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. . . . . . there is no edge to openness

HUMMING

Sunday Apr. 12, 2015

 

To win the lottery, you have to buy a ticket.

 

To publish a book, first you have to write one.

Selling them … well that’s a different matter for another time.

Recent vacation-time conclusions of resolve and time management. Hard decisions made. More to follow. Can’t cut back more on sleep. I’ll cut other things. Struggling some, procrastinating lots – encouragement, mishaps (mentorship’s many forms), life lessons from friends, from foes – such for rich material. Not that this story can write itself, but how could it not just flow out of me now …?

Been stuck/waiting too long. Starting-mode. Story building, words finally falling onto pages. I’m ready. I’m writing. I now have an answer to: ‘how is that book coming?’

It’s coming.

Started.

Nothing at first. A few words about creating – about how nothing of mine was ever created, until I started …

I started late.

To think a first novel written at my age might be useful to anyone let alone sell some copies is an outrageous boast. So, there is no pressure. Unless I create some …

I’ve been writing this column daily for over twelve years, did a one year poetry project, wrote short stories for a year. Been there, done that. But the novel, the book, so many false-start manuscript beginnings. Here and there. Nothing finished, nothing to put out there.

If I was chipping marble, what could I reveal?

I’ve not acted, but believe I could.

Been counseled not to sing in public.

No sense of rhythm. I cannot imagine writing a tune.

I can scarcely hum, unless I’m cooking or writing.

Then, I can hum …


Mark Kolke

P.S.: Gusta seems happy to be home after two weeks romping with other vacation-sequestered pooches. She seems well groomed and well exercised … and happy to be sleeping in comfortable quiet spots …

column written/ published from Calgary

morning walk:  1C/33F, nippy and mostly clear at first light. Gusta seemed to be questioning her surroundings as we walked an old familiar route – stopping to look and sniff frequently as if it was new territory or perhaps questioning her short-term memory. It is good to be back to normal, walking with an extended leash being pulled putting torque on knees and shoulder … like old times!

Reader feedback:

MAKING TIME FOR KEROUAC

Welcome back, Mark.  Know you will enjoy tomorrow’s walk with Gusta.  She’ll be glad to be “home” as well, BR, Calgary, AB


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