Wow, today I am so totally happy that the wonderful Danielle Thorne is joining us on the 2011 Blog-String Fest – she is a fantastic, experienced editor, talented writer, great friend and devoted, caring mom…a really down-to-earth, lively, imaginative individual with a keen outlook on the world – sometimes from the perspective of the water, not the land. Welcome!
Bad at Math
by
Danielle Thorne
1+1 is 3?
It’s true. I am terrible at math. When it’s my turn to work the concession stand during our high school football games, they make me handle the food. My nine-year-old has to help me with Monopoly.
At yard sales, I trust I’m being treated with honor. Who am I to argue? I get arithmetic brain freezes.
I used to shudder at the thought of being asked make change, now with age I’ve come to think of my handicap as endearing. There’s something about everyone that’s less than perfect. Instead of sad, we should see our flaws as charming.
Characters run the gamut from innocent and fun to downright evil. In literature, even the bad guy can make us cheer — when nobody’s looking. Last year I saw a film that clearly illustrates this: “Despicable Me.” If you haven’t seen the cartoon, I won’t ruin for it you, but our main hero is not a nice guy, until the end anyway. His mean antics are kind of funny. He’s sick, but not beyond redemption. Another beloved cult villain is Hannibal Lector. Don’t ask me why on that one. The list goes on. Who are some of your favorite flawed characters? Come on, tell the truth. Do they do or say things you’d secretly like to?
But back to reality. Beyond cheering for the not so pure at heart on occasion, we all need to cut ourselves some slack. Not everyone can cook. Not everyone can parallel park. Some of make better decisions in the wardrobe department, others should not be allowed into Home Depot. It’s just life. A few flaws keep us humble and force us to recognize our talents and improve ourselves. When characters do the same, we don’t quite feel so alone. So embrace yourself and your bad math, too.
~Danielle Thorne
Author of Adventure and Sweet Romance
Check out some of my heroes!
http://www.daniellethorne.com
and follow my blog:
http://www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com
Hi Danielle and welcome to the Blog-String fest today. I love your insights about accepting oneself – and others – “warts and all”.
Very insightful, fun and thought-provoking post from a great friend and writer
Hugs
Regina
You made me think!
Yep, I can’t keep organized — I have notes scattered everywhere, and then can’t remember where I’ve placed them! Not sure if this is still a lovable flaw? LOL
Love your books, Danielle. They are handsomely written with some of the best dialogue going between characters. Wishing you the best, my friend!
Thank you, Miss Mae so much for visiting and for letting Danielle hear what we all feel – she’ such a great writer!
Big hugs,
Regina
Thank you very much, Miss Mae. I think absent-mindedness is a sign of pure genius. Haha! We’ve all got our hurdles. Thanks for the kind words, Regina. I’m touched and happy to be here today.
Hi Danielle,
1 + 1 is definitely 3.
Great post reminding us that none of us “has it all” in a “have it all” society, and we shouldn’t feel bad about that. God will provide someone to take up the slack for us, and we can take it up for someone else.
Also, thanks for reminding us to give our characters some flaws. It definitely makes them more interesting.
Hi Gail, so true! And how nice that you mention the ‘team’ Spirit! Thank you for stopping in -)
I love this post- embracng our issues is always a good thing. I have a very short fuse sometimes and I’ve tried to change but it’s difficult. The good thing about me, though, is that I don’t hold grudges. I get over anger as fast as it sparks. I guess that’s a way to embrace it, right?
Wow- you and me, Jillian, with the short fuse…are you a Leo, too? Anyway, the thing that matters is that we don’t hold grudges at all! Thanks for stopping in
Hugs,
Regina
Enjoyed your interview Danielle. Goodness, I have so many flaws, I don’t know where I’d begin!
Probably my lousy memory. People say, “I don’t remember names, but I always remember a face,” but sadly I don’t remember either. Nor colors. When I get to a clearance rack of blouses, I stand like an idiot, trying to remember what colors I have at home. Ugh!
But yeah, I can add columns of figures faster than my hubby on the calculator, so you’re right, we have our little peculiarities — which makes the world a bit more interesting.
Hi June,
You are SOOOO not alone! The shopping thing is very overwhelming to a lot of us lol That’s why I take my sharp Virgo sister with me – she’s wonderful…she remembers stuff and focuses like there’s no tomorrow!
But, oh, look at you…adding up figures?? Wow…I am bowing and scraping my friend!
I can’t do anything
Hugs,
Regina
Loved your post, Danielle! I’m not to bright when it comes to math either. And cooking…let’s just say if I had stock in Swanson I’d be a very rich woman. I’m also a horrible housekeeper and according to my nieces I have no fashion sense. It’s wonderful how the people around me except me flaws and all though. Just like the way our Lord accepts us and loves us!
Miss Mae is right, you do have a beautiful gift in writing dialogue. I absolutely loved By Heart and Compass! I wish you continued success with your writing!
Danielle–I’m not big on math, unless you’re talking about mega-numbers–that’s where I get brain freeze-12 trillion dollar debt? How much is that? Is it even possible?
But my flaw is a simple one–I cannot, and abhor, filling out forms–either on-line or paper. I never see where to write–above or below the line? Am I a dependent or not? Who is my Primary insurer? How do you spell….whatever—drug? Do I sign here or here? Grrr.Celia
Loved your post about math. Never was my favorite subject. I’m a reading and language arts person. Blessings, BJ
Thx for your comments. It really makes me day to know I’m not the only in the world who can’t do everything. We’re just too hard on ourselves sometimes, aren’t we?
June, your comment about shopping and remembering what’s at home makes me laugh. I always get home with groceries and find I don’t have something I thought I did! Drives me nuts.
REGINA/DANIELLE= NICE POSTING ON THE BLOG. We really enjoy the math problems etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nice feedback on the blog. Enjoy the comments,please keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEN SMITH
Danielle/Regina- looks like a great posting as i really love math.Math is a great topic for all of us to learn etc.REGARDS BEN SMITH
REGINA-please keep Danielle on your future blogs. She is an excellent author,and you should invite her to in the future. This keeps the blog going really well.REGARDS BEN SMITH
Regina, thank you for hosting talented, savvy Danielle.
Danielle, I empathize with you. Algebra and accounting are two subjects I just couldn’t get. No matter how hard I tried. I came to the conclusion there are people with math/science brains and those with English/spelling brains. And never the twain shall meet. LOL. I was born with the English/spelling brain. I think most writers are.
Like Miss Mae, I’m disorganized. Sometimes it’s easier to do something again than find what I’m looking for. I pray for a cure all the time, but so far, “sigh.”
Regina/Danielle- Bad At Math sounds great.!!REGARDS BEN SMITH!! Best of luck on the book!!
Hi Danielle,
Congratulations on your latest release. Best of luck with it!
I think characters without flaws are boring. Who wants to read about heroes who are perfect, or villains who have no redeeming qualities at all? Giving characters flaws and weaknesses keeps them interesting and makes them feel more real.
Jana