Guest Blog: Life Without Prompts

On Friday, I interviewed Allison from Life in a Pink Fibro as the Best Scoop of the Week. Today she returns to guest post. Please stop by her place and leave her some comment love, and take a minute to stop by and check out her guest post on The Red Dress Club today, as well. She's on fire!

I was waiting for my prompt. A couple of words to set me on my way. But no. The Drama Mama is trying something different. “No prompt for you,” she decreed.

At first, it was scary. Like trying the trapeze without a safety net. I felt befuddled, bewildered, directionless. It reminded me of those first few days of motherhood, when I would have sold my entire supply of tiny singlets for a prompt. A couple of words to help me navigate my path with assurance.

But life’s not like that, is it? Often we have to find our own way. Work out our own set of instructions. Find our own voice.

We take our prompts from the actions, reactions and, sometimes, inaction of others. Sometimes I wish I could ignore prompts. The wistful look in the eyes of the school’s cake stall/raffle/school magazine organizer as she laments the lack of volunteers on the committee always prompts me to say ‘Oh well, if you’re really short, let me know.’ Of course, they’re always really short. Of course, I find myself front and centre for every fundraising occasion.

Other times, acting on a prompt has been the best thing I’ve ever done. When I was 18 and working as a secretary for a magazing publishing company, a friend and I were chatting at the photocopier (as you do). Another girl, who was working as a cadet journalist at the time, ran up to us in great excitement. “I’ve just been accepted into catering college,” she trilled. “I’m leaving Friday.” She skipped off, leaving us staring in her wake. We got back to the photocopying.

“You know,” said my friend. “If she’s leaving, they’ll be looking for a new cadet. You should go and talk to the boss right now.”

Excitement rose within me – and quickly died. Why would they give it to me? “Me? Do you think so?”

She picked up her pages and gave me a long look. “What have you got to lose?” she asked.

So maybe it wasn’t so much a prompt as a challenge. Either way, I followed it. I marched into the Managing Editor’s office, introduced myself and suggested that he might like to employ me as a journalist.

It was the best move I ever made. Would I have made it without her? I really don’t know.

I’d probably still be there. Standing at the photocopier. Waiting for a prompt.

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Looking for the contest I hinted about? Well, here you go... 

This idea is brought to me by the fabulous Kelly of The Miller Mix. It fits right along with my blog title, plus, it will be fun. It will run from TODAY, October 25, 2010, until midnight, November 1, 2010.

How many times can you say poop in a comment, that still makes sense? Plus, see over -----> in my sidebar? I have this handy little "Top Commenter" widget I call "Top Potty Mouths". Whoever has the most poop-filled comments (AKA a Top Potty Mouth) wins a $25 Starbucks Gift Card to be used soley for Pumpkin Spice Lattes for whatever you want. So, come on, what are you waiting for? Shoot the Poop with me, all week, and win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card. How easy is that?

Need more incentive? Okay, look over -----> on my sidebar again. See at the very top where I have the "Best Scoop of the Week" featured? You also win the honored top slot there for ONE week, Guest posting and interview optional. And? I'll even make you a Top Potty Mouth button to proudly display on your blog.

So? What are you waiting for? Bring out that inner middle school child and let the poop fly!!