Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.
~ Peter Drucker
Spring’s emergence brings people outdoors to enjoy this exciting “coming out” season. The birds and blooms in our neighborhoods are showing off with colorful splendor and appeal.
A hidden jewel I’ve discovered is the Wright Environmental Education Center, part of the Cobb County Parks and Recreation System. Enjoy the extensive flora and fauna including Jean Wright’s natural landscaping and over 50 species of wildlife. Learn how we can protect our natural resources at this education center located at 2661 Johnson Ferry Rd. in East Marietta.
There is a free open house Saturday, April 2, from noon to 3 p.m. You’re invited to walk through the nature trail from the parking lot behind Chestnut Ridge Church on the corner of Post Oak Tritt and Johnson Ferry Rd. Groups can contact Kaye Wilson for additional times to visit by calling 770-528-8824 or kaye.wilson@cobbcounty.org
Heritage Park is the next stop on this tour of fascinating outdoor scenery. Bring your camera and be on the lookout for unusual sights along the boardwalk that winds through protected wetlands. Follow the soft mulch covered hiking trails to the remains of a wool mill dating back to the Civil War era. On the second Saturday of each month, you may see member volunteers from the Georgia Native Plant Society working in specific planting areas. Parking and restroom facilities located at 60 Fontaine Rd SW, Mableton; phone 770-528-8810.
The Heritage Park trail eventually connects over to the Silver Comet Trail. In 2000, The Georgia Rails into Trails (GRITS) organization converted old railroad tracks into a scenic 12.8-mile paved trail. You can enter this popular recreation area from several points. Casual walkers, bicyclists, in-line skaters, and young and old alike enjoy handicap accessible trails with restroom facilities and picnic areas. Trails are never over 2% grade. Open year round, daylight to dusk, and patrolled by three local law enforcement agencies: Cobb County, Powder Springs, and Smyrna police.
Both the Silver Comet Trail and Heritage Park Trail are in the Adopt-A-Trail Program. Each section is an estimated 0.2 miles. If your family, neighborhood, group, or company would like information concerning adopting a portion of the trail, please contact Keep Cobb Beautiful at 770-528-1135, www.kcb.cobbcountyga.gov
or John Purcell at 770-528-8825, john.purcell@cobbcounty.org
Joni Eareckson Tada, Susan Boyle, and Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in their dreams. I’m talking about the kind of hopes and dreams God placed in their hearts for their unique purpose, call, and destiny.
We all live with a measure of disappointments and frustration; however, our circumstances are not our identity and things are not always as they seem. Dare I say it, or simply suggest you finish this sentence, “Don’t judge a book by ___ _________.
God gives each of us dreams and will restore and fulfill them even when they appear dead. No matter how long it takes—just dream on by trusting God. His Word is true and He has good plans, to give us a future and a hope! Read Jeremiah 29:11.
How others treat you or judge you does not determine the outcome. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your God-given dreams. Whatever is going on in your life right now, remember that God is greater than it is and He is absolutely in charge. He gave you a dream, or in some cases many dreams, and He is honored when you work your hopes and your dreams. With God, your dream will spring to life. Remember, there is nothing impossible for God.
Many have felt the sadness described in the lyrics of Les Miserable’s “I Dreamed a Dream,” but be assured—we are never defeated by life.
No, I won’t let my dream die! My song of life is not meant to be wasted. I often say, “Life itself did not give me my greatest treasure; therefore, it has no power to take it from me.” In one of my favorite scriptures, John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Every day I thank God for His great love for ALL people, and His amazing gift of grace to those who accept it. Because He lives, I know there is hope. I once was tossed about on life’s stormy seas, but now I can run to Him and enjoy the calm and peaceful waves of harmony, in Christ.
Yes, I have a dream, and I will persevere with my precious Lord and Savior by my side. It may take many steps, perhaps all the days of my life, but I will keep going—in faith—and today I know I am one step closer to realizing my dream.
Dreamers, dream on.
When I can see immediate results, it is no problem to learn new and better ways to get those words to work.
Today’s standard is one space after each punctuation mark that ends a sentence.
(I’m not telling my age am I? I learned to type on the typewriter years ago when they taught us to use two spaces at the end of each sentence. It took someone telling me that it was old-fashioned for me to break this habit and replace it with what is considered correct these days). You, too, can quickly edit your existing documents by clearing extra spaces between sentences:
EASY AS 1-2-3:
CTRL F keys together bring up the Find and Replace window.
Alternately, choose this option from your drop down menu found on the tool bar.
Type . {period}[space space] in the find box
Type . {period}[space] in the replace box
Select replace all.
Repeat this for “?” and “!” and you will have instantly cleaned up your documents.
Ta Da! Instant gratification.
When the mouth is open for laughter, you may be able to shove in a little food for thought.
~ Dr. Virginia Tooper
Have you ever held a book in your hands that is over 4,000 years old?
