Chicago is a city full of hidden gems that people are either trying to find or to keep secret.
Chicago is a place I have run, visited, shopped, attended field trips and each time I discover something new. I have seen the Harry Potter exhibit at Science and Industry, Monet at the Art Institute, had dinner at fancy restaurants, been to Second City and the Chicago Symphony.
I have ridden rented bikes on the streets, got lost and carried the bike up three flights of stairs from lower Wacker trying to get back to where I started. I felt like I would be wandering forever.
I ran the Chicago marathon during an anniversary year when I vowed I never would. I should have stuck to my guns in that case. It was a terrible race for me. I had to walk so many miles just to get back to my car and my stuff.
I have taken Ubers, driven my own car, and walked the concerte. I have eaten at Ed Debavacs, which is no longer there in physical space; only memories. I ate at Beard Award winning chef restaurants with friends. I have shopped the magnificent mile and frequented the Hard Rock Cafe.
In what feels like another life, I saw Wicked, Grease and several other productions. I have taken pictures with the Bean but never ice skated. I have eaten Giordannos pizza.
My first half marathon was in the city. It was the Rock and Roll Half and the pictures only show me having fun, not racing yet. I would take it more serious after that when I got the taste of the thrill.
There is more to explore with each visit. The last trip we ate outside, found a hidden Tiki bar and stayed at a hotel that used to be the Playboy Club.
There is more history to find there and sparks to inspire my writing.
There is an ease and magic to summer like no other season. Winter is my favorite with its cold and idea of being wrapped in blankets and the heat of the fire. The heat of summer blazes onto my skin as I walk through the trees and the fields logging the sounds of red winged blackbirds and horses as I pass. But summer is the time for iced drinks and watermelon too.
There is time in the summer for flow. The flow of writing and water. The flow of time. June went so quickly this year. It always does but now we are almost halfway through July and I am not ready. The two big trips happened already and there is a small excursion again next week. There are many things to still look forward to but I am trying to savor each moment and it feels like it is on fast forward.
The summer schedule is ideal for me. My writer’s agenda for the day starts with coffee and words in the morning, then a walk, good food plus inspiration. A simple existence which I crave. Scheduled meetings for talking to friends but minimal each week. Input of all types with reading, conversation, tv, and podcasts.
Welcome back to the weekend. Thank you chatting with me today. What can I get you? Coffee? Cream? Sugar?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you the week felt heavy. Many COVID cases are coming closer to me. Work is a high volume problem area. Places are starting to shut down again or modifying service. It seems we are right back to where we were in March. (Insert big sigh)
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I am working on my story for my final project in my Short Story Intensive. I still have to cut 1000 words… It is due to the group on November 30th. Then it goes into the first round of critique by the teacher and another member of the group.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you my writing prompts are going strong. I have gotten so much pleasure out of this project. More than I suspected. You can receive daily emails of the new prompts and get access to all the previous posted prompts by signing up at my Patreon here. Each prompt comes with a reflection.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you my friend Jenna is opening her coaching program connected to Human Design! I am so excited. She is amazing and insightful. You can find the info here about her offerings. You won’t be sorry you signed up for a session. My sessions with her have been incredible and I always leave energized with new information.
Here are some words from Jenna herself:
I created the Clarity + Connection Conversations offering to make it easier; to clearly identify the next steps that are best for you and to provide you with the encouragement and accountability to see them through.
No matter the session you select below, these Conversations are designed to focus in on an area of your life where you need guidance, reference the nuances of your unique design, help you gain clarity on the answers you seek, and solidify your next steps forward.
Do you need a warm up? Ice water perhaps?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I was inspired by my students this week and our readings of The Three Little Pigs and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. I had one little that insisted everyday that was the FAKE version of the story. His version was the only REAL one with the pigs not getting eaten.
If we were having coffee I would tell you I enjoyed my walks this week. The sunset was part of all of them. I was able to listen to some good podcasts as well. Lately, I have been disappointed in the podcast feed.
If we were having coffee I would wish you a wonderful week and American Thanksgiving! The holiday will look different for many this year due to lockdowns and travel bans.
Thank you for joining me today! Thanks to https://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ for being the host of this amazing gathering every weekend!
Hello! Welcome back to the weekend. Thank you for joining me for a chat. Can I pour you a cup of coffee? Cream? Sugar?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I went to the dentist twice this week. Once for a cleaning and then for a filling and repair. It was supposed to be on the same day, but the dentist’s daughter had a high fever and they had to reschedule. For the first time in my life the numbing didn’t take. It was luckily a small amount of decay so I muscled through with three little electric shocks. I am happy that all the repairs are over and I just have cleanings to look forward to.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I have a writing class on Saturday. I also have a writing call with my Intensive group on Sunday morning. I have been writing every day. I am doing a combo of Sarah Selecky daily prompts, the Nancy Stohlman Flash Nano prompts, and my own regular writing.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you we are in the last 50 days of 2020 now! You can receive daily emails of the new prompts and get access to all the previous posted prompts by signing up at my Patreon here. Each prompt comes with a reflection and more info as well.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I had a story published this week at Five on the Fifth! I was excited this story found a home. I love it so much. You can read that here. Another story I love is being published in February of 2021 in another fantastic publication. More info about that as we get closer.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I enjoy reading my horoscopes from Chani Nicholas. I have always been fascinated by astrology but find Chani’s work extra special. Even if this is something you don’t “believe” in they are great sources for writing inspiration as well. You can sign up for her emails here.
