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…
PEN TO PAPER: How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything?
My husband loves the quote, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” I don’t always agree. I know that when there is something that I care about I put more effort toward it. When I was coaching I was all in, worked to be the very best I could be at my job, but then I’ll admit, other parts of my life suffered a bit. I was once a perfectionist. I even used to rewrite my math homework. Though it might not be for the best, I have learned to let some things go. I just can’t keep up. There is no way that I could do everything the way that I would like it to be done, because I also like to do too many things.
How about you?
WRITING PROMPT #1: Put “How you do anything is how you do everything” at the top of the page or blank document and start writing.
WRITING PROMPT #2: I always….
WRITING PROMPT #3: Clare looked at the room and…
PEN TO PAPER: Memorial Day
WRITING PROMPT #1: What does Memorial Day mean to you?
WRITING PROMPT #2: What does the American Flag mean to you?
WRITING PROMPT #3: Collin looked up at the flag 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
PEN TO PAPER: Vacation Time
Let’s talk vacations!
With things opening up a bit more, many of us are adventuring out on vacation. I just got back from my favorite spot in Montana. My grandparent’s lake cabin. I’ve been going there all of my life. It’s where I learned to paint and play cards, swim and waterski, make fancy pancakes and bake apple pie. And after walking to get our drinking water out of the spring (for several years), enjoying close views of bald eagles and hikes to the Turtle Pond, I also learned to appreciate nature.
Most of all I learned the true meaning of family.
Over the years I have returned to Montana, and with TV and cell phones put on the back burner, my kids have had some of the same experiences that I did, and have created many new ones of their own. Experiences that I know they will never forget.
What are some of your favorite […]
PEN TO PAPER: Rising Phoenix
As I was searching for a writing prompt photo I saw this picture and it reminded me of a young woman in the movie Rising Phoenix. She fences with no arms and no legs, and is just one of many amazing athletes who share their stories in this powerful movie. The movie covers how Paralympics first began, the road that it has traveled and how it has changed the way the world thinks about disability and the human spirit. Check out this powerful documentary the next time you are looking for a movie.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Look at the photo above and write.
WRITING PROMPT #2: Watch Rising Phoenix and write about it.
WRITING PROMPT #3: Veronica thought she would never…
PEN TO PAPER: Backwards History
Years ago, for a class writing exercise, we wrote our life story backward. There were no rules and it didn’t have to be perfect. Let’s give it a try. You can add a lot to each section or do the exercise several times for different parts of you life. (jobs, relationships, hobbies, etc). However you do it, it’s always interesting.
Example 1:
I am a divorced mother of three and a restaurant owner who loves to play tennis
Before that I was married, I waited tables and watched tennis on tv.
Before that I was single, I was in culinary school and I played tennis almost every day.
Before that….
Example 2:
I am a husband and I import toys from Europe.
Before that I was single and I traveled the world with my best friend.
Before […]
Follow Sonya