I am now home after one of those packed-to-the-brim days. I am almost embarrassed to admit how full this day was since it so accurately depicts my inability to say no, as well as my tendency towards seat-of-my-pants preparation. But in the spirit of candor, here goes: 5:30 am – My alarm goes off 5:45…
Category: Timed Writing
Prompt: Editing Hell
I wonder if I’ll ever be a better planner? I am starting to think not. After all, are good planners working with their students from morning until night on editing for their Writing Celebration? I suspect not. Alas. This is exactly what I’ve been doing. I still have more editing to do, plus cookies to…
Poetry Prompt: Fight Today
Today I got mad My husband was rude to me So I was rude back Then he tried to joke But I swelled up like a toad Our poor friend stood by It’s no fun to watch Long-term married people fight It’s undignified I can be thin-skinned It is not a pretty sight I go…
Flash Fiction Prompt: The Word “Stain”
“I’m not certain what to say,” Marion Fitzgerald stammered, looking down at the bloodstain on the cushion of her white designer couch. I truly don’t know how that got there.” Joe Francis, a LA homicide detective stared at the middle-aged blonde and said in a tired voice, “Mrs. Fitzgerald, where were you last night at…
Prompt: The Word “Transparency”
Transparency is defined as “the condition of being transparent,” which means being able to see through something or someone. Many spiritual leaders say that transparency is part of being enlightened. What you see is what is there, no more, no less. The government speaks of transparency in governing, meaning no secrets, and yet knowing that…
Flash poetry: Right Now
A long day of work Students from morning ’til night Green against gray skies I love my students They are smart and fresh and strong White flashes of light My life is enriched Through this “enrichment” I give The mourning dove coos How did this happen? This unplanned, but happy life? Sweet like gardenias Gratitude…
My Handout for “How to Improve Your Writing in 20 Minutes a Day” Workshop
This is my handout from the workshop I conducted at the Story Circle Network Writing Conference in Austin, Texas 2 weeks ago. Some helpful hints on overcoming writer’s block and establishing good habits, writing and otherwise. Benefits of Writing 20 Minutes a Day: Increased fluidity, developing voice, discovering who you are and how you think,…
Precious Moments
My sweet Sarah is safely in Sherman for her last rotation in family medicine before finishing her 3rd year and I, who came late last week to help get her settled, am heading back to CA for work tomorrow. It is hard for me to express how wonderful it is to have unhurried time with…
Poem: Street View
Sometimes life feels off Passing by without a nod Tail lights in the night What is the secret To make that reconnection? A glance of “Oh,yes.” Life changes so fast The moon rises many times New friends become old
What Matters
As usual, it is late. What is there to say at the end of the day? This was a good one. Working with two long term students I love, the satisfying completion of my help on a senior thesis for another student who couldn’t have been sweeter, a wonderful visit with one of my daughters…
20 Minutes a Day 