Behind the curtain

The other day I was nominated by my buddy @c0ff33a to answer the challenge and pull back the curtain on where I do my whole Steemian thing. Where do I do my writing, my thinking, all that jazz. And the honest answer is, pretty much wherever I happen to be when I get the craving to write. I believe the challenge was started by the awesome @freedomtowrite a couple weeks back and I've enjoyed all the posts I've happened to run across. I'm honored to have been nominated by someone I respect as much as I do @c0ff33a .

Years ago I backpacked around Southeast Asia staying in tents, hotels, hostels, and many a kind persons house. I learned to write whenever I could, wherever I could. From sitting inside a tent with mosquitos buzzing as loud as birds next to a lake to the tops of mountains in the rain to tea houses in faraway lands to ancient ruins of lost civilizations. I've pulled out pen and paper, my laptop, even my phone in so many places. I've learned to view this as normal...which I guess works for a strange person like me.

To me it's about a state of mind, more than anything, then it is about the place. Though the place definitely does influence how the writing goes. Some places make it easier, some harder. You might think that a crowded coffeeshop bustling with people speaking a foreign language, the sound of dishes smacking each other, and loud music isn't conducive to doing your best work...but you'd be surprised. And a quiet cafe in a 'back alley' of a casino, loud noises muffled through unknown means...not always the best, but if you keep focused you can still get it done.

Since I got started a couple of months back here on Steemit I haven't been to any far off countries, though I have done a bit of traveling. And, along the way, lot's of writing. Most of my life is spent in one of two places. Either at my place, or at my coffee shop. I didn't want to shoot my room, because it's depressing. Four walls, no windows, cramped, filled with me and my stuff. I use it little as possible.

The coffee shop, however, has become like a second home to me. Filled with people who are interested, who care, who encourage and support. After spending 2 years in a different part of the city living at another coffee shop where people really didn't, let me tell you it was a very welcome surprise. Like a modern day 'Cheers,' where everybody knows your name.

I wish I could put together a much more dramatic post. Reveal something jaw-dropping. But, in truth, I currently live a very quiet life. I wish it were different, and I'm working to change that. Someday, hopefully soon, I'll revisit this 'Behind the curtain' post and really wow y'all. Until then, I hope you enjoyed this little look behind-the-scenes of my daily writing life.

We all find our places to be who we want to be here on Steemit. Our words, our pictures, can build up an almost Oz like image of who we want people to see us as. Magicians behind this curtain, making all the parts dance their entertaining dance, we are actually so much more :)

Now, I wish I could do the requisite 5 recommendations or whatever, but, I know almost everyone that I'm friends with here, and I mean people I watch regularly, have already had a shout out. But, I did just think of some people I'd like to know a little bit more about :)

So, if @westley-nash, @brumest, @daveks, @czechglobalhosts, or @juliank would be interested in joining us, I'd love to see behind their curtain.