THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Saturday salutations

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A fine start to the day. The first day I’ve gotten up in a while and not felt compelled to get to work on a yard or home or job project. Nice to have a few minutes relaxed to just start writing instead of looking for those few seconds or minutes between tasks to germinate an idea and run with it.

The afternoon was a fine treat also. I had to get a new belt for an upcoming wedding and I thought of going someplace we hadn’t been in a long while. I thought it might be a good idea to hit Arundel Mills Mall. And being the Casino is right there we could have lunch and play a game or two.

We ate at Bobby’s Burger Place and it was great. Very good burgers and sides. I was going to get a shake but I resisted. We then played a few slots and maybe lost $15 for the day and then walked over to the new hotel they have there.

A day of love.
Photo by Mike Hartley

It wasn’t what we did. It isn’t where we were. I wasn’t how long the afternoon was. It was about 2 people being happy and content and in love again this Saturday. And I can’t wait to do it all over again this Sunday no matter what we do.

Yeah, I need an editor. And a proofreader. And a designer and writer. I knew I was weak at the art of the written word. I knew I wasn’t the brilliant idea person who would write the Pulitzer award-winning pieces. What spurred this train of thought was reading a blog post called Six Simple Writing Tips.

First I need to spend more time rereading my work. I find and correct many things when I do a second, third, fourth or fifth read. Trouble is I never get past a second read most days.

The next suggestion was short words, sentences, and paragraphs. I think I follow that fairly well because I only know short words. I type in incomplete sentences all the time so I guess you could say that is short. And I think my paragraphs are fairly short.

The third tip was to be a clutter cutter. I get rid of words and sentences. It might not just be evident to the reader. I promise to do better.

Tip four was proper grammar punctuation and font. I wish I was better at that and now use Grammarly to assist my lack of knowledge and paying attention in English class.

Tip five was don’t summarize. This isn’t that hard, most of my post doesn’t have a point, to begin with so summarizing would be difficult.

The last one was to read good writing. That is something I haven’t tried. I do read a lot but not much of the classics.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • That thunderstorm that has been threatening all day is finally here. Rumble on.
  • Congrats to Ed Reed, really enjoyed watching him play.
  • Anticipation is a wonderful thing if its about a wonderful thing.
  • For me its more of a problem as to what not to say.

Author: Mike Hartley

With a lifetime and a half in the Newspaper industry I'm preparing for my retirement career as an Artist, Writer, Photographer and Video content provider. I'm a proud father of two wonderful children and I'm still married to the first girl I fell in love with and probably only one that would have me.

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