It's an extrovert's world and I'm just living in it.

It's true, isn't it? Extroversion is so often seen as the desirable trait. Introverts have to learn how to overcome their introversion. Even writers are encouraged to overcome introverted tendencies because writing can be more about selling the product than creating the product. Writing! One of the most introverted of endeavors seems to favor those who are unafraid to approach strangers, network, self-promote, make friends easily, and cast aside any natural reticence. Yes, it's an extrovert's world and the rest of us have to scramble to keep up.

I've always viewed my introversion as a disability, something to be conquered or fixed.

Then my adorable hubby forwarded me this link. If you consider yourself an introvert, I urge you to take a look. The link provides some explanation as to why you might behave in certain ways. But, it also offers reassurance.

The part that particularly resonated with me was:

"Myth #10 - Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.

A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, etc. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot "fix themselves" and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of introverts increases with IQ."

Not to say that we shouldn't strive to connect with our fellow humans, but isn't that just the most refreshing thing you've heard in ages? A simple acceptance and celebration of introverts. Yes, we're at a slight societal disadvantage, but there isn't anything wrong with us. It's just another way of being.

What about you? Are you introverted? If so, do you view it as an advantage or a disadvantage? What strategies have you developed to help deal with an increasingly extroverted world?

Road Trip Wednesday #84: The Roof Is On Fire!

Sounds like the intro to a song, no?

The roof is on fire!

Grab your things.

The roof is on fire!

Grow some wings.

I'd have to grow wings, cause I live on the third floor and there isn't a fire escape. Wings would be helpful. Ahem. I didn't get much sleep last night, in case you were wondering.

This Week's Topic:

The house is on fire and you've only got time to grab five things. What are they?

1. I would grab my hubby. Obviously.

2. My computer with all my stories and picture files.

3. The massive scrapbook I made of my first trip to Europe. The trip was special, because it was the first one hubby and I took together, as well as my first time traveling out of North America. I spent about a year putting the scrapbook together. It is epic. It's actually two scrapbooks, because I ran out of room in the first one. Both are full to the point of bursting. If you're a good friend, you'll probably be forced to look through it while I provide commentary. SCRAPBOOK! (Hmmmm... I seem to have turned into Spongebob SquarePants. I might regret this entry later.)

4. My purse. Yes, practical answer. It's got my credit cards, passport, phone, etc. All the stuff that would be helpful if my house (or apartment) burned down.

5. I have a few first editions and signed copies of books sprinkled around the house (apartment). Perhaps my most prized being a signed omnibus edition of Hitchhiker's Guide the Galaxy. Yes, I am that cool. It's difficult to imagine leaving that behind to burn. Also, I have a stuffed bear named Teddy who has been with me since I was a baby. Maybe, since I'm carrying my hubby, he can carry Teddy for me.

Yes, I cheated and snuck a sixth thing in. My house (apartment) is burning down! This is hard enough! Probably not the best time to make a big stink about it. You might hurt my feelings. :)

The First Time

What's the first story you remember writing? Somewhere around 4th grade I wrote a story about two girls discovering a life-sized sand castle on the beach, populated with evil sand people and a bunch of wacko prisoners. If you've seen the film Heavenly Creatures, the sand castle looked a lot like the one in the fantasy scenes. That story is still in my school file, which is probably why I remember it. Most of the stories I wrote as a kid involved either talking animals or kids walking through doorways to find themselves in secret lands. Kinda my theme. I also loved writing plays and forcing my friends to act them out. Yes, I was a bossy kid.

What about you? Did you enjoy writing as a kid? (I'm kind of assuming everyone here did). What were your favorite topics and themes? How far back can you remember the stories? Were there any writing assignments or projects that you particularly enjoyed?

You'll have to excuse my sporadic posting as of late. This time of year is crazy for all the dance teachers of America, as we spend most of our time in dark theaters crossing our fingers and holding our breath. A lot of my students graduated this year, which made recital especially emotional. I've taught some of these kids for eight years, if you can believe it. Crazy. I'm going to miss them all. They're a great group of dancers.

Also, I signed up for this awesome contest here and you should, too. Why? Because the prize is a critique by agent Victoria Marini. That's an amazing opportunity and, much as I loathe the thought of even more people signing up (competition! no!) you should do it. It'll be cool.

Reader's log:
46. The Graveyard Book -Neil Gaiman

The Big White Paper in the Studio

At the end of the school year we cover the studio mirrors with large sheets of white paper so the students can practice their dances without the benefit of their reflections. We also put a basket of crayons on the floor. You can probably imagine what comes next...

Two Harry Potters

Three Justin Beibers (one crossed out)

A slice of cheese (with cheese misspelled)

Eighty million kitty cats

Two Spongebobs

A herd of rainbow-colored puppies

A lot of bubble-faced smiling girls with bows on their heads

A zombie

An octopus (this is mine)

Way too many floating eyeballs (One proudly proclaims "I see you")

A piece of toast

A narwhale

etc.

By the time I left work last night, there wasn't much open space left over. The most notable thing about all of this is how excited the kids get when they enter the room and see all the drawings. They can't wait to make their mark, add their character to the vast sea of faces. Then, in classes to come, they proudly point out their drawing to anyone who will listen.

No grand conclusion. Just that it's really inspiring to see how excited they get over the mere act of creation. A crayon and some white paper. It doesn't matter if they're 5 or 18. Everyone goes immediately for the crayons. I think there's hope for us.

Reader's log:

45. Chime - Franny Billingsley