Tag: Writing
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“You Can’t Handle The Truth”…
Sure, it’s a famous line, but it is wrong. Truth: you can handle it. Take deep breaths, set a timer for some self-love and then let the kernel of the truth stew. Buried within the tough love are useful gems that will make your work better. Writers (and all creatives) must suffer slings and arrows…
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Whatever Works…
Like so many, I am disheartened by recent events. I’m thankful I can gather at my church and rest in the hope of a better world where I’m called to love all people, and for my morning writing café where check-in discussions range the whole wide-world. Safe spaces, both. Same with two-way, encouraging talks with…
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Surprise!…
I love when a character takes hold of the keyboard to reveal an action unknown to even me, their creator. It’s true. It happens. Practicing mindfulness in the flow, humility of the heart and playfulness of the spirit can invite a co-creator to your page. Dedication is of utmost importance, as is honoring the rhythm…
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Are You Listening?…
In Third Ear; Reflections on the Art and Science of Listening, Elizabeth Rosner reminds us that listen and silent are anagrams in the English language. Right here, I could end this blog post and leave us to ponder the coincidence of language but more importantly, what is necessary to truly pay attention. From equal letters come different words, different meanings.…
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Beautiful Is…
Beautiful is the northern landscape, trees aflame with the color of dying leaves. Those same trees will soon reach to the winter sun, their bare arms twisted and strong, ready to take on a sheath of ice and snow. Beautiful is the first pale green leaf bud poking through, soon to be joined in a…
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Adventure Awaits…
I love adventures. Friends have hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain or climbed ancient steps to Machu Pichu. One day I may add them to my own big escapades that include exploring the underground villages of Cappadocia and the sacred churches of Lalibela. While some adventures stand out as exciting or unusual, they don’t…
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Midnight Alarms…
My deep sleep was interrupted recently by a fire truck beeping, backing up in front of our house. There’s something jarring about a surprise fire department visit, especially in the middle of the night. Turns out, it was a false alarm and neighborhood texts confirmed there was no danger. Still, I wandered around in that…
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It’s Not That Complicated…
Today I offer you a brief opinion piece I wrote during a recent writing class. The prompt was “It’s not that complicated,” and we were given twenty minutes to write. While I could embellish, clean up and tighten the writing, I am merely posting it here to illustrate the power of quick writing to a…
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Simple Gifts…
A friend recently received free groceries when the young man in front of her paid her total. Her first inclination was to insist it wasn’t necessary; she could pay, no help needed. But it was necessary. To him. Was it random? Maybe. Radical? Yes. How brave must one be to extend such an unexpected offer,…
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The Joke’s On Me…
Last week I happily blogged about staying positive and embracing the summer heat with the help of air conditioning. The posts were written before Monday when Houston suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Beryl, just weeks after the city lost power for days due to another severe and unusual weather event. As of this writing,…