connection – Charli Renee

Daily writing prompt

Write about your first computer.

Please indulge me in adjusting the direction of yet another wonderful daily prompt. It has been so long that I am not sure I can even remember my first computer.

I want to talk about my most meaningful computer, not my first computer. This one is easy for me to explore why it is most meaningful and why it deserves recognition.

It was close to two years ago, give or take several months. I had decided to take many years of writing for fun to the next level.

So, what did I need first? Where did I start?

It became clear that if I wanted to take my journey seriously, I needed more pragmatic space to revise, edit, polish, and research. Typing into my phone had served its purpose, but now I felt the need to expand my writing horizons. I needed a laptop. It felt like a practical investment, but also a meaningful one. Even in the choosing, I could feel my confidence rising as I decided to invest in myself and in a passion I value.

My laptop is so much more than just a tool. It has been the catalyst for more than I could have imagined. It has allowed me the freedom to indulge my desire to write, and all the endeavors associated with it, not just my first book, but also submissions and the building of a personal space I can call my writing home.

It is so sweet to even think about it, finding myself among a community of other writers, many much more experienced than me, watching and learning. What an invaluable resource this has been, and hopefully, in some small way, I can contribute things that are meaningful to others. Giving and receiving feels like a soothing connection. In short, my circuitry friend, my laptop, has given me a way to connect not only with fellow writers, but also with myself and the writer I long to be.

This laptop has given me a tangible way to honor the voices of others and my own.

I do wonder, though, after sharing all this… Have I neglected a very important part? I think it is time to give my most valuable laptop a name.

She deserves one.

Good morning, my friends. I am so delighted to have you on my porch this morning. Sit down, let me get you a yummy cup of coffee, or do you prefer tea? Oh, here is a blanket to put over your legs. Isn’t that cozy? What a beautiful day, huh? I am smiling so big inside now that you are here; it is an even sweeter place.

I love that we get to visit awhile. It’s been such a joy sharing my dreams and messy bits with you, and now I’d love to know more about you too.

Can you relate to finding people fascinating? We’re creatures, not so different from the ones we watch on nature shows: living, eating, sleeping, surviving. Now, don’t get offended. I’m not saying we’re out here in the wild picking tiny critters off each other’s fur! In our own odd way, though, we’re just animals too, born, nourished, messy, and eventually moving on.

Yes, we share so many of the same aspects because we’re the same species. And yet, our differences are remarkable. If I told you I sometimes see people as a living research project, would you be offended? No one wants to feel like an experiment. I think maybe “research project” isn’t quite the right way to say it. Maybe it’s better to say we’re all little mysteries to one another, and that’s a good thing. It’s one of the best parts of being human, discovering how beautifully different or similar we are and what surprises hide behind ordinary faces.

Instead of asking if you like to be studied, let’s wander into this question instead. We are dynamic creatures who have varying aspects of ourselves that come out to play or explore. My desire to know and understand is pretty constant, but with some I am allowed to go in. I put my reporter hat on and delve in. Oh, how I love those who indulge my insatiable curiosity. How about you? Should I go get my hat; or do you have one you want to wear with me? I want you to feel so comfortable with me. I am genuinely interested, my friend.

Sometimes, it is easier to open up when you are with someone who is also willing to be vulnerable with you, huh? It is key. The best kinds of encounters are the ones that feel balanced, real, raw, and bounce freely between listening and sharing, and maybe laughing so hard you spill your coffee down your shirt. That happens on my porch more than I’d like to admit. Spilling is a superpower, right? Maybe it’s not the mess but the permission to be a little messy together that makes connection real. Each connection, whether lifelong or brief, taps into different parts of who we are and invites out new or blossoming stories.

For example, let me tell you about my circle of friends to show you what I mean. With one, I am quite the babbling soul, and laughter always shows up. With another, we go straight to deeper conversations, discussing safely our faiths, our thoughts, even politics. She is a willing participant, always eager to go in. Then there is one gal pal who has taught me much from our interactions. She is a strong and enduring soul and friend, so feisty and lovable too. Each friend and connection brings and teaches so much. Oh wait, there is one more to share. She is a special friend that I am a bit intimidated by and still feel so close to. It is such an awkward dynamic. I find her and us a mystery that I hope to discover. However, I will have to let my guard down with her, and she with me if that is to happen. It isn’t an intentional wall; we are just both private and open too. I suppose I just don’t know her well enough yet.

Do you have people like that too? Close but also a little intimidating, familiar yet still a puzzle?

Oh, my goodness, like our time on this porch, the day is warming up nicely, dear sparkling reader. I don’t want to keep you from today’s journey.

What say you? Should we do this again? It has been very fun hanging out with you. I could sit with you for hours. Thank you for your time and for your willingness to ignite connection. It feels so good; shall we plan for our next visit… you, me, a porch, a cup of coffee, and some enticing curiosity lingering in the air? I hope you always feel welcome here. Let’s keep this porch inviting for next time; we’re just getting started.

Spilling Love,

Charli Renee

Charli Renee

Tag: connection

Write About My First Meaningful Computer