What’s some stuff not everyone knows about me? Let’s see. For some reason, people usually express surprise when I tell them I was born in
That’s not much of a revelation, though. So what else can I share? Well, I used to play saxophone in elementary and junior high. I was first chair in the stage band. I say this not to brag but to point out the reason why: practice. I had weekly private lessons and something my teacher once said has always stuck with me: “If I skip practice for a day, I can notice it. If I skip for two days, my audience can notice.” I followed this mantra to become a better saxophone player, and in the many years since then I have used it as a concise reminder of the value of diligence.
On a more embarrassing note, I’ll share a cautionary tale from my freshman year of high school. On the first day of school my English teacher told us to write a short paragraph about our favorite movie, television show, or book. Rather than applying myself or giving any effort at all, I goofed around gabbing with a buddy until five minutes before the end of class, at which point I dashed off a few sentences about the latest movie I’d seen. The next day, the teacher read off a list of names including my own. The chosen ones were escorted down the hall to a class for remedial writing instruction. As soon as I sat down and my new teacher asked us to read a sentence and figure out what was wrong with the first letter in the first word (it wasn’t capitalized), I knew I had screwed up royally this time. I immediately apologized and asked to return to my original class, but I hadn’t figured on how many times my new teacher had heard the line, “I don’t belong in this class.” So it took a week of pleading – “I’m sorry! I’m a goofball! I didn’t take the assignment seriously! Let me write another essay and prove it to you – pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase!” – before the teacher finally relented and allowed me to remedy my mistake.
Thank goodness my parents never found out. Not to mention my saxophone teacher!
9 comments:
Mark, that last experience was a great life lesson, Your parents didn't have to rub it in your face; you learned it on your own. I've been struck through the many posts what incredible self-discipline you have in writing. This post was enlightening about where that all began.
Mark, I love that photo and the remedial English class story. That is an excellent start to a novel. What if the kid doesn't get out? What if his parents do get told? What does he discover in that class? I'd love to read more.
John has convinced me you are on the start of a great novel, Mark. In any case, you are living a great novel! Like Christy said, you learned a terrific lesson on your own (and not every kid would have learned it).
Yes, that photo is wonderful!
Mark,
I agree that this would make for a great start to a novel. I believe that if three potatoes are in agreement, you are obligated to write a novel for us. :)
Make that four.
Thanks for the positivity, gang. To be honest, I had never thought of my personal experience being a story because I haven't really ever done a "school" story.... Whenever an old buddy of mine used to come up with a great idea, I used to put a "statute of limitations" on it, as in, "If you don't use that idea within the next year, I get to use it!" So I will offer the same to you: if you don't hear of me using this idea for a story in the near future, have at it!!!
Mark,
Great post. You've led such an interesting life and have lived in so many amazing places (this from someone who has lived her entire life on the east coast). Keep persevering! I know we'll see one of your novels in print!
Love that picture. And I love the quote about the practice. And what if that teacher had been really evil and not switched you back? So are you still Canadian?
Stephanie, I became a naturalized American during my senior year in high school. I now hold dual citizenship, which means if any of you need to make a quick escape north of the border, I'm the man to call!!
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