Last week, my undergraduate creative writing class discussed Gabriel García Márquez’s "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings.” We explored the basics: character, conflict, the over-trod three-act plot structure (exposition-crisis-resolution).
"Writing is about getting into the habit of noticing, I think I said. Recording. And remembering." Perfect. A worthy reminder for my journaling practice. Thank you.
My journaling practice is very much an analog lifestyle practice; fountain pens, multiple high quality notebooks for different perspectives...daily log, reflection, learning.
Before our dear dog Barley moved to a higher plane, he and I walked every day in the wooded semi-wild park on the hill a couple of blocks from our house. It was not exclusively for dogs; there were walkers, young mothers with platoons of baby carriages and often a spandexed peleton. Over the years, I found toques, gloves (nearly always singletons) and scarves and also baby booties and mitts. Barley focussed on lost balls and toys thrown from the prams. The dog-walking community took care of lost wallets and other readily identifiable flotsam, usually returning it successfully to its owners.
The clothing was taken home, washed and sent to Goodwill; Barley took no interest in the balls and dog toys he found, only the finding mattered. Even now, some are still around the house, recalling those days on the hill and remarkable, if for nothing else, as markers of our days.
This is beautiful, Judy! So good to see your name here. I love your line: “only the finding mattered.” The dog-walking community is a strong one in Brooklyn, though I observe it only from the outside.
"Writing is about getting into the habit of noticing, I think I said. Recording. And remembering." Perfect. A worthy reminder for my journaling practice. Thank you.
Ed, I’m also a dedicated journal writer. I use the Day One app and also write on 750words. For me, journaling is a bit of a lifestyle.
My journaling practice is very much an analog lifestyle practice; fountain pens, multiple high quality notebooks for different perspectives...daily log, reflection, learning.
Thanks for reading, Ed!
Before our dear dog Barley moved to a higher plane, he and I walked every day in the wooded semi-wild park on the hill a couple of blocks from our house. It was not exclusively for dogs; there were walkers, young mothers with platoons of baby carriages and often a spandexed peleton. Over the years, I found toques, gloves (nearly always singletons) and scarves and also baby booties and mitts. Barley focussed on lost balls and toys thrown from the prams. The dog-walking community took care of lost wallets and other readily identifiable flotsam, usually returning it successfully to its owners.
The clothing was taken home, washed and sent to Goodwill; Barley took no interest in the balls and dog toys he found, only the finding mattered. Even now, some are still around the house, recalling those days on the hill and remarkable, if for nothing else, as markers of our days.
This is beautiful, Judy! So good to see your name here. I love your line: “only the finding mattered.” The dog-walking community is a strong one in Brooklyn, though I observe it only from the outside.
Sounds like a good class! I like your close reading. Your students are lucky to have you, Jennifer!