Let's Write - Mastermind Group

Today I attended my first "Mastermind group". Mastermind Groups can bring together people with any shared interest to support / challenge / provide feedback and expertise for one another. This particular group focuses on writing - the invitation was for "those who love to write, want to write or want to hang with people with the passion for writing." I like and respect the person who invited me and I had a flexible calendar this morning, so I decided to go. It was actually pretty interesting. There was a guest speaker from Borderline Publishing coming to share information with the group. From that I learned about some tips and tools I was previously unfamiliar with. Beyond that, I got to meet some interesting people and sparked some good reflection for me about my own process of writing and what it means to me.

I do not write fiction. Never have. But I do love to write. Publishing has not been my primary priority. I've dabbled in it a bit. I've had three articles published. First came The Tapestry Called Family in Ensign Magazine back in June of 1990. Next I had a piece called "Giving Sorrow Voice" published in Thantology, a journal about the academic study of death and dying. (I was teaching a course on Death and Dying at a community college in Michigan at the time.) Most recently (June 2011) I had article appear Slate, a publication of the Idaho School Boards Association. (My name appears as second author on that one since the politics of universities put bosses names first - but I know who wrote what.) That one summarizes a literature review on the link between mental illness and suicide.

Between those few rare appearances in print, I've written a lot of other work for other purposes. In a single day this past week I wrote a section of a grant application, a heart felt email, a lecture for my sociology class, and an outline for a Sunday School lesson. Each one called on different elements of my mind and spirit, tapping in to my intellect and creativity in a way that just talking about things never does. It's interesting that writing is given less legitimacy by most if it is not for pay and especially if it's not for a wide audience.

Yet those who write with passion (whether or not it involves any great skill) know something about the magic of the process and how it satisfies a part of us like nothing else ever can or will.

I have a work obligation on the day this Mastermind group will be meeting in February, so I'll miss that meeting. But I do plan to go back when I can. It felt good to be around the energy of men and women who put deliberate effort in to finding their voice, weaving their truths, even when it is clothed in the guise of created characters and plot lines. I also appreciated being in a group of folks who are stretching themselves to intentionally develop their talents, holding each other accountable to keep at it rather than falling into the pit of silently hoping for someday.

Writing matters. I don't have to have the ability or the dedication of a Pulitzer prize winner to acknowledge that. I don't know where this new association will take me, but it's a door I'm glad to have found and made the effort to walk through.

Cruising the Blogosphere...

Saturday morning is Pancake morning at Casa Piranha.

I've enjoyed a lazy morning, sipping a cup of Good Earth herbal tea and exploring the blogosphere for a bit. Here are a few of the gems that impressed me...

1. Dan over at Black Owl has an EXCELLENT piece on the dearth of critical thinking in the retail world during holiday shopping...(which is endemic throughout the year, and not just in retail, I am afraid.)

2. Ruth over at Upstream Downstream shares some words on assumptions about guilt and innocence and our jury system...

3. Violins and Starships offered up a great clip of Elvis singing "Blue Solstice" to entertain my Pagan friends.

4. And just for grins, David over at Nephite Blood, Spartan Heart, shared some positively hillarious pictures that made me laugh.

5. Sergio over at Space Time Chronicles wrote a lovely piece on censorship from the perspective of a scientist. That one is an older piece from 2009, but isn't that the beauty of the blog world? It's still there to discover.

I LIKE being able to find cutting edge words about what people are pondering RIGHT NOW - the immediacy of this form of media has much appeal. But at the very same time I occassionally enjoy sampling the thoughts of various writers whose blogs have since languished or who may not have updated for quite some time.

Do you have any favorite dead blogs - words that resonated with you and maybe made you sad that the writers have ceased to publish?

QUESTIONS

A couple years ago I wrote a posting about the Empty Nesters Family Home Evening that my husband and I participate in. I mentioned the Questions that I use for helping people write their personal histories.

I just got an email from someone who read that post and was requesting the full set of questions to use for a lesson in her ward. I happily emailed them as an attachment. But I figured what the heck, I might as well post the whole set here in case any one else may want them.

