Why I created You See, I See
It actually started not with a photo. It started with a birthday card I made for my daughter-in-law
I wanted to keep a photo to remind me of all my joy that went with it
I wanted to blog about the card on my blog back in 2007 but I was really short on time because I needed to run it down to the post office 1.1 miles away ... ok briskly walk it.
So I just started a list of what I "saw" around the card. And it evolved out like this ...
You see
)
A birthday card
I see
(you eventually won't be shocked that the original list actually went long but I'll spare you here ;))
- I see a reminder that I left my cell phone at home and couldn't call Sam on her birthday. Well that and I was fairly sure that by the time I got home, she was sufficiently entertained by her husband.
- I see a reminder that my son has married a lady who will take great joy in knowing that there's all of this behind her birthday card. I know she believes, one person can make a difference and she doesn't mind stepping forward and she encourages others to do so also. (Obviously this references somethings I left off here.)
- I see a new addiction. This is my first experience creating cards using stamps and art papers.
- I see a challenge ... I don't have an envelope for the card. Hmmmm ... Wait ... I might !! I do! I just have to unpack them.
Why I continued
Most photos in my stash have memories.
When I choose one to display, it starts talking to me.
So, I found it an easy pattern to continue and share.
The Ally @allyinspirit Twist
- Ally @allyinspirit added a layer by asking for the reader's response. "What do you see now?" I think that's awesome!
- When Ally told me she was going to do a #useeisee, I told her to come back and leave me a comment, so I would know. This is really a good tradition. BUT go back to the person who first introduced you to the tag. You don't need to tag me. You can link to this post as aften as you see necessary.
Also, Steemit does not send notifications of @ mentions in posts and in random comments. It only notifies a person if there is a direct reply to their comment or post. So, just remember anyone you mention "tag" in a post or comment will not know. Yes there are apps and there are browser/operating system combos that send mention notifications, but in general, if you really want someone to know they're being talked about, reply on one of their posts.
A bit of FAQ
Do I have to use the #useeisee tag?
If you don't want anyone else to see that you're doing a #useeisee, no. If you want to share the joy, it helps to use the tag.
Can I mix #useeisee in with any other challenge, etc.
Yes, this is a writing style. It's not a stand alone challenge or band wagon. I very often mix it with other photography or even some writing prompts. I've been using it with the Steemit ColorChallenge from time to time.
Do I have to use bullet points?
The bullet points were a result of me making a "quick" list. But I found I really liked that style. It doesn't have "boggy-ness." It's easy to get stuck in the bog when writing out a story.
And in reading over other people's You See, I See posts, I have been surprised to see that the simple sentences listed out are capable of being emotionally charged.
That said, if you would rather write paragraphs, I'm not going to stop you!
Does it have to be my original photo?
I don't think it does! But I do think you should have permission to upload it. And of course images that are "free use" are everywhere. I usually run to upsplash.com but there's also pixabay.com and others.
Can it be any other art?
Why not? I know plenty of my digital art pieces are willing to yell at me. AND let's not forget, this little writing exercise started because an object inspired me. So, if you can capture it, you can write a "You See, I See."
Is this a contest? Is there an award?
No. This isn't a contest. Perhaps people will like your work and upvote ;-)
How do I tell others about You See, I See?
@allyinspirit has a very gracious and fluid way of inviting people. You should read some of her posts anyway! So, go take a look. Me, I tend to say, "If you want to use this style, you can. Please use #useeisee so you can be found." But you can certainly send people to this post as often as you like.