Day 5-- Ship Shape

The boat's sail....filled with a brisk wind and sent the Wind Gypsy gliding along the bay and the old sailor leaned back in contentment. He couldn't imagine a better day for his last sail in the Gypsy. She had served him well in his many adventures up and down the coast. Some of those adventures had been taken solo, others with seafaring buddies, and still others with his beloved wife who was now doing her own solo in other oceans beyond the horizon. Again he nodded with deep satisfaction enjoying his solitude on this last voyage. He had many wonderful and vivid memories of sailing with his comrades of ocean passion, but he had to admit, it was the solos that gave him the most gratification. The old boat seemed to respond with a heavy sigh as if in agreement and she leaned into the wind and sped across the bay, giving the old man exactly what he wanted. There was nothing like a day or two on the water alone to clear any barnacles from his brain and deliver peace to his soul, especially now when he felt the presence of the end of his personal voyage. He would love to go on, but his body could not; it had finally reached its own limits. Fortunately, he was gratified to feel few regrets and he was ready to cross the horizon into the unknown journey. He accepted that any unfinished business wouldl now have to take care of itself. He began now to think of his next great journey. Would he meet those who had gone before? Would they pick up where they had left off? There was no way for him to know, but he began to look forward with anticipation. Yes, he was happy to be on this last voyage with his beloved Wind Gypsy. He knew that she would carry him safely to his next destination; she always had. There was nothing to hold either of them back. Somewhere off in the distance he heard the call of the sailor "Sail on, Captain! Sail on!" As if one in spirit, they once again leaned into the wind and raced toward the horizon in the distance.

Written in memory of my step-father, Ron Speer. I hope one day I will find my own voice in writing like he did.

Part II: List four things you do when you need perking up. Next time you are lethargic in your writing, do one of these before you return to your writing.

Exercise
Go to the library or bookstore and wander
Nap
Play with my son

Day 4 -- Terrible Twos

In this exercise, I am 2 years old. Write from this perspective. Be childlike. Play!

Give myself a name with the initials C.A. T
COY ANGEL TODDLING

Eye color: blue
hiar color: blond
Favorite food: cheese sticks
sibling: George, 6yrs
How he treats me: he gives me cookies all the time
Thoughts on toilet training: why bother?

Begin with:

Here I am stuck in my crib.....I sposed to be asleep. It's nap time. I won't sleep though cause I was busy and I'm just going to scream until mommy comes back and gets me out. EEEEEEEh!!! Footsteps, here she comes. That didn't take as long as yesterday. Wait, the footsteps are gone! Turn it up a notch....eeeeeeh...ahhhhhhh. I not tired! I jus woke up!!! I want to play with my doctor kit!!!! oh? Footsteps again...coming to get me...yeah! Footsteps gone? (Big Yawn), I will rest a minute....then turn it up again.....ooooh my pillow is comfy....uhmmm ...maybe jus a minute...no must keep screa.....zzzZZZZZZZ....I'll try again later.....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

This needs work. This baby doesn't seem coy. Will come back later today.

Part II:

In what area of creativity are you stuck? Making time every day....I'm thinking this book will help. The exercises are fun. Now I have to complete my second assignment for the Children's Literature Institute. That will be a big hurdle. I'd really like to do it before my baby is delivered on Feb 7th (C-section).