In my writing career I have used an untold number of words in my 2 newspaper columns, 2 published books, 2 e-books and 611 blog posts with 28,657 views. That's a whole lot of words!
It's a good thing I paid attention during my English class all those years ago. I have been told on numerous occasions that not only what I write, but how I write, makes my words worth reading.
I have known people who may have the ability to put their thoughts down on paper, but the way those thoughts end up makes me cringe. Some of these people often believe that what they have to say is so important others will just overlook their bad writing habits. Grammar, spelling and proper punctuation are important; ask any English teacher or editor. Just because a person has a pen and paper or a computer does not mean they are destined to be a writer.
There is no excuse for anyone who wants to be taken seriously as a writer to be sloppy. If you can't take pride in how you are writing it is best to keep your thoughts to yourself. Please!
One of the things that really irritates me when I am reading something is paragraphs that go on and on and never seem to find an ending. Another is the constant use of $5 words, causing one to pull out a dictionary to grasp the full meaning of the content. I prefer to keep my writing simple and easy for anyone to understand.
I know a writer who finds it necessary to use an abundance of exclamation points and question marks before, in the middle and after what he writes. For example: "!!?? Listen to !!?? what I AM telling you!!??" Good grief it reminds me of a little boy stomping his feet to get his mother's attention. A writer does not need to yell to be heard by readers if what he/she is saying is worth hearing.
Yesterday a person that I am trying to encourage to write told me she just started a blog. Curious, I checked it out and was appalled. After printing out one of her posts I took a red pen and circled all the obvious mistakes. There were 34 in an article that was not even a page in length. This same person informed me that she is planning to write to my former publisher to see if she can get her work published. I silently screamed, "NO don't do that!"
Oh well, I guess everyone has their own idea of what makes a good writer. I had to learn what to do and what not to do on my own, one step at a time. It was a long process. One thing I hope I have learned is to allow others the experience of learning from their own decisions.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Father's Day again
I always have mixed feelings when Father's Day comes around. My own father died of liver failure due to years of drinking when I was 30. He died on Easter Sunday 1967 following a long illness. By that time my husband and two children, the youngest only 4 months old, were living in another state and I was unable to attend his funeral.
When I was young my mother was a strong controlling being who had to work so we could eat. It caused my father to appear to be a weak parent in my eyes. Although they stayed together for 30 years their marriage was far less than happy. These were my early role models.
My first husband and the biological father of my sons was a self centered being, who preferred to spend time with his numerous girl friends rather than take on the role of father or even husband. After 13 years I woke up one morning and decided that my boys, then 10 and 5, and I would be much better off without him. He was their first paternal role model.
Not allowing enough time to adjust to the new circumstances I had created and take steps to believe in me I quickly married a second time. The man who would become a stepfather to my children had never been married and had no children. He also had a drinking problem that I admit I was aware of, but stubbornly ignored.
After 6 years and a ton of tears and praying on my part this man moved up to the role of father with the birth of our daughter. Because I followed the example my mother had set for me years before, I became the strong parent, causing my husband to appear weak to my children. After 27 years of an unhappy marriage I woke up one morning and decided I was done. It was a decision that ended in a non-contested divorce that amazingly only took 3 days to become a reality.
Since 1999 I have been on my own. There has been no man in any way shape or form in my life, except for occasional friends along the way. It's funny that most of them were not available for any other role. There was no doubt a really good reason for that! I needed time to develop confidence in me without male interference. It appears to have worked very well and perhaps now I can actually think about adding what is missing to the mix.
The odd part of this little story is that today two of my three grown children do not communicate with me, but seem to be joined at the hip to the man known as their biological father and step-father. Apparently it is his turn to be a parent. What goes around comes around and that's not a bad thing!
When I was young my mother was a strong controlling being who had to work so we could eat. It caused my father to appear to be a weak parent in my eyes. Although they stayed together for 30 years their marriage was far less than happy. These were my early role models.
My first husband and the biological father of my sons was a self centered being, who preferred to spend time with his numerous girl friends rather than take on the role of father or even husband. After 13 years I woke up one morning and decided that my boys, then 10 and 5, and I would be much better off without him. He was their first paternal role model.
Not allowing enough time to adjust to the new circumstances I had created and take steps to believe in me I quickly married a second time. The man who would become a stepfather to my children had never been married and had no children. He also had a drinking problem that I admit I was aware of, but stubbornly ignored.
After 6 years and a ton of tears and praying on my part this man moved up to the role of father with the birth of our daughter. Because I followed the example my mother had set for me years before, I became the strong parent, causing my husband to appear weak to my children. After 27 years of an unhappy marriage I woke up one morning and decided I was done. It was a decision that ended in a non-contested divorce that amazingly only took 3 days to become a reality.
