How do you like my posts with no direction?
I don’t like them either. Next time I promise to write an outline with Roman Numerals, write a first draft, give it to a Writing Buddy, and then edit and make corrections. Just like I used to teach my students to do when I was still a classroom teacher.
For extra fun I will use 3 x 5 notecards.
Since I didn’t give much direction about choosing the 4 winners, I will clarify how I’m doing that: I think it’s fair to say the choosing will be random in that I will split the comments into fourths and have family members pick a number in each quadrant. That way the first commentors get a chance as much as the latter ones. Winners will be announced Monday. Unless I can do it tomorrow. Then, maybe Sunday is best. Forget it, let’s shoot for Monday, shall we? Great, that’s much appreciated. Monday it is.
I’ve decided that writing about what impassions me is, ultimately, what makes me feel good as a writer so I’m making a New Year’s Resolution right now in August to do more of that. I think it’s a sure bet that I will be able to keep it since the year has only 4 months left. Aiming low is a specialty of mine when it comes to personal goals. It serves the purpose of allowing me to actually hit the goal thus boosting my self esteem. If there were a way to market that, I would try. But that would be one too many goals this year. Let’s not get crazy.
Another thing that I fervently hold dear to my heart is my mother who has become quite special to me. She encourages just about every good thing that comes my way and she refuses to let the bad karma come too closely to me where it wants to settle in and take up residence. It’s rather difficult to explain what she’s like to people, but recently she wrote something down that I thought summed her up well:
Contrary to appearances, I have always been painfully shy and insecure. Most of my brash gestures of confidence and self-assurance are really just smoke and mirrors to disguise my fears and complete lack of confidence in my own worth.
I am my mother’s daughter.
Next week she will go to Burning Man (for the THIRD TIME) and come back renewed and a little stronger. She doesn’t think she’s forceful which proves to me just what a powerhouse she is. In her words she would say that she is a perfect example of “arrested development”. Watching my mother grow up is as satisfying as watching my daughter do it. The first time she went she was a little awestruck and came home pink-haired if I remember correctly. I think that was about the time when she pierced her nose, too. She renames herself Sweet P for the week and I wish nothing more than to view this transformative process.
It’s a good bet that a great resolution would be to just try to be more open and loving and forgiving just like her.
*If you know anything about Burning Man, this video clip will tickle your funny bone. Thanks, Fluid Pudding!*
August 8, 2008 @ 8:59 pm | Filed under Artsy Fartsy, Everyday Mundane, Freaky Family | Permalink |
laurie Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Kelly…you are a beautiful person and writer and I love your new resolution as much as your open appreciation for the people you love
Your mom rocks! She and my mom would get along just fine. And…you just gave me a great idea for my next “extended family” post at that website that runs that conference that gave me the chance to dance to Justin Timberlake in the same room with you. : )
lauries last blog post..Full stop, brah.
Dana Said,
August 8, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
First of all, I love your writing no matter which direction, or lack thereof, it goes. And frankly, I think your posts always have some direction. I never cease to learn something from you on this here blog.
And your mother is so wonderful and inspiring. She makes me look forward to growing up…because she is constantly sharing things she’s learned, it seems, from what you share with us, I mean. That just takes my breath away.
Can you please adopt me into your awesome family? I can make caramel fudge brownies and take the garbage out. Not that I’m trying to persuade you or anything.
Avitable Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 5:29 am
Your mom goes to Burning Man? That’s awesome - I think she’s my hero now!
On another note, I totally can’t believe I didn’t get a comment from you on Thursday’s post - I figured you’d be there like mocha on momma.
Avitables last blog post..Do people read blogs on Saturdays?
CharmingDriver Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 6:38 am
I kept thinking over and over
Her MOM is going to Burning Man?
HER MOM is going to Burning Man?
HER MOM is going to BURNING MAN?
At the end it sounded like this, in my head, ”Her mom is awesome.”
Also, she is beautiful. Pass it on.
CharmingDrivers last blog post..Over by Carmen’s Today
All Adither Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 6:39 am
Your mawmaw is awesome!
And I like those orchids over there on your banner. Pretty.
All Adithers last blog post..Foot acceptance
White Hot Magik Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 7:44 am
I’d like to add something pithy but quite frankly I cant think because the boys are watching Madagascar and that song Move it is on. I chair dancing and thinking how much fun Burning man must be…
White Hot Magiks last blog post..Pigs, puppies and tiaras, oh my!
Tom Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 9:54 am
I’m not sure why people are surprised that the woman who gave birth to KELLY, who raised KELLY, goes to Burning Man.
Toms last blog post..Why I Kiss My Wife Goodbye Everyday
Ellie Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Hilarious. Tell your mom to be careful! Have you or she ever read, “American Nomads” by Richard Grant? Great read. Oh, wait, I think that (one chapter) was about going to a Rainbow Gathering.
Um, nevermind.
Ellies last blog post..Weekend 3-Way: sports edition
Maria Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
I want to trade moms with you. She’s friggin’ awesome.
Marias last blog post..I’m in dire need of your assistance.
Elizabeth Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
I’d like to live vicariously through your mom next week, please.
Tricia Said,
August 9, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
I love your mom’s face- those age spots…I’d love to see her hands.
Don’t hold it against me, mom- I’m just a freak like that.
Tricias last blog post..What to do when there are too many words
Pattie Said,
August 10, 2008 @ 6:52 am
I think it’s awesome that your Mom goes to Burning Man. My mom wouldn’t even know what it was. I’m completely jealous of you and your relationship with your mom. She sounds like she is just as beautiful inside as she is outside.
Neil Said,
August 10, 2008 @ 9:09 am
My new year’s resolution is not to say someone is awesome if I don’t know the person. You’re pretty awesome, so I assume your mother is cool. My big question is - how did you mother get the idea to go to Burning Man? Like the other commenters, my mother would probably think it some new TV show on Lifetime. Frankly, I’m not exactly sure what goes on there. Clearly, from her white hair, I can assume your mother is over 55. How did this transformation come about? Was she always a hip gal? I already feel like a fuddy duddy. How can I be more like her when I am 55? How can I be more like her NOW?
sizzle Said,
August 10, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Your mom goes to Burning Man? (I say, echoing many.) WOW! I don’t think I could do Burning Man. That’s pretty cool.
sizzles last blog post..Let. It. Lie.