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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: Write about a magical pumpkin that comes to life. ---------- Her dress was made of a pumpkin's green vine's leaves, and her wings glistened like dewdrops in the morning sun. She had bright, twinkling eyes that held the wisdom of ages and a mischievous smile that hinted at her magical nature. She was Pumpkinella, the magical pumpkin fairy. Pumpkinella had first come to life eons ago, emerging from a pumpkin. And during the night, after the sun set before the Pumpkin Day when the pumpkin patch was bathed in shimmering light, a chosen pumpkin had begun to shake and quiver. Then, it had opened up and its insides slowly had changed into this tiny enchanting creature. Just like in the beginning, this year, too, the most splendid pumpkin was an enormous, radiant orange pumpkin with swirling patterns that seemed to dance under the moonlight. Its surface was smooth, and it emitted a soft, warm glow that bathed the entire patch in a gentle, golden light. It is no wonder that only from this special pumpkin, the fairy Pumpkinella finally appeared with the wisdom of ages twinkling in her eyes. Now, finally in her fairy form again, Pumpkinella flew into the moonlit night to explore the village, her laughter of joy tinkling like windchimes in the breeze. She sprinkled stardust on the villagers' homes, making their dreams sweet and happy. She even played little pranks, turning pumpkins into mini carriages and mice into horses, bringing wonder and whimsy to the village. And why not? Of course, she could. After all who says that only Cinderella's fairy godmother can perform such magic! The next day, when the festival began, the villagers in the town square marveled at the enchanted pumpkins and rejoiced as Pumpkinella watched from the shadow of an elm tree, feeling the happiness of the people in her tiny magical bones. Unfortunately, her time of fun was limited and she knew it. When the first rays of the setting sun touched the pumpkin patch, she felt the pull of her pumpkin form, and she fluttered back to her radiant pumpkin to merge her pumpkin vine dress with this pumpkin's surface. Later, when the sun dipped below the horizon and the pumpkin patch was once again bathed in a magical light, Pumpkinella transformed back into this pumpkin, to stay hidden with her secret until the next year when she'd be born again maybe from a different pumpkin, then. . |
| DAY 2901--October 30, 2023 Prompt: Halloween Monsters If you could create your very own monster, what would it look like? And/or do you know someone in real life that you could create as a monster in your writing? -------------- My very own monster would look exactly like me, especially when I see me in the mirror sometimes. As to creating a monster from someone I know, I can do that with just anybody, but I wouldn't tell them about it, would I!  This is because all people have darker aspects in their make-up. It is just human nature. If I were to create a monster from someone, I would try to make it believable. I would try to go into the mind and motivations of my real-life inspiration, which just gave me an idea about someone I know who is so sensitive and touchy that she thinks the whole world is out to get her. She's even upset with someone else's success, and no, I'm not kidding. This happened during the last two months. Sometimes when she talks about such things that bother her, she's no better than Count Dracula or Frankenstein. As such, even when the monster is twisted or acts to the extreme, its actions and motivations have a rational basis that has to do with the personal or societal factors. This way, I would avoid making the monster purely evil or purely good. Then, I would let the monster develop/evolve its character toward the better or the worst. Just imagine Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs! Thus, I guess, I would humanize the monster by its backstory and giving it moments of vulnerability and internal conflicts, so the readers do not hate it totally but are intrigued by it. Also, I might use the monster as a symbol for deeper themes, such as unchecked power or erosion of morality, and I probably could use it to explore ethical dilemmas, such as in criminal justice, mental health, or societal responsibility. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ DAY 2902--October 31, 2023 Prompt: Sudden Scary Things Which sudden things would scare you? A certain sound, a scream, the doorbell, finding yourself suddenly alone in a graveyard or in a tight place, a stuffed toy coming alive... or anything else? ----- I am not scared easily but sometimes I'm startled suddenly or annoyed with loud noises like a car horns, sirens, fireworks, thunder, etc. The sudden scary stuff is often used in horror movies and, I guess, video games. It's no wonder the way some people behaved, people who were into video games too much. The sudden, unexpected appearances of frightening or startling images or sounds could knock anyone off their sanity. Another scary thing would be a sudden animal encounter and even worse hearing a wild animal in the thick of the night. Imagine a sudden lion's roar or a bat's cry in the dark when you're alone outside, say in the woods. Any kind of scream or cry, especially when it sounds like someone's in distress can be quite startling and unnerving, too. Yet, fear is a subjective experience influenced by a person's past experiences, temperament, and context. As such, individual reactions to any sudden sound or appearances can vary and what one person finds scary, another may not. . |
