Patterning . . A Writing Technique

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.

Today's Motivational Wisdom

Two of the greatest assets to have in life are patience and wisdom.

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.

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.

Cedar Key Memories

It is so easy to find yourself here...