About Me:

Aloha! I'm Wendy Kennar. I'm the mother of a seven-year-old son and a wife living in Los Angeles. I was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave my teaching career.

I've always been described as "quiet" - really, I'm just biting my tongue. I've got lots to say, and lots of thoughts to share, I just prefer to write them. That's the purpose of this blog. Each Wednesday, I post a personal essay offering my observations and thoughts.

A few fun facts about me: I've wanted to be a writer since second grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, made me a "book" with a yellow construction paper cover. I have never learned to whistle, have always preferred sunflowers to roses, and have spent my life living within the same zip code.

Through the years, my writing has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, GreenPrints, L.A. Parent, DivineCaroline.com, RoleReboot.org, XOJane, and Brain, Child Magazine. Additionally, my personal essays have been included in several anthologies, including: The Barefoot Review, Beyond the Diaper Bag, Lessons From My Parents, Write for Light, Being a Grown-Up: A User's Manual for the Real World, Ka-Pow!, How Writing Can Get You Through Tough Times, Breath and Shadow, The Grey Wolfe Storybook, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found.
I am a regular contributor at MomsLA.com, and you can also find me at Goodreads.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Feel free to comment and share my blog with others!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Gathering Material




“Writers write about things that other people don’t pay much attention to.”
- Natalie Goldberg



   I’ve always been described as quiet.  I’m quiet because I’m observing the people and things around me.  I’m noticing and taking note.  Some may call it people watching.  Perhaps, others would call it staring.  Jane Yolen in her book Take Joy wrote, “ I never turn off my writer’s head.”

   I agree.  I am constantly feeling inspired to write personal essays.  I’m surrounded by writing topics.  Some of these subjects are rather serious -- dealing with a chronic medical condition, parenting a mixed-race child.  

   Other topics are much lighter.  I realize that several of my previous blog posts serve as proof that I do indeed write about things that many others wouldn’t even pay attention to.

   For example:


   When I was younger, I was shy.  Now, I’m gathering material.

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3 comments:

  1. honey7214February 11, 2015 at 8:16 AM

    It always amazes me the topics you pick to write about.I know a lot of time and thought go into the essays you write about;all of which have so much meaning.I love reading your work.I love you and I am proud of you.
    love,mommy

    ReplyDelete
  2. msfraseFebruary 11, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    You have a real talent with words. I look forward to reading your blog each week. Your mother & I are proud of you.
    Love, dad

    ReplyDelete
  3. Paul KennarFebruary 12, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    Honey,
    You are an incredible writer! Your perspective on life is so unique and enriching. I Love You with all of my heart!
    Love, me

    ReplyDelete

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