Apples of Gold? by Nicky Wilkinson

 

Proverbs 25 v 11 says; “Like apples of gold in settings of silver”. comparing a well-chosen word spoken at the right time to something precious and valuable. 

Today I need ‘apples’ but they escape me. 

I read that the opposite of writer’s bloc is brainstorming, so, I researched ‘how to conduct a successful brainstorming session’. I was pleased that a plan was included, as kind inquirers had wondered if I used one.

* Brainstorming often takes place in an informal, relaxed setting.

While John Stevens is busy in his cafe typing his latest WIP, I’m sitting here by the fire in a cosy armchair. It’s November (or Nanowrimo). It used to just be my birthday month. The birthday being an essential glow in an otherwise gloomy-no-snow-yet, leaf-finished, time of the year. But now it’s write a book month! I need to write but that’s not why. 

Fire; warm, chair; comfy, brainstorming; commence! (There is currently no tea on the go but If this brain doesn’t storm soon; the tea cup will have to provide one.)

* Be psychologically safe to get the juices flowing. 

I am…it’s just me here. 

Nope —nothing coming yet. Tea still the only juice discernible. 

*No need to be structured, 

 Digital plan scrunched. Freedom not helping. 

*Eschew all judgement and condemnation — we’re beginning to sound like an invite to a nervous home group. Here I am, juices ready to be released. I promise I won’t judge myself, or condemn anyone (actually, it would be quite nice to have a thought or two to…). 

*Create boundaries, have an agenda and maybe a few ice breakers to get things going. Ahh— this is supposed to be a collaborative exercise -- all the rage these days. Well, there’s me, myself and I, could we all have a go? 

Digital plan reinstated from digital scrunch. Boundaries? Yes — right now I would love to fill in the plan and draw up the boundaries. Iced tea anyone? 

I need words like ‘apples of gold’ to write about a dear friend who tragically, died in a plane crash last week. The weight of the loss triggered the ‘apples’. An honest appraisal flowed because I miss him. I long to pause time and capture his essence forestalling the years where images will fade and memory flickers thin. A faithful prayer warrior for the nation he loved. Excellent storyteller around crackling bush camps fires, always ready with ice tinkling drinks as the heat of day expired. A justice seeking watchman, he flew to search out poachers in the Zambezi valley, which he loved, but which endeavour took his life and left us bereft. 

Nicky Wilkinson lives in Sheffield, is the Administrator for ACW and part of the ACW Sheffield Scribblers Group. She lived abroad in the Czech Republic and Zimbabwe for 26 years. She worked for FEBA Radio in Zimbabwe, and taught at Chisipite Senior School in Harare. Lately she has become an adoring granny to four grandkids.