Upside Down Cats

A case study - in case you aren't familiar with the term - is a factual vignette presented as a short story. Think of it as a verbal snapshot of a specific situation. They're intended to draw the reader into a scenario in which he identifies with the subject and/or the problem presented in the case study. They're often open-ended, sparking the reader's independent consideration of the issue.

Writing case studies differs from other the other types of professional writing I do (like articles, eBooks, blog posts, instructional guides and website text) due to their particular purpose and unique format. Since I first became aware of them, case studies have seemed like an interesting challenge. I've thought of interesting topics over the last few months and added them to my independent projects to-do list, to write when I have free time. Lately it seems case studies are everywhere and they're wanting to be written by me!

At first I was leery of writing case studies because of their very nature which is quite unlike all those other pieces I write and especially my "anything goes so long as it flows" style which I employ here on my blog. No, case studies are more like writing poetry, complete with definitive guidelines distinguishing their construction from that of plain ol' prose.

Continue reading "Cooking Up Some Tasty Case Studies" »

I write not only to express my feelings but to make sense of them in the first place - my own personal form of “cognitive therapy.” I am especially glad for my blog today for providing me the outlet to express what I’m feeling on an occasion I’d rather not acknowledge.

My mom passed away one year ago today. The first feeling that fact elicits is annoyance at myself for how easily I remember this date and not the hundreds of others of far greater significance to my relationship with Mom. In truth, I don’t want to remember today - the anniversary of the last day of her life. When I remember Mom, I want to remember all those days that far preceded that day - that day where her weak and frail body accepted and surrendered to death. I want to remember Mom as a robust woman, full of life and seemingly boundless energy (at least until about 7:30 each evening when she would fall asleep in her chair reading the newspaper).

Continue reading "Reflection: One Year Later" »

Today would have been my mom's 91st birthday. She passed away back in March and today I'm thinking that this is the first time in my life that I haven't been able to wish her a happy day and remind her to spend it celebrating herself. I'll have to celebrate her myself with my memories and by taking some time to reflect on her legacy in my life.

The way I'm going to celebrate Mom's birthday is by writing about the last time I visited her which, aptly, was at the big birthday bash my family held for her last August on the occasion of her 90th birthday. It was a party I very nearly missed... Continue reading "The Counting Skunks Tour 2009" »

When my mom passed away this past Spring, I had the opportunity to spend some precious time with family, rediscovering some family treasures.

Among the treasures I unearthed was a photo I remembered fondly yet was certain I'd never see again. Oh, how I squealed with delight when my eyes fell upon it once again!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you for the first time in over forty years, the Fred and Ginger of the wedding circuit...

(Cue Rock and Roll Part II)

Mr Jim and Miss Gina!

This is my daddy and me, dancing at my sister Linda's wedding. It's a heartfelt memory, a treasured photo and now a long-lost friend, returned to my life once again.

This picture depicts Dad's and my relationship perfectly - I always felt like his little buddy. He always had time for me and he always made me feel special. Could a little girl feel more special than being all dressed up and dancing with her dad at a fancy hall with a live band? Well, I can tell you this little girl couldn't have!

I have previously written in detail about Dad and me - complete with pictures - but this is the only one you ever really need to see to understand what we were all about.

I share this photo today in honor of Father's Day. Dad passed away in 1997, so even though I no longer can wish him a Happy Father's Day, my heart is warmed today and every day by the memories of him that I carrry with me.

My mom passed away this year on March 17.

No tribute I could write today could capture what I was inspired to compose a couple days later in the funeral home's online guestbook. It poured out of my fingers, straight from my heart. In my mom's honor, I share it with you today:

It is an extraordinary honor to have been born your daughter. By your example, you taught me that women are smart and strong and resourceful. By your example, you taught me that life is a precious gift full of joy and purpose: That it is as important to know how to enjoy life as it is to work hard and utilize my talents. These lessons have served me well throughout my life.

Most importantly, by your example, you taught me the essence of "home." Home is where you are accepted for the individual you are, warmly nurtured and endowed with the freedom to grow into the fullness of your potential. Because I know "home," I can venture forth to create and find that feeling of home in my own life.

Thank you, Mom, for these examples which guide me. They provide a constant source of conviction and direction in my life. These are the qualities I seek to share in the world myself. Through me and those whose lives I touch, your examples will live on forever - as will you in my heart.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I Wish I Could Tell You In Person...

Wow...another National Blog Posting Month is done! NaBloPoMo '09 has been fun as I searched back through the archives of our cat photos and wrote a haiku about one every day of November. Here's the last one...

Gina's Hai-cat #30

Cooper says it all
NaBloPoMo is over
Good night and sleep tight

This is the next-to-last day of National Blog Posting Month. I do believe I'm going to follow through to complete the challenge for my third consecutive year! For NaBloPoMo '09 I've been posting a photo of our cats and a haiku I wrote about said photo.

Gina's Hai-cat #29

Abbey on the shirts
Great help folding the laundry
Never puts away

National Blog Posting Month is almost over! I only have a few more opportunities to write a haiku about a photo of our cats to post for NaBloPoMo '09.

Gina's Hai-cat #28

Who says cats can't fetch?
Mama throws Desi's green ball
She carries it back

There's only a few more days of National Blog Posting Month but I still haven't run out of photos of our cats to write haikus about! Here's my 27th entry for NaBloPoMo '09...

Gina's Hai-cat #27

What a pretty face
Beemer could be a model
So perfect looking

Happy Thanksgiving to all who are reading along throughout National Blog Posting Month! Here's today's NaBloPoMo '09 haiku about a photo of our cats...

Gina's Hai-cat #26

A very sad year
Said goodbye to a best friend
Thankful for Abbey