In honor of the birthday of the one and only Dr. Seuss and the fabulous #50PreciousWords writing challenge, hope you enjoy!
Snow has begun
The last little leaf clings to its branch
Old Birch whispers in the wind
Little leaf, it is time
Your destiny may be warmth for spring bulbs
Perhaps you will mulch the gardens
That provide veggies to our village next summer
Farewell, brave little leaf
Grantham pronked in the yard, he was a very happy alpaca baby today.
“What are you so happy about?” asked his best friend, Space Cowboy.
“I overheard the farm manager and she said today is a holiday! There will be special treats and music and visitors, wheeeeeee!”
“But what holiday is it?” Space Cowboy was excited, but wanted to know more.
Grantham stopped and scrunched his face. “Is it your birthday?”
Space cowboy shook his head. “I don’t think so, maybe it is Snow Princess’ birthday! Let’s go see her, she’s cute!”
“Happy Birthday, Snow Princess!” the fluffy friends sang out to the beautiful white lady on the other side of their fence.
“You silly boys, it’s not my birthday!” and she danced and bounced away, leaving the two wondering all over again.
“I know, it’s 4th of July!” Grantham sang.
“There’s snow on the ground, Grantham!” Space Cowboy spoke with authority on that one.
They explored further, stopping to wish old Mac “Merry Christmas!” to which they had to quickly run away, as he almost spit on them.
“Guess that’s not it!” Grantham pronked again, “Here comes Cory, she’ll know! She knows everything!”
The kind, smiling farmer held out her hands to the energetic young alpacas, presenting pink heart cookies. “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
The new year comes in with so much potential, some of you probably went ahead and set those resolutions and others (as I am) are focusing on growth. Goals.
Remember as a kid, when you’d stand up against the wall to see how much growing you had done in the past month, 6 months, year? Maybe it was only an inch. Or it had been a while and you’d grown a couple of inches. That little mark on the doorframe or wall was symbolic of so much more than your socks now showing where your jeans were too short. Or, for some of us, simply being able to finally uncuff those jeans! It was tangible proof of progress. Something new, different…change.
As adults, much like when we were kids, we sometimes expect to see that mark moving up constantly, regardless of how long it has been. Real growth takes time. And nourishment. And rest. Our goals are much the same. So, if your goal is to write a novel, or a song; to create a dozen picture books this year, or draft two chapter books; to run a marathon or to lose that infamous ten pounds, they all require similar elements.
*Nourishment-to write, you have to read. And write. And study others work and words of wisdom. I am off to a good start with Storystorm, 365K Writing Club and working with new found critique group from Chapter Book course within Childrens Book Insider. And reading a lot of wonderful stories, some from childhood and some fresh off the presses.
*Rest-It’s cold outside, but the sun has been kind the past couple of days, so beautiful long walks clear the mind, freshen the creative spirit and lovely, organic ideas are everywhere I look. We are fortunate to have some wonderful trails, mountain and ocean views as destinations, so nature’s inspiration is high on my list. Resting by the fire (with a good book, of course!) with hot chocolate or tea & cookies is also rest for the body as well as the soul.
*Time. Time is a funny thing, it is not unlimited, yet we have plenty if you treasure every bit of it. Patience falls here too, I know I’m doing the right things to grow the goals I have this year, and that includes putting in the time.
How are you nurturing, resting and being patient to allow your goals to grow this year? I’d love to hear!
Happy New Year! Or, Happy End of the year, depending on when you are reading. Some will be reminiscing of a wonderful year gone by, while others absolutely cannot wait for 2016 to skedaddle (yes, I did just use the word skedaddle. I get to now. It’s my blog).
Whether you are sad or joyful, you probably look to 2017 for something different. Something fresh. You may even be contemplating…dare I say, New Year’s resolutions. If so, good for you, go get ’em!
But here’s a thought. Because I think this is why I’m finally starting a blog. To share. We’re all in this together, right?
I will not be creating any New Year’s Resolutions for 2017. Why not? Because that implies something needs to be resolved. Fixed. I have a warm, dry home this season. And a loving, wonderful family. And I’m here! So, nothing needs resolving or fixin’. Sure, there are a lot of things that could stand improvement, and they are all part of the growing process.
I just want to keep growing. Friends, if we stop growing, we are finished. Dead. Regardless of age.
So, not to sound all gloomy, here’s the happy alternative I propose instead: Growth Goals. GG’s for short.
You decide yours, I decide mine, and we support each other step by step. Cry for each other when it’s not going so well. Cheer and toast each milestone. Let’s start returning the human to humankind. Feel free to share some of your GG’s, here’s a few of mine:
So, what’s on your list for 2017? What are your Growth Goals? Share, encourage, Do!
