April is National Poetry Month. Celebrate the rhythm and cadence of words blended together into a creation of poetry.
How will you celebrate? Poets.org lists 30 ways to celebrate. Here are 3 from their list:
1. Check out an eBook of poetry from your local library.
2. Take a socially safe walk and write a poem outside.
3. Begin your virtual meetings or classes by reading a poem.
The call came at the end of my workday, my sons picture
flashed on the screen of my cell phone. I answered quickly as I was packing up
to head home. His voice had a joyful tone as he said, “Guess what Ma? I’ve got
good news.”
“Save me from guessing, and just tell me your news.”
“I’m graduating May…”
I dropped the phone and started jumping and shouting. My
moves were a combination of praise dancing, jumping rope, and playing
hopscotch. I bounced from my back office, past a conference room, a copy
machine, and another office; To say I was excited would be an understatement.
Perspiration was forming on my forehead, inspiration was in
my heart, and I knew that motivation was driving my son to see light at the end
of the tunnel. After several years in college and spending time at three
different colleges, he now had a graduation date. I didn’t learn of the date
right away because I dropped the phone in excitement.
When a child achieves a milestone accomplishment it is a
proud parenting moment. Although every achievement is worth celebrating, the
big ones bring an abundance of joy for parent and child. A flood of memories
poured out. There was the time my son played Wide Receiver on a little league
football team and scored his first touchdown.
In high school, as my son ran down the football field, or
scored points from the free throw line in basketball, I cheered. I enjoyed
yelling from the stands as much as he enjoyed the adrenaline of running with a
ball. His perspiration came from tense moments in the game, and so did mine.
Each time my son experienced a setback, I attempted to say a
word to motivate him to keep pushing forward. We journeyed through little
league, AAU sports, a high school basketball championship, and finally college.
On days when I felt like I didn’t have the energy to motivate or encourage, I handed
off the baton.
Running in the game of life sometimes felt like being on
track relay team. Four runners are positioned around the track, one begins
running then hands the baton to the next person to take over. Sometimes a
runner would fall behind, causing the last runner to push harder to the finish
line. Those moments when I felt exhausted and depleted, I handed off the baton.
Motivation, inspiration, and perspiration are a part of my
parenting journey in some way. You may have other words to describe the journey.
No matter what descriptive words you use, know that you have made an impact in
your child’s life. It’s alright to feel tired and unmotivated at times, rest,
take a breather, and get back in the game. You matter.
How do you
begin your morning? I’ve mentioned here before that I’ve started practicing
morning meditation…and I’m still practicing. After several months you would
think I have it down to an art. Perhaps I should not have deviated from what
became a routine – listening to the same guided meditation.
I was in the
mood to try something different. After a quick Google search, I found a new
meditation to try. My room was quiet and still, the only light on was a small
bedside lamp. I got myself situated and pressed a button on my laptop to begin
the session.
The slow
soothing voice said, “take a comfortable seated position on the floor, legs
crossed.”
The picture
on my computer screen displayed a woman sitting crossed legged, with one foot
resting on each thigh. She’s telling me to, “relax…and breathe.”
Meanwhile,
I’m struggling to put my second foot on top of my thigh…as the woman looks
peaceful. I yelled back at her, “do you know how large my thighs are? My legs
won’t twist like that.”
Her response
was, “deep breathe in…and exhale.”
I took a
deep breath in, but blowing it out was more segmented, the way I learned in Lamaze
class decades ago – he-he-hoo; he-he-hoo. This didn’t feel like relaxing to me.
Then I realized I had my glasses on with my eyes closed. I took the glasses
off, took my legs out of pretzel pose and found a variation of the pose the
woman demonstrated in the still photo.
After
getting myself worked-up for the first five minutes, I let my body relax and
focus the stillness of the room and the soothing words. I needed to exercise
patience and understand that over time, it will become easier.
Although my
meditation session felt like an epic fail, I know that anything worth doing well
requires patience and tenacity. If you’re starting something new, have
patience, stick with it; the results will be worth it.
What is
something new that you have done lately?
"Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is." - Country Living Magazine
"Where flowers bloom, so does hope." - Lady Bird Johnson
Celebrate spring by absorbing your surroundings. Take a walk through a natural area, ride your bike along a trail, and stop to smell the flowers.
How will you celebrate spring?
What is your
passion and where does it take you? People around me know that I don’t leave
home without a notebook and an ink pen. If you’re a passenger in my car, you
may be asked to jot down a thought for me…can’t let those nuggets of
inspiration disappear. Writing is my passion, it follows me.
Over a
decade ago, I attended a birthday party for a friend’s aunt, at the aunt’s
home. As my sons and I pulled into the circular drive, I thought wow, this is
nice. As I stepped into the foyer and walked through to the living room, I
was captivated. There was a large open living room, with a Florida room
attached.
I looked up,
and in the corner of the room was a narrow winding staircase that led to a
small loft area. Like a kid in a candy store, I said, “Oooh, can I go up there?”
Once I was at the top of the staircase, I was drawn to a corner of the room
that held a four-shelf bookcase and a desk with a tall floor lamp beside it.
