SIGNATURE MOVE, AND WHY YOU NEED ONE

A signature move is something expected, predictable. It’s an identifiable characteristic.

You’ve got a signature move whether you know it or not. Ask someone.

We used to watch the biggest fight in the world on free TV when Muhammad Ali was The Greatest.

Once he dropped an opponent, up when his arms. That was his move.

Sports guys all have a one.

Jim Brown, the most punishing running back of his era, always looked like he could barely move after getting tackled.

Then he’d drag back to the huddle, line up, take a hand-off and run like he was just starting out.

But, that was yesterday, and yesterday is a long time ago.

Best Signature Today

I’ll start with someone I know pretty well. Me.

The best move today is wearing a mask. Pretty controversial, I know. A mask.

If you’re new here, wearing a mask is about the covid19 pandemic. A mask slows the the spread by blocking aerosol virus transmission from your breath. It works like this: when you breathe out in cold weather you can see your breath.

It’s the same thing in warm weather, you just don’t see it.

I’m no doctor, but I’m married to one, and I was an Army medic. So, with those academic credentials why would you listen to someone like me? I’ll tell you why.

My signature move is paying attention and acting with decency. It doesn’t always work out that way, but that’s how it starts. You can ask anyone who knows me. Better yet, read a bunch of post on boomerpdx. You won’t find me poking a stick in your eye.

Wearing a mask is good medicine. If you have someone smart enough to know, ask them. On the other hand, if you have mask doubts and anti-vaccination feelings, please be quiet.

Being quiet is a nice signature move, just not for me.

I wrote a post recently read by all of two people. It was yesterday and it was about perseverance. If I’m guessing correctly, both readers already know how the drill: Don’t quit.

A Writer’s Signature Move: Persistence

Consistent writing is an exercise like running or playing a musical instrument. It takes practice, and that means spending time.

What’s it like to write as an exercise? You’re reading it. From spelling, to grammar, to having something to say, (note on two readers of a recent post, thank you), it matters.

Probably matter more to this writer than the reader, but hope is alive. I see a time when I have a consistent load of readers coming in here and commenting.

That’s happened a few times, but nothing that stuck. One day I ruled the world, except Greenland. Thousands of readers came and went after they found what they were looking for.

It was fun, funny, and a little over the top. No, lots over the top.

One of my favorite twitter guys, @tcboyle, posts there and answers so many questions. It looks exhausting, but that’s his signature move.

I’ll continue working out my writing muscles, wearing a mask, and paying attention. It’s a good thing. Maybe you’d like to try it?

I’ll help if you need help. Find me by leaving a comment.