As I told the person making the request, there are several ways to use these questions:

1. I gave the whole set to my father in law. He would write out the answers to 1 or 2 every Sunday afternoon after church as a Sabbath activity. I then typed them all up and now have 32 pages of amazing stories of his life.

2. You can COPY each page on a different brightly colored paper. Then cut the questions into strips with one question on each strip. (You can curl them if you want to get fancy, or just fold them into squares) Put the bright colored strips in a clear jar. Use them at gatherings of family or friends by passing around the jar and having each person pull one out to answer verbally.

3. To write your own personal history, set up a 3 ring loose leaf notebook with 1 page for each of the different questions. When writing your own life story sometimes telling one story gets you thinking about another, but if you keep tangenting in your narrative the history gets confusing. By having them on separate pages you can flip back and forth to write as much or as little about each question. You can always go back to elaborate or edit if you choose. Then you can later shuffle them into whatever order you want (by topic, by time period, etc)

So with that being said - here are the questions. Enjoy! (I still have not written these all out for ME...I guess I better get busy, eh?)



SET 1:

CHILDHOOD

Describe the house you grew up in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your yard as a child.
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What toys did you play with as a child?
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What games did you play as a child?
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Were you responsible for household chores? What were they? What did
you like most or least?
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How much was your first allowance? Was it conditional, when did it
start?
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Tell about any pets you had as a child.
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Tell about your neighbors as a child.
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Tell about school ( special teachers, friends, achievements,
activities, or humorous situations).
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Describe a sound from your childhood.
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As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
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What do you remember about stores when you were a child? Can you
recall shopping with mother?
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Describe the downtown of your childhood.
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Did you take any special lessons a child?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you recall any special summer trips or vacations when you were
growing up?
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What were you afraid of as a child?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What did you do as a child that got you in the most trouble with your
parents? What did they do?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you ever steal as a child? If so, were you caught? What
happened?
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What is a special smell you remember from your childhood?
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What do you remember about Easter as a child?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a fourth of July from your childhood.
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Tell about Halloween as a child.
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Tell about Thanksgivings when you were growing up.
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What do you remember about Christmas as a child?
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Describe getting a Christmas tree as a child.
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YOUTH

What do you remember about yourself as a teenager. What was important
to you?
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Describe a typical school day during your junior high years.
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Describe your favorite dress or a special outfit you wore as a youth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about any exciting experiences in scouting or any clubs you were
a member of as a youth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about how, when and where you learned to drive.
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Tell about your first crush. What was he or she like?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe the fashions that were popular when you were a youth. What
is popular now?
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If you went to college, describe the experience. If not, tell what
you were doing in your 20's.
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COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE

Tell about your courtship
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How did you become engaged?
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Tell about your wedding. Where was it? Who was there? Was there a
reception?
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Describe your wedding dress (or wife’s wedding dress).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What were your fears, expectations, anticipations, etc. about getting
married?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What convinced you most in your choice of a spouse?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How did you meet your in-laws? Describe your relationship with them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your first home or apartment on your own or when newly married.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Write a want ad that describes your husband or wife.
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FAMILY

Tell about your Mother. (Describe physically, her personality,
talents, role in your home)
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Describe your father. What was he like physically? What work did he
do? Personality?
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Tell about your parent’s philosophy of raising children, discipline,
rules, etc.
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In what ways are you like your parents and in what ways are you
different?
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Tell about your brothers and sisters.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your grandparents.
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Describe a night at Grandma’s house.
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Tell about a favorite relative.
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Tell about any ancestors you have heard special stories of.
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Tell about property your family owned.
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Tell about anything you may have inherited from a family member.
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Tell about the birth(s) of your child(ren).
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Tell about each of your children’s names and how they were chosen.
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Describe your relationship(s) with your child(ren).
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Tell about a humorous or clever thing one of your children said.
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Tell about a family crisis and how it was resolved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about family feuds and how they were or were not resolved.
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Tell about your feelings toward your grandchildren.
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RELIGION

