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 |   Second blog -- answers to an ocean of prompts |
 "Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself." CHARLIE CHAPLIN  Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet confinement of your aloneness to learn anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you. David Whyte        This is my supplementary blog in which I will post entries written for prompts. |
| Prompt: "Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge." William Shakespeare Mercy, nobility, or badges. Write about one or all of these or comment about the quote. ------------ Mercy, nobility, and badges! Three interesting concepts! I think they may interconnect in some ways. Mercy and nobility often go hand in hand in character-building, as a noble individual is expected to show compassion and forgiveness. On the contrary, badges are physical things, but as symbols of achievement, they could represent milestones in one's life that point to mercy and nobility inside that individual. If I were to take those three concepts one by one, I'd begin with mercy because I think in value, it far out-passes the other two. As such, mercy has to do with acts of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, and is often extended to someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. It's a virtue rooted in empathy and understanding. A merciful person reserves judgment and instead offers sympathy and tolerance. As an essential part of human morality, mercy promotes peace and encourages harmonious relationships among people. It is often seen as a divine attribute, playing an important role in most belief systems. On the other hand, nobility is a social class normally ranked below royalty, if I look at it in its lowest form. In a better sense, however, it refers to the quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or personal qualities. A noble person shows high moral qualities such as courage, generosity, or honor as he puts others' needs before his own and acts with integrity and honesty. And last, badges are symbols that show accomplishment, skill, quality, or interest. they are basically motivational. They validate skills and motivate further achievements. They may be important to a person as they show recognition of one's achievements by other people or groups. And who, in this world, doesn't like recognition! . |
| A badge is a token of achievement that motivates us to do more, learn more, and achieve more. Badges are important because they can show determination, skills, and achievements. A badge has a crucial role in various aspects of our site and in any society and it carries a significant importance such as recognition of achievement and credibility and trust. Here are the New Goodies! Thank you very much, The StoryMistress  !Check this out, blogging friends: https://www.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/1061998-Introducing-Four-New-Consist... I got my first goodie this morning, Yay! ![Merit Badge in Visit WdC 7
[Click For More Info]
For visiting Writing.Com 7 days in a row.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/achievements-Visit_WdC_7.gif) And a bit later, a second one! Am I lucky or what! ![Merit Badge in Forum Posts 7
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For posting in a Message Forum 7 days in a row.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/achievements-Forum_Posts_7.gif) . |
| Prompt: "There's just something beautiful about walking in snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you're special." ` Carol Rifka Brunt Have you ever been the first footsteps in the snow after a storm? Do you remember if you felt special? Do you remember the fresh smell? ---------- Have I ever been the one with the first footsteps in the snow? Well, of course. Many times over. Years ago when we lived on Long Island, NY, we had a two-acre backyard, and when the snow covered it and everything else, I had to walk on it, if not for anything but to get the wood for the fireplace from the shed. I have to say, despite the cold, those experiences were once in a million; especially, when the full moon rose over the all-white landscape at night. Eerily beautiful, I should say! When I walked on that fresh snow, every step I took left a mark, a signature of my presence, with my footprints creating a narrative, a unique path that narrated my trek through the snow. This freshly blazed trail was a fleeting monument to my walking through that path, as it was inevitably erased by time, wind, and more falling snow. The sensation of fresh snow underfoot was always a textural delight. It could be powdery and light, or densely packed and crunchy, offering a satisfying resistance with each step. The chill of the snow seeping through my boots woke up my senses, reminding me of the winter's cold reality. I know if I had to do that very thing at this time, in my old age, I wouldn't dare do it. Where I live now there's no snow and therefore, less art. Walking on that fresh snow and breathing its clear, clean scent was like experiencing a living art piece – it was an ephemeral, dynamic, and interactive experience. It was a moment of peace and tranquility when I felt I was part of something bigger, something very beautiful as if it were a silent dialogue between me and the untouched beauty of that winter landscape. . |
| Prompt: Random words for inspiration on this first Friday in January: snow, wind, mountaintop, survival, pickles, colorful, seat, and a bikini. ----------- on the *mountaintop so high, *survival's *seat, cold and bold, *snow and *wind hugging the sky, nature's dare, as if a tale, told. fancy crystals in winter's embrace, *bikini dreams in frost's domain like frozen *pickles in icy grace... where's the warmth in heart's refrain? wind whispers secrets to the peaks, that chill in the air, a test of might, a snowflake dances and landing it seeks on this vision dressed in white. my wishes for spring lie in the frost my *colorful dreams, now empty quests, nature's lessons I easily lost, yet, this silenced day, I find my rest. . |
