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Choices Made
Life is all about the choices we make. Some are good and some are bad. The choices will make affects you and even some family and friends that are around you. Your choices affect your personal and even your professional life. I remember a choice that I made to become a teacher, but ended up becoming a nurse instead, but really these were not bad choices for I used by education to become a teacher in my profession of a nurse. After 16 years of nursing and teaching I made a choice to become a writer and I am loving that choice for I am sharing what I know and learned in life. I am happy with the choices that I have made even though I am a single person for I am not lonely for I have many books that offer many friends old and new.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Happy birthdays!!!!
What is it about celebrating birthdays? I will be 60 in just about two and half months, and that is a celebration in itself in these days. I was never really a party person for I do not like being the center of attention a lot of the time. Birthdays are a time to celebrate your life and whatever you wish to convey to others, and if it is a party your family and friends want to give you accept it for this is the gift of LOVE of them.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
A Quill Pen
Who has ever written with a quill pen before? I have and it is an experience having to go back and forth to dip the nib (a nib is the portion of the pen that holds the ink) into a little jar of ink or as they did a very long time ago in inkwells on a desk, but you probably know that. The tips are very sharp but I believe everyone will know that fact. Some quill pens are stiff and others can be flowy with the breeze when it blows. Just think about it for a second or a few minutes.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Art of Constructive Critique: How to Provide Feedback That Inspires Growth
Constructive critique is an art form that can inspire growth and development in individuals, teams, and organizations. Providing feedback in a constructive manner requires skill, empathy, and a focus on improvement rather than criticism. In this article, we will explore the principles of constructive critique and provide practical tips on how to deliver feedback that fosters growth.
By BLESSING COOL 2 years ago in Critique
Eclipse
Cannot experience the solar eclipse this day for the image is the reason why. The definition of a solar eclipse in brief is when the moon crosses completely over the moon and nighttime takes over daytime for a few short hours. You will hear and see dusk happening and the nighttime creatures making the presence known a bit early.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
A Wedding
Went to a very special wedding today. It was my first grandnieces wedding day. She and her husband are perfect together. Their colors were white and shades of blue. This was a very traditional wedding from the throwing of the bouquet to the throwing of the garter. The wedding was an outside wedding and the weather was perfect. Sunny and mild even for Central Louisiana for it could have been humid or rainy or both, but it wasn't it was perfect.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Out of My Mind
'Out of My Mind' is a novel written by Sharon M. Draper. This is the story of a young girl named Melody Brooks who has a form of Cerebral Palsy. She is a special student in many ways starting in Kindergarten and well into the elementary school years and starting in the special education classroom and being treated like she cannot learn, but she shows that she can learn. This is a book that has been published quite awhile ago, but it is a book that was written when inclusion 'mainstreaming' for special education students were just starting in the schools. It shows and tells that just because you are physically handicapped does not mean that you are also mentally handicapped. Sharon M. Draper goes into a lot of detail of how Melody was raised and how she shows that she is smart in many ways if she cannot walk and talk. This would also be a good book for Social service workers/counselors to read in my opinion.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Marriage
Marriage is always a work in progress where two people must learn all about making compromises and learning how to be more understanding and having patience with each other. Two people must be able to work through any problems and show that they are active listeners (who listen to each other).
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Power of Vulnerability . Content Warning.
In a world where social media often showcases curated perfection and glossy facades, the concept of vulnerability has become somewhat of a paradox. We strive to present our best selves while simultaneously yearning for genuine connection and understanding. Yet, it is in our moments of vulnerability that we truly connect with others and ourselves.Vulnerability is often misunderstood as a weakness, but in reality, it is a profound display of strength and authenticity. It is the willingness to be seen, flaws and all, and to embrace our humanity in its entirety.When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to genuine connections and meaningful relationships. By sharing our fears, insecurities, and struggles, we create space for empathy, compassion, and understanding. We invite others to do the same, fostering an environment of trust and mutual support.Moreover, vulnerability is essential for personal growth and resilience. It is through facing our vulnerabilities that we confront our deepest fears and insecurities, allowing us to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and acceptance. By embracing vulnerability, we learn to lean into discomfort and uncertainty, recognizing that it is often in our most challenging moments that we experience the greatest growth.Furthermore, vulnerability is the cornerstone of creativity and innovation. It is the willingness to take risks, to explore the unknown, and to share our most authentic selves with the world. In embracing vulnerability, we unleash our creative potential, breaking free from self-imposed limitations and societal expectations.However, embracing vulnerability requires courage and self-compassion. It means letting go of the need for perfection and embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of life. It means allowing ourselves to be seen and heard, even when it feels uncomfortable or frightening.In a world that often values strength and stoicism above all else, embracing vulnerability can feel like a radical act of rebellion. Yet, it is precisely this willingness to be vulnerable that allows us to forge deeper connections, cultivate resilience, and live more authentically.So let us embrace vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a source of strength and authenticity. Let us dare to show up, as our true and imperfect selves, and to create a world where vulnerability is celebrated, not shamed. For it is in our vulnerability that we find the courage to truly live.
By Faisal2 years ago in Critique
Charlotte's Web
Still another children's or youth novel that I have read many times is 'Charlotte's Web'. It is the story of a spider who friends a pig by the name of Wilbur giving him an education in dealing with life.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Stuart Little
Here's another children's novel that I have read many times over the years and still get a kick out of reading it and is 'Stuart Little. The story of a small mouse adopted into a family in New York City that seems almost human in many respects.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Paddington Bear
Another bear series that I enjoyed reading are the 'Paddington Bear' books. This is the series of a British bear who is one who really enjoys marmalade. Paddington Bear is one that wears a raincoat rain or shine and a floppy fedora. He comes for a visit and has a lot of adventures.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique