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Chatterbox: Chirp at Cricket
Happy Valentine’s Day
Hi everyone, I’m Micearenice, the farm-loving, ski lodge-writing CBer from 2015. I’m excited to catch up with everyone and meet some new people.
To those of you who don’t know me, I grew up on a farm and often posted about chickens, mice, ferrets, etc, and drew lots of dragons. My love of animals, particularly insects, spurned me to study entomology at college. (I worked at a lab and tallied bugs under a microscope.)
During my time at the CB, I wrote two massive ski lodges called The Farm Story and Lake Lelillo. My time at the CB showed me how much I loved to write, and I spent my days dreaming of hitting it big as an author, never exactly sure how that would happen.
After attending college for one year, I decided to take a gap year, which is where I’m at now. I’ve been flip flopping for years on what I want to do with my life, but God recently answered a longing I’ve had since I first started writing. He introduced me to this small Christian writing school that teaches you the concrete skills you need to succeed at a career in writing. Business, legal info, marketing, building a platform, novel tactics, etc.
The coolest part is the 2 year full time apprenticeship they offer, where you go live on their campus and study + practice writing full-time (8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 2 years straight). There’s no fluff; it’s not a college degree—you get to do what you love and launch your career then and there. I’d love to go in person, but right now I’m taking their part-time online program. I’m grateful to finally have some direction with my writing and career. I’ve launched a small business and am 60k words into a new novel, which is more progress over a few months than I made over the past several years combined.
If any of you are serious about becoming authors (or doing ANYTHING writing related), then I highly recommend looking into a program like this. There are lots out there. They’re more affordable and more sensible than a writing degree, and they teach you actually useful things that you put into practice right away. There’s no reason an author should be a “starving artist,” and getting published doesn’t have to be like winning the lottery. It just takes a lot of work - and if you learn from a good mentor, you’ll have a well-founded map of the steps you need to take.
(Also, in case you haven’t heard this cool story, Tui T. Sutherland was a Cricketer as a kid. She read the magazine (before the CB existed) and that spurned her in her writing journey. Shy Peacock told us this; she went to one of Sutherland’s book signing events and she talked about Cricket in her speech! So there really is something special about Cricket and the CB. Who knows what y’all are destined for.)
Late last year I read a book called “Do Hard Things” by Brett and Alex Harris. It’s about the all-pervasive trap of low expectations which keeps teenagers living in futility, and how to break free of that and do great things in your teen years and beyond.
I cannot recommend this book enough to all of you—especially all of you as CBers, since I know the ambitions for great things CBers tend to share. It will vindicate everything you feel when you are languishing away at the hands of low expectations through your teen years, at school, work, home, and elsewhere. It will also give you the tools you need to break free and go do great things. I wish I’d read this book when I was younger! It was written by two 19 year olds who’d already run political campaigns and started a massive online community when they were only 17. So with as much passion and zeal as I can express to you over the internet, I am urging you, please go check it out and read it in its entirety! Use the years of your youth for great things. Share it with your friends, and do great things together. I really think it’ll change your life.
Now for my final bit of advice. I just turned 20. Older CBers used to intimidate me, and I was afraid to approach them. Time flies--now those older CBers are almost…in their 30s…and one day you’ll be in that position yourself and look upon a generation who’ll one day look upon another below them. Where do you think you’ll be at that point? Who do you want to be and how will you get there? What enduring fulfillment will you pursue and attain? On what will you place your identity that remains unshaken and unshifting for all your days? When will you feel good enough—or be good enough—and when will you find an enduring answer to the meaning of life?
When you zoom out of your everyday life, there are only a few things that really, truly, enduringly matter. We’re not guaranteed anything, not even a tomorrow. Finding and accomplishing the meaning of life is the most important matter we can engage in, so that’s what I’m making my last bit of advice about.
