Home – 2:18p

Getting the angle of the sun just so is a thing. So body is the right temperature, so the shadows behave and keep the writing in the light. It infuses everything with Vitamin D.

And in this session of capture, as I get started, I will first reflect on the beauty of the mountains just north of here and the Pyramid Lake area. It’s like a dream, writing in the sun, and for me, that south-facing window in a sunny spot, with a good kitchen-height table, is the perfect writing setup—or an addition to a desk in a room. The sunroom is often too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and in direct light. Great for an occasional session and also for getting that Vitamin D—for myself and in my writing.

Yes, the land here is beautiful and still foreign and unexplored by me. I really knew Colorado and the mountains. I also knew quite a lot about my surroundings in Washington. But it never came right away for me in each place, and I’m still new here. I wonder about the trailheads out here, the parks, what it all is we are surrounded by. The drive over to California is also particularly beautiful, full of great spots I’m sure to explore and check out.

Bounce, bounce, bounce—my mind runs around if I let it. And that is where I really see the power of keeping the pen going, doing the best with what you have, whatever those thoughts are. And in some ways, the action of writing itself can pull the thought out, and with a gentle push, one can focus the stream in one direction or another. But the practice is surfing on the stream—not getting too caught up in the contents or the current, but focusing on breathing, ease, good posture, gentle muscles, loose hands, moving with the larger muscles, the things which can dust and pull and sluice the mind, letting what matters of gravity find its way off the bottom into the collected box to be refined and categorized.

Yes, this naturally explains my fascination with mining and the process—

(There was a break for doing dishes here, and for some reason, our Goldie was whining and acting strangely, so that all had me quite distracted for a moment.)

As I got back into the rhythm, I looked to have good posture, hold the pen loosely, breathe deeply, softly, and gently as I fall under the spell of the ink, and it begins writing of itself. It is a blissful thing indeed to be in flow of any kind. My writing flow is not like when I run or meditate—or perhaps yes, well, you know what I was thinking, so I won’t have to write that, and this will/might get redacted, but probably not. And funny I should think that, and how egotistical. But there is a place for ego in creating, or is that just my misunderstanding of Art for Art’s sake?

Walks are a nice thing, as is taking care of those you love. Even the animal things—changing litter, scooping poop. Those are noble things. Cleaning toilets.

On my run today, I pushed it, but not beyond my current limit. Not too much, not for too long. Mostly just pushing myself to the edge, where—due to my breathing and delirium—there is really no other thought. Just the oneness, the body-mind connection taking over. And importantly, the rhythm of the music with the steps was just so dang satisfying. Running and dancing, being outside, sunshine and blue skies.

All this sun late in my life is balancing out what I’ve always felt my Puerto Rican heritage required—warmth, Vitamin D, something to help with brighten the mood. Growing up in Stuttgart and Tacoma/Seattle was not ideal for my needs, but yes, they were beautiful. Although Stuttgart, on the whole, seems like an industrial city, somewhat gloomy. Perhaps the Tacoma of Baden-Württemberg. I spent time in Seattle and München, which were better. But still, from a weather perspective, somewhat similar. Though I felt the weather was generally better in Munich. Just north of Seattle, there is a place where lavender grows and is sunnier, but Seattle is not Sequim, and it rained a lot.

Colorado was beautiful.

And I was introduced to New Mexico, which I also loved.

Arizona seemed too wonder bready and cactusy—and hot.

But yes, Nevada fits quite well. Perhaps even an upgrade over New Mexico. Hard to say. I just don’t know.

It is interesting, the similarities. And I wonder if they ever had that distinction.

There is such a comfort in a sunny spot—likely, similar can be said for cozy. But the warmth, the energy, the brightness.

And like a battery, I’ll store that energy for later. Sleep the better for it.

Wrapping up for now.

This was a nice time. A good flow session.

Some writing books feel like technical manuals, others like stern lectures. Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life is something entirely different—it’s a warm, funny, deeply human guide that speaks to both the craft of writing and the emotional challenges that come with it.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubtful, or overwhelmed by the creative process, this book is the gentle but firm nudge you need to keep going.

(Affiliate link here: Buy on Amazon)

Book Details at a Glance

Breaking Down the Book: Why It Resonates

Lamott’s book isn’t about rigid rules or formulas—it’s about embracing imperfection, silencing self-doubt, and finding joy in the creative process.

