Vain Imaginings

Many years ago I was introduced to the works of Florence Scovel Shinn. The first book I read was, "The Game of Life and How to Play it”.

She uses the phrase “vain imaginings” quite often to describe the blocks and barriers to achieving what you want. These are the self-imposed barriers we humans often attribute to others.

Published in 1925 it was the “Secret” before “The Secret”.

There was something about the phrase that always stuck with me and I have thought about it at different times trying to get to its true meaning.

A completely different meaning came to me while watching a movie yesterday.

It IS a Wonderful Life!!

Watching the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the other day stirred my mind.

If you have not seen the movie, you are missing an excellent film; the story shows the lead character what would have happened if he had not existed. He saw how many people he had touched even people he had not met directly and decided that he did not want to die.

Outside of a movie it is harder to see the sphere that we affect. Myself I get caught up in the day to day task and my own goals that take up the day. Since you rarely get the feedback from others who are also caught up in their lives it usually does not come to mind. I am surprised when I get complemented about something I have done.

Many times I can barely remember the specifics of what happened, yet the person was impacted enough to say something about what happened. The only truth that I have found is to be yourself and be aware that there are other people around you.

If you are doing the things that really make you happy in life you will find that you are positively affecting those around you.

It would be nice to be able to see a movie version of our lives but that only happens in Hollywood.

Well back to writing.

Cocoa Dolci in Wichita Kansas. For Me, It Is Like Hemingway said "This is a clean and pleasant cafe. It is well lighted."

I have found a new place to work on my books.

I take my laptop and head to Cocoa Dolce, a local gourmet chocolate establishment.

They moved to a larger space in Bradley Fair that is full of chairs and sofas that is bright with light from the large windows.

I can fulfill my coffee and chocolate desires while I write.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

The staff smile and make you feel like you are a guest in their home.

Most of the ladies have worked there for years and it is like seeing an old friend every time you walk in.

Cocoa Dolce reminds me of a line from a Ernest Hemingway short story,
“This is a clean and pleasant cafe. It is well lighted.”

The store has a character that keeps coming back to the café.

That is what Cocoa Dolce is.....a place to keep coming back to.

Beth Tully, the owner creates amazing chocolates and with that inspiration as a background, I find it easy to write.

Bye for now, back to writing and more chocolate. :-)