Since 1999 I have been on my own. There has been no man in any way shape or form in my life, except for occasional friends along the way. It's funny that most of them were not available for any other role. There was no doubt a really good reason for that! I needed time to develop confidence in me without male interference. It appears to have worked very well and perhaps now I can actually think about adding what is missing to the mix.
The odd part of this little story is that today two of my three grown children do not communicate with me, but seem to be joined at the hip to the man known as their biological father and step-father. Apparently it is his turn to be a parent. What goes around comes around and that's not a bad thing!
Friday, June 14, 2013
One down one to go
The first segment of our youth writing camp ended this morning. I give the parents of the children who participated a big hand because the children were attentive, eager to learn and respectful of the adults in charge. It isn't always easy to capture the attention of a room full of elementary students on summer vacation, but we did it!
This morning I am mentally going over the activities we offered and making notes on what worked and what didn't. The second half of the writing camp will be offered in July with a different line up of inspiration.
One of the things that was very obvious was the kids are more interested in hands on activities rather than having an adult offer a lecture. They get enough of that during the regular school year. With a little imagination students can learn without realizing that they are being taught. Works for me and has as a matter of fact!
I learned a few things myself this week. Number one is that even though one should properly prepare for any new adventure; one should always allow for wiggle room. Also, if you expect a room full of kids to enjoy what they are doing you had better make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. In other words just relax and go with the flow.
The fact that was really reenforced for me on a personal level this week is that I am a very good coordinator. I believe part of the reason is that I can stand back and "see" what is likely to happen well before it does. I guess that is called manifesting a dream. It is also called imagination and that is exactly what we are trying to inspire in these young writers.
We have one week down and one week to go.
This morning I am mentally going over the activities we offered and making notes on what worked and what didn't. The second half of the writing camp will be offered in July with a different line up of inspiration.
One of the things that was very obvious was the kids are more interested in hands on activities rather than having an adult offer a lecture. They get enough of that during the regular school year. With a little imagination students can learn without realizing that they are being taught. Works for me and has as a matter of fact!
I learned a few things myself this week. Number one is that even though one should properly prepare for any new adventure; one should always allow for wiggle room. Also, if you expect a room full of kids to enjoy what they are doing you had better make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. In other words just relax and go with the flow.
The fact that was really reenforced for me on a personal level this week is that I am a very good coordinator. I believe part of the reason is that I can stand back and "see" what is likely to happen well before it does. I guess that is called manifesting a dream. It is also called imagination and that is exactly what we are trying to inspire in these young writers.
We have one week down and one week to go.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
My forever home
Several months ago I entered a writing contest sponsored by Geist, a Canadian company. the instructions were to use a photo as a post card and write about it in 500 words or less. As I have received notice that I did not win I am now free to share my submission on my blog. Here goes.
My Forever home
This could be my forever home. It has everything I could ever want, including two of my favorite things, nature and water. A modern log cabin nestled amongst the trees, providing a permanent home for song birds of all kinds and shelter for critters big and small. Windows everywhere letting in sunlight during the day, a view of the moon at night, with the occasional pitter patter of rain drops or silent snow flakes sliding down its pains. I can see myself having a morning cup of tea, a light lunch or entertaining friends in the evening sitting at the picnic table on the porch.
It's just three little steps down to the fabulous deck where I would spend hours dreaming the time away, dangling my toes in the cool water, while watching a free movie, featuring fluffy white clouds quietly drifting by. If I were in the mood I would choose to pick up a fishing pole and catch a bite for dinner. In the evening, sitting in a deck chair with a friend, we would engage in animated conversations while, enjoying the setting sun with its majestic array of colors. The only thing missing is a canoe, which just might be tucked in slightly out of view.
Yes, I could quite easily make this my forever home.
This could be my forever home. It has everything I could ever want, including two of my favorite things, nature and water. A modern log cabin nestled amongst the trees, providing a permanent home for song birds of all kinds and shelter for critters big and small. Windows everywhere letting in sunlight during the day, a view of the moon at night, with the occasional pitter patter of rain drops or silent snow flakes sliding down its pains. I can see myself having a morning cup of tea, a light lunch or entertaining friends in the evening sitting at the picnic table on the porch.
It's just three little steps down to the fabulous deck where I would spend hours dreaming the time away, dangling my toes in the cool water, while watching a free movie, featuring fluffy white clouds quietly drifting by. If I were in the mood I would choose to pick up a fishing pole and catch a bite for dinner. In the evening, sitting in a deck chair with a friend, we would engage in animated conversations while, enjoying the setting sun with its majestic array of colors. The only thing missing is a canoe, which just might be tucked in slightly out of view.
Yes, I could quite easily make this my forever home.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Creating a team to manifest a dream
Our future is in the hands of our children is a quote many are familiar with and of course, it is true. I also believe it is our job as adults to give them the tools they need to make this a better place for themselves and their future children.
