I have no words. None. This isn’t writer’s block. It’s something else. I thought finding something to write for a straight 30 days would be challenging, and it was, but up until this morning, I always found in the morning that I had something to say. This morning, my mind is blank. I have nothing…
Tag: writing
Tender Negotiations: Thoughts on Aging and Grace, a Swimsuit-Season Reflection (Write Every Day, 26)
Swimsuit season is upon us and, thankfully, my old suits still fit. That doesn’t mean they look the same on my body as they did even last year, but they fit. That’s one less mean mall mirror I have to confront. (What is it with those mirrors? I swear they buy them on sale from…
The day before you leave is the longest journey (Write Every Day, 25)
We leave tomorrow for a week in Hawaii and I’ve been trying to prepare myself for the insanity of today, the day before, but there really is no way to prepare. Today is the longest journey. Of course there is the packing . . . but that isn’t all of it. There are the animals:…
What happens when you catch a firefly? You catch a poem as well. (Write Every Day, 24)
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…
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 promises we make to ourselves can be the hardest to keep. (Write Every Day 16)
That picture was taken years ago on a trip to the San Juan Islands. I’m holding my oldest who will now be entering her second year of college, and I love the way the reflection and the mirror seem to hang perfectly in the field. We’re looking forward and backward at the same time. I…
Barbara Ganias Comstock 