Category: Writing Inspiration
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Why Teach Fahrenheit 451 in High School?
There are so many reasons to teach Fahrenheit 451 in 10th or 11th grade. Ray Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 in nine days. He rented a typewriter in the basement of the UCLA library for 10 cents per 30 minutes, and this forced him to focus solely on writing the book without interruptions. Critics claim that…
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January
Visiting in the North,a true winter day.Sunny skies and brisk air,while sledding on a white mountain.Grandchildren scream on a gliding red donut.Laughing all the way, hair in the wind,grinning ear to ear, letting joy rush in. Winter painting and puzzles,New hobbies and journaling.No goals, but reflection.Gratitude for friends, family, and health.Wandering through my favorite book…
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Christmas Light Run
Cherished customs, ceremonies, and celebrations!Tissue, tinsel, and trees!When I think of December in the presentIt is filled with friends, conversations, and family.Christmas lights, winter runs, and rain. Sometimes the feeling is frazzled, frustrated, and frantic, Especially during the last week of school before the break. But there is comfort and joy after all the rush.I started…
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The Autumn Supermoon
Through the night of October 7th, the moon swelled, bright and full,while I lay dreaming, unaware of her quiet ascent. The moon does not create her own light.The reflected light travels back to Earth, creating moonlight. The rocks and dust absorb sunlight, bouncing off the sun’s rays.We see the Lunar side. Isn’t it weird that…
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Marble & Myth in the Borghese Gallery
July 31, 2025 Borghese Gallery, in the north of Rome.A former vineyard and Cardinal’s home.The Borghese dynasty, power and wealth bestowing. Buzzing cicadas dominate our garden walk.Dodging bicycles and scooters as we talk,as we make our way to the famous museum. Marcus Curtius leaping into a gaping hole.In Roman myth, Curtius saved their souls.Courageous man…
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Book Review: My Friends by Fredrik Backman
I have read a few of Backman’s books, so I was excited to listen to his newest book, My Friends. This book is funny, heartbreaking, and nostalgic. We are introduced to Louisa, a runaway from foster care, who is also a talented artist. Through a series of events, she meets her favorite famous artist, who…
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The Lessons of ‘By the Waters of Babylon’ for Today’s Society
As I was running by my daughter’s house, I spotted some pieces of concrete jutting out of the grass. It’s funny how my mind works; that image immediately reminded me of the short story “By the Waters of Babylon.” I took a photo of the concrete and labeled it “Babylon,” adding it to my list…
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Why English Teachers Assign Narrative Essays
School is in! Every September, many English teachers assign a narrative essay. Why do teachers do this? A narrative is an easy way to get to know our students, albeit not a particularly enjoyable assignment for some. Some students tell me they dislike narratives, but for the most part, most students want a chance to…
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Desert Bathing
The desert mountain shimmered into life as we walked the trail. To the far north, I see the limestone cliffs in Hurricane. A sharp smell emanates from the creosotes as we sidestep the prickly pear cactus. The ocotillos wave their thorny wands above the desert rocks. Their tips burst into tiny scarlet flowerets. Many cacti…
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The Art of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World
It’s amazing how a cosmic force seems to have aligned my path this week. I stumbled upon a podcast about walking and silence, just as I finished listening to the audiobook, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. Then, I found a book at the library focusing on the art of silence: Silence in the Age of…