FEELING STUCK? TAKE A TRIP ONLINE!

 

FEELING STUCK?  TAKE A TRIP ONLINE!

           

            Whether you are perusing an internet bookstore, choosing your next library book or reading your favorite literary publication online, the internet continues to be an accessible (not to mention exciting, if you really think about it) portal to the greater world. Some services on the internet save users time, money, even paper (trees), but the internet has much more to give us all…if we choose to give some time to such enjoyment.

 

            Do you feel stuck? Is there somewhere you are “dying” to go? Writers who have the means, the privilege, the success, to set foot in exotic places during their lifetime may be few and far between, but don’t let that get you down! If an opportunity to “travel” presented itself, would you make the  time in your hectic schedule? A sleepy Saturday morning or a wide awake late-night might be all the time you need. Your internet provider offers you a ticket to almost anywhere you want to visit. There is no dress code. The only cost is time.

 

            If you don’t have the internet in your home, make a visit your local library. (You’ll probably want to change out of your pajamas, first. They may have a dress code.) Most libraries offer internet services. You may be surprised to find other places in your area offering similar services.

 

            Through online “travel”, anyone may enjoy foreign “surroundings”, even absorb the very essence of a place. For those who might not be sure where to start, here are some examples of the exposure you can find online… gifting you that “newness” of stepping foot into a faraway place:

·        Listen live to local radio at  mikesradioworld.com

·        View animals, plants, people, sea life, scenery, maps, even satellite images at  junglephotos.com

·        Look up local history or slang on wikipedia.com

·        Search all search engines at once  dogpile.com

 

            During or after your “travels”, you may even feel inspired to write about your experiences. Start a travel diary? Write those midnight poems or letters from Rome, move around those word magnets on your fridge, but whatever you do... please don’t feel stuck!

 

P. S. There are other great online experiences waiting for you! Ever thought of taking a writing class, but can’t fit it into your schedule? Want to hear a favorite poet read their work? Need ideas to cure your writers’ block? Check out one of these sites:

·        The Academy of American Poets offers searchable audio clips of many poets and poems  poets.org

·        More recordings at wiredforbooks.org

·        Take a writing class  writingclasses.com

·        Writing hints: meredithsuewillis.com/writingexercises.html & more fun at 6ftferrets.com/exercise-content.html

          & a daily one at michellerichmond.com/exercise.html 

 

Originally published in The Other Herald, June 2007