| Prompt: "The only thing then being talked about is not being talked about." Write about this in your Blog entry today. ============ Such a paradoxical statement! Any conversation or discourse has to have a primary subject. But here, the talk or its content refers to an iffy thing, in other words, something...i.e. what the talk is about... is not being explicitly mentioned or discussed. If what that certain talk could be about would be made clear, my answer would be clear, too. This makes me wonder if, when a topic about a person is sensitive, controversial, or uncomfortable, and the other people are dancing around the issues, why would anyone want to be talked about? In which case, wouldn't it be better not being talked about? On the other hand, if the word "talk" refers to being loved and considered and honored and all those nice things and then some, yes, any one would like to be talked about. Then, isn't it a fact that when people discuss censorship, taboo, or the limits of free speech, they are talking about the concept of not talking about something? See, such paradoxical statements could be interpreted in so many ways! . |
| Prompt: "Life isn't as serious as your mind makes it out to be." Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----------------- I really think living is a dance like the tango, but if life is my tangoing partner, it is the partner who doesn't dance well. Not that it doesn't know the steps but it does missteps on purpose to keep me on my toes, while I am already on my toes. So, why does life do that? It must be because it is the strict examiner of souls or the harsh beater on people. Just the kind of thing miners do to gold mines. To extract the gold from all the impurities, they beat their diggings up and exert all sorts of cruelty on them. What I wrote in the first paragraph above was my mind thinking about life, and there was some truth in what I said there, too. A lifetime, with all its twists and turns, often appears as a serious and challenging journey. I and others do navigate through that journey's complexities of relationships, work, and personal growth, and we face moments that seem weighty and important. On the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, life might not be as serious as most of us, or people like me, often perceive it to be. Let's imagine we are in space, watching the entire universe, if we could. Even our solar system is just a tiny speck in the vastness of the universe and our planet is a nothing. In the grandeur of the cosmos, our daily worries and problems will seem trivial, then. The grandeur of space and time can serve as a gentle reminder that our troubles are just fleeting moments in the infinite tapestry of existence. That is why I need to think I have to travel through life with a light heart. There is also another point, which has to do with life's unpredictability and fleeting moments, actions, and ideas. Change is the only constant, and circumstances can shift unexpectedly. How can I or anyone else depend on anything that constantly changes? Taking all these things into consideration, happiness means letting go of the burden of being too serious. This is where I rely on humor, as it plays an important role in showing me the less serious side of life. At times, humor and a good laugh can become the best remedy for the stress life throws my way. Finding joy in simple things, appreciating the beauty around me, and connecting with others in a genuine way also help. Embracing the idea of life being flippant--or that life isn't as serious as I often think--allows me to appreciate the present moment and reminds me of my sense of gratitude for being alive. In a nutshell, that gift of life is all each one of us have, until it lasts. . |
| Prompt: What makes you appreciate the passage of time? Tell us about an accomplishment, event, or realization in 2023 that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. ------------ Appreciate time? That man-made measure of counting the days and weeks and months and years? I guess some measure of time was needed at one point in the history of mankind because we would all keep our time in our own very special ways. For example, I usually keep time according to what happened in my life as in, "It was after the time I graduated...that..." or "The year we visited Paris..." or "Before the time when my older son or younger son was born..." Go and explain that to someone who doesn't know my life! My personal biases aside, appreciating the passage of time means leading a fulfilling and meaningful life, as time is a constant force that shapes our experiences, memories, and relationships. To appreciate time we first and foremost learn to live in the present moment without judgment. Did I say judgment? Look who's talking! Between us, I'm sick of my own judgments and do I live in the present moment? Nope, although I try very hard. Although I very well know that by immersing myself in the present, I can better appreciate the nuances of life, whether it's the beauty of nature, the warmth of a conversation, or the taste of a favorite meal. On my plus side, I try not to anticipate the future too much. Never mind the advice of the stoics that we should anticipate the worst, so whatever happens we won't fall apart. Also, not dwelling on the past is on their agenda, too. How can I not? I've lived so many decades. Should I throw all of those years and good and bad times out the window, too? I do agree with the reflection and gratitude advice; however, it is the