Wednesday, January 29, 2020

On Being a Disciplined Blogger

    I have been remiss for the last few weeks about writing this blog.  Probably there are at least two reasons that has happened.  One is that the ski season is in full throttle and six days a week on the slopes soaks up my energy and time.  The second reason is that I am not convinced I have a significant number of regular followers who think I have something to say.  However, I was surprised to hear from Pat (one of my ski buddies) that he regularly logs into my blog looking for something new.   Well, Pat, here it is! 
    For the rest of my readership, I also want to muse about being a disciplined writer/blogger.    Since this blogger is aimed at geezer skiers I strive to write something that is relevant to that demographic.  This takes time, thought and getting inspiration for a topic.  This takes  discipline.   One has to work at it to be a good writer, just as one has to work at being a good skier.  Part of discipline is to do something in that venue every day.  Guilty on the writing front lately.  On the skiing front, Pat keeps all our group on target to steadily maintain if not improve our skiing.  He is a man with frequent tips and analyses and shared Facebook posts of skiing videos.  Oh, that I could as disciplined about seeking out tips and advice on writing.
    Seeking improvement in a skill does require daily attention.   And practice makes perfect or if not perfect, better.  Another aspect of practicing your discipline is to explore new opportunities.   We all need refreshed perspectives.   Yesterday many of our group trekked to Elk Mountain (Pennsylvania) for another skiing experience.  A delightful day for all at a resort catering to our generation with outstanding grooming and facilities.   What a welcome change of pace.
     As an end note I would say to become a better disciplined writer, one has to read a lot to get unique perspectives.  Our current geezer group has Tim leading the pack to get us to read a number of books of varying genre.   That in itself if a discipline.   Finally, I have always been taken with the writings of Garrison Keillor.   I am now reading  his Writer's Almanac daily.   I find inspiration in the poems and the stories of current and deceased authors and poets.  I know that I am not a writer in those leagues, but it is nice to dream.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Random Thoughts on a Rainy Day

My local slopes are losing snow!
A proliferation of signs saying thin and bare spots.
Angst over missing a day of skiing.
Anticipating more snow next week.

Useful activities for the day?
Not 12th night, but outside decorations need to come down.
Recumbent bike exercise substitutes for skiing! Yes it is done!
Write my blog!

Reflections on 2019.
A healthy year!
Losses and gains.   But gains outweigh the losses.
Swift passing of time.  Where did the year go?

Accomplishments of 2019.
Finished my memoirs entitled From Farm to Academia.
Hiked in15 New York State Parks. 
By Spring 2019 I finished 90 ski days.

Looking forward for 2020.
Visit more parks, ride more miles on our new e-bikes
Celebrate more with family and friends and welcome another grandchild.
Ski more days than my age by the end of ski season.