How a simple idea grew in something (almost) too much to handle .. and why I didn't give up When I started my Solitaire project, the idea was to create a simple book from a poem I wrote. What I ended up with was far more complicated ... When I decided to use the poem to create a small book, it was an exercise in bookmaking. A one-off experiment. Once I decided to make the book, I thought it might be nice to make a box to hold it. And then ... if there's a box, why not include a deck of cards. This is about a card game after all. And then ... what if someone opens the box, reads the story and wants to play a game of Solitaire but doesn't know how? I must include instructions. But I can't just copy the instructions, that would be plagiarism. I'd have to write them in my own words. And then ... written instructions are good, but a diagram would be helpful. It seemed with each problem solved, I created more work for myself. What have I gotten myself into? It was a lot. But there was still one unanswered question. What about illustrations? There are minimal pages in the book ... illustrations would add bulk and make it more visually interesting. But this time, my go-to art of collage didn't seem like the best option. Some recent explorations in doodling provided the answer. Simple black and white drawings of the playing card symbols: ace, club, diamond, heart. Why I didn't give up ... It's simple, really. I've got too many unfinished projects on hand already. I wanted to finish this one. How I did it ... When I became frustrated with one bit, I turned to another. Building the clamshell box was the most difficult element. When I got frustrated with the box, I moved to work on the book. When the book hit a standstill. I switched to writing and illustrating the instructions. Serendipity in the form of a deadline ... Each week I create the Story Starters calendar and looking ahead in February, I spotted Play More Cards Day ... on the 26th. It was weeks out and I decided it offered the incentive and deadline needed to get the job done. I almost gave up ... There was so much about this project that was new to me, that fought me, that made me doubt myself, made me ask, Why bother? So why did I finish it? Well, I shared it with you early on and wanted to be able to say I did it. Finished the job. And, it was important to me. Like I mentioned earlier, I have lots of half-finished and half-baked ideas sitting idle. Some I want to finish, others I know I'll never go back to. This one holds special meaning. It wasn't easy, but it's done ... and yes, it was close ... I finished it late in the afternoon on the 26th. Will I make another? Hmmm, not so sure. Is it perfect? Far from it. But wow, doesn't it feel good open the box and see what's inside. Is there a project you've started but haven't finished? Is it time to give it up ... or finish it?
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I'm starting in on my next book: Birds & Birding.
As I decide what to cover in the book, it occurred to me a mind map would be a good idea. I'd love to know what you'd like to see in a book about birds and birding. Send an email, or post a comment and let me know. And what about you? Do you create bird art, go birding, or have some other bird related activity you might share? I'd love to hear about it. Give them something to hold on to
It's hard being apart from the people you love and like best. Texts, phone calls, and social media are great, but sometimes it's just not enough. What can you do? Write a letter. Yes, an old-fashioned pen on paper letter. And mail it. Write to a friend or family member. Tell them you're thinking about them. Write about what's happening in the neighborhood, that disaster of a recipe you cooked last night. Or the yummy cookies you baked today. No, it won't replace a hug or having a conversation across the kitchen table, but it will give them something to hold onto. And people love getting mail. They really do. Embarrassed by your handwriting? A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice will help. Was you school one of the schools that dropped cursive writing from the curriculum? Has it been a while since you've handwritten ... well, anything? A Snail Mail Guide to Cursive Writing Practice has instructions for writing each letter of the alphabet, tips for improving your handwriting, and all you need to get started writing letters: - ideas for who to write to and what to write about - how to address an envelope - where to the stamp - how to set up your letter For the love of books There is a brick and mortar library in the neighborhood, but still, just five blocks away, there is a Little Free Library, a “take a book, return a book” exchange. As part of our stay-at-home routine we walk around the neighborhood and every day we pass the Little Free Library box. Two weeks ago we put three books in the box and watched and waited to see how long they'd last. The day after we put them in the box, one of them was gone. But then it took over a week for the second, and today, two weeks later, the third book was gone. People love to read Started in 2009 by Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, the Little Free Library network has spread. In 2020, there are "100,000 registered libraries in more than 100 countries worldwide." People like to read. Though book exchanges are not a new idea, the Little Free Library keeps a registry of each through a community website. Build your own The project has inspired readers and carpenters alike. If you're interested in having a book sharing box in your neighborhood, the Little Free Library site has plans and tips for building and installing your library. Not sure? There is a delightful gallery of images on their Instagram site. Wondering if there's a book box in your neighborhood? The Little Free Library website includes a map page where you can look up your location. That’s where I discovered there are three within just a couple of miles of where I live. Maybe there's one in your neighborhood? Today is World Book Day.
I thought of the library yesterday and realized, I miss the library. Going to the library is my hobby, my passion, my pastime. It's where I go when I need information or am looking for a particular book. It's where I go when I'm restless. Where I go to check out of this world and into another. It doesn't cost anything, nobody expects anything from me while I'm at the library, I get to pick and choose what I like, and I leave with stacks of books that make me feel as though I'm holding all I'll ever need. I'm hopeful the library will do curb-side pickup or find some way we can get books again. I miss the library. Today is Thesaurus Day Finding the right words to express yourself can sometimes be challenging and a thesaurus can help you uncover the emotion, thought, or mood you're after. For Peter Roget, words were an obsession (a passion, a hobby, a lifelong pursuit). Starting when he was a young boy, Roget was so intrigued by words, he started making lists. List after list after list. Of words. A series of lists that would eventually become a book. First published in 1852, Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words And Phrases, remains a popular reference tool. Today, over 150 years later, updated versions of Roget’s thesaurus continue to be sold. On my bookshelf you’ll find a well-worn copy of Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus and another book, The Right Word, Roget and His Thesaurus, written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Though the book is written for children, Sweet’s illustrations take readers of all ages on a journey of discovery. The book is a celebration of words, ideas, and knowledge. If you love words, this book is a feast ... a banquet. Today is Thesaurus Day and I hope that you, like Roget, will pursue whatever amusement, curiosity, or activity you find most rewarding. |
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