early childhood education

I actually did some work on my book today!

@TheHorse (238306)

Walnut Creek, California

September 6, 2019 7:44pm CST

As some of you know, I'm writing a book about working, over the past two decades, with disadvantaged children from the Bay Area. It's been an interesting ride, and I want to capture what works and what doesn't work, while I'm still around. I re-read Oliver Sacks's The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, a book that was successful in "popularizing" clinical psychology, and I'm reading Francis Wardle's Oh Boy!, a book about the unique challenges boys face in the early Childhood Education system, right now. I also read Daniel Levitin's This is Your Brain on Music (I use a lot of music in my work with kids) and am already quite familiar with the literature on early adult-child attachment and its effect on later self-esteem, self-efficacy, perseverance, and leadership skills. No excuses not to start writing, but of course, starting can be the hardest part. What I've decided to do is START a bunch of chapters (vignettes about individual kids and my work with them) and work on each one when I feel like it. Many are already "written" in my mind, but I've never set them to paper. Others have already appeared in a book chapter, a couple of "scholarly" articles, and short pieces on Epinions and even here. But they'll have to be edited to fit the format of a book. Please wish me Big Mojo. Sometimes I'm "in the zone," but other times (more often than not, alas) I'd rather write about what I had for dinner on MyLot or just play my guitar.

25 people like this

23 responses

@andriaperry (118793)

• Anniston, Alabama

7 Sep 19

Just do it already.

I, too worked on a book, mostly for my records of a landlady, but there has been a start of that book, many years ago. I added 4 pages and I still have some to go, how I got this one out in less than 7 days, legally. After listening to a few youtube videos about narcissist behavior, I handle that tenant last night perfectly and I hear that doc`s words, of how they try to work you, I almost laughed as I told him I was not going to argue with him.

5 people like this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

Heh. For some reason, articles on narcissism are prevalent and popular these days. I can't imagine why. I'm glad you found strategies that worked. Speaking of which, I have to play a four hour rock gig tonight with "the band leader who doesn't pay." I may do a post about it before I head out.

5 people like this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

@andriaperry I enjoy interaction. I don't enjoy people who are overly controlling.

1 person likes this

@andriaperry (118793)

• Anniston, Alabama

7 Sep 19

@TheHorse I learned more that they are just stuck on themselves and are controlling.

2 people like this

Show more comments

@GardenGerty (169477)

• United States

7 Sep 19

Your pictured girl is adorable. I understand you have all this "stuff" floating in your brain and it is a good thing to share while you are able.

2 people like this

@HazySue (39265)

• Gouverneur, New York

7 Sep 19

Wishing you big Mojo. Starting can be difficult, keeping up the pace can be harder, but you are up to the challenge.

1 person likes this

show previous comments

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

@HazySue You have inspired me. I'm not necessarily "in the mood," but I'm gong to write a few sentences right now.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

If I do just a little but every day, I can have a book within a few months.

1 person likes this

@HazySue (39265)

• Gouverneur, New York

8 Sep 19

@TheHorse That's true. Slow but steady wins the race.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@whiteream (8567)

• United States

30 Sep 19

I give you all the mojo that I can. I have been doing the same thing dear. Lots of luck in getting it done. May you find all the time you and may the words flow from your hands.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

I've been forcing it out. But I am suffering from mild literary constipation. Maybe if I eat more Indian food....no....my last four meals have been Indian food!

1 person likes this

@whiteream (8567)

• United States

30 Sep 19

@TheHorse Stop trying to force it and just let it flow.

@lovebuglena (52144)

• Staten Island, New York

7 Sep 19

Sometimes we get into this writing funk where the last thing we wanna do is write whatever it is we are working on, or whatever we write we hate. Been there. Done that. Maybe take a break and then get back into it when you feel you are ready. Unless you have a deadline.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

There is no deadline. A pat of me wants to live in Paris for a year and do nothing but play guitar and write. But apartments are expensive in Paris!

1 person likes this

@lovebuglena (52144)

• Staten Island, New York

30 Sep 19

@TheHorse Even tiny ones?

@teamfreak16 (43596)

• Denver, Colorado

7 Sep 19

You should write a book about shady, egotistical bandleaders!

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

That would be an interesting one. It would be a book about anxiety disorders, power and control, and narcissism. Wait. The band leader I almost punched in the face last night is name Scott...it's...not...you, is it?

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

@teamfreak16 I would welcome that. I'm about to take my meds. It says Cuervo on the bottle.

