Writing My Own Story

I've shared a lot of stories since this blog's birth over a year ago. I'm a writing major; my fingers might as well bleed ink if cut. But, as I discovered during on my first writing conference adventure, writing is merely a reflection of living. And instructions for one can be advice for the other. 

Awkward selfie with the welcome sign!

I ventured into the world of the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild Conference two weekends ago thanks to a PLNU scholarship and a date two days after my Thursday of Death by Midterms (three back to back from 8-12).

Of course, I packed my bag with loads of goodies because I couldn't gorge on the breakfast and lunch buffet included in the ticket. Vanilla Bean Chia Pod to the rescue - and once I loaded it up with some seeds, puffed cereal and fruit, my tummy and taste buds were huge fans! 

Devoured this baby during the first presentation!

The first speaker that dominated the stage was Ellie Kay. A navy wife, mother of seven and national speaker on personal finances, you could say she has her hands full. She ended her presentation with a story about the comfort a woman found in the written word after her husband, a deployed soldier, was killed. "Our words and the written word carries power," she said. "literally a life or death difference."

As I sat in the "Just Saying" concert, an event held at my college to raise awareness for human trafficking, my heart beat loudly in agreement. Through their spoken word poetry, people sung out their pain, their concern and their shame that human beings are nothing more than commodities ordered over the Internet. Nothing more than flesh twisted and arranged for others' entertainment. 

Only one of the beyond amazing spoken word poets!

And as I sit writing this post, my fingers agree with every tap against the keyboard. Words are powerful - the fact that you're taking time out of your day to read this blog is proof. I feel the power with every reader comment, praise and shared suffering. And I feel empowered every time I identify as a "celiac." 

The first workshop that I walked into was led by Lynn Vincent. A big white board, a huge room full of desks and an hour of discussion on "every question about writing for a living that people are too afraid to ask." Money, writer's block, computer programs...she covered it all. The quote that was branded into my mind, though, is the idea that we are own "agents of destiny." 

As a celiac, I can definitely relate. I make my own food out of ingredients people have never heard of (Buckwheat pizza crust? What?). 

Le pizza!

I choose to join my boyfriend and his friends on a late-night burrito run even if all I can eat is the free tap water. And for Halloween, I painted the night orange and black first by carving pumpkins and roasting seeds with my family, and then by squealing at the Silence of the Lambs in a dark dorm room. Last year, the gluten ghoul caught me; this year, I chose to not bother with the candy, but the night was even sweeter. 

Happy Halloween from my folks!

By the time I dragged myself to the last workshop eight hours since the conference began, I couldn't stop yawning. And then Michael Clark began talking and I was transported into the world of game theory and the idea that "being playful is the best way to write seriously because games are limitless."

I'm not going to lie. No matter how wide my smile or how peppy my words, I'm tired. Now that I'm only six weeks out from conquering the first semester of sophomore year, yawns are my favorite accessory. And, as a result of my unfortunately intense Type A personality, I take life too seriously sometimes. Grades, clubs, cooking...it's all on a pretty strict schedule. 

Except, sometimes a girl has gotta play. I've got to spend hours hanging out in dorm rooms, fighting off persistent paparazzi.

So many photos...

I need to devour brunch with a friend at True Foods Kitchen and quest for cheap treasures at local thrift stores. 

I even deserve a brisk morning walk on the cliffs with the girls that have carved a special place in my life. 

Gorgeous gal pals on a gorgeous day!

Stories and my blog are inevitably entwined, but writing and life share an even closer relationship. 

My first writing conference filled my notebook with pages of writing advice, tips and tricks. The more I flip through, though, the more blatantly memories from the last few weeks stare back. The fact is, pens and humans both bleed red. So believe in your own power, take control of your own destiny and enjoy playing the game of life.

Promise me - life's a scream!

The story is yours. You just have to start writing. 

What was/is your college major? How are you making time to play in life? How did you choose to celebrate Halloween this year? Comment below!