Write Your Life!

Rictameter from a Morning Person

2009-06-05T06:17:00.004-05:00

Mornings

Mornings:

"Time to rise and

Shine," they say. I do that,

Facing each new day with courage,

Anticipating challenges, new joys.

Why do some despise alarm clocks,

Resist the call of day?

Time to embrace

Mornings.

Goodbye for a While

2009-03-24T12:26:00.003-06:00

To the few followers of this blog:

Because of its low readership, I have decided to semi-retire this blog in favor of my other, more popular one, "Never too Late!" I'll still come back when I'm inspired to write a rictameter or two, but don't expect much new content.

You can find my writing assignments and other material on writing here in the archives, and the site will remain live, at least in the near future. Your comments are still welcome.

You can also find my thoughts on writing in my eGenerations columns, now approximately monthly, at http://egenerations.com/write-articles

Meanwhile, if you want to know what I'm up to, read "Never too Late!" at http://www.seniorwriter.blogspot.com/.

Cultural Center Information Desk Routine: A Rictameter

2009-03-07T09:59:00.003-06:00

Routine:

Comforting, not

Dull or dreary. Getting

Out to meet and greet the world of

Eager visitors who want to share the

Beauty of Chicago and its

Arts and culture. Here I'll

Sit, enjoy my

Routine.

Flowers in a Seniors' Dining Room: a Rictameter

2009-03-03T12:59:00.002-06:00

Flowers

Bloom in little

Vases, bringing cheer to

Diners, veterans of many

Winters turning into spring. The colors

Make white tablecloths less boring.

They bring us hope that soon

Parks will blaze with

Flowers.

Guest Post: A Rictameter about Winter

2009-02-22T10:46:00.006-06:00

Many thanks to Pat Murphy, an old friend and former neighbor (not the Pat from "Pat's Place") for today's guest rictameter. Pat is a fellow northerner who appreciates the season.

Winter

Is a respite

Under a white blanket.

We warm ourselves and we get strong.

There is a season when we can reach out

To meet the world with new vigor.

Everything will be fresh,

Until the next

Winter.

By Pat Murphy. 2009

Snow Again: A Rictameter

2009-02-21T06:18:00.003-06:00

Snow Again

Again.

Snow fell last night

As spring hopes retreated.

It's hard to see snow's beauty as

February fades toward dreary March, with

Early flowers still far away.

It's time to write more poems

As winter speaks

Again.

A Writing Challenge!

2009-02-20T05:43:00.003-06:00

As winter slowly winds down, most of us reflect on its beauties and challenges as we eagerly wait for spring. Where you live undoubtedly makes a difference, but most of us have some winter thoughts to express.

How about writing a rictameter (or more than one) about winter? If you will submit them to my email address (there's a link in my complete profile here), I'll put them together for a mid-March collection. I'll consider other poetic forms as well. Let's celebrate the coming end of winter, share our winter disasters and/or our winter joys.

Thanks to Pat of "Pat's Place" for this idea! (http://atpatsplace.blogspot.com/)

Early Morning Musings: A Rictameter

2009-02-20T05:37:00.003-06:00

Early Morning Musings

Morning.

Time to rise and

Shine, the cliche has it.

Tired? Perhaps, but life starts now.

New day, new challenges, new things to do.

A cup of coffee starts the day.

Who knows what adventure

Looms ahead this

Morning?

Happy? A Rictameter

2009-02-19T08:48:00.004-06:00

I have had a bad case of the winter doldrums, among other problems. If winter is getting to you too, why not join me in a poetry-writing project (choose your own form)? Guest contributions are welcome!

Happy?

Happy?
Yes, I will be.

Time to shed sad thoughts, to

Begin anew, awaiting spring.

Sun shines brightly, lake turns blue, buds appear

To bring renewal, brighter days.

These poems will ease winter's

Grip to make me

Happy.

Old and New Realities: Self-Publishing Gets a Nod From the Media

2009-01-26T15:21:00.003-06:00

"Saying you were a self-published author used to be like saying you were a self-taught brain surgeon." Lev Grossman, in "Books Unbound: The Forces of a New Century are Shaping a New Kind of Literature. It's Fast, Cheap and Out of Control," in the February 2 issue of Time, reminds us, and he gives some grudging respect to beleagured self-published authors. Some of their books have gone on to best-seller status.

I've written before about the agonies and perils of the traditional publishing process: the long and often futile search for agent and publisher, the shrinking advance, the slight chance of seeing a book actually published, the quick trip to the remainder bin if a book doesn't sell well.

