The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is Germany’s most visited landmark. It is the third tallest church of any kind in the world.
Kölner Dom west facade photo credit: me
Since its “official” completion in 1880-after 632 years of on and off construction - it has only been without scaffolding for a few years. The exterior is made up of several different kinds of stone, all of which weather differently. In addition, the buttresses and arches are exposed on all side to weather, pollution, water and bird droppings. All of this contributes to its need for constant reinforcement.
Over twenty years I've built a body of work: articles, podcast episodes, continuing ed training, an ebook . But I've never wrote a memoir before. I had a lot of content and good ideas but lacked a structure to house it in. I wasn't sure what that would be until I took a class with Marion Roach Smith called Memoirama. One of my most valuable takeaways is a simple algorithm. From it, I've built an argument for the book and also an answer to "what's your book about?". Marion’s follow-up class, Memoirama 2, helped me solidify my structure even more.
Scaffolding, of all kinds, matters. Especially, for me and maybe you too, when starting something unfamiliar. Maybe you’re not starting a new project but reinforcing an existing something that needs support. Or maybe you’re reading this Sunday, bracing for the following week. I wonder: What’s Scaffolding You?
Currently, a pillar that I’m leaning against in the middle of terminal C in the charlotte airport, where I’m reading this piece in standing room only. Otherwise it’s soft and kind words from friends, silently urging me to show up how I want to and continue to be witnessed in this lifetime.
Currently, a pillar that I’m leaning against in the middle of terminal C in the charlotte airport, where I’m reading this piece in standing room only. Otherwise it’s soft and kind words from friends, silently urging me to show up how I want to and continue to be witnessed in this lifetime.
I love this, Holly. Literally what is supporting your beautiful self right now and what’s feeding you emotionally. <3