If you want to, treasures such as this are in your own backyard at Kennesaw State University’s Archives, Athenaeum Gallery, and Bentley Rare Book Room.
The public is welcome to visit an impressive collection of over 20,000 rare items. Opportunities for tours, workshops, and lectures are available year round. Special events such as “Coffee with the Curator” and “Night at the Athenaeum” are two popular attractions.
Are you looking for a fun and informative class? Then register for “Collecting and Identifying Rare Books” and gain a new appreciation for heirlooms, the family Bible, and other sentimental letters and papers. Learn methods of preservation and determine how to insure these irreplaceable items.
Additional special events planned for this year include the 400th anniversary celebration of the 1611 King James Bible, the first truly mass-produced book. KSU will also host an event similar to the TV show that appraises antiques, where you bring your rare books and papers for an evaluation and learn what you need to do to preserve or insure them.
When you tour the beautiful Bentley Gallery, try to imagine life during the 1770s. Carefully designed details and a working bookpress add to the ambiance, and you are encouraged to touch, smell, and feel the weight of some of the finest examples of rare books in the world. The Gallery is open by appointment.
While this collection does house some of the earliest forms of books, patents, and important documents that exist today, Robert Williams, Senior Curator, is quick to say, “Just because it’s old, like me, doesn’t make it valuable. If that were true, I’d be rich.”
The Athenaeum Gallery is open daily for self-guided tours. Fact sheets displayed with the exhibits are interesting and easy to follow. Our cultural heritage comes alive in these rooms, and the tactile experience goes far beyond other avenues of learning.
Be sure to see the first lunar Bible and hear the fascinating story kept secret for many years after its journey to distant stratospheres. Among other unusual items in the collection are the original “facebook” and fore-edged art paintings.
This is the appeal: the stories behind the scenes. Every item in the collection has a story. While shopping at a flea market, Mr. Williams rolled the pages of a book priced at $10 to reveal a fore-edge painting, a masterful scene painted on the gilded edges of the book paper. Excited, he exclaimed, “Look at this!” He was almost sorry he revealed the treasure he discovered. The booth owner rushed over and grunted, “Someone’s ruined that book! I’ll give it to you it for $5.”
Each person who visits the KSU Archives, Athenaeum Gallery, and Bentley Rare Book Room comes away with new insight into how this collection is a lasting gift to our future.
For more information: www.kennesaw.edu
I’ve had the delightful experience of enjoying the professional menu of services that Lynn Pugh offers her clients and peers. As editor of an online writer’s e-newsletter, she consistently produced quality work; has recently set and edited the patriotic anthology America Remembered; and brought her expertise to CAG in the Community—a promotional vehicle for a Christian writer’s group in the Atlanta market producing measurable results. Lynn maintains the highest level of professionalism and work ethic underscored by her publishing acumen. Her precise attention to detail, strong organization and consistent job completion prior to deadlines, are equally balanced by her nurturing heart and the mentoring diplomacy displayed to those served. An unending fountain of encouragement steers the inexperienced into seasoned success. Presenting a full suite of publishing services, Mrs. Wordswork tailors her mastery to her clients’ needs. Thank you, Lynn for tapping into all the gifts placed into your capable hands and freely sharing with those seeking assistance.
~ Susan M. Watkins
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTING
Have you ever witnessed an unusual event? Do you know interesting, dedicated, or courageous people? Are there issues that affect our families and communities that you feel passionate enough about to research, take action, and make a difference?
When I received the invitation for a new opportunity in Cobb County, specifically for the 50 plus age bracket, I decided I would accept. The well-known organization AARP had kindly been sending me reminders half way into my forty-ninth year, as if I didn’t realize I was about to embark on the next chapter of my life—the golden years.
Too young to retire, but wise enough to want to, I thought, Why not. Maybe I will find out some benefits of my senior citizenship status. As the youngest in my family, everyone but me, and the children who were one generation down, had already passed this marker birthday. The older ones would say, “Aren’t you 50 yet!”
Sometimes they enjoyed holding their rank of seniority over me when I would remark about how age changes things. I often heard: “Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.” I’d reply with a favorite quote: “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”
I crossed into senior citizenship and found camaraderie with others in a community effort called citizen media. In my busy career as a freelance agent in the publishing industry, I help others attain their goals. This concept of collaborative work caught my interest and I hope you’ll find our work inspiring.
Regular participants report the news by utilizing a wide variety of skills. Some write while others proofread, edit, or research. Photography, video productions, and social networking are a few additional talents represented.
Do you feel you have something to contribute?
If you call yourself a writer, then write, because that is what writers do, just like farmers farm and teachers teach. Would you like to learn more about the writing process, photography, and how to capture the news?
Let’s begin.
1. Note your personal goals. Some enjoy seeing their name in print as the author of published work or credited to a winning photograph. Whether your desire is to become a celebrated columnist or simply to make a difference in your community in some significant way, citizen news reporting may be for you.
