Blank Paper

As someone who writes about writing, there is something that gets me wildly fired-up:

A blank piece of paper.

Really. I'm passionate about blank paper.

How does one get all passionate about a blank page, you ask? Let me tell you. My head just gets all spinny when I imagine the endless possibilities that a blank piece of paper represents.

When and where did this condition of mine start? I have to say, it probably all started about a year ago in the mission control room of NASA.

You see, one day my space-obsessed son and I were watching the first test launch of a newly-designed rocket ship on television. Luckily this trial flight was scheduled to be brief (about 2 minutes, I think) because we were holding our breath the entire time. When all signs pointed to success, the cameras turned to the mission control room where steely-eyed rocket scientists were cheering, hugging, and even tearing up. Then, someone official, maybe the mission commander, stood up to address the team. He started off by saying something to the effect of, "...and to think that only two years ago this whole thing started out with a blank piece of paper...."

[insert jaw drop here.]

I remember that morning so clearly because Jack and I stood side-by-side, staring at that screen, both blown away by what had just happened. He, awestruck by the magnitude of this mighty piece of engineering going to infinity and beyond. And me, reeling from the realization that blank pieces of paper have quite possibly launched nearly an infinite number of ideas into the universe.

I mean, how many great events in history, and in life, have started with a blank piece of paper? It truly boggles the mind.

That's why, despite so much competing for my kids' attention these days, I'm committed to making sure they have the write stuff. And I'm not talking about anything out-of-this world either. I'm talking about a steady supply of blank paper and the skills and confidence to know what to do with it. My hope is that a love of writing, learned early, will help them turn all of their Big Ideas into a reality.

Yup. Some people see a blank piece of paper. Me, I see unlimited possibility.

How about you? Are you on the same page with me on this one?

Comments

[MamaBird]

I totally get this! I too love the blank page. I especially love blank notebooks - lots of blank pages bound together must mean even greater possibilities, right?

I love the way you put this into words, and related it to your children. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Tessa Zeng]

Love this. A blank piece of paper is powerful indeed. It's fun to read about someone else who's similarly, powerfully affected by what we're capable of creating (seemingly from nothing!)

Your vision is resonating with me.

[Cosmopolitan Kids]

I really love blank pieces of paper. I get so excited when I have a new journal.

[Pancakes For Recess]

Right on the mark and beautifully said.

[michelle]

Awesome.

I don't just think it's the paper though. For my daughter's 5th birthday I gave her a totally, totally beautiful Windsor & Newton watercolour paint set. Professional quality, with a beautiful brush and a book to paint in. The colours - so rich and edible and instantly satisfying for a young mind and hand.

She is off and racing and doing amazing things.

It's so worth getting good quality materials - easier to use and with little ones that's important. Good paper, soft pencils, rich paint, dark ink. Beautiful results.

[Karen D]

Your writing center has been so inspirational! And such applause for kids' adoration of blank sheets of paper - lately, we have been using 4 x 6 and 5 x 8 blank index cards. The kids love them because they feel more permanent and hold up to lots of showing off and they store them in a toast rack.

[rogerandrosaleen@gmail.com]

I just love this blog. I have received so many great ideas off you! I agree that blank paper is a gift of endless possibilities!
I always keep paper and art supplies available at all times for my kids. I see how it fosters creativity...when that blank paper calls their name!

Rosaleen
rogerandrosaleen.blogspot.com

[Chapter Forty]

Just yesterday I had a conversation with my son that went like this,
"Mum I want to make something"
"But all the craft stuff is in storage" I replied
"I want to make insects, all I need is a pen, sticky tape and paper"
Awesome I thought.

[destri]

You sold me! Think I will have to have the bins too.
Great post, best I have read all day.

[Maiz]

For some reason, last year I got tired of writing my ideas in a journal. Now, when I have something I want to remember, I just take a clean sheet of paper, write my idea, and add it to a (now big) stack of ideas on my desk. There is something so satisfying about grabbing that blank sheet of paper!

[Luisa]

Yes I'm write on with you! I love white paper blank, lined, 8x11 or smaller as long as it doesn't have someone else ideas on it I see endless possibilities. It's where I have seen the most come out of my kids.

[meg]

what an amazing story! It makes me want to get out some paper!

[adhocmom]

It's true. What didn't start with paper?
I was kind of delighted to discover my daughter doesn't dig coloring books so much. I personally am a lined paper kind of girl. I need lines. . go figure.

[abi]

this is a GREAT blog post. thanks for the inspiration!