WRITING PROMPT

Sometimes Sharp and Clear, Sometimes Completely Hidden — Your Shadow

It’s always there but not always visible

Shadows. They have a long history with lots of stories written about them and crimes committed between them all. There is something eerie about a shadow following you but something relieving in a shadow of a large tree on a hot summer’s day.

Shadows can help you find something or someone. They can protect you from sunburn or heat. Shadows can tell you the time and geographical direction. Shadows are beautiful and sometimes scary.

Shadows can be inspiring. When looking at them or when using them. I love using the shadow of a large tree for example to lie in the hammock and relax in the shade. I type and type without sweating or having direct sunlight in my eyes. Isn’t that beautiful?

A few months back I started my first, publication independent, writing challenge. While I was in Germany I asked everyone to change their perspective by looking up.

I didn’t expect it but many inspiring writers and passionate photographers joined the challenge and a lovely exchange began. I created a second post on looking up myself and more feedback rolled in.

I don’t like putting people under pressure which is why I didn’t put a deadline on the prompt. And here we go, the latest response just rolled in by Erika Burkhalter. Her article on looking up takes us in the dark facing the sky.

Since I had so much fun with the prompt and the exchange of words and pictures with other writers, I decided to start another one. I created a challenge with the call for reflections.

“Reflections in the Side View Mirror” didn’t get as many responses but still a few interesting ones. And once I arrived in Thailand, I also created a second post on reflections in the mirror.

Thank you again to Denise, K. Barrett, and pockett dessert for your contributions to the prompt.

Denise Darby with “Morning Reflection in the Side View Mirror”

K. Barrett with “Looking Forward to Looking Back”

pockett dessert with “Look Back: Beautiful Reflections Of My World”

And while we’ve started a new year, I think it is time for a new challenge.

Shadows.

I began to philosophize on the topic but should have instead focussed on taking more pictures of shadows. These five are all I got. At least they are representing a bit of a variety. A variety of locations, seasons, and landscapes.

And this is where the space for you comes in. Get inspired and creative. Capture your own shadow or the shadow of a palm tree. Find the most interesting shadow and share it with an engaging community of writers and passionate photographers.

My last picture features myself sitting on a scooter in Thailand. My husband is driving so I have time to soak in the beauty of the moment and capture our own shadows on the way to work.

In case you’ve missed any previous prompts, here are the posts. Feel free to join and share your version of a writing prompt response. I invite everyone but tag a few writers who might be interested in it.

Dennett | David | Barb | Erika | Shruthi | Diana | Kim | Ellie | Juan | Pene Francine | Barbara | LensAfield | LucianoSphere | Susan

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