One of the tools we can help them develop is their imagination/creativity. I have always loved a popular quote attributed to many, including John F. Kennedy. It's source is actually a line from a little known play, Back to Methuselah, written by George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950. The original quote is "You see things and you say "why"? But I dream things that never were and I say "why not"?"
Indeed, why not?
Who says things have to be just so or they won't work? I have found that mixing the old with the new creates a very palatable dish. It is exactly what I set out to do in offering a writing camp for elementary students this summer. The first week of the two week camp starts Monday and I am very excited about what will be offered to our young people. I reached into the hearts of area adults who agreed to share their unique passion for one hour on one day to help inspire the creative minds of our youth.
Our facilitator on day 1 is a retired elementary teacher who is also a member of our writing group, Write On People. She will be teasing the participants with creative writing suggestions; day 2 will bring in the Managing Editor of our local newspaper, The Cibola Beacon, to talk about writing for a small town paper; on day 3 a personal friend of mine who is also a wonderful cook will help the participants use their imagination to concoct a calorie free meal. On day 4 the director of the Double Six art gallery and a local artist will help the youngsters understand that art also has a voice. To round out the week another member of our writing group and a lady who is passionate about poetry will be the facilitator.
My main job for this first week was to inspire the adults to be willing to inspire the kids with what they are passionate about. Everyone knows what their assignment is and it's one two three go...INSPIRE!
One of the tools we can help them develop is their imagination/creativity. I have always loved a popular quote attributed to many, including John F. Kennedy. It's source is actually a line from a little known play, Back to Methuselah, written by George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950. The original quote is "You see things and you say "why"? But I dream things that never were and I say "why not"?"
Indeed, why not?
Who says things have to be just so or they won't work? I have found that mixing the old with the new creates a very palatable dish. It is exactly what I set out to do in offering a writing camp for elementary students this summer. The first week of the two week camp starts Monday and I am very excited about what will be offered to our young people. I reached into the hearts of area adults who agreed to share their unique passion for one hour on one day to help inspire the creative minds of our youth.
Our facilitator on day 1 is a retired elementary teacher who is also a member of our writing group, Write On People. She will be teasing the participants with creative writing suggestions; day 2 will bring in the Managing Editor of our local newspaper, The Cibola Beacon, to talk about writing for a small town paper; on day 3 a personal friend of mine who is also a wonderful cook will help the participants use their imagination to concoct a calorie free meal. On day 4 the director of the Double Six art gallery and a local artist will help the youngsters understand that art also has a voice. To round out the week another member of our writing group and a lady who is passionate about poetry will be the facilitator.
My main job for this first week was to inspire the adults to be willing to inspire the kids with what they are passionate about. Everyone knows what their assignment is and it's one two three go...INSPIRE!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Looking for a word
This morning I am looking for one word that means stick-to-it-ness. Is that even a word?
Years ago my very negative minded mother accused me of not having this quality. If she had possessed a little more positive sight herself she would have seen how wrong she was. One of the things I am known for, even by those who do not particularly like me, is my ability to stick to what I say I am going to do.
What is a word for this quality?
Purpose, dedication, loyalty, determination, faith, belief and passion are all possibilities. How about authenticity? What you see is what you get- like it or not.
Many of you know that I have dealt with physical pain due to a freak accident. Several months ago I gave up on traditional treatments and decided to trust my guidance to heal the problem myself. For the most part my approach has worked well. While exercising yesterday I pulled a muscle which caused me to seriously cut back on movement for the remainder of the day.
The experience brought back memories of the months of excruciating pain I had previously lived through. It was better this morning so I set out to continue my usual morning routine of exercise at our family center, thinking if it started hurting I would just stop. I was also keeping a quote in mind that I heard yesterday which was, "there are seven days in a week and someday isn't one of them". Or as my dear grandmother would have put it, "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". Thank you Nana!
As I was approaching the center I noticed a man that I had seen many times before walking down the street. What makes him stand out is he has an amputated leg and he walks with crutches in all kinds of weather. My thought was, "if he can do it what is my excuse?"
So I did exercise this morning and the effort made me happy with myself.
I began thinking about the people who at one time or another had walked with me at the center and have now dropped out. They once had a purpose and now they find excuses. I, on the other hand, am still doing what I set out to do several years ago because I know my body thanks me for my actions and I am grateful that I am basically healthy.
Perhaps the best word for stick-to-it-ness is authenticity after all. As long as I see positive benefits you can bet I am going to continue with my purpose.
Years ago my very negative minded mother accused me of not having this quality. If she had possessed a little more positive sight herself she would have seen how wrong she was. One of the things I am known for, even by those who do not particularly like me, is my ability to stick to what I say I am going to do.