Tell about religious practices in your home when you were growing up.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you feel about religion now?
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Describe your beliefs about God.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What is one of your favorite scriptures, and why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about influential spiritual/religious leaders you may have met or how a
particular church teacher influenced you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you could meet any spiritual leader (living or dead) who would it be
and why?
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Describe your conversion to the gospel.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about an experience when you shared the gospel with another
person.
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Tell about an experience when you stood up for what you believed was
right.
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Describe your Sabbath days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about the first time you went to the temple.
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Tell about a faith promoting experience from your life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Record your testimony.
----------------------------------------------------------------------



LIFE EXPERIENCES

Describe your first paying job. What was your salary?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about the places you have worked.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell your feelings about the work you have done. If you were to start
all over, what work would you choose?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe any sports you have played.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Were you ever in a theatrical production? Tell about it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you speak a foreign language? If so, how did you learn? If not
would you like to? Why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever won a contest or a special prize?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Were you ever in the military? If so, when and where did you serve?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe the influence of wars on your life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Where were you on an important day in history?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a special trip taken as an adult.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about some of the changes you’ve seen during your life (technology,
fashion, politics, etc.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about tools you have used.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe an invention which impressed you during your life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever tried anything really dangerous? How did it feel?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a dramatic experience involving weather.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever had a serious injury? Describe how it happened and tell
of your recovery.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about some special challenge which you were able to overcome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a camping trip you went on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about any hobbies or collections you have or have had.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a trip to the dentist.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about the medical care you had while growing up - How does this
compare to today?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about your first car. What type of car do you have now? What
kind of car would you like?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe a parade you were in or one you saw.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about animals you raised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a garden you have had.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe the typical groceries you buy today and tell what they cost.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe how travel has changed during your life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you celebrate Christmas now? Do you have any special
traditions that are meaningful? If so, why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe how you celebrate other holidays now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What was your most embarrassing moment?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a favorite fishing experience .
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a city you have visited.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about the coldest winter you can remember.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about any natural disaster you may have experienced,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a significant loss you experienced.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a funeral you attended.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe a turning point in your life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about a special gift which you received.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe a dream you have had.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tell about a gift which you gave someone else that you have special
feelings about.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about the strangest food you ever ate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe the house where you live now.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your yard where you live now
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your life today.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe yourself physically.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you have a special talent or skill?
----------------------------------------------------------------------



PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

How do you feel about politics?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What kind of music do you like now? Do you recall any special type
of music from childhood?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you think about television? Do you have any favorite shows?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you feel about winning? How do you feel about losing?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you think brings good or bad luck?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What personality trait do you admire most, and why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about your philosophy for handling money.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What is your greatest joy? Your greatest sorrow?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What was the best advice you ever got? Did you follow it?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the biggest lesson in life you have found to be true?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you feel about reading? What did you read as a child? What do you read
now?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What would you like to be doing five years from now? Ten years from
now?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your attitudes towards death.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you could meet any movie star you wanted, who would it be and why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you could meet any political leader you wanted, who would it be and
why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What goals do you have at this point in your life?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What are your most precious and deeply imbedded values?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about your views on growing older.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How has the women’s movement affected your life?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How has the civil rights movement affected your life?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell the influence that music, theater, dance, art or literature has
had on your life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What are you afraid of?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tell about how you deal with anger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What are your food preferences? What do you like and dislike?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe your favorite dessert.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What flowers do you like?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What one possession you own is dearest to you?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you were stuck on an island with just 5 books, what would you want
them to be? Why?
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Describe your favorite season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe a favorite summer day
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe a favorite autumn day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Describe someplace in nature that is special to you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you could travel any place that you wanted to, where would it be
and why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you had a time machine that would allow you to go to any time you
chose, when would it be? Why?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you consider yourself more of an introvert or an extrovert?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What is your idea of a dream vacation?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you more of a leader or a follower?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you generally on time for things or often late? How do you feel
about this?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? If yes, in what way?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What would you like to be remembered for?
----------------------------------------------------------------------


SET 2:

What was your favorite pastime as a child? Did you prefer doing it alone or with someone else?

