PEN TO PAPER: Reading Rituals
I wasn’t always a reader. And I still don’t read nearly as much as I probably should (being a writer), and for sure not as much as I would like. But I read more than I ever did when I was young.
Since I’m a slow reader, Audio books have helped speed up my pace. All I have to do is open my library app and put in my AirPods when I walk my dog or run errands, and I knock off a couple of chapters. Still, my favorite way to read is to hunker into a cozy chair with tea and a good old fashioned book and just immerse myself in the experience.
How much do you read? And what is your favorite way to do it?
WRITING PROMPT #1: When I read I…
WRITING PROMPT #2: Write “BOOKS” at the top of your page, or document, and start writing.
WRITING PROMPT #3: Jenna picked up the latest book by _______________ and….
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: The Evolution of Women’s Basketball
A lot has changed in women’s basketball since I first hit the court. Check out my article Yes, Yes You Can Play. The piece looks back at the history of women’s basketball and shares how changes such as, moving to a full-court game with dribbling, using a smaller ball and the addition of the three-point line have all taken place during my lifetime…[READ HERE]
PEN TO PAPER: Beat the Heat
It is HOT in Seattle. In fact it’s so hot, it’s hard to think. So I’m keeping today’s prompts quick and easy. Stay cool out there!
WRITING PROMPT #1: Look at the photo above and then write.
WRITING PROMPT #2: How do you like to beat the heat?
WRITING PROMPT #3: When Candice turned on the AC it…
PEN TO PAPER: A New Normal
Since Covid, life has been quite different for most of us. Many have lost family and friends, or had them fall deathly ill. Many of us have spent a lot of time at home and sequestered from much of the world. But now as the majority of the population begins to get vaccinated and Covid case numbers decline, what does it feel like for you as life returns to a new normal?
I know I’m happy to get out and see more people, but I am still hesitant when I go into a store where people are not wearing masks. I have close family and friends who are vulnerable and ones who could be negatively effected by a positive test, even if they don’t get sick. (Think of athletes who have missed out on games, matches and money after testing positive). Covid is still around, and though I’m vaccinated, I feel like I should do my part and be more careful. But what does careful mean these days?
I’m not sure. I don’t have the answers. But I do know that I’m trying to do my best to move forward and live a happy and full life in the new normal, and I hope you are too.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Write COVID at the top of your page/document and start writing.
WRITING PROMPT #2: How do you feel when you are around people without masks?
WRITING PROMPT #3: Kelsey took off her mask, tucked it into her purse and…
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
Blog
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Inspiring Basketball Coaching Memoirs
There’s nothing better than a good book to bring you closer to the game and learn about life. As a writer and coach I appreciate what it takes to weave a person’s history into an inspiring story. So I’ve put together a list of must-read memoirs by basketball coaches. The memoirs are filled with heartwarming and thought provoking stories that will also help you be a better coach.
If you don’t have time to sit down and read, then give an audiobook a try. Most of these are available through your library and online book sources. Download them and listen while you walk your dog, clean out your garage or sweep the basketball court before practice and learn a few more things about life and the game.
Written by: Coach Pat Summit with […]
PEN TO PAPER: Just Imagination
We carved pumpkin’s last week and my son and his friend’s rummaged through six boxes of costumes to find the perfect outfits for Halloween night. The boxes are a mish-mash of years of collecting and making costumes out of our best finds from our closets and Goodwill. A witch, skeleton, Mummy, 70’s funk, 80’s punk, UPS driver and Elvis, to name a few.
Costumes simply take a little imagination… just like writing.
Did you dress up? Eat too much candy? Carve pumpkins this Halloween?
Write about it.
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: So You Want A New Coach?
Sometime you can’t choose your coach, so what happens if you find yourself with a coach you don’t like?
What Do You Do If You Don’t Like Your Coach?
Dealing with a coach that you don’t see eye-to-eye with can be a real challenge. When I was a young player, I didn’t like all of my coaches, so I can understand. And I’m sure that not every one of my players liked me as thier coach.
But if you love to play your sport, as long as you are in a safe environment, there are ways to make it through your season, learn more about the game and have fun while doing it.
What To Do If You Don’t Feel Safe
There is a difference between a coach that isn’t great and a coach that puts you at risk, physically or emotionally. If a coach touches you inappropriately (hit, kick, sexual advance), degrades you, […]
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