Category Archives: My posts

Paradise (with the occasional snake)

Posted on June 16, 2014 by ginachoward

A slash of red is the only reminder that a family once lived on this strip of green. The house and the children that played tag in its backyard are long gone. The property has more value – at least … Continue reading →

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Patience

Posted on June 9, 2014 by ginachoward

As if writing weren’t difficult enough. Each time I copy or cut my prose, Word balks. Actually, it more than balks. It shuts down. If you’re a parent of a teen, you are probably familiar with this routine. A sulky/defiant/recalcitrant/stubborn … Continue reading →

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Worth of a word

Posted on June 2, 2014 by ginachoward

What is a word worth? As any teacher can tell you, the inflated essays of students stretching towards their word count are very, very, very (497, 498, 499) ineffective (500!). The Gettysburg Address came in at about 272 (depending on … Continue reading →

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On fire

Posted on May 26, 2014 by ginachoward

I faced the room of orange jumpsuits. We began where we had left off a week earlier, by composing a landay, the two-line poem of nine and 13 syllables favored by Afghan Pashtuns. Actually, three class members began where we … Continue reading →

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Call in the professionals

Posted on May 19, 2014 by ginachoward

I’ve been watching way too much HGTV. The pros come in and, despite unexpected construction challenges and indecisive homeowners, they completely renovate houses in a matter of months. They make perfection look easy. Inspired, I decided to tackle my bedroom … Continue reading →

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Escape in writing

Posted on May 5, 2014 by ginachoward

“Some of you are here because you want to become better writers,” I said, as eight pairs of eyes evaluated me. “Some are here because you just wanted something to do.” A few heads nodded. They were giving me the … Continue reading →

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Jettisoning the flotsam

Posted on April 28, 2014 by ginachoward

Over the years, I have accumulated a lot of treasures. Some might call it junk. Years ago, my visiting parents noted that my living area could use additional light and more places to sit. When they downsized, I inherited a … Continue reading →

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Blowing on the embers

Posted on April 21, 2014 by ginachoward

Writing was the perfect antidote to last week’s return to chilly bluster when the sun was a stranger but rain wasn’t. It gave me that emotional shot of sunny ‘70s that Mother Nature refused to offer. With each day at … Continue reading →

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Making the big league

Posted on April 14, 2014 by ginachoward

With the city skyline gleaming above them, the Charlotte Knights played the first game in their new stadium last Friday night in front of a sold-out crowd. It was an auspicious beginning. The Knights tied the game before losing the … Continue reading →

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Finding Paul’s voice

Posted on April 7, 2014 by ginachoward

I faithfully followed my time management plan last week, and I was clicking along: Paid work – check Volunteer commitments – check Daily exercise, chores, reading for pleasure and plenty of sleep – check, check, check and check. But I … Continue reading →

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