Who gave you your name and why? Did you have a nickname? How did you get it?

Describe your childhood bedroom. What was the view from your window?

Were you baptized, christened or blessed as an infant? If so, where and by whom?

When did you first go to church? What are your earliest memories of church?

Where did your father work and what did he do?

How did your mother spend her day? Did she have a job or do volunteer work outside the home?

Describe what the family living room looked like when you were a child.

What kind of prayer did you say before you went to sleep? Who taught you to pray?

Where was your childhood home located? Did you enjoy living there?

Describe your grandparents’ houses. Did you visit them often? Why or why not?

List one special memory about each of your brothers and sisters.

Recall for me some of the most important lessons you have learned in life.

Share a memory of your grandparents or an older person you loved.

Who was the first person to talk to you about God? What effect did this have on you?

How far did you have to travel to attend elementary, junior high and high school and how did you get there?

What scent or sound immediately takes you back to childhood? Describe the feeling it evokes.

What was your favorite meal as a child? What made it your favorite?

Did you have pets? Was there a favorite?

What chores did you have to do when you were growing up? Did you get an allowance?

Tell about your first job.

Share a story about a severe winter storm.

Share your favorite dessert recipe.

Did the pastor or missionaries visit your home? What impression did that have on you?

Did you ever feel that God had a special calling for your life?

Who was your favorite teacher? Why?

Describe one of your favorite dress-up outfits as a child. On what occasions would you wear it?

Did you ever have a special hide away for playhouse? What made it special?

What extracurricular activities were you involved in during high school? Why did you choose those?

What was the hardest thing you ever had to do?

What crazy fads to you remember in grade school?

When did you have your first date? Who was it with? What did you do?

What do you remember about your first kiss?

What did you do to celebrate birthdays when you were growing up?

Record here some gardening or decorating tips that you have found helpful.

What were some of the most memorable books you read as a child? What made them memorable?

What were your family finances like as a child? How did that effect you?

What mischief did you get into as a child?

Pink Slip

I'm starting a new research project. This is something I've toyed with on and off for some time. I want to explore how we define work - what it gives to us and what it costs us. How do people decide what kinds of work they will or will not do? How do gender, age, religiosity, economic status shape our attitudes about work?

Almost every job has good things and bad things about ...how do we decide when there is more bad than good and know it is time to walk away from a nasty job? (Think Mike Rowe's Dirty jobs or the superbowl commercial for Monster.com) What factors increase our loyalty to our jobs despite the problems?

Particularly in this economy I think it matters to explore more in depth the consequence to the individual, the community and the nation when jobs are lost.

The working title of this thing is "Pink Slip"...will start out with some personal narratives from individuals who have lost jobs and then some who have made the decision to radically change the type of work they do. Then I'll weave in and out of the sociology & psychology of looking for work. I'll address the hope and the fear that are inherent with putting yourself out there to be chosen or not chosen by the powers that be. I'll compare that to the feelings people have about retirement at the end of their careers.

I have some ideas about how I want to pull this off, but it's still very much in the beginning stages. We'll see where it goes....

If you happen to personally know anyone who might be open to being interviewed online or over the phone who fits one the categories below - please let me know!

Looking for those who

a) lost a job in the past year
b) is trying to change professions
c) retired in the past year

Gems in the Blogosphere

I checked in with my friends over at Facebook this morning and found THIS LINK placed there by Life Coach Laura Young.

I spent a little time exploring it and was VERY IMPRESSED. This lady has a great combination going on: 1) she writes very well 2)she has something substantive to say. I sometimes (though not always) have #1. I OCCASIONALLY have #2. My problem in I seldom have both #1 and #2 going on at the same time.

This is the first blog I've read in a long time that actually made me envious. It wasn't so much the green eyed monster mean spirited envy I used to feel in sixth grade. Instead, it was the longing I sometimes get in an art museum looking at a fine painting...appreciating a masterpiece so poignantly that it aches, and wishing with fury that I had the ability to produce that kind of beauty.

