Good day, readers. Today is December 26th, the 361st day of the year 2024, with 4 days remaining.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1904, the first performance of Peter Pan, the play by J.M. Barrie, took place in London. The story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up has since become a beloved classic, capturing the imaginations of children and adults alike with its themes of adventure, innocence, and the longing for eternal youth.
Notable Birthdays:
Henry Miller, born on December 26, 1891, was an American writer known for his controversial and groundbreaking works such as Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Miller’s candid exploration of sexuality, creativity, and personal freedom challenged societal norms and had a lasting influence on 20th-century literature.
Today’s Readings:
From Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman: “I am large, I contain multitudes.” This famous line from Whitman’s seminal work encapsulates his belief in the vast potential of the human spirit and the importance of embracing all aspects of life.
Literary Fact of the Day:
On December 26th, 1966, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! aired for the first time on television, bringing Dr. Seuss’s beloved story to life. This animated special, with its heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas, has become a holiday tradition, cherished by generations of viewers.
Advice for Writers:
Walt Whitman’s words encourage us to focus on the positive, letting the shadows of doubt and negativity fall behind us. In your writing today, think about how your characters find their own sunshine—what motivates them to keep moving forward, even when faced with challenges? How do they turn their focus toward the light, leaving their fears and struggles in the past? Let this sense of optimism and perseverance infuse your narrative, creating stories that inspire and uplift.
Wishing you a day of bright writing and hopeful creativity, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your words shine like the sun, casting aside the shadows and illuminating the paths your characters take.
The producer Charles Frohman helped bring Peter Pan to the stage. He was also on the Lusitania when it was struck by a German torpedo. Unable to leave because of a bad leg his last words were. “Why fear death? It is the most beautiful adventure that life gives us.” It’s fitting that a play about a boy who wouldn’t grow up taught so many of us to accept that even the end of life is part of what makes it wondrous.
The greatest mistake my father made was allowing his fear of death to overshadow his ability to fully embrace the joys of life. In contrast, I have encountered death countless times during the course of my career, and have come to accept it as an inevitable and inescapable aspect of human existence.