2. Remember, you have unique talents that only you can employ. Respect your desires, hopes, and dreams by setting appointments with yourself. Find some time in your busy schedule to pursue these interests.
3. Use positive self-talk. If you meet your worst critic along the way (you know, the one who lives inside of you who tries to stunt your progress), write down everything negative your inner critic tells you. Then shred it, burn it, or otherwise destroy it. This can be a freeing victory over your excuses.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?
Forget writer’s block, there is always something happening every day. You can weave interesting stories through words and pictures by gathering information everywhere you go.
Record ideas as soon as they come to you. Have something to write on at all times. Today, even the most basic cell phone has a built-in camera to capture news as it happens.
Create a mind map on paper. This exercise uses both sides of your brain: intellect and creativity. Let one simple idea sprout and grow. Center a word or phrase on the paper. Write or draw additional thoughts. This visual chart can resemble a tree with branches or a sun with rays. It can also function as an outline for a great story idea.
Brainstorm a creative list. Challenge yourself to see how many ideas you can list by quickly jotting down whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about the details; just let your creativity flow. If you can write out 50 ideas for articles, you will always have something to inspire you if you feel stuck. Once you use an idea on this list, replace it with two more. Think about what is interesting to you, what you would want to know more about.
Whether you use pen and paper, a laptop, cameras or video recorders, choose your weapons/tools and join the community of citizen news reporters. Working together, we can make a difference at the community level. I look forward to hearing your progress.
Lynn Pugh is a freelance writer, editor, and coach in Marietta, GA who markets nationally as: Mrs. Wordswork says… “I can help your words work for you!”
Contact her today!
Must poetry rhyme, or is rhythm more important? I like to think that poetry goes far beyond the meter and verse of roses are red and violets are blue.
While a rhyming style is certainly beautiful, it is not the only way to wax poetic. With melodic and rhythmic tones, we communicate our life through words. On a daily basis, we express how we feel through our creative use of language. Backing our words with “feeling” is what breathes life into our compositions. When we use emotion in our words, people are more likely to relate, but when lacking this essential element, our words may be forgettable.
Wordnik.com defines this harmony: The pattern or flow of sound, created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, in accentual verse, or of long and short syllables in quantitative verse. To simplify that, I created a scene in my mind, rich with imagery and appeal like the rhythm of the tides, ebbing and flowing with purpose and peace.
There are hundreds of poetic styles. Do you like unhindered free verse or conventional poetry that rhymes? Have fun as you try something new from this short list of examples:
WRITE SOMETHING POETIC AS A GIFT
Epithalamion: A poem written in honor of the bride and groom. This is a great gift idea for a newly married couple, for anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day.
Idyll’s and Ode’s: Similar in some ways as they depict peaceful or idealized scenes and tell a story that pays tribute to a person or place highly esteemed by the author.
Romanticism: A poem about nature and love while having emphasis on the personal experience.
DIFFERENCES IN STYLES
Ballads: These are stories written or spoken in a narrative style. They should be very smooth, and flow with a cadence as if singing a song. Typically, ballads are sets of sentences with the ending words of the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. Ballads don’t have rigid rules, but they should sound very musical to the ear.
Sonnets: Shakespeare wrote many of these in his time. Sonnets have specific rules. The most basic is that it consists of fourteen lines, each having the same specific number of syllables. There are very distinct rhymes at the end of certain lines.
EASY AS ABC
Alliteration: A poetic or literary effect achieved by using several words that begin with the same or similar consonants, as in “Whither wilt thou wander, wayfarer?”
Note the alliteration in the next sentence: Poetry is a living art form composed of inspired words that provide a soothing, satisfying sentiment that touches places deep within the soul.
Bio: Write about your life. This is not only fun but also an opportunity to recognize your worth. Our inner citric is often our worst critic. Even if this is “for your eyes only,” be certain to point out your uniqueness and the special gifts God placed within you. Remember, there is no one exactly like you. You have a purpose.
Couplet: Write a rhyming stanza of two lines.
We find the way to life and living
is not in keeping, but in giving
This couplet above by Helen Steiner Rice also represents another poetic form known as Carpe diem, which is a Latin expression meaning to seize the day. I often reference the book of Proverbs to gain inspiration when writing in this style.
I will close with one final prompt. Fill in the blank with poetic words:
I had the time of my life __________________________________.
World Wide Wordswork
Mrs. Wordswork says… “I can help your words work for you, no matter where you are!”
Thanks to a client who is about to turn 95 this year, I have been blessed with some amazing new opportunities to take Mrs. Wordswork worldwide.
Crossing over the pond to visit with an author in Wales or bridging cultural divides with a talented writer who shares the beauty of her homeland, Nicaragua, is a breeze with the aid of technology and communication tools.
Today, we find creative ways to communicate our words and effectively produce more work for publication. Where are you in the process of your writing projects?
As always, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to my site. I look forward to hearing from you.
Lynn Pugh is Mrs. Wordswork
Contact Mrs. Wordswork today!