product of religions and not the stoics. Please, don't think that I don't like the stoics. Seneca is my favorite, not to mention Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus and others. In 2023, re-reading them helped me stand on my own two feet greatly. Coming back to reflection and gratitude, whether through journaling or quiet contemplation, acknowledging the passage of time can lead to a deeper appreciation for the journey we've traveled and the lessons learned along the way. I don't do setting and achieving goals that many are so fond of. Well, let's say I used to do that and if I didn't live up my expectations, I ended up beating myself real badly. At the end, I learned to say 'maybe I'll work towards this and that' and that loose determination worked better for my needling psyche. Anyhow, I don't do goals anymore, except for the daily ones, which I write down on a piece of paper and put it on the fridge's door. Anyone who watches me secretly may think I'm hungry all the time for the many trips I do to the kitchen just to stare at the fridge's door. Well, anything that works! Whatever else that works for appreciating time--such as embracing change, connecting with loved ones, and cultivating hobbies and passions--I do all that to some degree because I need to prevent burnout and help myself with my overall well-being. I think what I do, in general, helps me in to appreciate time not as a mere measurement but a source of richness and meaning in my life. After all, all those years I've lived should mean something, at least to me, shouldn't it? . |
| Prompt: 2024 What do you expect from 2024? What or who will you turn to when you want to learn more or do more in the coming year? In what ways does 2024 excite or captivate you? ------------ Not much really! I can't expect anything from any year, except for no bad things happening. As for learning new things, I turn to myself. Factually speaking, if I don't make the effort, no one or no one thing can teach me what I need or want to know. As to getting excited about 2024, I just hope the world survives, one more year, the stupidity of its inhabitants. Predicting the future with certainty is challenging as it depends on various factors including technological advancements, geopolitical events, and societal changes. To tell the truth, I am hoping and possibly expecting continued progress in technology, science, and various industries. I would like to see innovations in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare to continue shaping the world. I would also like to see much improved geopolitical situations, economic conditions, and public health, because as it is, there is too much strife between countries and people, too much poverty, and public health is on all the politicians' back burner. Yet, I think, what still works is WdC, and for that, I'm very thankful for the the owners, mods, and all the writers, artists, and readers on this site. See, despite all the negative opinion I have of the world as it is, I too can believe in the treasure at the end of a rainbow.  . |
| Prompt: Let this quote inspire your entry today: “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show.” — Andrew Wyeth Or discuss Wyeth's work if you need more inspiration. ------ What most amazes me about Wyeth is his point of view or rather the angle he looks at his subjects. It may be from the top or the side or at an angle that is somewhat off and uncanny, too. Yet with his unusual and peculiar sight, he reaches at an insight about his subjects that no run-of-the-mill painter can. Having expressed my awe of him, I have to say, I don't agree with him about winter and fall. He may feel "the bone structure of the landscape" but I only feel the cold and the wind. Although fall is a season of breathtaking beauty with its palette of warm hues, it is also a warning sign of the impending cold of winter. The falling leaves, are quite picturesque, and although I loved them much earlier in my life, I now see them as a symbol of decay and endings, which evokes feelings of melancholy in me. Granted, this must have something to do with the many years of life I've had. The only reason I didn't like fall during my much more youthful times was that I associated it with the return to routine. Later on came my allergies against pollen and mold spores which didn't help. As to winter, reduced light in most days plays a role in affecting my mood as it does many other people who may even fall into depression called, Seasonal Affective Disorder. On top of it all, raw, biting cold and shorter days often mean illnesses like the flu, plus discomfort and inconvenience. Yet, watching the snow covered everything and especially the trees from behind a window in a warm room is also precious. Still, this splendid view is not enough for oldies like me to like the winter season. . |
| Prompt: As the year closes, memories flow... let this quote inspire you because. "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Author unknown ---------- twilight's embrace, a gentle glow, hints at a love that used to flow as an alive, happy melody, now a treasure, a full symphony his smile lit up the darkest night now a memory, shining bright his embrace, the warmth of a sunny May comforts me still when days turn gray he lingers in sunsets in colors that fade his life I recall, as history made his love transcends the edges of time he's now my poem with cheery rhyme in hearts' gallery, his picture's framed he was much loved, his essence remained to the realm unseen, he took his wings inside my heart, he reigns as kings . |
