Lara Tupper: Swift Ink Stories

Lone moose.

There's something about newsletter prep and animal sightings. Last month I wrote about a black bear on our porch. And last night I saw, for the first time, a young moose, its antlers in velvet, racing down the road in front of our headlights. It veered to an opening along the guardrail and made its way, I hope, deep into the Massachusetts woods. 

Such a regal, solitary creature. I wanted to follow, though the moose clearly wanted to remain alone. 

June writing exercise: Carve out solitary time for yourself today, even if it's for five minutes. (And if five minutes turns into ten, so be it.) Close the door and turn off your phone. Close your eyes and sit. (Or stand if that's more comfortable.) Breathe. Keep breathing. Notice how your body feels today. Notice thoughts that arise, without having to change or judge those thoughts. Notice sounds you can hear, smells you can smell. And when you feel you're ready, slowly open your eyes and begin to move your body. Pick up a pen and …