Olive Roasted Pepper Cheese Spread and the 7 Secrets of Writing

I served this delicious, addictive cheese spread to the members of the Writers Group of Monroeville that I belong to and which is facilitated by the generous and talented Sharon Lippincott.  I would not have been writing for this blog had I not attended the Writers' Workshop she organized last summer.  Being there and listening to the three invited writers give their experience in writing short stories, essays and poetry as well as the conversations with the attendees gave me the push to proceed and just write, write and write for my blog. 

Sharon Lippincott

Recently Sharon Lippincott wrote in her blog, The Heart and Craft of Life Writing, the seven secrets of writing and as in all her postings she challenges the readers to do one task and for this one she wanted them to come up with their own seven secrets.  Here are mine.

1. It is a creative outlet.  It is the ultimate exercise in freedom.  "You own everything that happens to you" as  Anne Lamott's commented in her Facebook page.    Writing builds self-confidence and self satisfaction. You are creating something. You give voice to your thoughts and feelings     
2. It is a form of contemplation.  You see the significance of events, emotions that would have been taken for granted.  It deepens appreciation. It engenders gratitude. This is especially true when you look back, as far back as you can go.
3. It increases self-awareness and awareness of your surroundings or mindfulness.  It increases attention span and listening ability. I actually have experienced an increase in self knowledge and understanding of other people. 
4. It is educational.  I have to be accurate when I write my blog and looking up facts or verifying what I know helps me learn along the way.
5. It is very rewarding.  You really do not know the impact of what you write, though that might not be your primary purpose.  When you hear people express their gratefulness for something that you wrote which  have helped them or their loved ones, it is very heartwarming and gratifying. 
6. Writing helps chronicle events.  We do forget so it helps to write them down.  Looking back we have something to relish. So would your children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, friends.
7. One thing more, you have an audience for your storytelling or need to verbalize your opinions or feelings.  It beats talking to yourself.

Olive Roasted Pepper Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cheese (I used Mexican blend but you can use one or any combination of cheese)
• 1/2 cup chopped olives with pimento center
• 1 whole roasted fresh or bottled red or yellow pepper, chopped 
• 2 tbsps chopped onion
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• approximately 3 tbsp 2 percent milk or the amount you need to your desired consistency of the spread
• 3 tbsp Smart Balance brand spread or butter
• black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar or splenda (optional)

Mix all the ingredients with a fork.  Serve with plain crackers or with cut vegetables.  Refrigerate any left overs which I doubt you will have. 

Below are photos of the members of the Monroeville Writing Group during the Wednesday meetings held twice a month at the Monroeville Library.