This blog’s first anniversary

June 13 was the first anniversary of this blog, a milestone that suggests a need to reflect on what I am doing here and where I want to go. As a side note, June 13 was also the date of our daughter's fourteenth wedding anniversary.  That is an event much more worthy of celebration.  It brought … Continue reading This blog’s first anniversary

Don’t quit before you’re done

Sixty years ago, Ted Geisel was challenged to write and illustrate a book for six- and seven-year olds, using only 225 words.  Nine months and 500 revisions later, The Cat in the Hat was ready for publication. The Cat in the Hat actually uses 236 words and is 1629 words in length.  Of the 236 … Continue reading Don’t quit before you’re done

Spirit-led writing

The biggest publishing sensation during my younger years was On the Road by Jack Kerouac.  He had taken a long roll of paper, aligned the top edge of the roll on the platen of his typewriter and never stopped typing until he had filled the roll from top to bottom.  A publisher decided to take … Continue reading Spirit-led writing

To build and to plant

Starting this blog was an attempt to get myself motivated to do more writing, and to improve my communication skills.   I want to be able to write like C. S. Lewis or G. K. Chesterton.  Since I'm already 71, that may be beyond my reach.  Still, I don't want to set my sights any lower. … Continue reading To build and to plant

What cats are good for

Here on the flatlands the days are getting longer, the temperatures milder, and our three cats are showing signs of spring fever.  Even bulky old Panda.  None of our cats are purebreds, but a predominant breed is evident in each by their size, shape, coat and temperament.  Panda is an all black Maine Coon cat.  … Continue reading What cats are good for