Fifteen Minutes...

With all the talk of needing to find the time to write, I find myself a hypocrite. For the last year, every class that comes my way there is a moment in the quarter when these words are uttered from my mouth:
  
“You just have to do, it. Write. Find the time to write. Even if it’s only fifteen minutes a day.”

And then what do I do. I spend the week, bouncing from one job to the next, free time is spent developing lesson plans, searching for full time work, or cooking a rare dinner in the hopes I have enough calories in my system to not fall over while teaching.

What isn’t found in my routine; what I preach every quarter.

Make the time to write.

I’m tired of it. Being a hypocrite is not what I want to be. I want to be that instructor whose students look to and say, “Well, damn… If she can do it, so can I.”

So I have fifteen minutes to write before the thirty-five minute drive to teach class. And in this rare fifteen minutes, I have found time to write. I have also decided I must write at least fifteen minutes a day. I must find the time as I tell my students they must. And so begins a new journey for this blog, journal, thingumabob, or whatever you want to call the random postings I’ve been placing haphazardly on-line the last few years.

It’s time to write every day, all the time, maybe even for contests. I don’t care if what I write is drivel to most, what I want (what I think all writers want) is that rare moment when a sentence works; a moment when it all comes together, even if it’s just one paragraph out of many. I promise to you I will write, and when I say “to you,” I mean me. Who knows where the words will take us. No matter where, it will sure be better than sitting in an office chair crunching numbers. It will be better than the re-run of Criminal Minds you have seen for the hundredth time (no offense to the T.V. show, as you can see I was willing to watch your show repeatedly). Not anymore though.

In fifteen minutes, I could walk on sandy beaches while having my cat cuddle with me in my chair as I type. In fifteen minutes, I could be inventing a machine that doesn’t exist and flying across galaxies. In fifteen minutes, I might be in a fantasy kingdom with strong and vivacious princesses and cunning masculine knights (did you notice how I threw a bit of romance in there). With fifteen minutes, I could change my life.

I have fifteen minutes, do you want to listen.

Dear Santa,

Originally, the plan was to write to you last night, but after two glasses of champagne along with two glasses of Malbec wine... well lets just say it would have been an interesting letter. Besides I thought you might appreciate a letter after peak hours.

It's Christmas Day! And oh what a delight it was to wake up in a new state, my parents new house, and still feel as though I was home. It is the best gift you have ever sent me Santa.

Hopefully, you and the reindeer are finally resting. Instead of sugar plums dancing, may your time of relaxation fill your mind with all the smiles you have placed on those who believe.  This year I didn't request anything from you. Your gift to me has always been the continued ability to believe (Mom is still waiting for deer to appear in the yard though, so if in your sleep you could nudge a few this direction, that would be great).

I write you today to say thanks. Thanks from all the people like me, who are kids at Heart and will never stop believing. Thanks for the Hope you spark each and every year. Thanks for the Gift to explore the impossible in a fantastic and magical way. Thanks for all the Inspiration in wanting to help in the largest day of giving there is. Thanks for the enveloping HO-Ho-HO's  that make us respond with our own giant Laughter. Thanks for the nudge to Play as if we will always be young. Thanks for being you Santa. You truly are a wonder!

Wishing you the Merriest (and dream filled) Christmas there ever was!,

D.dot

Keys Resound...

In passing, I saw Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach all trying their hand, but they were in far off lands in times long past. Now it's the street players, the eager experimenters - the shy traveler - or the energetic child that touch these keys. Keys humming - humming in my mind, anticipating hands to play upon white and black. Stationary and refined with wood structure - wheels to guide music across streets. Waiting.

The days of classical teaching forgotten - the school room abandoned - each note resonating in mind. An instrument left to be touched; to be played if even one person would strike a note. Sitting on angled cement made the sound more prominent - prominent and silent.

They pass without playing. Yet every now and then there is a Master - the master of sound and rhythm who takes a chance to sit at my bench and perform. Perform for the world around them - for anyone willing to listen - for no one to listen and merely for the pleasure of creating sound. Hand to keys and the chords touch hammer to string echoing a resounding voice through buildings and trees - businessmen walking to lunch, homeless panhandling on the streets - the Master plays to change the view of the day. Moving in routine - a new sight seen. Music fills the streets and a painting consumes their ears.

Each key is waiting. Waiting for a hand to push the ivory white bones to life. Two hands to play the soft keys and breath. But for now the keys are humming - humming with anticipation. Waiting for the next adventurer to take the challenge and play.

Find the Instagram photo that inspired this short bit of writing by following @chadosaurus (click on name to see photo).

How do you play?

Recently, I've been asked quite a bit, "What do you do for fun?"

The true response would be, "I play with words." But I don't think most people would understand this. It's more than reading a good book at the coffee shop in the sun. It's more than sitting at home with either pen and paper or computer for my writing.

I play with words daily through my conversations with people. Twisting and turning word definitions, the context of a conversation, and placing cultural signifiers into a game of:
"Did You REALLY Just Say THAT!"

Let me give you an example from last night:

Me: (Asking one of the various questions I have running through my head every second.)
Josh: (Answered without actually answering the question.)
Me: (Silent and contemplative.)

Josh: "I like it when you're QUIET."

Me: (Laughing hysterically.)

You had to be there.

But yeah, I play with words.