Pens

Pens..such a simple tool that we don't always use in the days of technology.  


When I think of a pen as a writing tool my first thought that comes to mind is, 'I'm a pen snob!' Why? Because I only like pens that write smooth, look nice and those pens are usually very expensive.  Today on my first day of graduate school in the writing institute I am having to face my fear of the pen---writing with it!


The first inspiring words of the week, "A tool that makes you into a better teacher...a pen." was quoted today at my first keynote. While I have to say that is true as far as teaching goes, I want to think that it would make me into a better thinker, person, communicator?  


Honestly, I'm afraid of the pen.  The computer feels more natural, easier to think, ironically simpler.  But, this week I'm facing my fear of the pen. I'm attempting to put it to the paper and write!  I ask kids in my classroom to do this everyday and yet I am already at a writer's block with my pen. I feel like I pinpoint every feeling of a kid who doesn't want to write, doesn't know what to write about, doesn't like writing or is "thinking." How do I know this, because my pen wouldn't move today in my very own adult writing workshop. So, I tried a pencil. At my stealth attempt to trick my mind into writing, still it wouldn't create words on the page.  


What is about the pen (or pencil) that creates the writer's block, the fear, the run-around incomplete thoughts in my head?  I have no idea! 


Tonight I'm attempting my writing assignments in hopes that the pen will become a tool instead of a fear to express my thoughts that swirl around in my head. My attempt to untangle moments that could come to life on the page for someone else or just to be a moment I've lived.


I'm going to leave the comfort of the keypad to pick up the plain, simple, black bic pen!