Jim, your words bring much encouragement. I really appreciate you taking time to tell me.
I liked your story, and how it made your point so beautifully. Nice job of writing.
Jackie, the Maori love song brings many memories to me as well. I know what you mean about the lump in your throat.
I am very thankful there are a few politicians who take a personal interest in constituents' needs.
As I opened up this post and read the words of the Maori song I realised that it was a song that my Dad used to sing when I was little and it brought a lump to my throat!
We expect our politicians to be leaders. In ordinary walks of life personal leadership shines through in ordinary folks. Here in the UK our politicians lead behind party lines - and it is rare to glimpse true personal leadership - usually only when they resign over issues which conflict with beliefs and values. James Wadsworth sounds like a true example of someone whose personal leadership was not hindered nor diminished by his political office.
Thank you for sharing.
I won't Joanna, but I'll be first in line to learn! You are an ace when it comes to writing.
I'm going to be traveling on Monday but will try catch you later in the day.
Wow, Robyn, that's fascinating.
I'm announcing a project on Monday that might be of interest of you to tell us a bit more about this.
Long term I want to learn how to teach memoir writing. But shh, don't tell anyone that yet
Joanna, thanks for your very uplifting words about my writing. That gives me much hope that if I began to write my memoirs that I could do it in a way that might be fascinating to others. This was an experiment on my part to see if that would work.
I told Ellen the other day that I want to see if I could write some memoirs - by doing it in short narrative blog-type pieces. It would be workable that way. And, once finished I could put into a book.
To begin I went to the store to find books on writing memoir, and there was one by Zinsser. But he didn't exactly capture the way I wanted to go. I did buy one that provides pointers, but this particular blog was an experiment of my own... I did get the idea of using an all-encompassing theme to hold chapters together. I decided to do that with music of different eras.
Robert's challenge was one of the most remote things I would think to trigger this start. But the "aha" came. I think I am really inspired to begin and anything may have triggered it? I may try another short piece with your theme of persistence. 
Robert, I had to think awhile on this topic before I had an aha. When it came it was powerful and I saw a way to make it very positive because this story could easily go the other way.
As I look back on my life, I find it very amazing how much history has impacted my life.
This was part of an experiment to see if I could begin to write my memoirs in a way that would interest others.
Robyn, what a powerful story.
I like the way you blended your personal experience with some universal ideas about good governance. I also like hearing about the positive things politicians can do - we don't get enough of that kind of news.
Great story, Robyn! It would be wonderful to hear more often about good things coming from our Representatives, wouldn't it?
I'm so glad Rep. Wadsworth made a difference for you - because we get to benefit from it, too.
Thanks for participating in this month's WILF, Robyn!
Cheers!
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