| Prompt: "There's nothing more beautiful then the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it's sent away." Sarah Kay Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---------- the ocean, a lover true, has currents deep, kisses the shoreline, with a promise to keep day after day, as the sun sets night after night, without regrets, the ocean refuses to stop her quest for shoreline's embrace, where she rests for a while, with love so wide so deep, awake in the day, alive in sleep ocean and shoreline, in a lover's tryst, lost in a moment, in a sun-kissed mist so I stand where land meets the sea to watch this vision, wild and free the ocean's kiss, relentless and kind, is testament to love, and a rare find as ocean, the lover true, has currents deep, kisses the shoreline, with a promise to keep ################################# Prompt: How was your Christmas this year? Write about it in your Blog entry today. ------------- My son from NY came to visit and we had a good time. Then, we talked to family members via Chat and Skype. We opened presents and enjoyed the day. The weather wasn't the best it could be, but it wasn't too cold or hot either. Right now, it is raining outside and it looks to be a dull day. I guess the weather on the 25th was a bit better. It must have been the weather this year to discourage my neighbors from putting up the Christmas lights as only two houses on my street has lights and decorations. As usual, I only had a wreath on the front door. . |
Prompt: Homeless Shelters Suppose you volunteered at a homeless shelter. How did you spend Christmas 2023 there?Alternately: Write about community attitudes towards homeless shelters and how those attitudes can change for the better?------ Several years ago, a woman who was quite disturbed came to my area through the backyards and did some damage to the back porches and broke into the sheds and destroyed some property. One of my neighbors found out, through the use of his surveillance camera, that a certain type of a church that sometimes housed the homeless was where that woman came from. Some pressed charges against that church because they didn't have a permit. I wouldn't because I understood her anger against people who seemed to have everything. It is understandable that such incidents can encourage negative attitudes in neighborhoods toward homeless shelters and the homeless who use them, but not everyone who uses a homeless shelter will engage in destructive behavior in the community. Most of these homeless people are just homeless, going through a difficult time in their lives. Yet, some of the factors that influence negative attitudes in neighborhoods against the homeless shelters can be a lack of knowledge, stereotypes, and media portrayals. I think those attitudes should change for the better and for more humane ones. If we only could have meaningful and respectful interactions with homeless people, listen to their stories, and empathize with their situation, our biases would change and this would reduce the prejudice. I also think educating the public about the causes and consequences of homelessness, and coming up with potential solutions and policies could help dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, and increase support for homeless services and programs would help greatly. Also, volunteering, donating, or advocating for such programs could bring about a sense of social responsibility, solidarity, and compassion, as well as create opportunities for mutual learning and understanding. After all, the homeless are people just like us. |
| Prompt: Preventing the Negative *Bullet*How do you prevent a negative anything from happening? Alternately: *Bullet*The Grinch tries stealing Christmas every year, and this year, things began to go wrong on the Christmas Eve, which you suspect he is starting with your home. What went so wrong and how are you preventing his negative effect on your happy abode? --------- Anything that I would consider negative would vary depending on its specific content. Although some negatives can be prevented before they can happen, for others that suddenly drop on me out of the nowhere, I would have no say over them. I would just cry or grin then I would try to bear it, I guess. What is considered a negative event may depend on the circumstances and the people. The idea is, if something looks, sounds, or smells iffy, I know I have to be on full alert. That is after I have identified anything's potential for a negative happening. Could that be a personal setback, a professional mishap, or a broader societal issue? Then, I would have to assess the probability and the risks of it taking place, which would encourage me to develop a plan, based on my initial assessment. Maybe I would need to change my behavior in certain areas or implement new safeguards and systems or look for outside help. I could also monitor it and adjust myself to the course of its progression. This is so that, if my preventing the negative doesn't seem to be working, I should be ready to make adjustments. After all, it isn't always possible to prevent every negative event. Then, just maybe, negative events can lead to personal growth and improvements. Thus, my focus should be on what I can control but not what I cannot avoid. In the same vein, I can't stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas or any other joyous occasion. But I can adjust myself what that "joyous occasion" really is, as the folks in Whoville did in Dr. Seuss's version by finding the true meaning of Christmas. After all, it is all about adaptability, and marking an event or a situation as "negative" is someone else's or my own personal view. . |