I yelled
down to the party host, “You don’t have to entertain me, I’ll stay up here and
write.”
Afraid that
I wouldn’t be invited back, I rejoined the celebration instead of giving in to
the urge to be anti-social by spending time with my muse.
As we got in
our car to leave, my son whispered to me, “Ma, are they rich?”
“I don’t
know, but I really liked their library area.”
My passion
for writing and writing spaces, seems to follow me wherever I go. A few years ago,
when I first visited the college campus that my son attends, I walked around in
awe. One particular building caught my attention. It was a huge, historic brick
building, surrounded by willow trees, and a couple of park benches along the
walkway.
Walking with
my son, I said, “ooooh…”
Before I
could complete my sentence he said, “Don’t tell me…this would make a good
writing spot.”
“Yes.”
“Ma, please
don’t randomly show up on campus. This is why I wanted to go to school out of
state.”
I did not
randomly show up at my son school, but I do follow my passion by taking advantage
of stolen moments to spend time writing.
I encourage
you too, to take advantage of stolen moments to pursue your passion. Your
passion may include exploring areas that spark your interest. The timing doesn’t
have to be perfect, you don’t have to make huge sacrifices, but do something
for you.
How will you
follow your passion?
Happy St. Patrick's Day. This is a day that celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish. However, many people in the United States love to celebrate as well. Here are 5 ways to celebrate:
1. Stir up a treat - have you ever made Green Vevet Cupcakes? Try this yummy recipe.
3. Watch s movie related to Ireland - here are two to check out - Leap Year, and Ella Enchanted.
Photo Credit:Amazon
If you attended a school where one of your school colors was Green, you are super cool today. Leave the name of your school in the comments for a chance to win a green prize. Follow me on Instagram (writermama223) or Twitter (@angelaverges) for an additional chance to win.
How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day?
Have you
cracked the code? No, I’m not speaking of the DaVinci Code, but what I’m
referring to does require consistency. The code I reference is – the secret to
happiness. Happiness is defined as the state of being happy; contentment,
pleasure, satisfaction, and cheerfulness are included in this definition.
Some people have
said that there are three types of happiness – pleasure, passion, and purpose. How would you complete the statement,
Happiness is…..
What does
your prescription for happiness look like? Here are 3 Tips.
1. Be true to yourself – indulge in
things that bring you joy.
2. Be spontaneous – we sometimes become
rigid and feel we must do things the way we’ve always done them. If only occasionally,
break from your routine.
3. Be happy anyway – Psychology Today
says, “when you’re kind, people might be thankless. Forgive them and be kind
anyway.” I’d add to this happiness quotient - have an attitude of gratitude for
what you have right now.
For a prescription to be effective it must be taken regularly. Take your happiness tips, grind them up, digest them daily, and be consistent. If your prescription begins to run low, submit it for a refill.
Your refill prescription can be in the form of doing things that include the word happy.”
1. Watch the movie Happy Gilmore
(starring Adam Sandler).
2. Listen to the song Don’t Worry Be
Happy (Pharrell Williams).
3. Read a book with the word happy
in the title. I have a forthcoming Book – Laughter H.E.L.P.S. – A Happier,
Healthier, You. In the meantime, choose a self-help book, a work of fiction, or
something else, and hop on the road to happiness.
What would you include in a prescription for happiness?
Are you a
bibliophile? Do you have a love for reading? March is Reading Month, and a
great time to surround yourself with books, and add to your “To Be Read” list.
How will you celebrate?
5 Ways to celebrate
National Reading Month:
1. Attend a virtual book festival – this
is a good way to discover new authors. Some of them are also interactive, with
polls to answer, a spinning wheel with prizes, and author readings.
2. D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) –
in the olden days (a couple of decades ago) when I was a substitute
teacher; there was a day dedicated to D.E.A.R. in the elementary schools. Who’s
to say we can’t do this as an adult? Choose a day this week and drop everything
and read. Tell your family you’re going “relaxing” even if it’s for a short
while.
3. Swap a book with a friend – do you
have a book that you really enjoyed, and you’re willing to part with it (temporarily).
4. Give a book to a child – spread the
joy of reading.
5. Rearrange your bookshelf and donate
some of your books – decide which books you no longer need and you’re willing
to part with.
Here are a
few book quotes to get you in the mood for reading:
1. “If you want t hear a sound of
happiness, turn the page of a book.”
2. “Make books a part of your day, and
they will make happiness a part of your life.”
3. “Life is lighter with a heavy
bookshelf.”
WWhat book or books are you currently reading? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a book from my bookshelf. Add a picture of the book for two chances to win (books will be shipped within the United States).
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/GMA3/video/history-womens-history-month-76184507
International
Women’s Day, celebrated March 8th is a focal point in the movement
for women’s rights. This is a great time to celebrate women’s achievements and
applaud equality. Can you think of a woman who has excelled in business, as an
athlete, in creative areas, or some other area? Give her a shout-out, kudos, a
word of support.
As a way to
celebrate International Women’s Day show your support for three women you know.
Here’s how:
1. If you know an author – purchase her
book for yourself or for a friend, write a review, post on social media about
the book.
