Comments for Pen-y Thoughts

Comment on Something to chew on by Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:45:44 +0000

OK. Here’s what I’ve resolved to understand from this — We all get too hung up on “writing a book” or “being a writer” or a musician, or a painter/sculptor/[insert your art of choice here]. We neglect to understand that it is not the art itself that we are desiring, or the title, but the process. I WANT to write — not “I want to write a book”. You WANT to sing/paint/draw, not “I want to sell my CDs/art.” Because, in the end, it is the process that will bring us happiness. It is the thinking and creating that will fulfill us. If we focus ont he end, rather than the means, we will become a machine — cold/heartless/detached from our emotions/ourselves/our roots. This, is what I’ve deduced…and you?

Comment on Facing Gremlins by Joanna Young

Joanna Young — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:37:24 +0000

I know what you mean about hearing or reading things when the time is right – it happens to me all the time when I’m reading blogs – and that’s why I love blogging so much.

Comment on Something to chew on by Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:07:59 +0000

I think the part I’m working on in my mind is the third sentence. Then, once I think I get that, I’m not sure the rest of it fits anymore in my mind…I’m looking for help on this one. What are your thoughts? Articulate your thinking for me…

Comment on A Favorite Place by Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:39:05 +0000

@nashworld thanks for sharing. you rock.

Comment on A Favorite Place by nashworld

nashworld — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:13:42 +0000

Something about this little adoration of nature piece reminded me of this image-thingy(?) I created several years ago: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2882699424_a8901a3e22_o.jpg

My yearly field study trips to the white sands of Andros Island in the Bahamas are a huge solace in my life during a time when school is really wearing me down. Again this April I will return to the reefs there with students… and disappear for eight days. There I reconnect with the planet I live on… and the one that lives within me.

Comment on Why write? by Cheryl

Cheryl — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:02:26 +0000

I’m so enjoying your writing. I absolutely *love* Writing Down the Bones. I was introduced to it my freshman year of college and find myself frequently returning to it for writing inspiration. You are so brave to publish your writing like this. When I taught, I shared my freewriting with my students since they were expected to share theirs with me, but I’m not sure I would ever be brave enough to share it with the blogosphere. This is a very cool idea you have going here. Thanks for sharing it!

Comment on Free Write by Christine

Christine — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:35:08 +0000

I would suspect that it is a hug from one of your children. This may be my own background coming into play. I know this is how I feel when I pick my daughter from school. She rejuvenates the weary. It is not that I don’t enjoy what I do but all moms can relate to the joy their own child brings to them. I know it warms me to hear her yell “Mommy” when she is playing outside at school. I love to see her run to me and give me a great big hug. The knowledge of that little life looking up to me makes my heart swell.

Comment on I am alive.: Part 2 by Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:13:10 +0000

Thanks, Sean. You pretty much rock, yourself. You’ve got my vote for coolest HS science teacher yet.

Comment on I am alive.: Part 2 by nashworld

nashworld — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:40:51 +0000

Ok, so… yeah.

I’m afraid you’ve re-awakened a beast. I like very much. Of course I have tagged this one to come back to more when I am not to totally overwhelmed.

Wow. Even this little exercise here was… good.

The final part was- yeah, I’m not sure I could do that. That was brave and compelling. Wow.

You are quite talented. I could tell that from within the humor and lightheartedness of the Mommy blog, but I have a feeling that this place will prove that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

Proud to be your “Cyber Cuz.”
Your family is lucky to have such a passionate wife and mom.
(Where do you find the time to juggle three blogs??!?)

Sean

Comment on I am alive. by Christine

Christine — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:00:03 +0000

I don’t think you are toning your craft at school for the student’s sake. I think it is simply more to do with the setting and your comfort level as well as energy level. At school, you are in a professional setting where standards are higher. Subconsciously, you know expectations of writing are more rigorous for school so your writing changes accordingly. At home, you are in your comfort zone. There are also more pressing distractions at home than there are at school. Husband and kids demand more attention at home and being a good mom, you will do anything to meet their needs. So, articles and complete sentences suffer. Those are just my own random thoughts on it.

As for the multiple blogs, I can completely relate to that. I have one blog with more of my teacher related thoughts. I have another blog with my own personal thoughts and inklings that really have nothing to do with teaching. You create your blogs based on the audience. You may want one blog to be read by teachers and other to be read just moms and so on.