Poetry Line by Line

Jennifer Luster

January 28, 2025

if I had to go anywhere in that car that was not my usual haunts or if I had to get on “the high road”–the dizziness would commence. Because of this, I named this car “Herman”–after the Frankenstein-like character from the 1964 series, The Munsters. In my kid mind, that car was as undesirable as that loud, clunky monster with the weird black lips and hideous face. Needless to say, I did not like Herman–the car or the character.

January 4, 2025

Jennifer Luster

A three and a half hour family car trip to a nearby city is no big deal. That’s what families do–just not my family. In fact, it was a rare day that we drove anywhere together with the exception of a quick ride to the icehouse down the street for a soda and a candy […]

Jennifer Luster

December 19, 2024

When I was ten, my family took a car trip to Houston. That’s about a three hour drive–not so bad if you like road trips–only I did not. Since I was six years old I suffered from motion sickness. Back then, it was always car induced. These days, anything can trigger it ( a porch swing, a rocking chair, someone swaying side to side while talking to me, and especially my own erratic movements).

December 12, 2024

Jennifer Luster

When a teacher asks you to set an intention for your practice, don’t linger on the decision. Choose quickly. They rarely give you that much time to come up with one, so if you have decision fatigue, this is important. If you really like the idea of setting an intention for your yoga time, or if you just like following directions because you’re that kind of student, you don’t want to miss an opportunity.

Jennifer Luster

November 26, 2024

Recently, I was feeling lost and like my days were running together. Twenty-four hour periods were going by, and I was aimless but still busy. I knew I needed a reset and to focus on living with intention. Doing so also meant reminding myself of my purpose. Even though I’ve accepted and voiced my purpose […]

October 24, 2024

Jennifer Luster

Each time I heard Chip Gaines say “Welcome home,” to the homeowners at the end of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, I cried. I think it’s because I’ve never experienced that feeling of walking into the home I want to stay in for the rest of my life. After I was married, the first place […]

Jennifer Luster

September 24, 2024

If you have a room, a closet, a drawer, or a pantry that you want to reorganize, the thing that will help you the most is having a process to follow. For me, I’ve been using the rules I learned back in 2003 from a reality TV show called Clean Sweep any time I am […]

September 18, 2024

Jennifer Luster

Before I could move forward with the actual reorganization and redecorating process and get out of a befuddled, unpeaceful state, I first had to acknowledge and sit with my feelings of mental and emotional clutter. Then I was able to look carefully at my work environment and revaluate my needs since my daily labor situation had changed. It was worth it. I know this because I’m writing this post from a newly organized and redecorated space that cries out to be used and enjoyed everyday.

Jennifer Luster

August 13, 2024

If you want writing to be a part of your daily routine, the way getting dressed and having your coffee is, then start by identifying your ideal writing situation. Write down or just dream about having all the perfect conditions for yourself. Allow yourself to feel that ideal, and then take a look at your reality.

July 30, 2024

Jennifer Luster

I knew then that I was wasting time asking God if I was a writer; I was. I just needed to go home and write. Writers make time to write. What I learned from David Sedaris in his Masterclass had rubbed off.