Heather Holleman's Blog, page 77

What They Remember

At the end of each semester, I always ask students what writing they most remember from the whole course. Which sentence from the writing we’ve read all semester (books, journal articles, sample student writing, etc) stayed in their minds?

It’s a great activity because I’m able to prove how we latch on to sentences with vivid images, repetition or rhythm, wordplay (chiasmus, irony, puns), or something unexpected. We latch on to sentences a writer isolates on the page. We latch on to unusual words.

Notice what you remember. See how you can write sentences that stick in the mind. Write so the words linger.

Some moments from class:

Some recalled the isolated line written in an essay by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. He writes a beautiful paragraph but then separates out one sentence. But then our plans changed. The line strikes the heart as Nadella discloses how his passion for accessibility stemmed from the day his son was born with special needs.

Students recall unusual words that stick around in their brain, like when we read a recovering drug addict’s drive through Hollywood. The author writes of “surging melancholy” and reflects: “I wound my way through the neurotic Hollywood hills, the narrow lanes and tight bends were a material echo of the synaptic tangle where my thoughts stalled and jammed.” Students can quote the line by heart from September after I never mentioned it again.

We talk about quotable writing. We talk about repetition. We talk about the unexpected. I asked them what single line they can quote from JFK’s speech as he stood in that stadium at Rice University claiming, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” What beautiful lines to apply to one’s own life!  Students can say them easily.

As we arrange our words on the page, we think about what we do that will “serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.”

And we write so others will remember it.

Walking in the Night

During the Christmas season, it’s fun to take our walk at night to see all the Christmas trees lit up inside homes; to see the outdoor lights; and to experience the world a little differently. With all the Christmas lights shining, we don’t need a flashlight.

It’s quiet. We listen for owls. We think we smell snow. We speak in whispers.

I love walking in the dark night.

When New Recipes Bring You Joy

Tonight I’m trying a new recipe: Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale!

Link also here: https://themodernproper.com/tortellini-soup-with-italian-sausage-and-kale

I’m thrilled to try this new recipe. I find myself so excited to settle into the kitchen, play some Christmas music, light a candle, and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking a delicious soup.

A Pause in My Writing Day

Well–the Lord is so kind. I set a writing day for myself today (if you remember, my last writing day involved my emergency room kidney stone surgery!), and I hardly believed it would happen. Would I find the motivation? Would my mind feel clear? Would I want to write? Would another health crisis befall me?

I arrive to my writing desk full of fresh energy and new ideas after a hearty breakfast. And it’s the most perfect setting you can imagine: Snow is falling in Pennsylvania. The house is warm and quiet. I’m sipping water. Every few minutes, I glance up to see the snow accumulating on the bare, dark branches. It’s a bleak winter sky. I love writing in the snowfall!

Back to writing.

Coming From Faith

This morning I remember Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

I consider what I’m doing without faith. I want to earnestly seek God and live a life of faith down to the tiniest morsel of my life, especially in those areas where I might claim self-sufficiency. What does it look like to apply a life of faith to ordinary things? To housekeeping, to a job, to walking about the day? May God increase our faith and help us live by faith. May God help us see His sustaining power and ability to transform any situation into which we invite Him. By faith, may God use us mightily to bless others. By faith, may God work miracles through us and around us today. By faith, might we perceive Jesus here–right now.

Snow in the Neighborhood!

Just Add Water

I find it’s not as difficult to stay properly hydrated if you just add water to everything. A glass at every meal. A water bottle in your hands in between meals. A tall glass after dinner and right when you wake up. Just add water. Not surprisingly, you’ll gain energy, better skin, and better sleep. Your joints feel better; you’ll endure fewer headaches; and, most joyously, you’ll prevent kidney stones!

Flexible

Sometimes, scheduled plans get cut short or grow longer. You adjust, stay flexible, and trust God’s sovereignty. I learned to surrender to unpredictability this month.

And now, because of upcoming snow, we’ll return my daughter to Pittsburgh a day early. I think of the time I’ll miss with her, but I realize the power of surrendering to the unpredictable. The new plan is also good.

Everything contains a hidden blessing.

Happy Thanksgiving! 2 Conversation Questions

It feels wonderful to join with family without the fear of COVID. I’m most thankful for cozy living rooms with family. I love having meaningful conversations with loved ones.

As you know, I’m writing a book on having better conversations. My favorite two questions for the Thanksgiving dinner conversation are these:

When were you the most courageous this past year? 

What are you most proud of from this past year?

These questions help you learn so much about each other. They secretly reveal fears (what requires courage) and core values (points of pride) which you all can continue to connect over as you feast!

Happy, happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Kindness

This morning, I remember the power of kindness. Kind people don’t insist on their own way. Kind people think about what others need. Kind people focus on blessing others. They compliment freely, offer gratitude in all circumstances, and let others take the spotlight.

Kind people ask others great questions and let them share about their lives. Kind people give away their treasures to others. Kind people think about how they can help and how they can make the lives of others easier. Kind people let the love of Jesus flow through them–through their face, hands, and words. Kind people pronounce blessing over others. They enter a room and change the atmosphere with their joy and their love. What if you were that person at the Thanksgiving table?

Kind people don’t worry about being uncomfortable, inconvenienced, or put out. They serve; they humble themselves; and they stay surrendered. They don’t control or push others. Instead, they empower others and love them unconditionally. They don’t wish for people to change or be different. They just love. They’re just kind.