I remember those dog-days of my childhood summers back east, when we languished in front of the TV all day long, trying to escape the heat and the humidity. A spark of energy would finally ignite when the sun sank low and the neighborhood kids and I would crash out onto the street, eager to…
Category: writing
Finding Treasures in those Old Photographs (Write Every Day, 23)
It was when I was searching and sorting through my old photos yesterday for a particular photograph that time seemed to stand still. What a wonderful break from the disasters unfolding around the country. I found myself deep in “remember whens” — such nostalgia. During my walk down memory lane, the biggest draw on my…
Riding on the back of a motorcycle (Write Every Day, 22)
When my husband and I first met at Starbucks over 20 years ago, he was wearing his motorcycle jacket. Heavy leather, in red and black with thick zipper-treads up the center and at the pockets, it fit him snugly. I remember thinking how cute he looked and how his blue eyes were like crystal reflections…
Rx: Grab your camera and go! (Write Every Day, 21)
Self-care in these perilous times, they tell us, is critical. The world — well, the US — seems to be falling apart into a political heap of turds and every day brings us closer to the demise of democracy. I make it a point to be in the fight, to write and call my reps,…
When the County Fair Surprises You (Write Every Day, 20)
Temps have been hitting well over 100 degrees around here lately, so when they dipped down to the 80’s late yesterday afternoon, my husband and I decided it was time to head to the fair. It would just be the two of us this time, though. Our girls have grown into busy, independent teens. The…
Poetry: Using Models to Spark Creativity in Middle School (Write Every Day, 19)
I love using poetry in the classroom. We read it, think about it, talk about it, write it. When kids first hear the word “poetry” they usually groan (which truly breaks my heart), but when they’re given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lyrics of their favorite songs, a tiny shift happens. Suddenly, poetry…
The 50-Word Story, A Challenge (Write Every Day 18)
Teaching middle school writers is a balance between getting them started and teaching them to edit. Some middle schoolers will write on and on forever, if given the time, wanting to write the “Great American Novel.” They will ramble and roll through plot until it is a maze of confusion. Revision is hard; editing down…
Do you stir or do you shake the paint can? Lessons in a Marriage (Write Every Day 17)
Our 21st wedding anniversary is just around the corner. Last year, when we hit the 20 year mark, I was all about the celebration. This year, I’m all about the reflection. How did we make it this far? Was it anything we did or is just because of sheer, dumb luck? Truth is, because we…
The Palace of the Legion of Honor: A Welcome Escape (Write Every Day, 15)
Temps around here climbed over 100 degrees yesterday, so what was a family to do? We escaped to San Francisco, where it’s always cooler in the summertime. In fact, it was SF Perfect. We made our way over to the Palace of the Legion of Honor. I’ve lived in the Bay Area for 30 years,…
Happy Father’s Day from a Grateful Daughter (Write Every Day #14)
Dear Dad, This picture is one of my favorites of you and whoever that other guy is on the right. It was obviously taken long before I came into your life. Set in Greece, it’s nostalgic and artful — but what makes it special, is that it’s of you. My dad. Today is Father’s Day….
Church Camp: A brief reminder on how to be in the world. (Write Every Day, Lucky 13)
I dropped off daughter #2 for church camp this morning. This will be her ninth year. Over each of the past eight years, she has spent many days anticipating and planning for this one week. To say she loves it is an oversimplification. She would tell you, it’s exactly where she belongs for that one…
When you live in an old cow town, they run the cattle down Main Street to open the County Fair! (Write Every Day #12)
We are a suburb of SF, but we are an old cow town. Today, all of Pleasanton lined Main Street, waiting for the cows to come home. There I am, one among hundreds. Maybe thousands. They rarely close Main Street, except for our monthly street fair through the summer, but our town is known for…
Barbara Ganias Comstock 