This is an invitation to investigate what I have found to be the only fulfilling, stable, peace-abounding, joyful, life-giving foundation on which to live. Not self love, not good deeds, not who you are on the inside, not anything else…but I believe God is the answer. Not in a vague distant ooey-gooey religious sort of way, but in a hard core, all encompassing, vast, infinite, all-things-consist-in-God sort of way. Like, God isn’t an add-on to life--I believe He IS life.
I encourage you now to do some serious research about God & the Gospel. You have nothing to lose by just spending some time investigating, and everything to gain if even a fraction of what the God of the Bible promises is true. (Like salvation, eternal life, peace that surpasses understanding, joy, wisdom more precious than rubies, rest for your soul, Him as your Father, the list goes on and on.)
I hope you’ve all been doing well this past year! Those are the things that I've been most excited to share with yall. Happy Valentine’s Day.
-Micearenice
submitted by Micearenice, age 20
(February 14, 2023 - 10:24 am)
(February 14, 2023 - 10:24 am)
Hey Mice! It's great to see you again. And it's awesome to hear that you've started a small business, wow! I'm glad you found a program/education that worked for you; it's super cool to see people who are successful and happy without spending all that money on a four-year degree. (Mind, I don't think there's anything wrong with college degrees and I plan on getting one myself; it's simply fascinating to see people reach the same destination in a unique way.) Also, working in a lab for year still sounds really interesting to me, even if it's not what you ended up pursuing as a career. Entomology is so cool. Bugs are cool, haha.
Also, it's heartwarming to see how passionate you are about your faith. I've had a kind of wonky relationship with religion personally, but recently I've been spending a little more time with Christianity and the Gospel. I don't personally put many labels on my religious beliefs, I think faith is a personal thing and it's unique for each and every person... This might come off as a little odd, but I find discussing theology with people to be very heartfelt and eye-opening. Even if I don't have the exact same beliefs as someone else, I personally still find that I'm always able to learn something about myself or my own philosophy by talking about religion with others. Regardless of denomination or belief, there's something very beautiful about even just the idea of God. It makes me happy to hear that He has provided you with opportunity and that your belief in Him is as fulfilling as it is. I was personally raised Methodist, so treating Christianity and the Church as an "open-house" kind of thing that anyone is welcome to visit and learn more about (even if they're an Athiest, practicer of another religion, member of a different Christian denomination, whatever). Anyone can come and experience faith themselves, even if they're just moderately curious about how it works. The Universe and God have open arms :)
Well, anyway, this got kind of long, but it's great to hear from you again! I hope everything's well for you and in your life always.
(February 14, 2023 - 4:41 pm)
(February 14, 2023 - 4:57 pm)
hi, Micearenice! I love drawing dragons and writing stories, too!
and... whoah. I didn't know that Tui T. Sutherland read Cricket! (WoF is one of my favorite book series, I'm assuming you've read it because of your Tui story and drawing dragons?)
may your stars be bright and your pencil lead not break!
and happy Valentine's day :D
(February 14, 2023 - 5:47 pm)
Hey Darkvine! Yes, I've read the series and it was one of my favorites! The dragon illustrations in the front are what taught me to draw dragons.
I know, I was so surprised and happy when I learned she read Cricket! She even said Cricket the dragon was named after the magazine. Cricket the dragon was very bookish, and I always got CBer-y vibes from her. It was so cool to learn that the connection was real and intentional.
(February 15, 2023 - 2:46 pm)
*obnoxiously loud standing ovation that would be incredibly uncharacteristic in real life* a-MEN!
Oh, Mice, I am SO SO happy for and so proud of you! That is amazing that you found such a great program for your dreams and goals!! Honestly, I don't really know what to say--I just kinda want to give you an irl flying tackle hug, but the best I can do is this- *flying tackle hug*
I gotta say though, that was the most amazing, insightful, and inspiring speech. I'm always so in awe of your talent, kindness, and love for God!! I get so overwhelmed by writing most of the time, so I have insane respect for you and your skill. Thank you for such a great reunion message!