| Prompt: Book-reading Goals The New Year is approaching and typically we think about personal goals. My question to you is about books on your bucket list to read. Do you make a list of books to read in the beginning of a new year? Like Goodreads has a reading challenge, 30 books in a year, just for example, do you challenge yourself to read more? ------ No, I don't make any lists for the year because I never know what that year will bring while in progress. I only make to-do lists for the day I'm in. I pledge in Goodreads a certain number of books for each year. One year, 2018, I pledged 100 books and ended up reading 133. That was my record year. https://www.goodreads.com/review/stats/3637965-joy-cagil For 2023, I pledged 30 and. as of today, I'm at 32. This is partly due to my eyesight not being as good as it used to be. Also, I have a lot of personal responsibilities to take care of. I don't necessarily challenge myself to read more than the number of books I pledge, but so far, I have done better than my pledge. As to making a reading list, I think, for most people, there are options according to what they are interested in. I'm interested in just about everything, maybe except in the horror genre or criminal behavior. I wouldn't waste my time reading a book such as, "How to Rob a Bank," unless it was written in the humor genre. I guess to make such a reading list, for the average reader, the considerations could be, (off the top of my head): The genres that reader likes the most Favorite authors and time periods: Our day, World War eras, Ancient Roman or Greek stories or other much older ones such as pre-dawn stories . Recent best-sellers, classic literature or hidden gems by new authors The length of the reading list, as no one should bite more than they can chew, since this may lead to self-depreciation and guilt feelings.Any other ideas, anyone? . |
| Prompt: Have fun with these words: boot, lamb, mutual, discreet, letter, main, and volunteer. ---- One breezy fall morning, May Marty found a *letter from her neighbor Sam slipped under her front door. The letter said: "Dear May, I have a proposal that might interest you. For the Holiday celebrations our town is planning next month, we're looking for *volunteers to organize and coordinate various activities. You're organized and *discrete and this makes you an ideal candidate for helping us. If you agree, please come to the old oak tree by the river tomorrow at noon. Wear your best pair of *boots, as we might have to get a bit dirty. Looking forward to seeing you. Sam The next day, May put on her sturdy boots and made her way toward the river. Sam was by the oak tree, waiting for her with several other neighbors of theirs. Together, they set to work organizing activities and made plans under the old oak tree as a playful little *lamb from a nearby farm joined them. Finally, the day of the celebration arrived and the town square buzzed with excitement with the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods and other food. Later, in the quiet of the evening, as they stood by the river, Sam turned to May and said, "Thank you for volunteering. This *main event wouldn't have been the same without you." May said, "Our efforts were *mutual, but I would have volunteered even if I didn't know you or got a letter from you." Sam and May looked down at their boots and exchanged smiles, both knowing well that the smallest gestures and collaborations could create a most significant impact in a close-knit neighborhood like theirs. . |
| Prompt: "Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." Lionel Hampton Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----------- I don't know where the heart would be if we didn't have the mind, but that's another story. I believe Lionel Hampton means to say that gratitude is more than just a momentary feeling or reaction. It is a lasting impression, a memory in the heart. Still, I wonder if we would remember that memory if we didn't have a mind. But never mind, let me talk about gratitude in itself. Each act of kindness or each moment we feel grateful for is a seed planted in us. As we reflect on these instances and remember them, we feel the warmth they bring as those seeds germinate, grow, and bloom. When we talk about such memories, we're referring to strong emotional experiences that shape us. The more we revisit these feelings, the stronger they become. Over time, these gratitude memories can act as an internal compass, guiding us towards positivity and away from negativity. Then, such memories can provide strength and positivity during hardships and challenging times. To wrap it up, gratitude as a memory is a dynamic, transformative force. It is not passive or static but an active process of remembering, feeling, and growing. . |
| Prompt: "Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality." Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------- Hospitality means the spirit of generosity, kindness, and the joy of giving. Add it to Christmas, the holiday season becomes a memorable one. For example, I can never forget the Christmas party a friend gave to a whole bunch of us several years ago. This was important because among us were old people who lived alone and several couples who were away from their families. Christmas hospitality extends beyond family circles to embrace neighbors, colleagues, and even those who may be alone during the holiday season. This helps combat feelings of isolation and spreads a message of goodwill. During this festive time, people open their hearts and homes to family, friends, and even strangers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and connection. This improves the feelings of belonging and togetherness among people, especially when the aromas of delights from the kitchen waft through the air as the host prepares a feast. At the heart of hospitality is the principal of service, be it around Christmas time or any other place or event. A good host, at any time, understands the importance of empathy, patience, and excellent communication skills. The same goes for the host in a Christmas setting. This is because Christmas hospitality encapsulates the essence of the season—a time for love, compassion, and reaching out to others. . |