The traditional publishing industry is suffering, but people are still reading. What's happening? "Old publishing is stately, quality-controlled and relatively expensive. New publishing is cheap, promiscuous and unconstrained by paper, money or institutional taste." Publishing as a whole is expanding in new forms.

According to Grossman, this is "neither good nor bad; it just is." Once, novels were considered vulgar and immoral, but "they shocked and seduced people into new ways of thinking." The very idea of self-publishing anything, fiction or non-fiction, still seems undignified or contemptible to many. Still, self-published books give everyone a chance at self-expression and are likely to seduce us into new ways of thinking. This is, indeed, a brave new literary world.

Copyright 2009 by Marlys Marshall Styne

Casual Musings from a Non-Bestselling Author

2009-01-20T06:24:00.005-06:00

Occasionally I consult my Amazon.com profile, looking for news on my book sales there. To say that they are disappointing is to understate the case. It's a good thing I don't depend on book sales for a living.

Anyway, this morning (at 6:25 a.m., to be exact), I discovered that my little $9.95 book Seniorwriting ranked #46 in the Books> Nonfiction> Education> Adult & Continuing Education category. I've never seen it higher than the 60's there, so I was elated. It's not the money; I make only a dollar or two on each sale. I think it's just that a book is like a child to its creator, no matter how minor or insignificant it may be to others.

I still hope that this little book will help some senior non-writers get started on their memoirs, and that anyone affected by the book will contact me. Never mind that one reviewer objected to the fact that it doesn't help the reader to write "serious novels." If I knew how to do that, I'd be a novelist myself. The rest of the reviews are very positive.

Written on Moving Day, January 9: It's the Little Things that Matter

2009-01-15T10:33:00.003-06:00

One of the saddest things about my move was seeing my former cat Lyon's favorite toys suddenly revealed when a living room cabinet was moved. There they were: a light blue catnip mouse and a red-and-yellow hedgehog. The latter was a funny-looking toy, but I still remember marveling at the soon-gone identifying label. Without the tag, I wouldn't have had any idea what it was. Both toys still bore traces of cat hair mixed with dust.

Chasing those toys, and others, across the floor, where they eventually disappeared beneath the furniture, was Lyon's favorite pastime until he got too old for such frivolity. I always tried to retrieve the toys, but obviously those two got away from me a few years ago. Suddenly I remembered those years of watching Lyon and the cats that came before him at play, and I was sad. As I approach what will probably be my final move, nostalgia reigns.

When I first contemplated this move, back in 2004 or so, I made a point of asking if pets would be allowed at The Clare. I wouldn't have signed up if the answer had been "no." But little more than a year later, Lyon succumbed to complications of his diabetes. Will he be replaced? I don't know, but seeing his old toys reminded me of pleasant years.

In the traumatic process os moving, it is, indeed, the small things that are memorable.

Tomorrow is Moving Day!

2009-01-08T05:20:00.002-06:00

I'm finally moving into The Clare at Water Tower, after many problems and much angst. Check my other blog, "Never too late!" for part of the story and two pictures.

There probably won't be new posts here for a while, but later I hope to write about my efforts to get my fellow residents writing.

On Moving to a Senior Residence: A Rictameter

2009-01-05T05:45:00.003-06:00

On Moving to a Senior Residence

Moving.

This is the week

To leave a familiar

Scene behind, with memories good

And bad, joys and problems, things to deal with.

Is anyone ready to move?

For me, a final choice.

Better or worse?

Moving.

New Year Question: A Rictameter

2008-12-31T07:38:00.004-06:00

New Year Question

New Year:

What will you bring?

Happiness and joy to

Make a year much better than the

Last, or problems big and small to make the

Year too much like the past one we
Choose to forget as soon

As possible?

New Year?

Copyright 2008 by Marlys Marshall Styne

My Just-For-Fun New Year's Wishes

2008-12-30T05:44:00.002-06:00

I'll get to my serious wishes and resolutions eventually, but here are my only-in-my-dreams requests:

I'd like to win millions in the Illinois lottery. I've had a yearly computerized ticket for years, and my occasional winnings have usually been in the $9 range. Isn't it time for something bigger? Just asking.

I'd like my three books to become best sellers. If most of the senior citizens in the country would buy Reinventing Myself: Memoirs of a Retired Professor, Seniorwriting, and Elder Expectations, my financial difficulties would end. Of course the chances of such a thing happening are slim and none. Actually, I wrote those books for fun, not profit, but some profits would be nice. Oh, well.

I'd like to take up long-distance walking again. My knee replacements are supposed to get me walking again, but it's taking a long time. Perhaps with patience, this wish will come true. Hope springs eternal!

