Spring training

It's that time: The players have reported for Spring training.

I've often wondered about how to transfer the athletic training concept to writing poetry.

And speaking of training, isn't it about time to get back on my bike? I've been thinking about it, and about trading in my heavy tank of a mountain bike for something much sleeker and lighter. But thinking is as far as I've gotten.

In the meantime, I've been going through The Artist's Way. I bought the book a few years ago and didn't get very far. Too much work! Too much time required. A little too hyped-up and woo-woo.

But back in January, I decided to give it another go, working through it as much or as little as I could and figuring that was better than nothing (a favorite concept of mine, especially with exercise: anything is better than nothing).

I've had a lot of time while riding the bus, and now I'm on week 7! Granted, I started earlier even than the pitchers and catchers—but I'll bet they start a bit earlier too, getting loose, getting strong, warming up.

Finally, I realized: This is my training! I don't know whether it's making me a better writer, but it's focusing me on my writing—and it's helping me in other ways.

And I think I'll be done by Opening Day.