What is a word for this quality?
Purpose, dedication, loyalty, determination, faith, belief and passion are all possibilities. How about authenticity? What you see is what you get- like it or not.
Many of you know that I have dealt with physical pain due to a freak accident. Several months ago I gave up on traditional treatments and decided to trust my guidance to heal the problem myself. For the most part my approach has worked well. While exercising yesterday I pulled a muscle which caused me to seriously cut back on movement for the remainder of the day.
The experience brought back memories of the months of excruciating pain I had previously lived through. It was better this morning so I set out to continue my usual morning routine of exercise at our family center, thinking if it started hurting I would just stop. I was also keeping a quote in mind that I heard yesterday which was, "there are seven days in a week and someday isn't one of them". Or as my dear grandmother would have put it, "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today". Thank you Nana!
As I was approaching the center I noticed a man that I had seen many times before walking down the street. What makes him stand out is he has an amputated leg and he walks with crutches in all kinds of weather. My thought was, "if he can do it what is my excuse?"
So I did exercise this morning and the effort made me happy with myself.
I began thinking about the people who at one time or another had walked with me at the center and have now dropped out. They once had a purpose and now they find excuses. I, on the other hand, am still doing what I set out to do several years ago because I know my body thanks me for my actions and I am grateful that I am basically healthy.
Perhaps the best word for stick-to-it-ness is authenticity after all. As long as I see positive benefits you can bet I am going to continue with my purpose.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Following Archangel Jophiel
Interesting how things pop up, adding new information to my understanding of who I am and what in the world I am supposed to be doing with the universal/spiritual gifts I have been given. For the last couple of days I have been asking Archangel Jophiel to provide me with guidance along these lines. We connected several years ago and he/she has never failed to come to my aid when I have honestly asked for assistance. This archangel heals negative situations and brings beauty and organization to our thoughts and lives.
I have found the ways of the divine are quite amazing and often put a smile on my human face in response to their actions.
This morning a Facebook friend posted a personal experience about knowing what her Totem Animal is. Apparently everyone has an animal guide whose purpose is to give them direction and assist on their journey through life. I know other people who know what their animal totem is, but I have never paid much attention or until today been curious enough to discover what mine is.
Taking that first step I accessed the website http://www.animaltotem.com/find-your-totem.html.
After answering the questions found there I realized that I know what my animal totem is. I have always had dogs and cats, but that just didn't fit. I started thinking about what animals really stand out and I believe it is a white (Pekin) duck.
It made so much sense when I looked up and saw one of the most amazing spirit photos I have taken hanging on my wall. It is the spirit photo I use to convince others that we do not die when we leave earth, but the white duck introduced him to me.
For years I have been drawn to our Riverwalk Park, where this photo was taken. It is where I go when I am looking for peace of mind. It is where my grandson and I have spent hours just hanging out since he was very little. Until this morning I never realized that it is the ducks that draw me there. Although there are Mallards, Mud Ducks and other varieties they are not what capture my attention.
I once followed the progress of the babies of one of them with photos documenting their growth.
Checking further online, I looked up duck totem with some interesting results that made further sense. It teaches us to re-connect with family. I take this to mean universal family, not necessarily biological. It is exactly what I feel I am doing. It helps us learn to deal with our emotions, is very social and graceful. It's power is in the spring and summer, my favorite times of the year. Also the duck guides us to find a comfortable safe place to be.
Wow, thank you Jophiel! You are amazing!!
Now to wind things up, I recently downloaded a photo of a white duck and placed it on my vision board to remind me to let things roll off (other people's problems, negative energy etc.) like water off a duck's back. Need I take another step to find my animal totem? I don't think so!
I have found the ways of the divine are quite amazing and often put a smile on my human face in response to their actions.
This morning a Facebook friend posted a personal experience about knowing what her Totem Animal is. Apparently everyone has an animal guide whose purpose is to give them direction and assist on their journey through life. I know other people who know what their animal totem is, but I have never paid much attention or until today been curious enough to discover what mine is.
Taking that first step I accessed the website http://www.animaltotem.com/find-your-totem.html.
After answering the questions found there I realized that I know what my animal totem is. I have always had dogs and cats, but that just didn't fit. I started thinking about what animals really stand out and I believe it is a white (Pekin) duck.
It made so much sense when I looked up and saw one of the most amazing spirit photos I have taken hanging on my wall. It is the spirit photo I use to convince others that we do not die when we leave earth, but the white duck introduced him to me.
Wow, thank you Jophiel! You are amazing!!
Now to wind things up, I recently downloaded a photo of a white duck and placed it on my vision board to remind me to let things roll off (other people's problems, negative energy etc.) like water off a duck's back. Need I take another step to find my animal totem? I don't think so!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
