Two nights ago, I went to hear a jazz recital by some of the faculty and students in the music department at Central Washington University. The music was terrific, a lovely swinging reminder of one of the main benefits of living in a college town. Afterward, I met a local artist known for his woodworking … Continue reading An elephant never forgets
creativity
91 minutes so far
In the first seven days of the "2013 - Thirteen Minutes a Day" challenge, I have: Drafted a two-page synopsis for "You, Jane," the second novel I wrote, so I can prepare a package for submitting to agents and publishers; Started editing "The Law of Immediate Forgiveness" so I can have it ready to 'shop' … Continue reading 91 minutes so far
Four weeks left
There are four weeks left in the year, and after the daily creative binge of NaNoWriMo swamped November, it's time to get back into the rhythm of a weekly poem, photo, meditation, or doodle for Project Create. So here is one for the first week of December, Week 49, in the form of a prayer. … Continue reading Four weeks left
The Good Fire
After more than a month of wildfires burning in our part of the country, and living in a smoky haze, it was such a treat to visit a friend on the other side of the mountains and be reminded of the enchanting power of a good fire. This week's Project Create tries to evoke the … Continue reading The Good Fire
Which kind are you?
Once again, I'm getting double-duty out of my monthly contribution to The Writer's Vineyard, the blog for authors of Champagne Book Group. It's appropriate, it seems, for this conversation on creativity to be this week's Project Create. Which kind are you? In the middle of a long holiday weekend filled with gorgeous weather, joyful music, … Continue reading Which kind are you?
All’s Fair
A poem written while sitting outside under the blue moon, watching a free concert by the Dusty 45's put on as part of the Kittitas County Fair celebration. The Dusty 45's were incredible, and the crowd was friendly. It's this week's Project Create. All’s Fair There’s the tiniest cowgirl in pink pajamas Sparkly shoes and … Continue reading All’s Fair
The fire this time
A small poem related to the week of wildfire outside, and equally applicable to the fires we feel inside, at times. And this week's Project Create. The Fire This Time Containment comes first. When it is too much to get your own arms around, Try joining with someone else.
Clouds of mystery pouring
After a scorcher of a day, nearing 100 F, an enormous cloud settled over the town of Ellensburg in the heart of this hot and windy valley. It turned the late day sunlight into something out of a science fiction novel. The photos I took from the little wooden park bench in front of my … Continue reading Clouds of mystery pouring
The gods remind us
A poem inspired by a full day of celebrating a life, listening to music, meeting new people, and watching a magnificently furious electrical storm at midnight: this week's Project Create. One Indian flute, played in honor of the dead; A second, played to light a doorway. Lightning without thunder, rain blown through the open window … Continue reading The gods remind us
Storm Takes the Valley
There was a gorgeous thunder and lightning storm that swept across the Kittitas valley this afternoon. I was out walking the John Wayne Trail, and got soaked, and happy. This poem is this week's Project Create. The light turns funny from the impending storm You know, how it can be dark and heavy and bright … Continue reading Storm Takes the Valley