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Thursday, March 10, 2016

With Tom Romano in Mind






This is a multi-genre slice in honor of the great Tom Romano. He has influenced my teaching of writing and I treasure his thinking and the "lifting up" of his students' work. Through him, I learned to give students agency in the classroom as well as to appreciate my own craft.



2 Musings:

Saw a reflection of myself. Surprised me. Walking around in my stretch skinny jeans, I saw a glimpse of the curves my legs used to be... muscles rising to the surface posing: just for me. A personal tribute to the few weeks of (semi-) dedication to lifting and panting.

I'd taken a two day sabbatical from the funky gym in rebellion of Monday's struggle. Monday, my legs were blocks of concrete. Today wasn't as hard. Today was so much better. Today I ran a bit faster and breathed a bit easier. Gratitude: check.


2 quotes via text this week at 4:00 a.m. from my sweet boyfriend who is learning how to encourage me (in ways that do not awake my inner beast). 

This was my fav:
#1
Him: 
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." Zig Ziglar 

Your workout quote for the day. Good morning Laura lee! Up and at it!

Me: 
Hey baby! I am up and at it!

#2 
Him:
"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." 

Your workout quote for the day. 

Good Morning Laura Lee! Up and at it!
I'm proud of you. Summer bodies are made in the winter. 

Me: Awwww, thank you baby. 

Two things I am thankful for:
1. My kids
2. My parents

Two lyrics from two of my favorite tunes--

Number One 
by Robert Glasper and Ledisi:

just bring me the sunshine with your smile
I will be okay
no matter if the rain falls when you call
I will be okay
just bring me the sunshine with your smile
I will be okay
no matter if the rain falls when you call
I will be okay


Number Two 
by Jill Scott:


I'm holding on to my freedom,
Can't take it from me,
I was born into it,
It comes naturally,
I'm strumming my own freedom,
Playing the god in me,
Representing his glory,
Hope he's proud of me,
I'm living my life like its golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden,...


Two Things
Life is so much simpler 
without 
multi-tasking. 
When numbering 
1.
and then
2.
it all seems manageable.
Task #1. check
Task # 2. check
Even though the ocean
of life looms behind me, 
the sound soothes 
One and then two.
Palatable
Bit by bit
One at a time,
Check
Check
Breathe in.
Breath out.












8 comments:

  1. "summer bodies are made in the winter" Thanks for that quote- definitely motivating for this time of year!

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  2. This is a very interesting structure you used for today. These lines, "When numbering
    1.
    2.
    it all seems manageable," are so true for me. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your comment love <3

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  3. I like the way you brought a lot of disparate thoughts together with your structure of two things, and then your numbering 1. 2. I especially like the Zigler quote -- it fits so well for writing. You have to put the words on the page (or screen), whatever they are. You just have to start. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. I replied to you this morning Emma and now it is goneeeeee. Oh well. I think that this about what I said: I learned a new word from you. Disparate. I thought I knew what it meant from the context but I googled it to be sure. Now I will use that word because I love it. Kind of like desperate, graphophonic wise, which I am when I am writing, but not at all alike in meaning. I love that quote as it applies to writing as well. The worst part sometimes is just the starting and the rest is often an amazing journey. Have a wonderful day.

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  4. I've been playing "Golden" on repeat during my morning routine for the last three days! That song is on my list of music that always sends me out of the house in the right mood! I like the format of this post. I may have to try this one (1. 2.)!

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    1. What?! Awesomeness. Another Jilly form Philly connection. I am so glad you stumbled on my post. I will check you out everyday. Are you writing for the Slice of Life?

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