Skate to Write, Write to Skate

I'm feeling philosophical today. I wrote, once, about how horseback riding was like writing, in that you had to keep getting up and getting back "on" your career, no matter how many times you got thrown, how sometimes you just had to outstubborn the "horse" of your book, etc.

Since we (yes, the Engineer is taking lessons with me) had our second ice skating lesson last night, I think I can safely say that learning how to skate is like writing, too.

First and foremost, you fall down a lot. And you have to learn how to get up without falling down again in the process. And without showing off any underwear or anything while you're getting back up (or burning bridges or insulting the wrong people, etc).

You have to overcome wobbly ankles and let go of the wall. You will never learn to skate if you don't try. (And never figure out that you *can* write if you don't put your butt in the chair, your hands on the keyboard and give it a shot. Or strengthen your writing if you don't keep practicing.)

You've got to have at least a little confidence in yourself or you will watch others skate rings around you (literally) and never dare to make rings of your own.

When you're watching someone else leap and twirl and dance gracefully across the ice, remember that they were once where you are, and that with enough time and dedication, you may get where they are now. It won't be the same dance, but that's what makes you fun to watch. (Do I need to translate that one?)