Stephen Lawrence Brayton's Blog (200)

“It’s lazy of the local shopkeepers in Puerto Vallarta to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time-this should be banned.”

This brings up a topic of discussion I have with many people: when do you find time to write?

Well, for 16 years, I worked the night shift at various motels. 11p-7a. My weekends were whatever two days the supervisor scheduled. Usually, I would go home and if I needed to be up for class later that evening, I…

May I have a few paragraphs to discuss a minor issue? This is about following directions.

Before I joined Gannett, I spent years filling out online applications (paper applications having almost gone by the wayside) and have spent years querying agents and publishers regarding my books.

Each site and organization has directions to follow to fill out their applications or to submit material.

Online applications are…

Another set of student essays. This time, on Integrity: 

Stella –

I think integrity is practicing you hardest and doing the moves the correct way. It is about not fighting with or being mean to my brother even if mommy and daddy are not watching.

It is also about doing what the teacher says, like standing quietly in line when the teacher is helping someone else.

Helping others when you say you are going to help is also a way to show integrity.

I…

“The roads were uneven and bumpy, so we could not read the local guide book during the bus ride to the resort. Because of this, we were unaware of many things that would have made our holiday more fun.”

Okay, I just don't know what to say about this.

Anyway, I wanted to relate this to how reading has always been one of my enjoyments. I think one of the best jobs I could have would be one where I did nothing but read books. Maybe for review (which I do for free…

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."

- Charles Caleb Colton

I often think of the friends I've made throughout the years. Those in high school, some of whom I see either annually or every five years. Those in college, most of those I've never seen since graduation. Those in the workplace, through my association in the American Taekwondo Association, through…

“We went on holiday to Spain and had a problem with the taxi drivers as they were all Spanish.”

Uh-huh. Really? Well, before I get into my main topic, may I dip a toe into the social/political arena? Some people wonder why Americans won't easily accommodate Spanish speaking people when the majority of Americans speak English. The above quote shows the absurdity of some people but makes a point – if we're to speak Spanish to accommodate Spanish speaking people, then…

“The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 ; the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.”

Several years ago I wrote a blog concerning certain imponderable questions. I listened to a couple audio books which asked and tried to answer some of these questions. For instance, why doesn't the water in water towers freeze into one big iceberg in the winter? Answer – a combination of three…

“Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.”

Coming down to near the end of these truths, I find myself hard-pressed to link them to aspects of writing. For this one, I settled on…

Some of my students' thoughts on Loyalty:

Ethan -

Loyalty is standing up for your friends. For example, let’s say a friend told you a secret. Being loyal means you keep that secret. Another example is watching and making sure they’re safe. I am loyal to my family because I watch my sister when I promise to.

Stella -

I think loyalty means learning from and listening to my Mom and Dad. It is speaking up and saying “Yes, Sir!” at karate when we are being…

More student essays on health:

Stella -

I think that being healthy means you need to exercise and eat good fruits and veggies before you eat chocolate for dessert. I like to eat corn, tomatoes, berries, apples, strawberries, oranges, and mangoes. I eat them as part of every meal

I like to exercise every day by riding my bike, running around, go swimming at the pool. I play every day and exercise with my mommy and daddy at home.

I do not currently…

LISTEN...REALLY LISTEN

This last point is something with which many of us have a problem.

How many times have you forgotten a person's name almost immediately after being introduced? How many are so eager to tell our story/opinion that we don't wait until the other person is finished?

Previous posts - #5, #6, #9, all depend on listening. Actual listening. Not just hearing.

I'm guilty, too, of the…

EMPATHY

Reviewing last week's post at the point where I mentioned my creative answer to a rejection. The part about her switching to a yes because of my sincere heart.

This sincerity fits with this week's topic. How many times have you told a story or explained a situation and the other person's expression is blank or else tosses off a token sympathy statement?

Sympathy and empathy have different meanings. If…

KISS

The acronym and the word fits the theme of this series. Because that first kiss is a wonderful goal. To back up a few steps is where the oft used phrase comes into play. Usually related to speeches, I think it also can be used for asking for a date.

Be brief and be specific. This brings to mind post #2, the avoidance of rambling. Again, get in, say what needs to be said, get out.

Well, stay in if…

WHATCHU' TALKIN' ABOUT

Whenever Willis said something to evoke this question from his brother, it usually involved either a crazy scheme to extract themselves from troublesome situation or involved an important lesson Arnold didn't quite comprehend.

If Willis had tailored the message properly, he might not have had to explain it.

Politicians do this a lot. Prepare a speech to be favorable to whatever group…

DISTRACTIONS

As an author, I'm constantly reminded to remove distractions and write. Turn off the Internet, close down Facebook, turn off the phone.

We have become a techno-crazy world where common sense and simply courtesy have been replaced by the latest Snap Chat or Instagram image. Where a family at a restaurant all will be plinking on their phones instead of, you know, talking to each other.

So, in…

QUESTION EVERYTHING

Whenever I have a chance to speak with people from another country, I consider myself lucky. I may never have a chance to visit, so if allowed, I question extensively to learn as much as possible.

In social settings, the emphasis is on questioning and then repeating the other person. Of course, not every word verbatim, but a main or interesting aspect of the answer. This may lead to other…

STORY TELLING

Of all the points in this dating discussion, next week's and this week's are two where I'm above average.

Oh yeah, I can tell a story. Sixteen long years as a night desk clerk at four motels, I've collected scores of stories. Living in an apartment house with a revolving door of criminal tenants (including the landlord), still more. Vacations, odd jobs, family, Uber passengers...where would you like to…

SMALL TALK

Last week's topic, but a quirk of coincidences, leads into this week's.

Making friends first, discussing interests.

The third point sent to me suggested having a small talk script. I don't exactly what it means, but I might venture that having two or three pieces of information to make about topics helps avoid a long silence while struggling for something to say that doesn't sound like you're…

UNNECESSARY SKILLS

We're delving into the dating dilemma – how to better go about my getting one.

Of course, the most talked about way is to make a friend first, then see where it goes. Find common ground, interests, etc.

When the time comes to ask for an evening out, I've read where it is goo to start with an opening, an observation, then ease into the actual invitation. If you see she likes coffee, mention…

BODY LANGUAGE

Now that I have a day job (well, actually early morning to middle/late afternoon job, thank you overtime) I've been I've been spending many evenings and weekends out on the town. I've noticed (and how could I not) the plethora of attractive women in this here capital burg. More specifically, the number of them at my place of employment.

Do I approach any for a date? Are you kidding me? Why not, you…