| Most family or holiday gatherings are centered around food. What do you think of food during the holidays and does food affect your feelings about the holidays? *********** Warmth, happy feelings, the spirit of giving, and food altogether mean The Holiday Season. The importance of food is the one most commonly shared part of the season among everyone whether they are on a diet or not. Come to think of it, I can't even imagine anyone being on a diet during the holidays! I mean, who can deny the effect of food on our taste buds and the profound impact of it on our emotions? Those delicious dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia, bringing up memories and traditions with the familiar scents of roasting turkey, spiced cookies, mulled cider, and the chocolate-covered goodies. Such food reinforces a sense of unity due to a family's and their friends' shared history. Yet, there is that stress of preparing the elaborate meals and meeting the cultural expectations. Still, when people indulge in the traditional treats, all that anxiety and stress is forgotten. This is because holiday food can influence positively our moods and well-being. Whether the holiday food carries a symbolic meaning or not, it is a strong force that goes beyond mere eating. Tradition, memory, nostalgia, joy, and other positive emotions enhance the overall appreciation and connection of people to one another. After all, who wouldn't swoon over chocolate-covered fresh strawberries, or crab-stuffed mushrooms or Pomegranate-Hazelnut Roasted Brussels Sprouts or homemade manicotti! Just the thought of those makes my mouth water, for sure! . |
| Prompt: In what ways can people express love and appreciation to others in their life? ------------------- There are so many ways. The more creative you are the more ways you can come up with. This also depends on the relationship you have with any one person. Off the top of my head, encouraging others during challenges, remembering important dates, recognizing any one person's achievements and positive qualities take the first place. Then comes celebrating milestones in the relationship (that is remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events), attentive listening and should something go wrong, apologizing sincerely and forgiving little mistakes easily. Next comes the helping out with tasks and gentle physical touches--if permitted--such as hugs, holding hands, or a pat in the back. And last but not the least, come the letters and notes with personal messages, thoughtful gifts, with some of them as surprises. The way I see it, although in our time gifts are mostly store-bought, the most cherished and thoughtful ones are the attentions we give to others in any shape or form. Store-bought or not, any gift that expresses love and appreciation is priceless for it becomes the basic token of our human connections and relationships. As I was writing this, my next-door neighbor brought me a plate of goodies such as chocolate-covered strawberries plus other little tidbits. It was very thoughtful of her and her gift is much appreciated because it came from her heart. Aren't I the lucky one! . |
| Dec 14 Prompt: "When an alabaster blanket covers the earth in January, we are reminded of her beauty found in the crisp simplicity of a blank page. Full of promise and hope, a fresh journal to write creative events. Recording what happens in our life is a legacy for those we leave behind." Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. Post a reply... ------------------- From a blanket of snow to a blank page...frankly, I never thought of snow as something to write on as snow eventually turns to slush, just like some writings, as I should know from my own writing escapades. Anyway, from which angle you look at it, a blank page is a canvas of infinite potential. It is the tapestry of thoughts and ideas. It's the starting point of every story, the birthplace of creativity, the uncharted territory of the mind waiting to be explored. It's a space where anything and everything can happen. The beauty of a blank page lies in its patience. It doesn't rush you or demand immediate attention. It waits, quietly, for the first stroke of the pen, the first thought to be born into words. It's a mirror reflecting the deepest corners of the writer's mind, opening to a stage where ideas and characters come to life. Then, sometimes, for me, it is an intimidating void. This is because I fail to see it as a beautiful promise, a canvas waiting for my touch, a story waiting to be told. This is because at times I fail to see that the promise of a blank page is the promise of creation. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Dec. 15 Prompt: “Hot cocoa and cold toes remind me of Christmas.” ― Toni Sorenson What reminds you of Christmas? Of December ? -------- Dec. 15 There are many reminders and symbols of December and Christmas, and they may vary depending on cultural, regional, and personal traditions. Off the top of my head, for Christmas, the reminders could be: Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, gifts, Santa Claus, Nativity scenes, and Christmas Carols. As for December, December birthdays, Winter weather up north and crazy weather where I am, Winter Solstice, Advent Calendars that count down the days, holiday decorations, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holidays I may not know about, and New Year's Eve when people feel free to get drunk and celebrate the coming year without knowing if what's to come will be good or bad, but then, jumping to conclusions is a human trait, after all. |
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But good job quickly redirecting back to the positive things.