How about sharing your new year's wishes, serious or fantastic?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T07:59:00.002-06:00

Enjoy your day, your family, and all the good things of the season! Happy writing, too.

Marlys

On Visiting The Clare: a Rictameter

2008-12-17T06:39:00.004-06:00

On Visiting The Clare at Watertower

The Clare:

Dream and promise,

Soon to come true as I

Plan my move for January.

Problems? Yes, but now I've been inside to

See reality, think ahead,

Hope for a happy life,

I welcome you,

The Clare.

Books: the Perfect Gifts for Seniors (and Others)

2008-12-14T13:52:00.006-06:00

During the past year, I have written quite a number of book reviews, both here and in "Never too Late!" From new to older, from fact to fiction, from serious to humorous, these books have in common only their connections with aging and its problems. Many of these books are little known. For the most part, I don't review best-sellers, but try to encourage people to buy books that may be overlooked, but are well worth your attention. You may find some good last-minute Christmas gifts here, for others or for yourself. All these books are available at Amazon.com. They may be difficult or impossible to find in book stores.

Here are seven favorites from among the books I reviewed this year--and forgive me for recommending my own books as well. Links are to my on-line reviews (and for my books, reviews by others).

1. Measure of the Heart: a Father's Alzheimers, a Daughter's Return, by Mary Ellen Geist (Springboard, 2008). http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/09/realities-of-alzheimers-book-review.html

2. Leisure Daze, by Mike Mihalek (Heartland, 2008) (Fiction/humor) http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/09/high-life-in-florida-book-review.html

3 Where River Turns to Sky, by Greg Kleiner (Perennial, 2002). (Fiction) http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/08/aging-life-and-death-book-review.html-

4. As We Are Now, by May Sarton (Norton, 1973) (Fiction) http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/08/elder-disintegration-and-nursing-home.html

5. In the Arms of Elders: a Parable of Wise Leadership and Community Building, by William H. Thomas, M.D. (VanderWyk and Burnham, 2006) (Fiction/fantasy) http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/08/fighting-three-plagues-of-elders-book.html

6. One Last Dance, by Mardo Williams (Calliope, 2005) (Fiction/senior romance) http://seniorwriter.blogspot.com/2008/03/senior-romance-yes-book-review.html

7. The Fiction Class, by Susan Breen (Plume, 2008) (Fiction) http://seniormemoirs.blogspot.com/2008/03/life-and-fiction-collide-book-review.html

8. Reinventing Myself: Memoirs of a Retired Professor, by Marlys Marshall Styne (Infiniuty, 2006) http://seniormemoirs.blogspot.com/2008/08/gracious-words-of-praise-for-one-of-my.html

9. Seniorwriting: A Brief Guide for Seniors who Want to Write, by Marlys Marshall Styne (Infinity, 2007). http://www.readerviews.com/ReviewStyneSeniorWriting.html

10. Elder Expectations: My Life in Rictameters, by Marlys Marshall Styne (Lulu, 2008) (Poetry) http://www.readerviews.com/ReviewStyneElderExpectations.html

A Writer's Confession--and Some Holiday Advice

2008-12-09T06:42:00.004-06:00

To my friends and family:

For the first time in many years, I am not sending holiday cards or writing my usual holiday letter. I hope that none of you conclude that I am either dead or permanently disabled. You should all hear from me in January.

If you read my other blog, "Never too Late!" you know that my life has been filled with challenges lately. An account of my knee surgery, my unsold condo, my coming move, and other problems could only be depressing this time of year, and I've run out of time for all the steps I usually take to communicate with everyone at Christmas.

I'm sorry. Last year I was strongly advocating the holiday letter, even though it has a bad reputation. Despite my own challenges, I advise that the rest of you make it a point to send cards and letters to your old friends at this festive time of year. I'm enjoying the cards I've received, and I hope to continue my tradition in 2009.

Happy holidays to all!

Some Realities About Writing to Heal

2008-11-27T06:16:00.005-06:00

I've often written about the importance of writing to heal: from keeping a pen and paper near the sick bed to writing down your concerns and complaints for your caregivers. My recent hospitalization and nursing home stay (a total of nearly six weeks) should have provided an excellent opportunity for me to practice what I've preached.

It didn't quite work out that way. For one thing, I did not have easy computer access. I did, however, have a pen and a notebook. So why didn't I write much? Yes, I had a roommate and nearly continuous TV. However, there are other reasons, too. For me, writing is a reality of my life, and I seemed eager to escape from reality. I drifted into the routine of the institution, not thinking much about my "real" life. Writing was something I planned to do after I got home.

