When I was looking through one of my writer's notebooks, I found one of my original lists I made when I was first introduced to the idea of writing about my life as a book with seven stories or seven chapters. I decided to pick one of my old titles to write a snapshot.
It had a perfect sitting branch; thick and low and strong enough for me and a friend. From that branch, I could see over the hedge that surrounded our backyard and into the alley behind. In the spring, it was a dome of pink. Very beautiful but full of bees. I liked the tree better in the summer. As I balanced on the sitting branch, feet dangling, I felt like I was under a big green umbrella. I often sang show tunes while I stood on the sitting branch. If someone walked down the alley, they could hear my rendition of Wouldn't It Be Loverly but they couldn't see me. At least that's what I thought.
I really like that idea of the writing prompt of seven chapters, and I think it is great that you went back to it for inspiration. I might steal your idea for the classroom.
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Kevin
I love the picture I painted in my mind of you singing under the umbrella of a tree. Your photo confirmed for me that I connected to your writing. You also reminded me of my childhood friend Sylvia. We spent hours putting on a circus in her driveway for all the car traffic passing by.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I was in a meeting when someone said "Did you hear Diana Martin has a blog? It's BEAUTIFUL!" I
ReplyDeleteMissing Diane stories and conversation I had to check it out, and it is indeed "BEAUTIFUL".
Diana you are an amazing story teller. I say story teller because you do an exquisite job painting such vivid pictures in your writing it's like you are right here talking to me.
Thank you for sharing your gift. An added bonus for me, you post early in the morning so I can make your blog part of my coffee routine! :)
This is an image that could produce so many stories!
ReplyDeleteYou have created a snapshot in my mind, the picture only reinforced it. I like the description of "a big green umbrella." A perfect metaphor, I may have to use that one in a lesson. Is'nt it funny how kids think no one sees them?
ReplyDeleteI like how you used your notebook to find something to write about. I liked your detailed descriptions like being under a green umbrella. I could imagine it in my head! I'm wishing for some warmer spring weather right now!
ReplyDeleteThere is such a great sense of place in this slice - lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour description reminded me of my old apple tree that had a great branch for sitting on...and I was a great singer of show tunes also..."Shallll weee dahnce, da-da-da-da....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet slice, and bringing back memories.
You brought back memories for me, too, with your sweet words. What dreams we had as young kids! I sat in a tree too, but made a comfy place so I could read. It was heavenly.
ReplyDeleteA tree place from childhood is such a special thing - a place to climb, to hide, to be alone or with a friend, to mark seasons by the moments in and around it. You captured all of this so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteI love the photos you're posting with your slices! I, too, used to sit in a full-leafed tree and think I couldn't be seen by folks on the street. I wonder how right or wrong we both were!
ReplyDeleteYour description is scrumptious. Special places bring a wealth of positiveness to mind. You have a wonderful knack of paiting word pictures.:)MaryHelen
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