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Spring Cleaning, Writer’s Style

In a type of spring cleaning, writer’s style, I’ve freshened up a couple of pages on the website. My Home page is more direct and shorter (you’re welcome.) Same goes for the About Me page, which is also more personal. Previously the page was all about my writing career, leading me to ask, What, you have no you other than writing?...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: Goodbye

Today, with our contemplative writing prompts for Lent, we say goodbye. Goodbye to the old way of looking at the world. So long to believing in violent retribution. And, most immediately, goodbye to each other. Well, I’ll still be here, but no more contemplative writing prompts for Lent. Because we won’t be with each other tomorrow...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 39

When it goes dark, how do you hold onto hope? Today, with our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 39, we’re on Good Friday. On this day, Jesus lay in the tomb with everyone believing him dead. When we don’t know a favorable outcome is in the offing, how do we hope. Write into your source of hope? When the pain in your abdomen...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 36

On this Wednesday of Holy Week, we are about to begin an incredibly human time. Yes, events end with the astonishment that is God. But first we have disappointment, betrayal, bullying, calculation, and violence. The underside of humanity. That truth will inform our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 36, For our contemplative writing prompts...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 33

The world is about to change. Our Palm Sunday service tomorrow is the fulcrum. From joyful entry into Jerusalem…to “Crucify him!” Today for your Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 33, write for ten minutes on a happy memory from childhood. Put down your pen or take your fingers off the keyboard. Sit for one minute. Now write...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 32

Just a reminder about these Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 32. I’ve done my best to offer prompts to help us see anew. That includes re-seeing ourselves, the world around us, and the act of writing. You can read more about this practice at the School for Contemplative Living website. Seeing anew doesn’t require a big shift....

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A Failed Contemplative

I come to contemplative writing as a failed contemplative. Hell, according to my beloved friend Suzanne, I don’t even pronounce it correctly (she wanted “con-TEMP-la-tive,’ while, unless I’m referring to a person, I generally use “con-tem-PLAY-tive.”)  My failure at contemplation isn’t for want of trying. I’ve done meditation going all...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 24

I am offering y’all these Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 24 during the Lenten season. But my Lenten practice is doing one meditative thing a day. Sometimes it’s contemplative writing. Other times not. When I swim, meditation takes care of itself. Close against the wall, I hold my breath and sink. My body is enveloped in water....

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 23

Contemplation amid chaos. Or, contemplation when hosting Grandparent Camp for an endearing four-year-old. What does Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 23 have to say about that? Set yourself up where a whole lot is going on. Buses pooting black smoke. Children chattering down the sidewalk. Bicycle bells ringing. Make a list of what is happening...

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