1 person likes this

@teamfreak16 (43596)

• Denver, Colorado

8 Sep 19

@TheHorse - I don't remember much about last night after I took my meds. I guess I could have flown out to California and assumed control of a band!

2 people like this

Show more comments

@ptrikha_2 (49753)

• India

8 Sep 19

You need to finalize your book sometime quickly. Or may be you can bring out it part wise, or a series.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

I'm hoping I have time.

@velvet53 (24417)

• Palisade, Colorado

7 Sep 19

I am behind you 100% with your book. I feel this is something that is much needed. I am working on a book but it is nothing compared to what you are writing about. I wish you the best of luck with your book.

1 person likes this

show previous comments

@velvet53 (24417)

• Palisade, Colorado

2 Oct 19

@TheHorse Just put your mind to it. Even if it is only 15 minutes a day that will put you ahead some.

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

Thank you. I hope I can make a bit of progress each day.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@LadyDuck (502481)

• Italy

7 Sep 19

The best is to do what you are suggesting. Put down notes about a specific child and how you worked with the child. Later you will put all the notes together and create chapters. I wish you good luck.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

Thank you. I think this could be an important book if I do it right.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (502481)

• Italy

30 Sep 19

@TheHorse A difficult book for sure.

@Tampa_girl7 (54715)

• United States

7 Sep 19

May your thoughts flow smoothly on your writing adventure. Oh, I hear from a "Little Bird" that someone has a birthday today. You beat me by 3 days . I wish you a very happy birthday.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

Thank you! And tell Vanny hello.

1 person likes this

@moffittjc (128835)

• Gainesville, Florida

8 Sep 19

I think about 99% of the time I would rather focus my time and attention on stuff that has absolutely no bearing or importance in my life, rather than spend energy on things that matter. So I guess you're not alone in the fact that you often don't feel "in the zone."

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

There are many "zones."

1 person likes this

@JudyEv (382107)

• Rockingham, Australia

7 Sep 19

Vanny said it's your birthday so I hope you've had/are having a great day doing something nice. I was impressed with your piano playing and composition. Very enjoyable.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Vanny will not let me "thank" her for all she does for me.

1 person likes this

@amitkokiladitya (171988)

• Agra, India

7 Sep 19

Good luck dear. I know it will come out to be great

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

I sure hope so. There's a lot of experience behind it. But can I write it well enough to keep the reader interested for 200 or so pages?

1 person likes this

@amitkokiladitya (171988)

• Agra, India

7 Sep 19

@TheHorse I think that number of pages is good enough

Michelle Renee Kidwell

@Michellekidwell (29953)

• Sonora, California

7 Sep 19

Writing any book can be a daunting task, just write, and keep writing, the first draft of any book is for you, but then you start the rewrites with an audience in mind! Writing Down the Bones I highly recommend!

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

What is "Writing Down the Bones"?

@mayka123 (17083)

• India

7 Sep 19

Good luck to you.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

Thank you. But of course no luck is involved. It's up to me to keep writing.

1 person likes this

Belle Starr (Iz)

@BelleStarr (61463)

• United States

7 Sep 19

Well here is another Big Mojo. I hope you do exactly what you wish to do no matter what that is.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

Thanks! I'm a plugger and will keep on plugging.

2 people like this

@RasmaSandra (98005)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

7 Sep 19

I wish you the very best inspiration and the very best of luck. Just begin and before you know it, it will be done.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

I just have to make sure I do a bit of work on it every day (or close thereto).

1 person likes this

Vicki, #1 Creek Girl

@1creekgirl (44560)

• United States

11 Sep 19

There are only a few hours left of your birthday, but hope it was a great one. That little beauty in the photo is going to break some hearts one day. You'll do fine with your book, just don't give up. Have you ever read any books by Dr John Rosemond? He's a bit of a rebel in Child Psychology circles. Lots of common sense.

@Janet357 (75638)

•

7 Sep 19

am actually waiting for your new recipe.:)

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

30 Sep 19

Wait. Which recipe is that? I have been a culinary genius recently. Even Anna and ML had to concede that I had invented a brilliant NEW Italian dish. While in California.

@SophiaMorros (5044)

• Belews Creek, North Carolina

7 Sep 19

Wishing you Big Mojo as requested. I definitely understand the lure of the less cerebral!

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (238306)

• Walnut Creek, California

7 Sep 19

Thanks. I'm off to play a music gig tonight, but will get back to writing tomorrow morning. The less cerebral certainly is fun...sometimes.

1 person likes this