Did I write anything while I was in the nursing home? Yes, I wrote down a few notes for future writing, and then I wrote three rictameters. For me, an experienced user of this odd poetic form, this was tha perfect way to express myself. My three rictameters were "Kindness," "Patience," and "Painful." All three appear in my two blogs, this one and "Never too Late!"

So what is the message here? Poetry can be brief, direct, and meaningful (see "A Good Review Brings Cheer," below). When illness or injury makes one reluctant to write, a short poem can express a lot. As I look back, I notice that my three rehab rictameters tell the story of my experience better than more extensive writing might have.

If the thought of writing at length, especially in difficult times, is depressing, try writing simple poems: rhymed, unrhymed, free verse, or whatever. I found my magic in the rictameter, but there are many other possibilities. The idea of most poetry is to say a lot in a few words, and that's what I did. I seem to have redefined my understanding of writing to heal.

Copyright 2008 by Marlys Marshall Styne

Another Testimonial to the Importance of Writing

2008-11-19T05:41:00.005-06:00

I am always elated to find experrt references to the power of writing. I just discovered another that I would like to share:

In the November/December 2008 issue of AARP magazine, Dan Buettner's article "Find Purpose, Live Longer" discusses ways to get, or stay, connected with life at any age. "Finding that 'something more' in your life can mean a big health boost." Suggestions include "Keep Working," "Find your Flow," "Explore Religion," and "Volunteer," but of most interest to me was "Take Stock of Yourself." How? One important way is to keep a journal.

According to Gregory A. Plotnikoff, M.D. of Abbott Northwestern's Institute for Health and Healing in Minneapolis, writing in a journal can be a big help, especially after a major life change. "When a spouse dies, you retire, or your kids leave home, you interrupt your personal story. If you can figure out how this episode fits into the plot of your life, you'll be one step closer to seeing its purpose--and yours." Plotnikoff suggests writing at least thirty minutes per day. Write about crucial events in your life and how they made you feel. "Discovering purpose is like uncovering patterns. If you understand the first chapters of your life, you're in a better position to write the next chapters. We all need to be part of a bigger story."

Thanks, Mr. Buettner and Dr. Plotnikoff, for another reminder of the importance and power of personal writing. I've tried it, and it works.

Copyright 2008 by Marlys Marshall Styne

Patience: Another Rictameter from Rehab

2008-11-17T13:12:00.003-06:00

I wrote three rictameters while I was in rehab at a nurising home. See the first one below and the second in "Never too Late!" This is the third and last

Patience

Patience.
Prime need here in

Rehab hell. Everyone

Does her best to get things done, but

Waiting is required for help with all those

Things I can't do myself. I long

For independence, but

I need to wait.

Patience.

Kindness: A Rictameter

2008-11-14T12:24:00.002-06:00

Soon after I was transferred from the hospital to the nursing home for rehabilitation, I was feeling alone and desolate. Along came a member of the Clare staff to offer help. Here is the poem I wrote in honor of her comforting visit:

Kindness

Kindness.

Rachel came to

Offer help, advise, to

Care that I was helpless, hurting,

In despair. She answered questions, offered

Clothing, stamps, and cheer to make my

Day in this, my time of

Need. Thank you for

Kindness.

A Good Review Brings Cheer!

2008-11-13T08:23:00.008-06:00

As many of you know, I've been away from my computer for nearly six weeks recovering from my double knee replacement surgery. Now I'm back. I'll be writing about my recent experience soon, probably first in "Never too Late!"

Right now, I want to share a good review that cheered me as I returned home. Sincere thanks to Irene Watson of Reader Views.

Elder Expectations: My Life in Rictameters
Marlys Marshall Styne
Lulu Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781435717718
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/08)

After forty years of teaching at a college, Marlys Marshall Styne turned to writing and what a pleasure it is to read her work. In her third published book Styne offers a glimpse at her life in “rictameters.” However, it’s not only her life she creates poetry about; it’s the life for many of us as we move through the years of maturity.

Styne starts off with:

“Elder Expectations”

Waiting.
Human need and
Common quirk that makes us
Dream, expect, look forward to that
Bit of news, that unexpected sign that
Still we live, we matter, someone
Cares, remembers, sends us
Cheer to live on,
Waiting.

Deep and profound, many of us that are elder can relate to this as we wait for our children and grandchildren to contact us, to tell us something exciting, or to just chat.

The rest of Styne’s book reflects on many experiences we have, like “First Day of Spring” and “Household Tasks.” I thoroughly enjoyed “Elder Expectations” not only because I’m an elder, but because Marlys Marshall Style was able to capture the reality of life. Her writing is sweet, her feelings are deep, and she reflects on paper the thoughts many of us have.