I hope I get to hug you someday, even if it doesn't happen in this life. Believe me, it will be flying and tackling. <3 >:)
(February 14, 2023 - 7:18 pm)
*hugs back*
Hey Jwyn!! Thank you so much, that really means a lot. It's so good to see you again!
How have you been doing? It looks like you've been very busy; I saw on the reunion thread you are taking AP physics!! Stay strong! Do you have plans yet for college/after highschool?
I know I've probably said this before, but your support and encouragement when I was writing Lake Lelillo meant so much to me and helped me actually finish writing it, and has also had a ripple effect and made an impact in my other writing endeavors. So, thank you again; you have no idea the impact it's made. :)
I hope you've been doing well! Happy Valentine's Day!
(February 15, 2023 - 4:37 pm)
Hi Micearenice! It's nice to meet an elder CBer, you seem really cool! However, though I completely respect you and your opinions, I feel a bit uncomfortable with you trying to evangelize here. I believe that the CB should be a place for people of all religions, where no one feels pressured and boundaries are respected. I was thinking about saying this anonymously but realized that was just cowardly. I truly mean no offense against you, but like I said before, I do feel uncomfortable with this.
(February 14, 2023 - 8:25 pm)
you are my favorite newbie (anybody who's been here for less than four years is a newbie to me), sterling
(February 14, 2023 - 11:26 pm)
I must admit I'm surprised, but thank you! I'm honored to be a favorite newbie.
(February 15, 2023 - 5:01 pm)
Hi Sterling, it's nice to meet you. I'm glad you had the courage to not go anonymous. I used to go anonymous for things, and I regret it. If you have strong convictions, it's hypocritical to hide from them in that way.
We evangelize about things we care about all the time - matters of opinion, like our favorite movies - and matters of importance, like our role models and books with great messages we want to share. There may be a sense of pressure in what I said, but that is because I'm passionate about it; if I put no pressure, I'd be hiding my convictions. Not pressure like coercion, but pressure like strength and zeal. We put strength behind the things we feel strongly about.
I don't share it to make you feel uncomfortable, but to make you curious and hopefully to bring lifelong value to you. If your best friend came by bursting with excitement and told you, “Hey, they’re giving away a thousand dollars to anyone who goes to the library today,” wouldn’t you want to go check it out? In the same way, I’m saying I believe that God has promised eternal life, peace, rest, joy, and more to anyone who trusts in Jesus, and it’s definitely worth checking out the details; I don't say it baselessly; I have personal experience to back it up.
I think people should lean into the meeting of different ideas, not away from it; that's where they learn, and that's where their worldview may be tested. Through testing, it grows.
(February 15, 2023 - 2:42 pm)
I really don't want to start a fight, but I'm feeling a bit upset so I'm gonna have to disagree with you. We actually don't evangelize all the time. Oxford Language clearly defines "evangelize" as "convert or attempt to convert someone to Christianity." If I tell someone about my favorite book and why I think they should read it, that's much different than pormoting religious ideals and claiming that your beliefs are the only truth. I think that most basic Christian values (ex. selflessness and love) are really important things. However, the relgion's philosophy doesn't line up with my own beliefs and convictions. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. You've had a positive experience with Christianity and are able to foster a relationship with your God - that's great! That doesn't mean everyone is like that (speaking from experience here). If I'm gonna find lifelong value, I'm gonna do it myself.
While discussion and religious diversity should be welcomed here, the CB should also be a safe space and that's why I feel uncomfortable with this. No one should feel like they are being pressured into beliefs, especially religion (excluding the case where a person's current ideals are harmful). People are allowed to simply exist with their own beliefs. I mean this not as a personal attack.
I'd love to get to know you, but I'd also love to be able to exist here on the Cb without feeling attacked, insecure or uncomfortable. So there you have it.
You're right, Sterling, about the definition of evangelize meaning to promote Christianity. I think Micearenice just meant to use the example of people raving about favorite books or songs to others.
