Reaching the Top

Sometimes late at night, when all is quiet and my mind is open because I haven't been distracted...I take the opportunity to catch up on my reading of Vocal stories and poems. I relish that! It's a chance to feel the hearts of all my favorite Creators and to send them a little love back.

I came across one of Kelli Sheckler-Amsden's latest. She was inspired to follow the lead of a couple of others we have come to know and love like Mother Combs and Judey Kalchic. They both wrote about their Top Stories, too.

Reflecting on our works that have received an "official" honored recognition is a wonderful avenue to journey down. That pause and "pat on the back" can help us to keep on fully creating.

Here is a collection of Kelli's Top Stories (such a treat):

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I can remember my very first Top Story. That was way back in 2020! I was so pleasantly surprised of being recognized as a "writer" for the first time. And then I was hooked, but when the "comments" came rolling in from other Creators, that is when I truly gained my momentum, let my guard down, and plunged in.

Placing my "portfolio" of Top Stories in a story is only meant as a way for my followers to see the best in me. It is also a useful tool for me to see what others see in me. I hope others will do the same.

I commented to Kelli that I was happy that she had made her Tops available (as a group) so that I could catch up on any that I might have missed. I urge you...my subscribers...to do the same. You have fans, you know...

2020:

2023:

2024:

Most of the time I write in first person. I usually tell my truths about relationships and all the struggles that (universally) are relatable. I believe in honesty. Sometimes in that intimacy, I feel very "exposed." But it seems, by doing that very dare, it brings out what the Vocal Leaders deem as "my best"...my PERSONAL best. But I must also admit, that is the exact kind of reading in the works of other creators that I crave.

I urge you to make a listing of your stories and poems that others have recognized and study them to see your own strengths, too! I know it might give you a tinge of feeling a wee bit narcissistic, but it really isn't tooting your own horn. We, on Vocal, are a team just like in the image I chose for this story.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my "team" for the kindness and support in all of your comments on my creations throughout this year and to tell you that reading your creations has been such a treat for me, too. I know that we aren't able to read all of each other's work like we would like because we also have busy lives...but I know we are all one in the spirit of encouraging the other, right? (Even if we disagree on Swampy topics...I applaud you!) Sending those hearts.