I had to watch a pickleball intro video about 20 times before I figured out the scoring π We have a pickleball court around the corner from us at Kingfisher Bay if you need some more practice time with a not-so-sporty person.
Karen, my only athletic skill heretofore has been jumping into an icy pool every February ever since I discovered people will pay good money to see a 71 year old woman get very wet while wearing high heels and a hat (plus a costume OF COURSE,) and the organization who sponsors the Plunge benefits from my dubious notoriety. I have never tried pickleball before but now, maybe - just maybe - I am a teensy bit less afraid to sign up for a class too. May I play on your team, please? (Full disclosure: I am not one of those Canada -will-be-the-51st-stater's. I like your beautiful country just as it is. )
You can play pickleball with me any day! And I always love to see the photos of you taking the plunge. And thank you for not wanting to gobble us up. :)
Oh how this spoke to my own athletic fantasies and trepidation about trying this highly-touted sport which no one ever heard of before Covid. I am encouraged! Thank you!
Thereβs a section in my book about my attempts to be sporty. Nothing worked, and now I can hide behind illness and disability so donβt get questioned when I donβt participate. The section was much longer, but in the hard work of editing, I chose to drop a lot of it. In the part that didnβt make the cut, I talk about my perception that all the athletic people were watching and judging me. I decided they more than likely were not. When someone is learning something I do well, Iβm happy to cheer them on and help if I can. Tall Pickleball Lady seemed relatable in the endβIβm glad you made a friend in her and noticed pickle progress. And that you seemed to have FUN!
Yes! When I met you at Doug and Patricia's, I was in the thick of the editing, and you advised me to have skin as thick as an elephant's. I heeded yours and Patricia's advice, and I think the book is much better for it.
Ah Karen. Been there. I found the problem was the round robins. Supposed to be beginner but others came. The guys were always crossing over to my territory. They wanted to win. Didnβt like that at all.
Took tons of lessons. Best advice is never back up. That is when you fall. Always go forward.
My pickle ball years are behind me. But it was fun.
I had to watch a pickleball intro video about 20 times before I figured out the scoring π We have a pickleball court around the corner from us at Kingfisher Bay if you need some more practice time with a not-so-sporty person.
That sounds great!
It was bound to happen: our organization is doing a pickleball tournament fundraiser in a few months.
I'm so proud of you.
Right back at you!
Great reflection Karen! I was chuckling and nodding throughout. Maybe I need to check out this pickleball thing.
Keep showing up...YES! Just what I need to remember. Thanks for the reminder. The alternative can be a lonely road.
Yup!
Your beautiful unique way of looking at things and telling your stories never ceases to encourage me to pay attention more closely and thoughtfully. Pickle-ball is definitely a thing for people our age. Congratulations for trying. Iβm with your pal. I think 8 times is a reasonable number of beginning classes. Havenβt forgotten that I still want to do that coffee sometime. π©·
Love reading your work & my original assumption that you are a meal winning athletic expert will endure. lol
Well, thank you my friend. I think we're due for a visit!
Bravo.
I love your articles, Karen. Thanks!
This speaks to me on many levels, and is funny, which is also a gift that blesses! I look forward to every Newsyletter post!
Karen, my only athletic skill heretofore has been jumping into an icy pool every February ever since I discovered people will pay good money to see a 71 year old woman get very wet while wearing high heels and a hat (plus a costume OF COURSE,) and the organization who sponsors the Plunge benefits from my dubious notoriety. I have never tried pickleball before but now, maybe - just maybe - I am a teensy bit less afraid to sign up for a class too. May I play on your team, please? (Full disclosure: I am not one of those Canada -will-be-the-51st-stater's. I like your beautiful country just as it is. )
You can play pickleball with me any day! And I always love to see the photos of you taking the plunge. And thank you for not wanting to gobble us up. :)
Oh how this spoke to my own athletic fantasies and trepidation about trying this highly-touted sport which no one ever heard of before Covid. I am encouraged! Thank you!
Do it! It really is fun. I'd love to hear how it goes....
I am away writing as well!
Enjoyed your piece.
Nice! I hope your writing is going well.
Thereβs a section in my book about my attempts to be sporty. Nothing worked, and now I can hide behind illness and disability so donβt get questioned when I donβt participate. The section was much longer, but in the hard work of editing, I chose to drop a lot of it. In the part that didnβt make the cut, I talk about my perception that all the athletic people were watching and judging me. I decided they more than likely were not. When someone is learning something I do well, Iβm happy to cheer them on and help if I can. Tall Pickleball Lady seemed relatable in the endβIβm glad you made a friend in her and noticed pickle progress. And that you seemed to have FUN!
Thanks for sharing that. Yes, we did have fun. Editing can be as hard as learning pickleball. :)
Yes! When I met you at Doug and Patricia's, I was in the thick of the editing, and you advised me to have skin as thick as an elephant's. I heeded yours and Patricia's advice, and I think the book is much better for it.
I'm so glad. I really am. That is good to hear.
Ah Karen. Been there. I found the problem was the round robins. Supposed to be beginner but others came. The guys were always crossing over to my territory. They wanted to win. Didnβt like that at all.
Took tons of lessons. Best advice is never back up. That is when you fall. Always go forward.
My pickle ball years are behind me. But it was fun.
Great story.
Yes, those round robins are a bit intimidating! Thanks for sharing!
Great article. Thanks, Karen. I was always the last to get picked for any team.
Well, I am in very good company then.