Short Story

Who Do I Think I Am

Today’s JusJoJan the 27th and
Stream of Consciousness Saturday
are brought to us by Linda G. Hill’s prompt
“I made the call.” This is my stream.

© Nancy

When I first started writing on WordPress, I printed out every story I wrote along with its accompanying graphic.

I filled five of the largest 3-ring binders I could find at Staples.

I was so enthralled with the fact that I was actually a “published author”! I felt my work needed to be immortalized in plastic.

For what? My 15 minutes of fame? To prove I existed and to share my brilliant thoughts with the world? To have something to pass on to my children and their children’s children?

Who the hell do I think I am?

Then the stark reality hit me: who cares? No child of mine is going to want these tomes cluttering their shelves;  besides, they’ll never find the time to sit down and read them. They’ll get tossed in a basket next to the recliner, with all the other good intentions. Soon they’ll be relegated to the basement or worse, the attic 
. the black hole in every home.

I know what you’re thinking: “Why not self-publish on Amazon, Nancy, and have pretty books to keep on your shelf (or in a box) instead of unwieldy, unattractive 3-ring binders?” Honestly, I know me and it won’t get done. I just don’t give a rat’s ass and those pretty books will end up as kindling or more ‘stuff’ to be disposed of when I croak.

I suppose I can have them buried with me so I’ll have something to read as I become one with the earth. That’s a thought.

And so I made the call. Sometime during the summer of 2023  I stopped  printing out my stories. I now have a little more free time not to mention plenty of ink for my printer.

Anyone interested in five 3-ring binders of my stories? They’re going cheap.

You know where to find me.

NAR©2024

This is The Who with “Who Are You?”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

39 thoughts on “Who Do I Think I Am”

  1. You know what? At one point I considered doing the same thing, to leave them for my kids. I came to the conclusion (before filling three large binders) that they won’t give a rat’s ass!
    It might have been nice to have them printed into a book (like they do with photos) but methinks that it would be rather expensive.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Isn’t it incredible that this one stream of consciousness on a rainy NY Saturday has elicited similar comments from other people? It absolutely is blowing my little mind right now!
      How very cool to know I am not alone in this, that we know our children and accept the fact that they won’t give a rat’s ass. My sons will look at the binders with one thought in their minds: “WTF am I going to do with these?” LOL, Gail! Thanks for your great comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Presuming your children or your grand children won’t care for the binders is something I am not seeing.
    Granted the time, they will feel the need to sit down and engage all their senses as they immerse themselves in the Sicilian Storyteller’s universe, is unknown. But they will.

    (I am blaming the pouring rain for this ink)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Solu u genitore cunnosce u zitellu
      (Only the parent knows the child) Old Sicilian phrase.

      Perhaps when the time comes they will sit by the fire pit and read the words of this Old Sicilian 😂

      Despite the rain, there is still much humor in what I wrote. đŸ–€âœ’ïž

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Oh I sure understand this. I used to print out emails and stuff I wrote, too. I have binders! I have so many spiral notebooks, too. I just think if something ever happens to the internet and all is lost, I still have my handwritten and printed out words. …But, yes .. it gets to be so much! And my girls won’t even read my blog, so they sure aren’t going to go through tons of paper I’ve kept. Oh well, I’ve had fun, and continue to. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. What a coincidence, Nancy! Today I was thinking on the similar lines I have a shelf for the medals and cups won by me. These definitely mean so much to me, but I wonder if these will be of any value to my children.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. relatable Nancy. I love that Dwight does something similar as his legacy. who knows AND who cares if you will enjoy them ..”Then the stark reality hit me: who cares? No child of mine is going to want these tomes cluttering their shelves; besides, they’ll never find the time to sit down and read them.’ .

    I save all the love letters from and too my hubby and cards from kids and friends and my husband said, throw them away.. I gasped. he said “are you going to be like my 98 year old father and drag them out to read?” I said “I hope so”âŁïž

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Excellent response to your hubby, Cindy. Our letters and cards to each other are in a chest at the foot of the bed …. 55 years of precious memories …. our son’s birth announcements, their tiny hospital bands, a lock of hair from that first haircut.
      Maybe I’ll take my stories out of the binders and put just the paper they’re written on in that chest as well. Why not? They represent another chapter in my life.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I think it’s nice to have hard copies of things at times, Nancy, something to touch. I made a book version of my blog a few years ago (same feel and same nonsense 😊) and was about to publish it when a loud thought held me back. We all have a book in us. My Inner Voice told me that one wasn’t mine… so, ever since, I’ve been writing my other book! And it keeps changing.
    Keep your binders… you’ll enjoy them in a few years!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Bravo, Nancy! My mind is a buzz with thoughts about your post. I too printed every post (text only) mainly as a backup should technology falter. I still print, but less so. How long have you been blogging?

    Like

      1. No need to apologize but thank you for your consideration. Spam’s trap does seem random at times. Thank you for rescuing me and responding. 😊

        Some of us like to hold and read good ‘ol fashion books too. 😁 Thank you, Nancy. Always a joy to connect with you.

        Liked by 1 person

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