Category: Uncategorized
Seeing poets in a new light
Happy Friday afternoon to you! Enjoy this cartoon: “Day Jobs of the Poets.”
Is the semicolon becoming obsolete?
An interesting chart! Are semicolons becoming obsolete? (And, I’m almost afraid to ask: If they are becoming obsolete, what does this say about us?) Tell us what you think! I’ll get the conversation started–I’m afraid that if we’re using fewer semicolons, it’s because we’re expressing–and having–less complex ideas. Specifically, I’m afraid that we’re thinking in sound bites, rather than in logical, sequential patterns.
A cicada reverie
At this time last year, my neighborhood was abuzz with the busy lives of the cicadas. This year, June is quiet, and I miss the constant hum and chirp. As I reminisce about last year’s infestation and look forward to the next one (16 years from now), I’d like to share with you this poem I wrote in honor of these little creatures on … Read More A cicada reverie
More support for writing by hand
Following up on yesterday’s post… SLOWING DOWN + writing by hand = increased analysis and synthesis = more effective learning
The hand-brain connection
I have long maintained the importance of writing—by hand. I fully realize that today, typing is necessary—it is nearly impossible to communicate digitally in handwriting. But I remember learning in a psychology course in college that repetitive fine motions, just as linguistic sounds, influence and create new neural pathways in children. It only stands to reason that these neural pathways persist into adulthood. Take, … Read More The hand-brain connection
Get your head in the game!
I’m so honored that The Graceful Grammarian’s blog was mentioned in Coach Mike Tully’s blog, Total Game Plan, today! Total Game Plan is geared toward athletes and toward all running the race of life. Much of his advice and inspiration is related to self-efficacy, and we all can certainly use the type of positivity he shares! Check it out—I think you’ll like it!
Hair for a good cause
Receiving this letter today put a smile on my face. (Also, I hereby officially volunteer to edit the acknowledgement letters to Pantene Beautiful Lengths ponytail donors.)
Travel precaution for MDW
As you prepare for your Memorial Day weekend travels, here’s an important caveat: grammatically incorrect t-shirts abound at NJ rest stops. I found this one at the Grover Cleveland rest area on the Turnpike three years ago. Can anyone explain to me what the text on this shirt actually means? I didn’t think so.
“To prom,” or “to the prom”—that is the question.
When I was in high school, no one I knew went “to prom”; we all went “to the prom.” It’s a subtle difference, but to me, it’s a big deal. Until a few years ago, I never heard of anyone going “to prom.” But then, before class started a few times around 2009 or so, I heard some of my students talking about when … Read More “To prom,” or “to the prom”—that is the question.
A reminder to be mindful
I recently came across this short article in Time: a great reminder to dot i’s and cross t’s, with respect to vocabulary.
Petalpink shimmershower
(In other words, petals are falling from the crabapple tree. And when the Graceful Grammarian sees this happening, she writes a short poem about it!)
So, in other words, the toilet is not working?
You can be assured that I did not encounter this sign in hard copy. Had I done so, I would have whipped out my Sharpie and inserted the essential punctuation!
The Graceful Grammarian 