Admin
(February 15, 2023 - 6:08 pm)
sure, but maybe I don't need that thousand dollars to be happy and fulfilled. I understand that for you personally, religion is something that's really important and been beneficial for you, but that's not necessarily true for everyone. Religious trauma does exist, and lots of people have complicated relationships with religion that will not be benefited by you pushing your own beliefs on them. and even if they don't have traumatic experiences with religion, a lot of people are happy without it. I'm genuinely very happy for you that you've found happiness and fulfillment with Christianity, but I'm willing to bet that I am equally as happy as somebody with agnostic beliefs.
also, Christianity is not the only religion out there. Lots of people find the same fulfilment in Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and thousands of other religions. when you evangelise, are you recognizing that?
The difference in "evangelizing" your favorite books etc. and actual evangelizing of Christianity is that advertising your favorite books allows people to still have other favorite books, or even like other books.
(February 15, 2023 - 7:14 pm)
I have no desire to offend anyone or start any kind of argument, but I do very much agree with your points (and Sterling's) about not prioritizing or valuing one religion over another. Religion is personal; you can encourage people to learn about your own set of beliefs but it's always important to keep in mind that some people have no desire to ever be religious for various reasons. I myself don't really like to label myself as Christian or any other sort of thing since I follow a mix of religions. And as a guy who grew up being bi, while I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a supportive and accepting church community I definitely understand why others could be made to feel uncomfortable with any sort of missionaries. This isn't to say there's anything wrong with spreading the word of the Gospel! I just agree that it shouldn't ever be too demanding or exclusive to other religions.
(February 15, 2023 - 8:12 pm)
Hello there, Micearenice! I'm Periwinkle, and I'm a current CBer. It's nice to meet you! I believe I saw you at last year's reunion and I think we might've talked briefly about your ski-lodges (you mentioned self-publishing, I think). I haven't read your ski-lodges, mostly because I don't know where they are, but I would like to someday, if I can ever find them! I've been working on a ski-lodge of my own, and it's a lot of fun. I love to write, but I struggle to commit to an finishing actual story, so having an audience really keeps me motivated. The Chatterbox is the reason I have stuck to writing and has helped me discover poetry. I hope I can continue to grow as an author, continue writing like you did.
Religion, however, is more confusing for me. I've got time to decide, I guess, but a lot of people in the world act like there is a "right" way to approach religion, and I just… Don't think there is? Sometimes I'm just not sure, and I don't think anyone should be pressured to figure it out, or do what everyone else is doing. I think it goes deeper than finding the correct answer, but that can sort of scare me sometimes. I think religion is a beautiful thing, and I'd like to be involved in it. The last time I was in a church, I listened to the music and watched people talk about something they genuinely cared about, and it was nice to see people connecting over that. However, I think I view the Bible in a different way than other people do, and I worry that if I don't see everything the way others do, they will get angry with me. I do believe there is a higher power, a God, or perhaps multiple. But then, I don't like the idea of an afterlife, and prefer to think of reincarnation, or maybe something else. I'm not sure yet. Like I said, I'm still figuring it out. Religion is hard for me, but I hate that I don't know what to believe.
I guess what I'm wondering is, am I doomed to be like this forever? Like I said, I want to be religious, but I can't seem to fit into one religion, and I think there are so many rules in each religion that I'm just not sure what to do. I do not feel I belong in one place, and I like ideas from everywhere. I want to explore. I am curious. But I am worried that I will have to choose, and when the time comes that I do have to choose, I won't be able to.
Debating posting this anonymously… I hate to be a coward, but I also am worried I'm going to offend someone. I hate drama. Ah, oh well. Sorry if I offended you. I respect you and your ideas, and would love to have a conversation about this (but not an argument, please). Thank you.
(February 15, 2023 - 8:05 pm)
i feel this
(February 16, 2023 - 1:26 pm)