Writing Feedback / "Listening to music and reading" - Things That Inspire Me [2]

Life can be dull without the aid of inspiration. They are not necessary but they are ideal. They could be in the form of a person, an activity, a legacy or anything that a person values. Inspirations vary from person to person but all of them seem to share a common goal - to make life worth living. I found them, out of simplicity, just by listening to music, by reading or by looking at the people around me.

Listening to music brings me something to ponder. No matter what is the genre of music, the message always conveys a strong emotional punch. The music drowns me with the support of a headphone. The thump rhymes on my heartbeat. The vocal brings out a feeling of anger, joy and contentment. Eventually, flashes of memories start appearing, from the moment of my first bike until my high school graduation. Then, if I have caught the notion, I started singing. I am not a musician or a good singer. In fact, I don't have to be. As long as the feeling is there, the feeling counts on singing. All I can say is, it forms a synchronize melody to my experiences and it lets me be myself.

Whether I am killing time or wanting for entertainment, reading never fails to amuse me. Usually, I read before I write. It is a good preparatory for fetching some ideas. I can have a text-based writing or a brand new context, either way it conquers my writing block. Also, it gives me a sense of enthusiasm and prepares my mind for another creative experience. In addition, reading offers amusement. If I am alone, I would pull out a novel. Later, I am already in a hotel in New York or a coffee shop in Washington D.C. Finally, I gain more knowledge on how the world works and how should I live with it. It is my way out of ignorance. All in all, reading kills my boredom.

Until I see people all around me, then my day is complete. I am inspired at people on what they did, said or simply because of their presence. These people are nothing in particular. These people may be the pedicab driver who helped me pass an exam. A minute delay or two would have restricted me to finalize my answer on the last math problem. They may be the woman the other day who thanked me for answering her question. She was having trouble with the keyboard; she held out a hand, gesturing for help. I fixed it and her praise made me feel I could solve any problem, even finding a needle in a haystack. Or the girl, whose face bore a thousand watts smile, that brightened my whole day. Had she took one step forward, I would have died out of excitement. They did me an extraordinary favor out of simple situations.

Inspirations are like windows or doors, it invites us to come closer and show us more. Or a pair of shoes that is already worn out; sometimes, they have to be replaced. My inspiration may be nothing compared to yours. These things are not extraordinary; they don't call for a drumroll or a string quartet. However, they had, at some point, made my life worth living.

--------------------------
Hoping for your critique.

Writing Feedback / "not physically and mentally fit to play" - How I suck at sports [5]

Anyone who knows me can claim that I'm not physically and mentally fit to play various sports. When I say I suck I am not being modest. However, my friends always called me whenever they had a game. I don't know what they are up to. If they just want to increase my self-esteem or just want to see me ridiculously play. In any other intentions, I always end up submitting to their will. The games we played made me realized how I suck at sports.

I played basketball last year and it went bad. Whenever I got the ball I find myself trembling. I always passed it randomly. Whenever I hold the ball, it felt like a great responsibility like they expect me to shoot the ball or show some tricks. So I usually throw it away immediately to save myself from humiliation. One time when we were having a fast break, someone called out my name. Not knowing that was the signal for pass, I faced the voice's direction and receiving the ball right on my forehead. I felt my head cracked open. Sometimes, I wanted to have a clear shot but the opportunity never seemed to present itself.

The other day, I and my father went to the park to play tennis. But when we arrived there are already others playing. So we can't play together. I think I have already said Sorry for the hundredth time already. The tennis ball always hit the net. I knew my opponent was not having fun and neither do I. The same goes for Ping-Pong. I can barely catch tennis ball let alone the Ping-Pong ones. I once got hit by a paddle. It nearly broke the bridge of my nose. I had to cover it with a cloth due to its excessive bleeding.

These days our country is getting interested in soccer. Almost all students in our town know how to play soccer even my little brother. I am glad it didn't happen in my time. I surely don't want to break my leg. When I was a child, I encouraged my classmates to play soccer. I actually enjoyed it until we had to stop because my classmate was hit directly unto his face. Well of course, they put the blame on me.

When Manny Pacquiao's glorious moments were rising, my dark days were looming. All towns took pride over his victories and ours was no different. We had daily sparring. My father encouraged me to fight. I had already received several blows before I gave my first. The match only ended because of the weather. Even though I hated rain because of the sickness it caused me, I started to like it.

I don't know if I'll ever enjoy sports. I tried finding my old friends but they are all busy. Even if I tried to join games, I doubted if anyone would admit me. There are now new generations that are playing. Besides who would like to play with a guy like me, I'm skinny, short and easily distracted. It will be a total disadvantage to their part.

But playing sports seems fun. I mean almost all people indulge in it. Almost all males are engage to sports. I am determined to sulk, but the truth is, I want to be part of the game.

-----------

Thanks for reading.

Grammar, Usage / On what occasion can be fragments acceptable? [3]

I read this excerpt in the Reader's Digest

"Canning. Food Trucks. Knitting. Urban homesteading. Home Brewing. The rise of these DIY activities amuses me."