Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

Your Personal Memorial Day…

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George Prescott in Army uniformMemorial Day is the day we remember and honor all the men and women who died serving our country.

Growing up I heard it referred to as “Decoration Day” because that was the day we visited the cemetery with flowers and flags for the graves of our loved ones. Daddy, (George Prescott pictured above) and his Army buddies marched in formation and fired off a 21-gun salute. The high school bugler performed a hesitant and solitary solo positioned behind a distant headstone.

We remembered everyone who had fought for us…loved us…wanted the best for us…our family and friends who were our angels…whether it was with a potted plant from the Schmitz Nursery, with a bunch of lilacs from the bushes in the front yard, or dandelions picked from the side of the road.

Today, I’m suggesting that you choose a significant event in your life, a turning point, to remember as your Personal Memorial Day. Wander down memory lane for a half hour or an hour if you can. Be sure to have your journal handy to capture what comes up as you travel that road back to the old you… someone you used to be.

 

s.p.u.n.k with Writer Unleashed

 

 Mary at 21
  • What does she know now that she didn’t know then?
  • What is the decision she made at that turning point that has impacted the woman she is today?
  • Where is that woman headed now? How has she influenced others by the decision she made on her Personal Memorial Day?   

Don’t be surprised if you have more than one Personal Memorial Day. I have several…the two times I received form letters about abnormal mammograms, moving across country twice because of my husband’s employers suddenly closing their doors, the loss of my father and then my brother. But I also have had amazingly wonderful Personal Memorial Days…our wonderful daughter, meeting many fabulous friends and stepping into leadership as a writer, as a speaker and as a coach helping other women Live a Life Unleashed.

Hop over to my Facebook page and share with me all the details of your Personal Memorial Day. I’m waiting to hear…

 

 

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] I’m starting today…

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I’m starting today…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – I’m starting today... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit:  SherieCohenPhotography

Choose something greater

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Did you watch the royal wedding recently? We witnessed history in the making on a grand scale. I’d like to take a minute to remind you that you are a history maker too.

Yes, you! You make history every time you consciously choose to follow your dreams. Not to make the safe choice. The choice to create a new normal for yourself.

I’ll admit I have been fascinated by all the pomp and ceremony of royal weddings for a long time as illustrated by the picture accompanying this blog.

And it illustrates what I’ve shared with you before: your personal story is connected with the universal story.

Once upon a time while I was pursuing my dream of a college degree, I had the opportunity to study in London for a quarter. The program was sponsored by the University of Minnesota. I would receive college credit, lodging was all set up, as well as all the curriculum. Excursions to plays were not only included, attendance was required. And we took our own professor along! It was a glorious experience.

I was working part-time for my tuition as a secretary and had no savings to finance the expense. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Most of my family thought I was crazy for quitting a perfectly good job to go to school full time in the first place. Now I wanted to go abroad to study for three months. More crazy behavior and positively not normal by their standards.

What did I do? I did what any other college freshman would do. I got a student loan and had the time of my life!

I was in London Spring of ’81 when Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were preparing for their nuptials. The blue mug was among my souvenirs from my college adventure.

Three decades later, a dear friend, and one of my classmates on that life-changing trip, and I made an anniversary trip back to London. Preparations were in full swing for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. We celebrated another royal wedding, our friendship and created new memories. 

This year, it only seemed fitting that I added to my collection when the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markel was in the making. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to purchase my new porcelain treasure in person, the internet proved a valuable tool in assisting me to hop over the pond. 

I tell this story to underscore how you can choose something greater for yourself. Going to study in London is what I choose as part of my story which became my thread to the universal story. Share what you are passionate about and the people who share that passion will lean in to learn more about you and your business.

Hop over to my Facebook page to let me know how you have chosen something greater and followed your dreams. I’d love to hear!

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] I’m writing to tell you…

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I’m writing to tell you…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – I’m writing to tell you... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit:  SherieCohenPhotography

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Mothering memories…

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Mothering memories…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Mothering memories... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit:  SherieCohenPhotography