Tag: Writing Inspiration
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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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Nature’s Natural Push
When I visit my daughter and her family, I love to go running or walking by Utah Lake, which is only a street away. The different times of year are always so fascinating, and I love to see what is happening in nature. I came upon the ice slabs on the lake and wondered what…
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The Day After Christmas
The day after Christmas, I went running at my son’s and daughter-in-law’s house. Their two boys were shoveling snow, but most of the streets were quiet. Snow had started to fall around 5:00 a.m. enfolding the sleeping neighborhood. The day after Christmas can sometimes be hard. There are messy piles everywhere. Gifts we have not…
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We Are Grateful
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a beautifully written book by Native American, Traci Sorrel. Members of the Cherokee Nation use the word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) to express gratitude. The book begins in the fall and follows a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences ending in summer. This book won many awards, including a Sibert and…
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From Wondering to Writing
What do you wonder about? Spend ten minutes making a list. It can be anything from Komodo dragons, to how babies learn, to what happens in our brains when we cry. Anything you’ve ever wondered about. Because wondering can be the best beginning for writing. (This was a writing prompt from Teacher Write). These are…
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Michelangelo
I am really excited to be traveling to Italy next week with my youngest daughter. The last time I was in Italy was in 2018. For this trip, we start in Venice, then Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. I have not seen the David by Michelangelo since I was 19, though. So, I am looking forward…
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Writing Prompt: Unexpected Joy
This Writing Prompt came from a Summer Teacher Write a few years ago. For those who attend Teacher Write, most writers are working on a novel, and we are encouraged to think of one of our characters to use. Write a scene that captures your main character experiencing a moment of unexpected joy. How do…
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Teacher Write Summer Camp Experience: Crafting Words with Kate Messner
Every summer for about the last 6 years, I have participated in Teacher Write, which is a free, online summer writing camp for teachers and librarians. Last summer, I was traveling too much, so I am excited to participate again this summer. Hosted by award-winning author Kate Messner, she explains, “It’s meant to be a fun,…
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Unfinished Comebacks
So, I have another running story! This involves swimming and biking, too. Last year, I was able to listen to Matt Russell speak. He is a professional athlete, an Ironman. Many of you know, but The Ironman World Championship is the most iconic race in endurance sports, held every year on the west side of…
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Aspiration Trail
Kevin and Anne Hanson created the Aspiration Trail to help parents find fun things to do with their children in St. George, Utah. The trail is lined with painted rocks, and half the fun is reading and looking at the rocks. I have so many favorite books that it is hard to pick one! I…