Do you need a warm up? Ice water perhaps?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I starting doing drawing videos with my students this week. It is super fun and takes 5 minutes. My students are fantastic writers and have come so far in 11 weeks. We drew a cartoon fox and turkey this week and they were so detailed and fun. I highly recommend this Youtube channel. Even if you just like to doodle yourself with no kids they are super fun! It is a great way to be playful.
Thank you for joining me today! Thanks to https://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ for being the host of this amazing gathering every weekend!
Come join me and other teacher writers at the Two Writing Teachers blog. Every Tuesday teachers blog a slice of their life and others comment. It is a wonderful community.
One of my favorite questions is, “What inspires you?”
Here in Wisconsin, there are hints of November. I am in the midst of NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) and getting ready for Thanksgiving. The weather however is warmer than it was in the spring. It has been over 70 degrees here over the last couple of days.
I am feeling a bit rebellious about it. I should not be wearing a t-shirt and shorts to walk. I will have to use this feeling and details in a story this week.
This week in class we are utilizing the website Mystery Science. The kids really like these videos, as do I, because they are interesting and we always learn something new.
Yesterday we watched a video about poisonous plants. We learned about the Manchineel tree that can kill you. We saw trees that had grown around signs, benches, motorcycles, and bikes. Not only did it ignite lots of conversation from my 5 year olds it fueled our writing as well. The students wrote in their journals what a tree would “eat”.
One little one kept saying, “That is terrifying!” I write down their comments all day long. I have to go back through my teaching notebook and log them all in a document. The kid speak alone is gold.
The video even inspired my writing. For one of the daily prompts I needed to write a story from the POV of something that normally doesn’t have one. I wrote from the perspective of this tree with the warning label.
What has inspired you that was surprising lately? I would love to hear in the comments.
Welcome! I am so happy you joined me today. I am so ready for a casual sit down with some coffee with you today. I have regular black coffee with some espresso added for some extra kick. What would you like today?
This week has been one of not much sleep for me. With the time change and everything going on in the world I seemed to be thrown off in a major way. I also sunk right into a vivid dream each time I went back to sleep too which is highly unusual. How has your sleep been this week?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you last Sunday we traveled to Chicago and went to the Museum of Science and Industry. Then we ate Giordano’s pizza. It was a fun day in the city. Quieter than normal due to Covid and less people everywhere.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I picked up many short story collections this week from the library that has been glorious. I read from the 2020 Best American Short Stories Friday night. T.C. Boyle has a story in there called The Apartment which was delightful. I have Emma Cline’s new collection and also Nicole Krauss’. I think Nicole has some of the most beautiful sentences in the world!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you the last 100 days writing prompts is so much fun! You can receive daily emails of the new prompts and get access to all the previous posted prompts by signing up at my Patreon here. I post the prompt and writing process ideas and my personal experience as well.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I had a story published this week at Five on the Fifth! I was excited this story found a home. I love it so much. You can read that here.
If we were having coffee, I would ask you, “Do you know I have a podcast?” A close friend of mine has jokingly accused me of hiding it so here is the link! It is now available on six different platforms, including Google Podcasts.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that through logging my words I realized I write a lot more than I imagined. I have an established writing routine that works for me and am unsure a challenge of any sort will influence it at this point. I love the community of NANOWRIMO and believe every writer should participate in some aspect. You don’t HAVE to write a novel. You can be a rebel. But if you want to establish a writing routine then doing it with a worldwide support group is the time!
Do you need a warm up on your drink? Ice water perhaps?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I have been enjoying my journaling in a whole new way lately. Are there prompts you like to use? A resource or a person that I might not know? Please share with me! I am examining the writing process journal with a new lens too. There will be more about that coming soon.
Thank you for joining me today! Thanks to https://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ for being the host of this amazing gathering every weekend!
Thanks for joining me today! It is November this weekend. Do you know what that means?
NANOWRIMO!
For those who do not know that is National Novel Writing Month. The month where writers get together in all types of community and support each other to write 50,000 words in 30 days. I would love to hear about your writing goals for this month.
I have my black coffee today. What would you like to drink today? I have some pumpkin scones and cranberry too.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you November also means the time change. This is not my favorite time of year for sure. I have issues with sleeping and feeling tired anyway but the time change is jet lag without the trip.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you there are some major things happening this month for me. It is an emotionally charged month for sure. The writing community will help and I am motivated to achieve my goals as always. Work and writing will be good distractions.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you the last 100 days writing prompts is going excellently! You can be part of the fun! Sign up at my Patreon here. Here is today’s prompt:
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I hosted a write in this week and it was creatively fueling and fun! We laughed a lot and got a lot of writing done in a short time. I am looking forward to the write ins for November!