Mostly I babble on this blog without a lot of forethought. I dump out words about whatever I am thinking/feeling/doing at the time because I enjoy the conversation. I do it for fun, and don't worry about measuring the merit. Reading Penelope's Trunk threatened to stir my hibernating bear of ambition to one day actually take my writing seriously. Scary.

Years ago I had a couple things published in magazines that I was actually paid for. There was a time when I seriously toyed with the thought that I'd like to pursue writing professionally. But for one reason or another I took other paths, and for the most part have made my peace with that. Still, every now and then I get all dreamy about it again and wonder...what IF...

Anyway, all that aside, seeing what a fine blog this particular one is (at least in my humble estimation) made me curious. What blogs have you found out there that MOST impressed you?

Why I Write

I've been talking with a non-blogging, real-time friend of mine about why I blog. She said: "You are one of the busiest people I know. With all you have to do, why do you spend so much time writing personal things for strangers to read?"

Well, when you put it THAT way, it does sound sorta self indulgent and foolish I suppose.

But it also misses the point.

Writing for me is a way to better understand my own view point. I'm not just expressing / explaining them to those who will read this stuff. The very process of writing helps me get clarity in my own thinking. Sometimes emotions, ideas, attitudes all tumble together topsy turvy in my brain. I use the writing as a way to sort out what part really fits for me and what does not. Actually there have been MANY posts that never made it beyond "draft" status because they were a little too revealing, too close to the bone for public consumption. But when I limit all of my writing to isolation with no intention of ever allowing it to be read it somehow doesn't serve the same function as laying it out on the table and allowing others to see it and give feedback.

I have no illusions about being a great writer. I ramble. I too often have choppy mechanics from unchecked typos to dangling participles. I have run on sentences. While I would love to be Edith Wharton and Anias Nin all rolled into one, with a sprinkling of Wallace Stegner thrown in for good measure, I KNOW that is not the case. But I enjoy the process and that's what counts for me.

I do not sing well. (That's putting it mildly.) But singing feels good, so I belt out ballads on road trips and croon in the shower just for the sheer joy of it. In public I am much more reserved with my voice. But I do still sing carols with neighbors and friends at Christmas and I join in with congregational hymns at my church. I'm not PERFORMING. I'm PARTICIPATING.

That's how I view my blogging. I use my time at the computer to connect, to ruminate, to explore ideas, to share a story or a resource.

Besides, even though the relationships are very DIFFERENT from my regular-life friends, I enjoy the companionship I weave with my blogger pals. Even though we have never met face to face, I have a sense of "knowing" Mimi who loves baseball and looks beautiful in bluebonnets,

I adore Jaquandor, the writer guy in buffalo who shares my love for a good pie in the face. He may be on a blogging hiatus right now, but I have every confidence he will return to the scene eventually - and if not we'll keep in touch through occasional e-mails.

Jen over at Lords of the Manner is someone who shares my faith which gives us something in common, but more importantly someone I can "talk" to via e-mail about things that really matter.

Papa Herman started out as someone I only knew through blogging but I now count as a friend in my REAL life, where as Rozel is someone who started out in my REAL live but then moved away so now we stay in touch in part by reading one another's blogs.

Probably one of my most faithful readers of all is my dear friend and sometimes vacation partner, Pat B. in Wenatchee. She does not blog herself and almost never leaves a public comment - but by reading my blogs she knows what I'm doing, what I'm thinking...and often responds in our private e-mail conversations. I would generally not write the kind of stuff I put here in an e-mail - but sharing this stuff HAS helps she and I grow closer. Pat has got some challenges goin' on right now so I ask that ALL my blogger buddies that are so inclined please say an extra prayer for this dear woman who I love with all my heart.

Retired teacher Ruth D. over at Upstream and Down is someone whose point of view I very much appreciate.

And of course every now and then I have to check out Dragon Slaying Laura to see what she is up to.

There are others I read more sporadically. But this collection of folks are people who make me laugh, make me think, make me appreciate who they are as individuals - even for those I will NEVER know in real time physical world.

