We love stories, and I would guess that most of the time we are reading stories, or watching them unfold visually in a movie. But yesterday I experienced something new and surprisingly enjoyable, a storytelling performance! The Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall in Jonesborough, Tennessee - storytelling.net Storytelling, according to one definition, is the social … Continue reading Telling Stories without the Written Word
Category: Writing
Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
As I was enjoying a short story by Louisa May Alcott, I found spirited conversations among the characters about reading and writing. I seriously doubt that it was the author’s intention to pass along writing tips in her story, but I got a kick out of the subtle wisdom and commentaries on the writing life … Continue reading Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
The Story of the Irritated Eagle
Me: (craning my neck to get a good shot between the branches) Eagle: Hey! Quit buggin' me! Me: What, are you kidding me? How can I bug you when you're sixty feet above me?! My zoom lens can hardly see you! Eagle: (glares, ruffles white tail feathers, rolls his eyes) Me: Anyway, I only got … Continue reading The Story of the Irritated Eagle
Beauty for Ashes
I revelled in the summer heat When others fried And sighed, Goodbye, And went inside. Trusting, I smiled When hot became warm, The return of summer's norm, Simply a mild forewarn Of climate's transform. Too soon it seemed Leaves turned to gold. Yet still no cold! Larch and aspen--behold! Facing autumn serene and bold. Fun … Continue reading Beauty for Ashes
Summer Learning
Even though most schools are closing for the summer, learning doesn't stop. In fact, learning outside of school can be one of the most valuable ways to increase our--and our kids' and grandkids'--knowledge and understanding in various fields of interest. From what I understand from working in the education field, and from personal experience, learning … Continue reading Summer Learning
Building a Writing Routine one Minute at a Time
For those of you who are writers out there, I am curious, do you actually have a routine that helps you be productive with your writing? If not, is it because you don’t feel the need for a routine since you are consistently productive without one? Or did you try to establish some kind of … Continue reading Building a Writing Routine one Minute at a Time
Worthwhile Online Writing Classes
The amount of internet resources for writers is inspiring, but it can be hard to know which ones are the most helpful. Here are some discoveries I've made from my recent searches for writing classes. First, as you probably already know, anyone looking for resources needs to have specific needs and goals in mind. "Unfortunately", … Continue reading Worthwhile Online Writing Classes
Writing to Senior Pen Pals
Ah, the joys of writing! And today I am referring to literally WRITING, handwriting, using pen or paper--not typing. I have found handwriting or printing one of the best ways for me to create and record my thoughts. But here I want to focus on sending snail-mail letters to people as a way to connect … Continue reading Writing to Senior Pen Pals
Freedom with Writing
Are you, like me, dusting off some stories or manuscripts that have been filed away for a few years? If so, you probably want to find homes for them. Or, you might be looking for periodicals that are in need of exactly the kind of articles you write. Let me tell you about … Continue reading Freedom with Writing
Notes of Encouragement while wandering in the Park
Two things happened recently, one good, and the other... also ultimately good. The first is that the winter weather finally left, and it's spring! That is definitely a good thing. The second is that I was recently laid off from my teaching job. It felt bad at first. But if you believe as I do … Continue reading Notes of Encouragement while wandering in the Park
Happily Writing 