2. Support a woman small business owner
– share something you like about the business or the person, on social media.
3. Attend a virtual event of someone you
know.
Begin local, then expand your reach. Each of us may know a woman in our circle of friends and associates who is doing something worth sharing with others. Encourage her. Here is a list of 5 women I would like to highlight. There are many more, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll mention 5 today.
1. Sylvia Hubbard-Hutula – Founder of
Motown Writer’s & Michigan Literary
Network
2. LeighAnn Lord – Comedian, Author, and
Podcaster.
3. Rennette Gordon – Activate Your Great & Business Radio
4. Susan Sparks – Preacher, Comedian,
Autor, Nationally Syndicated Columnist
5. Adriene Hagood – A-Train’s Superfit –
owner and fitness coach
Your voice
matters. Celebrate International Women’s Day and celebrate your
accomplishments.
Have you
been sitting in front of a screen a lot lately? You’re so popular that everyone
wants you to attend their virtual event. You have been sitting long enough, it’s
time to get up and get moving. Don’t let the pandemic push you into a corner of
seclusion.
One sunny
day in the middle of winter, and in the middle of a pandemic, it was my
birthday. I didn’t have any travel plans, I didn’t want to sit in a restaurant,
so I did what I do best, created my own fun. Like songstress Patti LaBelle
sang, I got a New Attitude – from my head to my shoes.
My new attitude
consisted of a new dress, new hairstyle, and new magnetic eyelashes (that I
didn’t know how to use). I told my son, “Grab that camera of yours, we’re going
on a photo shoot.”
It was fun
playing dress-up to go nowhere, except to an area near our house and take
photos. Like any budding photographer, my son said, “Come over here, this would
make a nice shot.” Somehow we ended up in the middle of the street taking
photos (do this at your own risk, be careful).
After a few
minutes, my other son arrived on the scene with music playing from his phone.
Have you ever heard a song come on the radio, or through a loudspeaker, and you
immediately begin to bob your head? Your shoulders join the movement, your arms
begin to sway, within seconds you’re dancing like you’re on a dance show.
It happened
to me, in the middle of a quiet street as my son blasted the song Brick
House by The Commodores. Music is my happy place; I began Dancing in the
streets (another song). My son the influencer began chanting, “Go mama, go
mama.” So, I kept going, dancing, and he joined in.
Little
things can brighten your day. Dancing in the streets may not be your idea of
fun. Punch up your music and dance on the porch or boogie in your backyard.
Create a happy place.
During this
pandemic and going forward, find your happy place and go there often. When you
have time check out the songs I’ve listed and get your body moving.
Did you know
that laughter improves your mood, and reduces the stress response? This is one
of the many reasons why I recommend a dose of laughter every day. Include
laughter as part of your self-care.
Speaking of
self-care…I promised to reveal the cover of my forthcoming eBook:
Laughter
H.E.L.P.S. - A Happier, Healthier, You
Without
further ado…here it..is…
A tower with
a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators –
that is the definition of a lighthouse. There was no lighthouse in sight on the
steamy August night with the sky blanketed in darkness. No streetlights, no
porch lights, only people walking with the flashlight from their phones to
guide them. There was a blackout.
The week was
going well in the gated community where no cars were allowed. It was my first
time at the week-long writer’s workshop ten years ago. I met people that I now
call friends. Our living quarters were historic homes that reminded me of a bed
and breakfast. Some houses had wraparound porches, a picket fence, and a quaint
living room.
It was past
dinnertime when I settled in to read over my workshop notes. The bedside lamp
silently went dark. I peeked out of my third-floor window; everything was pitch
black. I stepped into the narrow hallway as the two other occupants of my floor
did the same. We chatted a moment.
“There’s a power
outage. I received a text saying there is electricity at a couple of buildings
near the front of the community,” One woman shared.”
“Thanks, I
may head that way.”
I grabbed my
phone and a pillow and began my half mile journey toward the front of the
quaint village. I’d never been in a blackout before; I took tentative, slow
steps because I couldn’t see anything that was more than two feet in front of
me. A lighthouse was needed to guide me in the right directions.
After
walking a few blocks, I hear a voice near me, “It’s really dark out here, are
you headed to the annex building?”
“Yes, let’s
walk together.”
That was the
day I met Mary Louise. We chatted about how much we were learning at the workshop.
We learned about things we have in common, such as being directionally
challenged.
“Do you
think we can find our way out of the darkness and into the light?” We laughed, took
baby steps, and followed others walking toward the well-lit, airconditioned building.
We found encouragement in each other’s company. Throughout the rest of the workshop,
we were like a child with a new best friend.
“Let’s sit together
during lunch tomorrow,” Mary Louise said.
We shared
mealtimes, met up after class sessions, and learned our way around the
community (by the end of the week). I knew I had to pass the big yellow house
with the lace curtains in the window, to get to my living quarters.
Mary Louise
and I encouraged each other during the week, and we’ve kept in contact over the
past ten years. She is now a published author. Her children’s book is TheWind Called My Name, by Mary Louise Sanchez.
Be a
lighthouse of encouragement to someone. Let your powerful light shine wherever
you go. You may be the inspiration someone needs at that moment.
