Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

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May 25, 2011 9 Comments

Curiosity Journal: May 25, 2011

I’m recording an occasional Curiosity Journal. Tag words are: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.

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Some of you have mentioned that you may begin posting a Curiosity Journal, as well. Be sure to let me know if you do.Reading: Now that I finally finished reading and grading seven reflective essays that introduced seven student portfolios, I look forward to finishing Sophie’s World and diving into summer reading. For the moment, however, I’m letting my eyeballs rest.  Playing: I’m playing around with where I might move my desk to create a better writing space. Right now I’m thinking of commandeering the dining room.  Learning: I bought Enchantment, by Guy Kawasaki, to join the TheHighCalling.org book club, which posts on Mondays. The chapters are packed with summaries and lists, and sometimes a single comment will spark a memory or story from my own life.In Chapter 5, “How to Launch,” the sole spark that ignited interest for me was Guy’s reference to the 2010 TED talk by Derek Sivers that included this three-minute video about the importance of the first follower:In the commentary Sivers points out that the first follower transforms the lone nut into a leader—there’s no movement without the first follower. So, he urges, courageously follow and show others how to follow.Revisiting Sivers’ voice-over analysis (I viewed it when it first came out in 2010), I thought of my kids’ personalities. They aren’t the type to stand out in a crowd; they’d rather serve behind the scenes, supporting others. They are not bold and brazen enough to be a lone nut; but they might be a strong follower who brings others alongside a worthy cause.Side note: As amusing and thought-provoking as this video presentation is, the same crazy outdoor concert footage could just as easily illustrate the dangerous side of following a lone nut without thinking it through.Reacting: I was raised in the Midwest where we endured regularly scheduled tornado drills each spring. Hearts pounding, we school kids scuttled to the bathroom where we were to sit in a line with our backs against the cool tile wall, heads between our knees, tiny arms wrapped around the backs of our necks to provide flimsy protection against tornadic power that could flip cars and strip trees of bark.I began to dream of tornadoes. Sometimes they were small swirls no more intimidating than the swirl of bathtub water slipping down the drain. Other times I dreamed of monster storms consuming our farm fields—nightmares in which I’d frantically race to a basement or shelter, often in slow motion, waking before I knew if I made it to safety.I haven’t had a dream like that since I was about ten years old.But this week, when I flipped on the TV and saw footage of the storm that blew apart Joplin, I thought back to those childhood nightmares.And two nights ago, after thirty-some-odd years, I dreamed that a tornado was bearing down on us. I woke up in a sweat, heart racing.Is it any wonder, though? As I write this, a tornado warning is in effect for our county; and as I glance out the window, dark clouds fill the western sky.Writing: As I mentioned in an earlier post, today I published a short piece with TheHighCalling.org, a website that invites conversation about the intersection of work and faith in our everyday lives. Hop over to hear about the day my first published book was delivered to my doorstep.….continued at TheHighCalling.org. TheHighCalling.org Christian Blog NetworkThere you have it: A Curiosity Journal that reveals what I’m reading, playing, learning, reacting to and writing.

Filed Under: creativity, life, writing Tagged With: Curiosity Journal

Comments

  1. Sheila Lagrand says

    May 25, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    You have such interesting weeks, Ann! I’m so glad you share them.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      May 25, 2011 at 8:48 pm

      I’m so glad other people find them reasonably interesting! The week didn’t feel all that interesting–what is significant for me is that this week marks the end of my teaching for the year. I didn’t make that clear in this post, but it’s the wonderful celebration–freedom!

      Reply
  2. laura says

    May 25, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    I was thinking the same thing. About the dangers of following a lone nut. I love these curiosity journal entries, Ann.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      May 25, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      It’s always such a treat to read your responses–you’re a curious girl yourself!

      Reply
  3. Simply Darlene says

    May 25, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Ah-ha & Yeehaw! I am simply a lone nut. I reckon my identity crisis is over.

    side note: Nary will you find me gyrating like that shirtless fellow though; 2-stepping or western swinging perhaps, but not wigglin’ like the gigglin’ caught fire in my pants 😉

    I have yet to read your piece at THC, but will do it it soon.

    Blessings.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      May 25, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      I probably should have warned viewers that it was a bit distasteful…

      Reply
      • annkroeker says

        May 25, 2011 at 9:17 pm

        But I’ll bet your 2-stepping is pretty cool!

        Reply
  4. Susan DiMickele says

    May 26, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Ah, yes, the midwest tornado drills. Been there. Done (doing!) that. My kids are really freaked out these days, and just last night my 5-year-old was asking if a tornado is going to blow our house over.

    Headed over to THC!

    Reply
  5. walk in baths says

    May 27, 2011 at 6:04 am

    Cheers for the info. I have been searching round for specialist walk in showers and baths and I happened upon this blog.

    Reply

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