So even though from time to time there will be periodic lapses during seasons when my "REAL" life gets particularly insane, I keep blogging. For me, it means being in the company of good friends. I don't have to agree with them or live the same sort of lifestyle. But by knowing each one of these folks my life is richer. During all the angst and changes I had going on over this past summer my blogging friends were a support to me in more ways than I can name. Sometimes I really do appreciate the INFORMATION the internet puts at my disposal. But every single time I pop in to peruse the pages of my core circle of blogging friends I am ever so grateful for this tool that has allowed us to find each other in this big complicated world.

If I were Vulcan I'd say "Live Long and Prosper." But instead I'll offer up my own closing salutation - May you all one day know the joy of a big gooey Pie in the Face!

Slash & Burn

I've been in purge mode lately. I've been deleting files like crazy. Old letters. A few of my Journals. Some sloppy attempts at fiction. Even worse poetry. I'm getting rid of a lot of stuff that I have written over the years.

I've been burning the hard copies, zapping the hard drive. Killing the words. Some of it I remember EXACTLY what I was doing when I wrote it. Some of it I find in folders and drawers and wonder when the heck I ever came up with that. All but a few favorites are going down the drain. I've got a pile of Zip disks I have yet to go through...haven't decided yet what among that stack I'll keep and what I'll add to the junk pile. During certain periods I've been crazy prolific with writing so there is a lot. I'm ready to wipe the slate clean.

I find the PROCESS of my writing is more valuable to me than the product. I write. I read it. I think about it and ponder. Putting thoughts and feelings into words helps me to sort out the uncertainty and ambivalence that storms in my brain over so many things. But I would be mortified if I were to get hit by a bus and these pages were left for others to find. So out it all goes. Goodbye words.

Using Citations

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.

That is the sound of me banging my head on my desk.

I have spent the past two hours grading papers for my online Sociology class. It has been PAINFUL to see how many of these students are missing a key piece - properly using citations.

How is it that people can get all the way through high school and never have to learn this stuff?? MANY have said "well, I never had to do that before so I wasn't sure what you wanted." I understand and accept that. So the very first week of class I go over this again and again. I give them a specific assignment with very explicit directions and examples to show them what a citation is and explain when and why to use it. I give them all sorts of resources to refer back to. Still, here we are in the 5th week of class and they just aren't getting it. SIGH.

For anyone out there who is not clear on how to use a citation - I offer up the following resources:

"You Quote It, You Note It" - Vaughn Memorial Library

Research & Documentation Online by Diana Hackerman

The Owl at Purdue

Now I have to go back and figure out how I will respond to my student who wrote in her comments "I did not use a citation because I was quoting myself." or the one who said "Nothing I wrote was related to the chapters in our book."

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Erasing Memories

Those clever neuroscientists are up to it again. Seems like folks are monkeying around with what it takes to ERASE memories.

I've been working on a fiction piece that has to do with deliberate removal of specific troubling memories and how that impacts the lives of those involved. It's supposed to be a bit of a sci-fi thriller.

But if there is anything I hate in sci fi is when the FI part doesn't pay enough attention to the SCI part.

Anything that occurs in the story has to be consistent with science as we actually know it and then the parts we twist and project must be at least PLAUSIBLE to something that could be developed in the future. So now it looks like I'll need to slog my way through a bunch of brain science before I move ahead with my silly plot. So it goes.

Meanwhile, my jury is still out as to whether or not I would personally choose to eradicate all memory of certain events. Some days I say ABSOLUTELY. Other days I say no, that I would be a different person without those experiences and that I will choose to keep them, as problematic as they may be.

How about you? Would you jettison certain events from your brain, given the choice? How about if there were some nasty side effects (in my story the consequences of short circuiting the memory synapses are periodic episodes of raging hot flashes, headaches, and a sense of smelling burning skin - but the memory is gone!)

Blogger Awards

I've been honored by a few different folks who seem to enjoy this humble little blog...

Jaquander of Byzantium's Shores tagged me for the Inspirational Blogger Award HERE on 7/23/07.



