft and slow, for all the action you provide, and it calms me. Thank you for this piece of writing.
LikeLike
Thanks for that lovely comment, Audrey. I like reading poetry out loud (yours included) and I usually read the Just a Thought entries out loud as well since they’re very short. It does lend a different perspective to understanding language.
LikeLike
Wouldn’t life just be boring if there were no conflict or “oops” moments? Sometimes, my life feels like a series of oops moments, and gives me something to laugh about. Well done, Shari!
LikeLike
Thanks, Terri. Maybe we remember the mistakes more – they have more impact, and hopefully more laughter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a great thought it is Sharon. Its the tumbles that we remember and the risks taken in getting to the point of tumbling. These make who we are and make characters what they are. Good reading indeed.
LikeLike
I agree, Irene. It’s accepting falling in order to get up and do better the next time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The tumbles are what draw out our characters (and ourselves). It is what makes a story. Very interesting way to touch this writing topic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect characters are boring. We humans are so far from perfect. Books help us see our own flaws and maybe we try to correct them when the image in the mirror frightens us. Thanks for your comment, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very inspirational!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike