All In A Day! by DL Larson

Thursday is my day off. Thursday is my day to blog. Thursday is my day to run errands. And Thursday is my day to take my grandson to his horse riding lessons. I usually end each Thursday with one of two things: a church meeting or going to the local tavern for their Thursday night chicken special.

Today, I added one more thing. I had a writers workshop for a group of 5th and 6th graders at their school. The 9:00 a.m. schedule had me fearing I'd over sleep. But I made it in plenty of time. I never know what I'm walking into with a classroom setting. Some kids are genuinely excited to see me, others think it will be boring and their faces convey that to me. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone, especially the doubting ones.

I learned something new today. The 5th and 6th grade kids were not familiar with Harry Potter. I usually use this story to break down plot, characters, setting, etc. When we started this section of the workshop, blank looks filled the students' faces. They didn't know Harry's closest friends. They didn't know the bad guys. I was surprised. As a children's librarian I shouldn't have been so shocked. Harry has not left the shelves for a while now.

I needed a new connection with the kids. The class teacher, Lori Safranek, explained they were in the middle of reading the book, Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. Thankfully I have read Wonder. 

We proceeded with Wonder, the story of Augie, a fifth grader who has physical deformities. He goes to school for the first time in his life. Every day he encounters many things, rudeness being one of the nicer things that happens to him. But Augie won't give up. He wants a normal life like a normal ten year old boy.

This book turned out to be a great example for breaking down plot, learning what it takes to make a character real, etc. The kids got involved and that's what counted.

After my workshop, it was time for Colton's horse lessons. Then back home to playing with Thomas the Train and watching Planes. After my grandson's visit, I was ready for a nap. It's cold and dreary out, and did I mention I have a bum foot these days? I should prop it up. I also have judging to do for the Four Season Writers Contest. Judging is due next week and I'm far from done. My church meeting begins in seventy minutes.

I've realized Thursday is my busiest day of the week. I always think I will catch up on my writing, get the laundry done and maybe some cleaning. Okay, no cleaning ... but the day flies by in blur. My list of Things To Do never enters my mind.

I've decided my priorities need re-arranging for Thursdays. From this day forward, I declare Thursday, my day to do what I want! I intend to scratch my expectations of doing laundry on Thursdays. Cleaning has already been booted off the list, and my writing may suffer neglect on Thursdays, but that's okay too. I will try my best to blog each Thursday, but if you do not see my post, know that I am out living my life, doing things I need and want to do. Like horse back riding lessons, playing with Thomas the Train and watching Planes.

Til next time ~

DL Larson
www.DLLARSON.com