Lei from My Many Colored Days nominated me for the Blogger Reflections Award HERE on 7/9/07.


Mimi over at Bigger Than a Breadbox honored me with Thinking Blogger Award HERE on 4/16/07



Then, not long ago Kevin B. from Baron of Deseret contacted me to invite me to be a regularly contributing writer in a new forum he is initiating.

And finally I've had some feedback on a fiction piece I've been working on from published author Terri Jentz who is strongly encouraging me to continue with that effort.

I find myself both flattered and baffled by all this.

I write like I breathe...not because I thought anyone would care, but because it sustains me. As I've alluded to before, I'm a crazy insomniac so from a very early age I adapted the habit of writing to occupy myself in the wee hours of the night without bothering anyone. Beyond that, during the chaotic years of my biggest brain dysfunction I did a stint of psychotherapy during which time I wrote reams and reams of journals of introspective angst that solidified the habit into the hard wiring of my system.

When I check my blogger stats I'm always a bit mystified to discover I've got people tuning in from all over the world.

I am not sure what keeps folks coming back, but I'd just like to say thanks to all of you who have chosen to spend some time here, and especially to those of you who have shared some comments along the way.

When I first started blogging I assumed that this would be a good way to stay in touch with family and friends (most of whom fell out of the circle early on.) It never even occurred to me that total strangers would give a rip about what a self indulgent middle aged lady in Oregon would have to say.

But I've been blessed to make a handful of good friends out there in the blogosphere and to get to meet all sorts of folk both far and wide. I've learned so much from reading what many of you have written and been comforted at times by your willingness to listen to and accept my prattle. I've laughed and wept and pondered as the words have come across the ethernet from me to you and you to me.

It's an amazing world we live in. So even though I've not been one to pass on those awards as I could have... know that I very much have appreciated your kindness in acknowledging my efforts here at mind-muffins.

Now it's time for me to get off to bed...but I'll be back. See you in the next post.

Writer's Retreat?

I've been playing around with the idea of organizing a writer's retreat. Some days I think it's just a pipe dream. Other days I take it quite seriously and think I just may pull it off. I know the perfect place for it. Last summer I attended a seminar for community college teachers at the fabulous Manucha retreat and conference center. The mug I have from there says it all: "Sacred Space, Purposeful Work."

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You can get the details over on the hot link, but I can't help but gush a bit about the wonder of the place. It is a 100 acre sanctuary operated by the Presbyterian church as a non-profit gathering place for all sorts of groups (from private individuals who want some quiet reflection time to family reunions, work groups looking for "team building" or a place for strategic planning. Basically it is available for whoever has the good fortune to discover this sweet little gem!)

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The food is WONDERFUL, served family style. The accommodations are simple but comfortable. (Some rooms sleep anywhere from 4 to 8 in bunkbeds and others are private). There is space for people coming together to share / work / process together and space to be alone to think, read, write, pray, reflect. It's nestled in the lovely Columbia Gorge just minutes away from fabulous hiking trails with mindblowing waterfalls.

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Cost would depend on the number of people involved - they charge by the building, not by the person. (Lindsey house which holds up to 20 people goes for $240 per night - meals extra; If that were split between even just six or eight people it would be quite reasonable.) OR - if I were to open this up to a wider group, I'd find some well known speakers to come present some of the workshops and I'd promote the event through the writing departments of all the local colleges. If that were the case I'd charge a registration fee to cover the expense of the bigger buildings and speaking fees, etc. I'm not sure which dynamic I would prefer - a quiet get away with a few friends who enjoy writing or some structured workshop open to strangers. They both have their advantages & disadvantages.

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I've got several different scenarios rattling around in my head...but this is one of them:

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DAY ONE: (THURSDAY) People begin to gather, arriving whenever suits them. We get checked in - meet each other, have time to decompress and explore.

4:30 - 6:00 PM WELCOME SOCIAL - ice breakers and coordination of what the weekend will entail, checking for any special needs, etc. etc.

6:00 - 7:30 PM GROUP DINNER

7:30 - 9:30 EVENING KEYNOTE - maybe get a well known writer from Portland or Seattle to come address the group - perhaps include a panel of writers with different sorts of experience to talk about what writing has like for them.

