Celebrate This Week-July 5, 2014

Every week, Ruth Ayres over at Discover. Play. Build. invites people to share celebrations from their week.  Please visit and consider linking up your own celebration. 

Thanks to Ruth for providing a platform for me to share my big and small celebrations. 

On Tuesday my husband and I celebrated the anniversary of the day we met 15 years ago. It is easy to remember because we had our first date on July 4th. We went back to the pub where we met, The Great Lost Bear which has become a Portland landmark. It was a great night out alone.

On Thursday I finished the summer session of the Summer-Fall Institute for the Southern Maine Writing Project. This session consisted of seven days in class, learning, collaborating, sharing and, of course, doing lots of writing. I really enjoyed it and I am happy I decided to do it. I enjoyed writing my learning autobiography, reading professional books and even writing my first poem-EVER! 

Here it is.

Cliffs of White Head

by Gigi McAllister

Early morning mist creates a hazy lense through which I view the island.

Smooth.

Calm.

Quiet.

Perfect.

Treetops reach high above..

Like old friends shielding me from the rising sun.

My footsteps tramp the familiar muddy path.

With the approach of the clearing, my heartbeat quickens.

Trees thin, letting more of the greedy sunlight touch the ground.

Cool, salty wind swirls around me like a welcome embrace.

Greeting me as I step out of the trees and onto the high, gray cliffs.

You’re back, the gulls call.

We’ve been waiting for you.

Come, sit here in your favorite spot on the ledge.

Looking over the churning ocean.

Resting on the warm rock I exhale again and again until my breathing becomes one with the wind and waves.

What Are YOU Celebrating Friends?

An Audio Book Review of On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

By Stephen King
Published 2002 by Pocket Books
Simon and Shuster Audio
Copy obtained from public library

I have to first admit that I listened to this audio book as part of a requirement for the Southern Maine Writing Project Summer Institute. We were required to read a book about a writer's life from a list of five possibilities. I chose this book for several reasons. First, I am a Mainer and really wanted to learn more about Stephen King who also calls Maine home. I had also heard wonderful things about the book from other nerdy friends. Lastly, if I'm being honest, having an audio version was a factor because of the little reading time that I have this summer. I am so glad I chose this book and, especially the audio version. I am sure King's voice comes through in the print version, but I am not sure it could compare to hearing his actual voice tell his story. On Writing is entertaining and informative to read even if you don't plan to do any sort of writing. King is a master storyteller. 

The book is a combination memoir of parts of his life and advice for aspiring writers. He includes events from his childhood, both horrific and hilarious from his recurring ear infections and the excruciating process of "draining" his ear to wiping "himself" with poison ivy. Later he tell about his alcoholism, marriage, publishing and getting sober. It is a thrilling ride told so the reader (or listener) feels like they are sitting right next to King and he is telling the story just to them. 

Here are some favorite quotes:

“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”

“Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.”

“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.”

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.”

“Reading at meals is considered rude in polite society, but if you expect to succeed as a writer, rudeness should be the second-to-least of your concerns. The least of all should be polite society and what it expects.”

“Can I be blunt on this subject? If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

“Grammar is...the pole you grab to get your thoughts up on their feet and walking.”

There are so many more quotes I loved, but many are too colorful to include here. 

From this book here are some things I take away. 

*Writers need to be readers (yes, I knew that but I don't think it can be said enough).

*Don't try to make your writing something it is not. Don't dress up your words. 

*You need people in your life whom you trust to read your writing and give you feedback. 
*Let your dialogue show who your character's traits. 

*Let your writing rest a bit after revisions. Then you will look at it with fresh eyes. 

I would highly recommend On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft for anyone, but especially for anyone who wants to improve their own writing. It is highly entertaining and instructive. You will not be disappointed. 

It's Monday, What Are You reading?-June 31, 2014

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Thank you to my friend Susan Dee for hooking me up with these two picture books last week. 

Once Upon a Memory

by Nina Laden

Illustrated by Renata Lewska

An adorable book about memories. Does a feather remember it was once a bird? Does a letter remember it was once a word? Many opportunities to stop and discuss. Good for Grades K-3.

A Boy and a Jaguar

by Alan Rabinowitz

Illustrated by Catia Chien

This non-fiction picture book was so inspiring. It is the true story of Alan Rabinowitz, a boy who struggles with stuttering. Will review further on Wednesday.

The Julian Chapter

by R.J. Palacio

I actually finished this a couple of weeks ago, but forgot to include it in my post. My students and I enjoyed reading this addition to Wonder. I have to admit, I expected to understand and like Julian more while reading it, but I did not (well not a lot anyway). It does have a nice ending. 

Currently Reading

This is a re-read for the Southern Maine Writing Project. Enjoying it again!

Currently Listening

What Are YOU Reading Friends?

Celebrate This Week-June 28, 2014

Every week, Ruth Ayres over at Discover. Play. Build. invites people to share celebrations from their week.  Please visit and consider linking up your own celebration. 

My Family is All Here

You know it's summer when my 18 year-old step-daughter and my mother-in-law arrive. My step-daughter stays with us until the beginning of August and my mother-in-law (Laney) stays for much of the summer as well. The house if full, it's noisy and you have to get in line to shower, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Writing

For the last three days I have been in a writing workshop for The Southern Maine Writing Project's Summer Institute. When I signed up, I thought it was a good idea. I'd get to write and learn from others uninterrupted. On Monday morning as I got up and ready to leave the house.  It was a warm, sunny day I began to think that signing up for a class in the summer wasn't such a great idea. I was wrong. The three days we have had so far have been terrific. I have vacated my comfort zone several times in the past days as I write and share with my new friends. The class is filled with such talented writers. I love listening to their writing and furiously write down amazing words and phrases they use. I am learning a great deal about myself as a writer and learner and I'm LOVING the writing time. We have four more days next week. I plan on writing a recap of the week and my learnings next Saturday. 

A Celebration Dinner

Last night we went out to dinner with the whole family to celebrate the successful completion of another school year. As many of you know, my eight year-old son has autism. Taking him out to eat at a "sit down" restaurant is not usually easy.  Last night was no exception. To make a long story short, TJ did not want to sit where we had planned to sit (downstairs away from everyone). He wanted to be in the middle of the action and where he could look at all the interesting decor they have on the walls. After some whining and then escalating to hitting me, the nice people at Buck's Naked BBQ rearranged tables upstairs and moved our party of eight to where he was happy. There were also nice customers who didn't seem to mind that he would stand up and get close to their table to look at something on the wall. I'd like to celebrate this establishment, its waitstaff and customers for their compassion. We had a lovely time. 

What Are YOU Celebrating Friends?