This post is mine, God gave this post to me

I enjoy writing, sometimes; I think that most writers will tell you about the agony of writing more than the joy of writing, but writing is what I was meant to do.

American soldier and author (Exodus and Trinity), Leon Uris, was born on this day in 1924 (died 2003).

You may need to understand Uris’ work to get the headline, but not to get the sentiment.

I, too, enjoy writing…sometimes. When I can write freely on my favorite subject(s), or just sit and write something totally random, I love feeling my fingers fly across the keys.

It’s the rewrites and the editing that I can’t stand.

It’s not exactly like Navin finding his “special purpose” in The Jerk (if you know, you know), but it’s pretty rewarding when you can articulate what you’re supposed to be doing.

I’m supposed to be writing.

No, seriously, right now. I should be writing.

What remains to be seen is what to do with that writing. I mean, there’s a sense of purpose here every day, even if I don’t (yet) have an audience of bazillions.

Where the agony comes for me is finding things about which to write that mean something. Things not only that people want to hear, but that they need to hear.

That sounds a little smug. I don’t quite mean it like that.

I figure my writing is for three purposes: entertainment, education, and enlightenment.

I was going to say inspiration, but I couldn’t spell it with an “e.”

My writing balance is figuring how which of those I should focus on at any given time.

The fact that I was meant to write doesn’t always mean that it’s easy.

Agony, far more greater than yours…(If you know, you know).

Truth is, when any of us find our real purpose, special or not, we know that it’s not always going to be easy.

To quote from my monologue in a recent audition “life means struggle, hard work, responsibilities.”

If we get our purpose figured out, sometimes those responsibilities can be enjoyable.

I enjoyed writing this post.

The agony comes in wondering whether you’ll enjoy reading it.

The struggle is real.

FIVE THINGS FOR YOUR THURSDAY

Stocks Are Up 20% Under Donald Trump. Can It Last?
The Wall Street Journal
The Dow Jones Industrial Average passed 22000 for the first time ever on Wednesday, the latest milestone in a yearslong bull market that continues to churn higher. It also marks a rise of precisely 20% since Mr. Trump was elected in November. Assuming the blue-chip index closes above 22000, it will have taken just 183 days to do that, the fastest jump of 20% after a new president was elected since George H.W. Bush in 1988, according to WSJ’s Market Data Group.

Verse of the Day

Al Gore’s Home Devours 34 Times More Electricity Than Average U.S. Household
The Daily Caller
Last September alone, Gore devoured 30,993 kWh of electricity. That’s enough to power 34 average American homes for a month. Over the last 12 months, Gore used more electricity just heating his outdoor swimming pool than six typical homes use in a year.

Va. arm of Planned Parenthood to spend $3 million backing Northam for governor
The Washington Post
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia confirmed details of its campaign strategy, first reported in Politico, ahead of an official endorsement of Northam on Thursday.

Trump’s First 100 Days
Lausanne Movement
Trump may have accomplished nothing legislatively, yet no one can deny his impact on the international and national stage politically and socially. In terms of personal character, Trump’s controversial claims against opponents both real and perceived often have proven distorted or outright fabrications.

Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Is August 4-6
Bearing Drift
Virginia’s sales tax holiday will take place this weekend, August 4-6, an opportunity to save a little while buying qualified products for back to school, emergency preparedness, and energy saving products.

AND ONE FOR THROWBACK THURSDAY

Speaking of the sales tax holiday, just remember:

Of corset you need this for back to school

AND FINALLY…

On this day in 1963, Allan Sherman released Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter from Camp).