9:30 QUIET TIME for those who are ready to hit the sack. But informal chat time into the wee hours of the night for those who care to continue in conversations.

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DAY TWO: (FRIDAY)

7:00 - 9:00 AM Buffet BREAKFAST

People get moving at their own pace. ALL workshops and breakout sessions are optional. If ya wanna lay around and do NOTHING that's ok. If you want to meet with others to talk about the craft of writing - that works to. VERY flexible throughout the weekend.

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9:00 - 9:50 AM Session 1 - BOOK EXCHANGE

Recognizing the relationship between reading and writing - everyone is encouraged to bring 2-3 books they are willing to give up. They go on a table for others to consider. Whoever brings a book is welcome to take a book.

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Then - we have a SEPARATE table where there are big sheets of paper for generating lists. Each person can list 2-3 books they recommend; different sheets will be for different genres. We have a group discussion where everyone gets a chance to talk a little bit about the books they are recommending and why those have been meaningful to them... A full list of all the books will be generated and made available for everyone to take home.

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10:05 - 10:50 Session 2 - The PROCESS of WRITING

Hands on / interactive workshop to generate some new ideas about writing.

11:00 - 1:00 FREE TIME

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN - carpools into town for those who so desire or fix something from vittles you bring.

For those interested, there will be Board Games / Puzzles / Walks / Naps / Geocaching

1:00 - 1:30 FEEDBACK SESSION

Anyone who wants to get some input on a writing project will have brought multiple copies of the piece which will be passed out ahead of time. During this session people will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of one another's work. Clear guidelines will be set down for giving feedback in a way that is honest & authentic yet supportive. This is not a place to go fishing for compliments. If you don't want to hear what people really think - skip this. But it's also not a place for bashing people. It's a place for writers to come together with the willingness to be a bit vulnerable with other writers to get and give feedback about the craft.

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1:45-3:00 PM GOING PRO

A structured workshop dealing with the details of selling what you write. How / when / if to get a literary agent. Tips on how to submit work to various types of audiences. Dealing with (and LEARNING FROM) the rejection slips. Everything that has to do with the commercial aspects of writing

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3:15 - 5:00 PM - WRITING FOR POSTERITY

The flip side of the earlier session - this has to do with writing for yourself, writing for your own family or for generations to come. Will deal with how to write your own life story, some issues and ideas about journaling, etc.

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5:00 - 6:00 PM FREE TIME

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6:00 - 7:30 PM GROUP DINNER

7:30-9:30 PM AFTER DINNER JAM - anyone who has musical inclinations bring your instruments. Those of us who have extras will share. Doesn't matter if you have any real skill or training - this is about feeling the passion of making music from your soul for the pure joy of it.

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9:30 into the wee hours??? Again, Quiet time for those who want to sleep but potential for small groups to gather for further sharing of ideas

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DAY THREE: SATURDAY

7:00 - 9:00 AM BREAKFAST

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9:00 - 10:15 AM Session 1 - Open for Suggestion

I've come up with four or five different things for this one and not sure if I like any of them. So I'm open to ideas. Afterall - right now this whole plan is VERY tentative, I'm not even sure if I'm actually going to do this at all... So I'll open this up to see what sort of workshop other people might be intrested in. Ideas??
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10:30 - 11:45 AM NAMING YOUR TAKEAWAY

Wrap up session to give people an opportunity to identify what they have gained or most valued from the weekend. Some challenges for how to keep the momentum going when we all go back to our regular lives.

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12:00 - 1:00

LUNCH / Check out

We all make our grand exodus to return to the world - having made some new friends, reflected on the craft of writing and maybe learned some new tips we can use.

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Yeah, sometimes it feels like just another pleasant fantasy. Other times...I think it might actually be worth shaping this into something for real. I dunno. I know I COULD pull this off. I may kick the ideas around with some others and see if they wanna play...

I'm open to suggestion from my blogger buddies. Does this sound too structured? What would you change?