1. The Power of Small Steps – “Bird by Bird”

The book’s title comes from an anecdote about Lamott’s brother, who was overwhelmed by a school report on birds. Their father advised him to take it “bird by bird”—one small piece at a time. This philosophy applies to writing (and life): break big projects into manageable steps, and don’t let the enormity of the task paralyze you.

 Takeaway: The key to writing is to just start—one word, one sentence at a time.

2. The Infamous “Shitty First Drafts”

Lamott gives writers permission to write badly—to embrace the ugly, messy, chaotic first drafts that all great writing begins with.

 Takeaway: Perfectionism kills creativity. Write freely first; edit later.

3. The Inner Critic & How to Silence It

She personifies self-doubt as a mean-spirited radio station playing in your head—one that you need to turn off. She teaches techniques to quiet the inner critic so you can create without fear.

 Takeaway: Self-doubt is universal, but it doesn’t have to control you.

4. Writing as a Practice of Observation

Lamott reminds us that good writing starts with paying attention—to people, to emotions, to the small, everyday moments that bring stories to life.

 Takeaway: Cultivate curiosity. The world is full of stories waiting to be told.

(Want to read more? Get your copy here: Amazon Affiliate Link)

Why This Book Still Matters Today

Unlike prescriptive writing guides, Bird by Bird is about the mindset of being a writer—about the fears, frustrations, and joys of the creative process. Lamott’s voice is encouraging, humorous, and deeply honest, making it feel like a conversation with a friend who’s been where you are.

For anyone who has ever struggled with imposter syndrome, creative blocks, or the sheer loneliness of writing, this book is an essential read.

Final Thoughts & Where to Buy

 Rating: 5/5 – A heartfelt, inspiring, and hilariously relatable book that every writer (or creative person) should read.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to write—or simply want a book that makes you feel understood—this is the one.

 Buy Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

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What if writing wasn’t just about putting words on a page, but about unlocking your true potential, discovering your authentic voice, and transforming your life? What if writing could be a spiritual practice, a way to access your inner world, and a tool for creative liberation?

In Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, Natalie Goldberg offers a refreshing and transformative guide to writing as both a creative practice and a meditative experience. Combining writing exercises, personal anecdotes, and mindfulness techniques, Goldberg emphasizes how writing can be used to tap into the deep well of creativity and self-expression that lies within each of us. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who’s never written before, this book is filled with practical advice and inspiration to free your writing and explore your inner world.

This is not just a writing manual; it’s a journey into creativity, self-awareness, and the healing power of words. If you’re looking to connect with your creative self, overcome self-doubt, and explore writing as a transformative practice, Writing Down the Bones is a must-read.

 Buy Writing Down the Bones on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

Book Details at a Glance

Favorite Excerpt (Short, Fair Use)

“Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been able to speak about. Be willing to be split open.”

 Why It Resonates:
This powerful quote encourages writers to confront their fears, embrace vulnerability, and explore the depths of their emotions. It’s a reminder that the most powerful writing comes from authenticity and honesty, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Core Lessons & Takeaways

1. Writing Is a Practice, Not Just a Product

Goldberg emphasizes that writing should be approached as a practice, much like meditation or exercise. The goal isn’t to write perfectly but to engage with the process and commit to the act of writing regularly. By doing so, writers can free themselves from self-judgment and discover their unique voice.

 Takeaway: Writing is about consistency and practice, not perfection.

2. Writing as a Path to Self-Discovery

The act of writing can be a form of self-exploration. Goldberg encourages readers to use writing as a way to tap into their inner world, uncover their truths, and find deeper clarity about who they are. Writing can become a meditative practice that brings peace and self-understanding.

 Takeaway: Writing helps us connect with our true selves and understand our emotions more deeply.

3. Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Many people hesitate to write because of fear of failure, self-doubt, or the perception that their writing isn’t “good enough.” Goldberg offers practical advice on how to push through those barriers, urging writers to embrace the process and let go of perfectionism.

 Takeaway: The best way to overcome fear and doubt is to keep writing and trust the process.

What Makes Writing Down the Bones Unique?

1. Combining Mindfulness with Writing

Unlike many writing guides that focus solely on technique, Goldberg’s book integrates mindfulness with writing practice. She suggests that writing can be a form of meditation, where writers are encouraged to stay present with their thoughts and feelings. This approach makes writing not just a creative practice but also a spiritual journey.

