According to a book entitled "Writing for Self-Discovery" by Schneidler and Killick, patterning is making a list in which you repeat the same form of words to introduce each item. The repetition helps release ideas and feelings and it is a chance to play with words. One is supposed to write quickly without thinking too much and enjoy experimenting. So here's my first patterning exercise:
Today I am trying a new recipe
Today I am enjoying a barbershop quartet concert
Today I am trying a new writing technique
Today I am actually writing with pen and paper
Today I am excited about the future
Today I am fearful of the future
Today I am working toward positive things
Today I am happy with my pet bird
Today I am not able to ride my bike because of SNOW
Today I am taking care of me
Today I am taking care of you
Today I am worried about my aunt
Today I am happy in the moment
Today I am here
Today I am
So, what do you think?
I can tell, if I did this exercise when I was even slightly depressed or sad it would have a lot more emotion in it; but it would have been very cleansing to write under those circumstances.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
When Was the Last Time?
It is an apt title for this post. I know , I know...I should have come away with something more elaborate from visiting Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina; they would not allow pictures though, so I will focus on this:
go ahead and double click the picture and read what it says.
I was absolutely astounded. So...when was the last time YOU saw a PAPER STRAW???
They use them because they are environmentally friendly; go figure.
go ahead and double click the picture and read what it says.
I was absolutely astounded. So...when was the last time YOU saw a PAPER STRAW???
They use them because they are environmentally friendly; go figure.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Pig Philosophy
Since I live in Razorback territory, I suppose it is only fitting that I eventually adopted a "Pig Philosophy". I discovered it in Saluda, North Carolina at a place called
All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from a Pig ( I will type it all out since I know it is way too small to read from the photo)
If life gives you slop, then pig out.
Live high on the hog...NOT in self-pity.
The Sty's the limit.
Always keep a little something in the piggy bank.
Don't hog the conversation.
Oink, Wallow and be Merry.
Don't squeal on your friends.
Using your snout can get you into truffles. (my personal favorite!)
Pigtails are always in style.
Think Pig and you'll go far.
You can "wee, wee, wee all the way home."
Not quite as esoteric as Robert Fulgums' "All I Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten"...but close.
All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from a Pig ( I will type it all out since I know it is way too small to read from the photo)
If life gives you slop, then pig out.
Live high on the hog...NOT in self-pity.
The Sty's the limit.
Always keep a little something in the piggy bank.
Don't hog the conversation.
Oink, Wallow and be Merry.
Don't squeal on your friends.
Using your snout can get you into truffles. (my personal favorite!)
Pigtails are always in style.
Think Pig and you'll go far.
You can "wee, wee, wee all the way home."
Not quite as esoteric as Robert Fulgums' "All I Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten"...but close.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Rainbow River and Cedar Key Sunset
We started our day with a 5:30 AM departure from our hotel for American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River; from there we wet-suited up and took a short trip to swim with the manatees. What a wonderful experience. We snorkeled and floated above the manatees and they would rise and gently swim up to us so we could pet them on their backs and when they were really trusting of us...would roll over for us to rub their bellies as well. The fear and thrill of having one of these mammals swim directly under you by mere inches is one I will never forget.
We left the manatees and put in at the US 41 launching point of the Rainbow River for a 2.5 hour paddle up and down the river. We saw plenty of wildlife along the river including a nesting pair of sandhill cranes, a red-shouldered hawk and other nesting birds that we could not identify.
We ended the day by watching the sunset in the community of Cedar Key, Florida. There is a cement 8-pier fishing structure from which one can comfortably view the sunset. There are resident pelicans which add to the enjoyment. All in all a perfect day.
Some interesting buildings along the Rainbow River
Lunch on the river...
We left the manatees and put in at the US 41 launching point of the Rainbow River for a 2.5 hour paddle up and down the river. We saw plenty of wildlife along the river including a nesting pair of sandhill cranes, a red-shouldered hawk and other nesting birds that we could not identify.
We ended the day by watching the sunset in the community of Cedar Key, Florida. There is a cement 8-pier fishing structure from which one can comfortably view the sunset. There are resident pelicans which add to the enjoyment. All in all a perfect day.
Some interesting buildings along the Rainbow River
Lunch on the river...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Cirque du Soliel -- Orlando
This acrobatic performance was also a part of our Behind the Scenes at Disney program. Actually, we went to the show first and the following day went behind the scenes to see the stage structuring, costumes, and make up tables.
Again, we were not allowed to take any pictures. During the show was a demonstration of Chinese Diablos by a group of young Chinese girls. They were absolutely phenomenal with them.
After our tour, they let us try our hand at them and it was at that point I realized just how talented those young ladies were. Chuck tries it with a little wrist and hip action...not ready for the big top just yet though!
The show is performed by the worlds' best acrobats; 40 different languages are spoken here.
Some of the highlights of the show included silk flying - a gymnast barely wraps long silk-like material around his wrists and seemingly floats several stories through the air and lands as softly as a butterfly on the stage.
BMX Bike acrobatics that had me on the edge of my seat several times. There was a cute little bike also, no longer than 20 inches nor higher than 18 inches, that was ridden across the stage and around the BMX's that was added as a comic element.
High wire acts and trapeze antics along with trampoline action second to none. All just amazing and performed to live music and song.
The Canadian fellow that developed this (and other shows across the country)has done a remarkable job.
Again, we were not allowed to take any pictures. During the show was a demonstration of Chinese Diablos by a group of young Chinese girls. They were absolutely phenomenal with them.
After our tour, they let us try our hand at them and it was at that point I realized just how talented those young ladies were. Chuck tries it with a little wrist and hip action...not ready for the big top just yet though!
The show is performed by the worlds' best acrobats; 40 different languages are spoken here.
Some of the highlights of the show included silk flying - a gymnast barely wraps long silk-like material around his wrists and seemingly floats several stories through the air and lands as softly as a butterfly on the stage.
BMX Bike acrobatics that had me on the edge of my seat several times. There was a cute little bike also, no longer than 20 inches nor higher than 18 inches, that was ridden across the stage and around the BMX's that was added as a comic element.
High wire acts and trapeze antics along with trampoline action second to none. All just amazing and performed to live music and song.
The Canadian fellow that developed this (and other shows across the country)has done a remarkable job.
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