No day is truly gray
when sunflowers sway
in the slightest breeze
like cheerful trees.
Copyright 2020 Brenda Davis Harsham
Notes: Here’s a ditty for kids and the young at heart, as we adjust to this new “back-to-school.” In my case, my three kids are logging in from home for college, high school and middle school. I’m interviewing often, and it’s fun talking to new people and getting opportunities to imagine myself making a difference in the world. I have a critique group tonight, and I’ll see what they think of one of my revised stories. My heart meanwhile is with those affected by hurricane floods and California fire-tastrophes. No matter how gray your day, I hope you find a sunflower to cheer for you.
Writing Tip: When you’re critiquing, remember to focus on the good as well as suggesting ways to improve. If you’re receiving a critique, be open to hearing suggestions as mere ideas. If you don’t agree with the suggestion, think about why it was made– is there something else about the story that can be improved? I love when someone makes a suggestion that makes me think, “Oh, no. I don’t know how to fix that.” Eventually, I think of a way, and the story improves.
Friendly Fairy Tales 
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
INDEED—CONCENTRATE FIRST AND LAST ON THE POSITIVE…AND GENTLE ABOUT CRITICISM IN THE MIDDLE! 😀
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A good philosophy.
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YES…MASTER ! 😀
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wow, bright colors and sunflowers, always brings happiness and joy!!
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Yes! Much needed in these dwindling, darker days.
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i love the happy and bright tone of your sunflower poem, good for these ever-shortening days. best of luck juggling it all, i love what you said about critiques, and how to put them in perspective
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I’m glad you liked my poem. Thanks for responding to the writing tip, too.
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Good work
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Thanks!
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Love the sunflower poem!
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Thanks!
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Good luck managing all the logins. That’s good advice on the critiques.
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Zoom is hard if you’re loopy after dental surgery. Oy.
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