2. Practical Writing Exercises

The book includes hands-on writing exercises that help readers break through mental blocks, explore their creativity, and develop their writing voice. These exercises make the book not only a reading experience but also a hands-on guide to engaging with the writing process.

3. Empowering and Inspirational

Goldberg’s tone throughout the book is empowering and inspirational, urging readers to free themselves from the constraints of perfection and simply embrace the joy of writing. Her approach helps readers connect with their creative selves and overcome self-imposed limitations.

Why Writing Down the Bones Still Matters Today

In a world where creative blocks and self-doubt hold many people back from writing, Writing Down the Bonescontinues to be a powerful guide for anyone wanting to connect with their creativity. The book’s advice on overcoming fear and embracing the writing process remains timeless and deeply relevant.

It forces us to ask:

• What do I truly have to say, and how can I let myself write without judgment?
• How can writing be a form of self-discovery and self-expression?
• What’s more important—perfect writing or the courage to write authentically?

Whether you read it for the practical advice, the inspiring exercises, or the insights into writing as a transformative practice, Writing Down the Bones offers a refreshing approach to creativity that encourages everyone to start writingand see where it takes them.

Final Thoughts & Where to Buy

 Rating: 9/10 – A beautifully written, empowering guide to unlocking your creative potential and embracing the practice of writing.

If you love writing, creative practice, and self-expression, Writing Down the Bones is a must-read.

 Buy Writing Down the Bones on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

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Some books about writing are technical manuals, others are deeply personal. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is a rare fusion of both—part memoir, part writing guide, and part kick-in-the-pants motivation for anyone who’s ever dreamed of putting words on a page.

Whether you’re a budding writer, a King fan, or just someone fascinated by the creative process, this book offers practical advice, honest storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest storytellers of our time.

(Affiliate link here: Buy on Amazon)

Book Details at a Glance

Breaking Down the Book: What Makes It Special

Unlike dry academic writing guides, King’s book reads like a novel—fast-paced, funny, and brutally honest. He splits the book into three distinct sections, each offering a different perspective on the craft of writing. And just like his novels there are parts, that drone on a bit in a somewhat repetitive cycle, but I do like King’s humble nature and own acceptance of his style. His advice seemed a bit specific in certain cases and what works for one may not be for everybody.

1. The Memoir – The Making of a Writer

The first part of the book takes us through King’s early life, filled with rejection slips, hard work, and unwavering persistence. He shares personal anecdotes about growing up, his struggles with addiction, and his unexpected rise to success. This part was quite enjoyable and my favorite part of the book.

 Takeaway: Great writers aren’t born—they’re made through passion, perseverance, and an insatiable love for storytelling.

2. The Toolbox – The Nuts and Bolts of Writing

King introduces his “writer’s toolbox”, covering essential skills like vocabulary, grammar, and style. He argues that simplicity is key and that the best writing is clear, direct, and unpretentious. King definitely has his own opinions on tools and techniques and the work to back up his successes.

 Takeaway: Avoid adverbs, use strong verbs, and never underestimate the power of rewriting.

3. The Writing Process – Practical Advice for Writers

In the final section, King lays out his personal rules for writing success, from daily word counts to the importance of reading constantly. He emphasizes the need for a dedicated writing space, disciplined work habits, and the courage to write honestly.

 Takeaway: Writing is both an art and a craft—it requires passion, practice, and patience.

(Want to read more? Get your copy here: Amazon Affiliate Link)

Why This Book Still Matters Today

Unlike fleeting writing trends, On Writing is timeless. King’s insights aren’t just about writing fiction—they apply to any form of storytelling, from novels to blog posts to screenplays.

His advice is straightforward, his humor is refreshing, and his personal journey reminds us that great writing comes from a place of honesty, experience, and sheer dedication.

A lot of people love his stories and it is great fun to read about a beloved author and how they do what they do. It is astonishing really what King has accomplished and his influence on popular culture and writing.

Final Thoughts & Where to Buy

 Rating: 4.5/5 – A must-read for writers at any stage, packed with wisdom, humor, and practical guidance.

If you’ve ever wanted to write—or just love hearing from one of the most successful authors of our time—this book is essential reading.

