Last night we saw fireflies in the corner lot where the grass grows tall.
We stopped so we could watch for a bit. Again and again, we pointed and said, "There's one. Over there." And, "Wow!" Now I want to go back and see them again.
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At the end of the block on the corner there's a garden planted on the edge of the road. It's tucked between the street and a stockade fence. It's so small, and jammed into such a small space, it seems more than a garden. It's a declaration. A fertile sign of determination and grit.
Someone wanted a garden and they were not to be deterred. They wanted to grow peas, and tomatoes, and peppers. We know that's what's growing because they impaled the empty seed packets on sticks to mark what was in the ground. And we've watch them grow for weeks now. There's a tradition in New England ... peas and salmon on the Fourth of July. Why? The salmon swim upstream this time of year, just when the peas begin to sprout. I'm not sure the neighbors will pair salmon with their peas, but the garden's bounty is proof there's plenty to be savored when the seed of determination is planted. This month there will be no excuses.
It's Anti-boredom Month and we've got adventures to find and things to do. Are you a chess player, a model boat builder, Scrabble star, space explorer? Yes? Good for you. I'm not, but by the end of the month, they may be hobbies I can call my own. It can be scary to start something new, but really, doing little more than binge watching your favorite streaming service or scrolling through your phone for hours gets boring. And boring is, well boring. And a bit depressing. So how can we approach Anti-boredom Month? Nothing beats boredom like doing something. And, as I've learned over and over again, it's taking action that makes all the difference. Yes, it's hard to get started. And yes, it takes effort, even a bit of gumption. That can of gumption up above was inspired by Popeye. Open a can of spinach, gobble it up, and find renewed courage and strength. Was it really the spinach that gave him strength? I'm not so sure. Have you tasted canned spinach? I think it's something else. I think it's more about stepping up, gathering gumption, and giving it a go. Saying, "OK, I'll try." Or, "Hey, it's my turn." So this month, I'm going to try new things. And, because it's also Baked Bean Month and I'm inspired by canned goodness, I'm going to try something out of the can. I'm going to make baked beans from scratch. I’m looking for a recipe. If you’ve got one, would you be willing to share it? Or, if you’re like me and have never made your own baked beans, let's try it together. Here are more things happening in July. I'll post what I'm doing, and would love to hear what you're up to, too. International Zine Month A whole book from one sheet of paper. National Anti-Boredom Month We’ve got that covered. Etch-a-Sketch Day It’s knob easy. National Baked Bean Month Cook ‘em low and slow. Ice Cream Month Are they sprinkles or jimmies? National Picnic Month Take it out to the park. Watermelon Month A wedge will do. International Cherry Pit Spitting Day Watch where it lands. Chocolate Day How many ways are there to make this happen? Embrace Your Geekness Day Finally! Space Exploration Day What’s a light year? Paperback Book Day A real page turner. National Avocado Day Got pudding? Check in throughout the month to see what we find. And if you’ve got ideas, share them with us. After all, it’s Anti-boredom Month and you've got a can of gumption waiting to be opened. |
Exploring the art of short story memoir
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