When I got home from Camp Mighty there was a beautifully addressed envelope to me from Charles Morrison, the first speaker I’ve had a chance to see at CreativeMornings Seattle. Since I didn’t apply or even consider going away to college, this may have been the most excited I’ve ever been to open an envelope since I received a response to the fan letter I wrote to Lisa Whelchel during her Facts of Life heyday.
In his highly engaging CreativeMornings talk, Charles describes his letter writing habit that’s become part of his life for the past 10 years. There are over 100 people on his list (which I so hope I’ve become a permanent part of!), and in this talk he describes his creative process, how he circles through his list and develops topics to write about, and the tragic beginnings that this project sprung from. His writing and his story literally moved me to tears.
I’m so happy that his talk was my first experience with CreativeMornings Seattle. I know it’s long, but please take the time to watch it. You won’t be sorry. At the end, he reads samples of three of his letters. His writing is so beautiful and, unfortunately for us, he has no intentions of publishing it. I hope he changes his mind.
In case you’re wondering, the topic of the letter that Charles wrote to me was dance and movement and his recent experience at the Pacific Northwest Ballet where he got to see the world premiere of Twyla Tharp’s Waiting at the Station. It was perfect timing because I’m currently reading (and loving) The Creative Habit.
Have a creative week! xo