 Buy On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

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It is still a dream to look into the eye of a great creature in the ocean, such as a whale of gigantic proportions. While their path has been so different from our own, both humans and whales are highly intelligent animals. In all corners of nature, one can look, and the difference lies with us—not our God or universe but rather with our code, our unnatural nature. Who is to say the machine did not pre-exist what we see as human intelligence? A technology much higher, much older. Intelligence which gives the universe its breath and drives all and everything and has always been—energy, matter, and quantum chance.

How unlikely it is that there is an explanation within nature for our differences from all other beings. We are alien, we are sentient, we are God. We are the God-alien and afraid of whatever gave truth to our intelligence. And somehow, we are heading towards an eventual merger with our very creations, with many of the most basic questions still unanswered, such as why we are here and what is our purpose.

And yet, with all our intelligence and sensitivity, an offensive smell can trigger our most natural tendencies. We have hearts and feelings and are not—could not—simply be the tin (hu)man. There is the heart of the lion, the memory of the elephant, one who eats like a bird. Our so-called evolution points to the closeness we share with animal nature.

Why only our species? What happened? That is a great story, which neither history nor science can yet answer. But if you look at what we are doing, have always done—word is we are blasting off this planet. Forlorn explorers. Persistent, unrestful, unruly. With idols no one can agree upon in definition, all the shadow of selves.

If no other being—in any of the biological kingdoms—displays the trait of consciousness and commands technology as mightily, then might one suppose the genesis for such had been introduced? While nature creates mutations, an anomaly of this order and so specific can only have come from a singularly unique event.

The squeeze is real, and life will squeeze hard. Hard as it takes. The universe is one merciless void of godliness. And of course, others have wondered this, though I was pondering yesterday on human intelligence and human being. On being, consciousness, and why we are so different. It seems unnatural.

Brain size and growth alone would not have chosen our species to evolve so much further in nature. Alien is an apt description. We are alien to much of the natural world. Even though our source and essence and communal spirit wish to return to what we once came from, our new wiring pulls us in another direction.

Why do no other living beings, even our closest so-called planetary primate ancestral cousin, share one ounce of our exogenic knowledge store? Very little is passed down beyond those things which are of the circle of life—from which we have somehow stepped outside.

That was the original sin, which occurred long enough ago to have erased any memories that writing and art could not yet upturn and instead became the love of our humanity. But just what was it? Could it have been technology? Technology itself has never changed another animal on this planet, but perhaps something latent, waiting for future possibility.

It is all so vast and oftentimes too much. As different as we are, as we continue to learn and grow into our cosmos, and as experience orders our understanding, on the surface, things make sense—or seem to. It all seems fairly well-ordered. Except that piece that doesn’t fit. That one thing, that animal we should be.

The one that won’t stop. The one that isn’t like the rest in its capacity to love, to destroy.

We are the tapestry of all past DNA. And yet, we seem more like machines than human. Giving up the animal part of our being in favor of what we have created. An incubating virus, taking thousands of years to mature, which in the scale of the cosmos is nothing. It happened fast—between nature and Eden.

If we place all our senses and body within a machine, what is left of the human? Where does the soul hide? Is it the body or the mind that becomes fixed in reality? The soul drifts aimlessly.

On the biological level, we are machine. A chemical factory. But feelings! The spark of life. Inspiration, beauty, longing. These exist in wild creatures, yes, but in us, they take on something more—something abstract, something undeniable.

And as I write, as I let thought flow into the ink of the pen, it amazes me. This act—this simple act—is entirely unique to us. This ability to think, to communicate in this way. Surely, we have done this before.

But in all our good and perverse aberrations, in all our intelligence, we have never been able to bring another species to where we are.

How did it happen?

And why do we still not know?

Wow, really excited about a lot of things. Things are looking pretty good right about now.

It’s times like these to be present and enjoy, but also to prepare for the worst so that when change comes—and it will—you can weather the storm, your vessel prepared for the barrage. Nature will ultimately prevail.

I do want to reach out more to people and get the garage in better shape. But it’s a little cold at the moment still. Maybe it would warm up with the heater, not sure.

I’m falling a little behind with work and not making enough sustained progress, although taking more advantage of headphones and mobility and double-tasking was a great time saver. Every meeting where I’m just sitting around should be like that.

I like when I go to lunch—it is my time. And I decide how I’m going to use it in between my workday.

