Writer’s Notebook

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Today, I am pausing to reflect on my writing journey.  Perhaps it is the teacher in me that wants to share these thoughts.  I am definitely a “rookie” when it comes to writing, but I feel energized each day with my writing, which never seems to be a chore.

These points are written in no particular order.  Just call them ramblings of a curious writer, who is enjoying his retirement while finding a new passion to fill some of his time.

  • Find a way to discover your inspiration to write.  For me, my morning walks seem to create a whirl of new ideas and interesting thoughts.
  • Establish a habit of writing frequently.  Many accomplished writers have said this in what I have read.  From my days of teaching fundamentals as a basketball coach, I understand and appreciate the use of repetition, repetition, repetition. Now translated into write, write, write.
  • Don’t worry about perfection.  Your first draft is an excellent beginning, but you should never fuss about what an initial start looks like.
  • Appreciate any feedback that you receive about your writing.  Draw encouragement from others who may follow, comment, or like your creation.
  • Perhaps this point should be at the top of the list.  Enjoy what you do.  Have FUN!!

Haiku Series #2

Winter’s First Snow

Big snowflakes arrive

Floating gracefully downward

Stuck in a snow drift!

 

Spring Showers

April rains pour down

Bringing smiles to the farmers

Tractor trapped in mud!

 

Young Driver

 Feeling confident

Driving for the second time

Oops—fender bender!

 

Dead Battery

Arctic morning—brrr!

Baby on the way today

Start the car—nothing!

 

Spring’s First Color

Transplanted last fall

Reaching towards the warm sun

Beautiful tulips

 

Exercise Bike

Alarm rings again

Time to pedal for fitness

Hit the snooze again!

 

 

 

Healthy Reversal

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Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes a few years ago

Feeling life’s outlook hitting an unsettling low

Hearing new medical terms with much to learn

“Perfect” health now was a major concern 

A doctor was honestly blunt with his views

Realizing now that “sugar is poison for you”

Struggling at first to deal with one’s health

Now understanding that life can be full of wealth

Taking one’s health seriously became the norm

Changing this lifestyle to avoid those storms

New routines are well-established right now

There is no need for anyone to use a crying towel

Taking meds, exercising, and eating smart

Feeling that one’s life is no longer falling apart

I am a living example that anyone can retake charge of his or her health and move forward.  About three years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  For the past two years, my numbers are excellent in terms of blood sugar and cholesterol.  

 

Winter’s Gray Skies

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Winter has arrived again in the Buckeye State

Looking forward to memories that we can make

Ohio State Buckeyes look terrific in their scarlet and gray

But gray seems to be the gloomy color of each winter day

The friendly sun is absent on most of these days

People hurry down the street with not much to say

How people long to feel the warmth of Mr. Sun

Only to experience gray skies, which means—no fun!

A sunny escape arrives for all, if only for a short stay

Travel to Montana to experience the Big Sky each day

Everyone welcomes cheerful, sunny skies—without any gray

Perhaps the loyal Buckeye fans should move here and stay

Now Buckeyes everywhere can play and appreciate their time

The Big Sky Country is always a unique place of yours and mine

 

Waiting Room Moments

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Visiting a surgical center on this rainy dawn

Waiting for the procedure to begin with a yawn

A television broadcasts some unfamiliar show

There is little information for anyone to know 

From the wall rack, an ancient magazine is found to read

However, morning thoughts are on other tasks and needs 

A beautiful painting displays an image of flowers and spring

Oh, trusting that a hidden cell phone doesn’t begin to ring 

From a table, one sees a display about the fall season

It presents an alternative to the visit and its reason

The purpose of today’s appointment is clear to all

Let’s pray the test results will make for standing tall

Living a full, long life generates a very joyous time

Hopefully today’s findings will put all on cloud nine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haiku Series #1

Author’s Note:  My high school grandson challenged me to try writing a haiku.  I accepted the challenge.  Here are a few selections.

 

Fall Colors

Orange, red, golden

Bright, brilliant, autumn colors

Disappear too fast

 

 

Jigsaw Puzzle

Brain teasers challenge

Puzzling pieces fit somehow

Where’s the missing piece?

 

 

Gymnast in Motion on Bars

Bar changes, dismount

Shootover, exciting, straddle back

Dynamite Simone

 

 

Field Goal

Soccer style kick

Eyes on the ball, relaxed stance

Oops . . . wide to the left!

 

 

Ballet Dancer

Graceful pirouettes

Grand allegro, grande jete

What’s all of this jazz?

Teacher’s Final Day

 

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Sitting in my classroom for one final day

Not quite sure what to think or to say

My gratifying journey has been a long, yet proud one

As these days end, my rewarding work will be done

 

My thoughts go back to ’78 . . . at my first teaching post

When a small community welcomed me, with the most

An unheralded collection of students helped a rookie to grow

Realizing that each day, there was much to learn and know

 

Supportive colleagues made me feel welcome and at home

We experienced plenty together, and I never felt very alone

My 40-year career continued across three different states

Each stop along the way, filled my mind with distinctive dates

 

Returning to nearly endless thoughts at this time

Teaching has been a admirable profession of mine

 

I began writing this poem on my “final day” of teaching.  Little did I know that I would be writing here now.  After 40 years and teaching in three different states, my ride has indeed been a pleasure as well as a challenge.  I am grateful to Montana, Wyoming, and Ohio for allowing me to teach their children.

 

 

A Daughter’s Special Day

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Today is the birthday of a very special woman that I know

My youngest daughter has been a pleasure to see her grow

Daughters are a gift and a blessing from God

He brings them to life with a breath and a nod

My thoughts remember joyous and special days

As she spends her precious time always at play

School days are full of exciting learning and plentiful fun

Constantly smiling to brighten another day like the sun

Academics, music, and athletics fill her heart and soul

Her achievements have been quite remarkable and full

As a teacher now, she guides and molds young minds

I especially hope that her day goes without any binds

Her sisters will leave her special greetings for sure

Their thoughts and wishes will be loving and pure

She has added an awesome husband to her astonishing life

Now she shares much of her daily time being his loving wife

How I wish that I could visit and be with her right now

To tell her of the proud feelings that her father feels—Wow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Untamed Mustang

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The Ford Mustang is a classic, matchless car

It is well-known around the world near and far

 

Designed with a fleet, sleek, and distinctive frame

Its final destiny will be to drive to the Hall of Fame

 

The ’65 convertible is a huge favorite of mine

It fills my special memories from time to time

 

Lee Iococca is the inspiration behind its creation

His pony car creates a newly crowned sensation

 

Collectors love this car with its vintage look

For many drivers enjoy the swiftness it took

 

Midnight blue, ruby red, and powerful black

Identify but a few of its sporty colors to track

 

Chevy produces the Camaro to challenge Ford’s power

Only to see the Mustang make a major film that towers

 

Steve McQueen drives his ’68 Bullitt in a famous chase

The spectacular scenes tantalize many fans with a taste

 

Endless generations worship this untamed beast

Driving the Mustang is sure to be a fulfilling feast