If we were having coffee, I would ask you, “Do you know I have a podcast?” A close friend of mine has jokingly accused me of hiding it so here is the link! It is now available on six different platforms, including Google Podcasts.
If we were having coffee, I would ask you what you did for Halloween! It looked a lot different this year for us. We had a little party at the house since there was no trick or treating with a spooky table. The witch fingers and vampire teeth were a hit with the kids.
Do you need a warm up on your drink? Ice water perhaps? Another scone?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I always look forward to the new month. It feels like everything is full of possibility. What are your plans for November?
Thank you for joining me today! Thanks to https://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ for being the host of this amazing challenge every weekend!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I have been continuing to participate in OCTPOWRIMO and writing poetry all week but only in my notebook.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I read a story on a Zoom gathering with the Sarah Selecky Writing School earlier in the week. I assumed there would be more people, but it ended up only being 12. This fact burst my idea to just listen and not read. The comments were positive and the other writers shared amazing work.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I am pleased how the 100 writing prompt project is progressing. You can be part of the fun! Sign up at my Patreon here. Here is today’s prompt:
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I was asked a question about using Twitter as an author. I do not recommend any social media platform you do not like. Don’t use it because “it seemed like a good idea.” Your authentic person needs to shine through.
If we were having coffee, I would ask you, “Do you know I have a podcast?” A close friend of mine has jokingly accused me of hiding it so here is the link! It is now available on six different platforms, including Google Podcasts.
If we were having coffee, I would ask you, “Do you know it is November next weekend?” That seems crazy to me. It also means the time change which means the jet lag feeling. I am looking forward to reading In November with my class. It is a picture book I adore.
Do you need a warm up on your drink? Ice water perhaps?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I submitted two more stories this week. I am looking forward to hearing back from the editors!
Thank you for joining me today! Thanks to https://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ for being the host of this amazing challenge every weekend!
I am so glad we can sit together and chat today. Thanks for joining me. What would you like to talk about today? What is the most important thing on your mind?
I am treating myself with a pumpkin spice latte today! I am going to celebrate the season with my beverage. What would you like today?
If we were having coffee, I would ask you if you have ever read Turn of the Screw? This novella has come up several times over the last week for me. Nina Lacour used it as an inspiration for her wonderful book Watch Over Me. I downloaded it on a reader on my phone and started it last night.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I have been participating in OCTPOWRIMO and writing poetry all week. It has been a nice change from my regular writing routine.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I did not walk every day this week. At school, we had to stay late both Tuesday and Thursday to do virtual parent conferences. I missed the feeling and the routine of the walks. The weather is quite windy this weekend so I have to bundle up! Winter is coming.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I am excited how the 100 writing prompt project is moving along. The responses to the prompts are good and everyone is making them their own. You can be part of the fun! Sign up at my Patreon here.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you Nina Lacour was on the Marginally Podcast. It was a great interview. She also was on First Draft with Sarah Enni which was an amazing conversation to listen to as well.
If we were having coffee, I would ask you, “Do you know I have a podcast?” A close friend of mine has jokingly accused me of hiding it so here is the link!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I adore Ray Bradbury and his influence. So many of his quotes have had an impact on my writing life. I came across a new one.
Write a thousand words a day and in three years you will be a writer.
Ray Bradbury
My friend Amy has convinced me to do the million words in a year challenge. We are starting November 1. It is more than 1,000 words a day but doable. I am excited that I am taking on challenges that have expanded past the 30 challenge boundary I usually participate in.
Do you need a warm up on your drink? Ice water perhaps?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I heard an exercise taken from screenwriting called “List of 20”. When you need anything for your story, make a list of 20. If your characters need to get out a situation make a list of 20 ways they can get out it. Your brain will make you write down the obvious ones first. After you get past number 10 then you may get to something more unique.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you my October workshop for my Patreon is impactful! I made it a self guided recording this month because the exercises are more personal. One participant, Jenna, said: The October Workshop was SO good! Thank you for sharing so many incredible insights and exercises. I’ve been feeling a little low and fuzzy-headed lately, and this workshop was really a breath of fresh air.You can have access to this workshop and the past ones by clicking here.
What are you most excited about from your week? I would love to hear in the comments. How are you getting ready for Halloween – if you do anything?
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I ordered whiskey glasses that are created for Old Fashioneds because I saw this drink recipe. I cannot wait to make it!
Thank you for joining me today! Thanks to https://eclecticali.wordpress.com/ for being the host of this amazing challenge every weekend!
Over the weekend I took a writing class. The pandemic has yielded many classes and programs since so many were isolated. Some people went through bread baking phases, but many of my friends collected all the classes.
The class was a two part guided writing exercise to create more knowledge around a world a writer creates. One of the points Nina made was to have a list of 5 anchors to keep the heart of your story in the forefront of your mind. A list to keep you centered. A list to bring you back to the story you want to tell.
When I was writing in my notebook about the experience I thought about life anchors.
What are the 5 things that anchor you to the heart of your life?
What are the 5 things that anchor you to your teaching life?
Are they the same?
This is what I am thinking and writing about today.
