Saturday, January 28, 2006

Why "Word Walks?"

"There is always one moment," Graham Greene says, "when the door opens and lets the future in." Actually, I suspect there are many moments in our lives that define the paths we take and the opportunities we encounter down the road.

As a nine-year-old, I remember announcing rather pompously to my classmates that I was going to become an author. Today I'm 50 years old, and you won't see my name on the cover of any book. The sense of wonder about words that I felt as a child, however, is still there. In every walk of life, I have found ways to embrace my love of language: writing news releases for a trade magazine publisher, composing incentive travel proposals, editing aerospace engineering proposals and reports, instructing adults how to use a computer, introducing grade schoolers to German, producing a newsletter and maintaining a Web site for Destination ImagiNation team managers. And, yes, I've even published a few poems in a Midwestern poetry anthology. The title of this blog, "Word Walks," reflects my lifelong love of language and the fact that this online journal is yet another way to explore it.

So, what else is this Midwestern girl about? I'm married, have one son--a first-year college student--and spend a lot of time doing curriculum planning for after-school enrichment classes for talented and gifted grade schoolers. Besides reading books and writing poetry, I dabble in needlework, sewing and crafts--especially making hand-crafted cards. My guess is that there are others out there with similar interests, so I'll enjoy reading your blogs as I add entries to my own!

© 2006 Judy Nolan. All rights reserved.

3 comments:

jo_jo said...

Hi! (waving)

I plan and deliver enrichment classes, too. It's super-fun-happy-fantastic, and I'm thrilled to be doing it for a living. Hoping to hear your insights and views on your process.

Best,
Joanna

Judy Nolan said...

Waving back at you, Joanna! I'm a new blogger, so you'll have to bear with me as I learn my way around. :-)

Providing talented & gifted enrichment classes is a part-time endeavor for me (although it often feels as if it's full-time!)--and the outcome of many years of volunteering as the parent of a gifted son who is now in college. A few years ago, I was invited to do independent contractor work in this area. I am enjoying a great deal of freedom as I design after-school enrichment classes for grade schoolers, and am energized by the enthusiasm of the kids.

I visited your blog and browsed through some of your posts, enjoying them a great deal.

High Desert Diva said...

As someone who is not a wordsmith, I so enjoy reading posts (if nothing else) of someone who is....