Thank you! Here’s the essay. Most of the words were already there; I had to fill in 14 blanks, in which I could use more than one word.

In 2006 I decided I would cultivate my personal garden. I realized I wanted to lose a dull lethargy and that went hand in hand with the fresh vitality I wanted to find. It was like a little seed telling me to start thinking I could really blossom. Of course, to achieve a vibrant, attractive bloom, I have to believe in the power of selective pruning. Which doesn’t mean I have to give up nutrition to get nourished. It just means I have to be diligent about accomplishing daily goals, making deliberate choices, and maintaining an optimistic outlook. I’m gaining the confidence to do engaging, creative activities while I change!

Here’s the winning essay:

In 2006 I decided I would paint a new picture of me. I realized I wanted to lose my dull, lifeless self-portrait and that went hand in hand with the vibrant colors and rich, new life I wanted to find. It was like a little WeightWatchers art appraiser telling me to start thinking I could really be a ‘masterpiece.’ Of course, to achieve a great work of art, I have to believe it is within me to find. Which doesn’t mean I have to give up the one and only me to get ‘perfection.’ It just means, I have to be flexible and persistent about accomplishing new skills, healthy habits and positive beliefs. I’m gaining the confidence to do the unimaginable while I change!

Janie, have you read any other books by Frank McCourt? I love his writing voice, his pitch. When you read McCourt you can *hear* him talking. It was a fast read, compelling writing; but certainly a book to sift through. Some of his teaching methods were quite unorthodox but they make for good stories. I read a part aloud to my visiting brother and SIL where he gets the students involved with ethnic food. They all bring food to class, read recipes aloud, accompanied to music — this is in a creative writing class! It’s a hilarious story about getting the kids out of a stupor and involved with words. And the story of Phyllis, whose father was dying concurrent with Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, whose family shuttled between the bedroom with its death saga and the living room with the TV showing a historic moment, is so powerfully poignant. His language borders on raw and profane most of the time, crosses it occasionally. I’d recommend that you read it – especially with your interest in teaching. I’d love to hear what you think of it.