It’s very dry in Sparks, in the winter in particular.

If I work for two hours every day at ten minutes a page, in a year it is estimated that would be over 1,000,000 words. Is that for real?

I hate doing math, so I just asked AI to figure that out for me based on a pic of my journal to get a sense of general word size for a page of writing. I timed it, and it currently feels just like when I’m running—at a comfortable 12-minute-per-mile pace.

Although, I’m now starting to notice how quickly I run through ink—about two pens a week.

If you took away the act of my handwriting, saw just my thoughts laid out in a line by artificially creating a result, the raw nature of the person is removed and replaced with an algorithm.

By writing a journal, it is both an outlet and a self-reflection tool—a way to discover who one is and what one is doing.

And, hard as I try, creating gentle, uniform handwriting is not an easy task, although there are some ways in which this is made easier.

I seem almost afflicted to write and continue to write.

Anything that is difficult and creative like that should absolutely be pursued.

Both on the intake—you want to read a lot, get a lot of input coming in.

You need good routines to create structure and balance in an environment you create that is appropriately structured.

Part of the writing process is in the ink on paper, the artistic aspect, along with the inclusion of emotion.

Even playing with the slant of the writing adjusts the feel for the wrist, thus allowing a more steady flow of lettering to issue out from one’s inking device.

The forward slant causes the wrist to shift into a more neutral position and also requires a straighter pen.

A faster mode is to loosen the wrist entirely—and probably not write too small.

So, bigger letters make it easier to write? Not always, considering the nice rhythm one can come into when letters run together smoothly in long, alliterative streams of English garble.

As a writer, you need something as your source of fuel.

For the first, it is a difficult journey enough as it is—working through the landscape of the mind, fishing awareness for some potential treasure.

New discovery being that which is the most exciting of all.

The discoverers.

In many cases, these discoverers were writing and discovering, and more than anything, that is what is ultimately so enjoyable about freewriting.

And I’m a better writer for that practice and exercise—but particularly for building the familiarity with words and also wanting to learn more and unique forms of expression.

Even on a lunch break, you never know what gems lie beneath the surface.

What are all the components to a happy and successful life?

Keeping the home we have clean and nice is of importance.

I feel my role plays into that, and I feel I can contribute and help others in more grateful and compassionate ways.

There are different areas in life, and how time is perceived are themes which strike some chords with my current thinking.

And what can I get from something if it were not MVP → rather, maximal?

What is the ultimate?

The mind is an amazing tool.

We live in an amazing world, and we have to keep it amazing—bring it, slow up, prepare for the worst, train to always be ready.

You will get caught when you are in the beginning.

Remember Tai Chi, circles, meditations—to complement whatever other philosophical learning is being conducted for spiritual growth.

With growth, you also need sustenance.

Think about what it is you need to be maximally productive.

Even on a bad day, it is hard not to write or create, but so easy to have zero days.

Today I get to be an artist, a writer—two of my favorites.

And a mentor. A helper.

And a worker.

Some random oracle of advice.

There is beauty in what is new and novel.

Much of that is about set and setting—and boundaries, real and virtual.

One can never say what hasn’t been until it has, and so it always was.

Are all ideas recycled? No. Impossible.

There are as many ideas to mine from the mind as there are atoms and molecules in the elements which comprise our entire universe—existing and yet to be created.

Sometimes I’m very thankful for a change of scenery, and I have to wonder:

What is my direction?

Where are my seeming shortcomings?

How do I want to spend my time?

What do my values mean for me, and do they hold weight and ring true for me?

How much do I believe in my values and keep them in mind for the work I materialize?

That is what truly matters.

And doing the work.

There is always that.

For every tortured soul, starving artist, up-and-coming whatever, there is someone out there working harder, doing more, stopping at nothing.

Can you develop the same resilience?

The resilience to keep it all going, setback after setback.

In the end, the setbacks are like the waves in the ocean of time, and all hurts eventually wash away as we become infinite.

The waves will always come, but you can step up and be captain of any ship.

The song is the choir, which your life capacity should not contain and can only be measured in the presence of doing—with the focus on the active, the moment, truly seeking magic.

To birth new ideas and thought into the world, it may take a million words to find the new idea.

And it excites me.

Looking for it.

Mining until my hands can write no more.

Mining the vast ocean—the depths in which most never go.