| Prompt: What is your dream project? ------------------- I don't have a dream project that I personally work hard at. At this time in my life, I just want to keep going and live through each day the best I can. Having said that, for those younger than me, dream projects have the potential to be incredibly helpful to people, and not just persons themselves but also a whole community and maybe even the entire globe. Good dream projects often are a combination of vision, innovation, collaboration, and determination. This is because when they are ready to become real, their benefits can be immense. Dream projects usually vary widely in scope and focus. Among some examples of them with potential benefits to all is the clean energy revolution and environmental conservation. A project like this has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fight the climate change, and ensure a sustainable energy future for generations. Space exploration and colonization, as far-off as it seems, can be another ambitious dream. I mean how about mining the asteroids or getting Jupiter's gold? Some of the dreams that are not that far-off could be the medical breakthroughs, global education access, and social and economic equality. Still, my favorite one involves dream projects in the areas of arts and culture. Imagine artists and even regular people creating groundbreaking works of art, preserving cultural heritages, and encouraging cultural exchange. This could not only promote a sense of belonging and enhance the quality of our lives but also possibly could avoid wars between different groups and nations. Now isn't this something special to wish for all humanity? . |
| Prompt: The recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine reminds us again about guns not being regulated enough in this country. How do you feel about the current laws on guns? Should the laws be more restrictive? What needs to be done to end gun violence? -------- Unfortunately, gun violence happens in malls, schools, neighborhoods, and just about everywhere. Do we want to live in fear because guns are so easy to obtain by people who cannot think straight? I think this is the question lawmakers need to answer truthfully without being cajoled by groups that promote pro or anti gun laws. In my opinion, just like the perpetrators, the lawmakers we choose ourselves do not think straight either. Those proponents of not touching the existing laws claim that background checks, mental health screening, safe storage and education would solve the problem. Anyone who has ever worked in mental health would know that the screening will not work. One never knows when a seemingly normal person could suddenly lose it. For the same reason, background checks are not dependable. Safe storage and education should be done, yes, but there is no safe storage of any kind when it comes to enforcing it. Besides, even little kids nowadays know how to undo anything especially if it involves any technology. On the other hand, a strict assault weapons ban could work to some degree. In the US, gun laws are under federal and state jurisdiction. Then, the second amendment to the Constitution protects an individual's right to bear arms, which has been a significant influence on gun policy and regulation. I'd say let's go back to the time when the second amendment was ratified and let those guns of that time be okay for bearing arms. No one would touch that, would they! Then, there are the very varied state laws, where in some states, regulations are more permissive. It's very easy to get an assault weapon in such a state and take it to another less permissive state. I don't know exactly what the answer is, in view of the political, cultural, and constitutional factors. It seems no single solution exists that could satisfy all sides of the debate, as this is a complex issue; however, my feelings and sixth sense tell me that the laws we have are not protecting us well enough, and I will applaud any legislator that addresses effectively this gun violence problem we're having. . |
| Prompt: Six weeks before Covid, I saw a fox by the bucket factory 🏭 by the railroad tracks. We don't have many foxes since they were hunted to extinction sixty years ago. Was seeing this fox a omen of bad things to come? Write about signs and symbols that could be a omen of bad things to come. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----------- I think your seeing the fox is a good sign that the foxes were not "hunted to extinction," but I wouldn't consider it an omen. It just shows the life force and resistance of a species not to leave this planet. As for me, I don't believe in omens or pre-ordained signs of any kind. I wish I could give you an entertaining personal story about omens and signs, but it is not to be, for I believe that some or most things in life are only coincidences. Still, omens and signs are fascinating and would be fun to write about in some genres like horror and fantasy. What emotionally vulnerable people may think to be omens could be a pattern recognition. Even seemingly random occurrences can be perceived as meaningful if they fit into a larger pattern or narrative. Then, people have selective memories or a tendency to recall when or how a certain sign proved to be true, while conveniently forgetting the times that specific sign had not been true. Plus, the stories from others, especially people they respect and believe in, like their elders and good friends, also help solidify the belief in omens and signs. Yet, omens and signs can provide psychological comfort and maybe a sense of purpose, too, as this mental bias can give people some emotional control over what happens to them, and in this way, they think they can predict the future better. Also, such signs and omens may console us for our shortcomings with the idea that we are part of a larger and more meaningful universe. . |
| Prompt: Let it be and Let it go. How often have you used these concepts to get through problems that arise? ----------- Such powerful and profound concepts these are, yet so simple and easy to say! At first glance they add meaning to various aspects of life such as personal growth, decision making, and emotional health. The mindset behind them, the way I look at it, is encouragement with acceptance of the unwanted or the terrible, releasing the pain from it, and being able to move forward. "Let it be" reminded me of a famous Beatles song, which I used to love and still do, for it points to the "letting be" and accepting the challenging situations and finding in me the trust that time will do its healing. "Letting it be" can reduce the stress, accept the imperfections, and focus on what I can change. It other words, "letting it be" enhances my resilience. Resilience has been a life motto for me ever since a very astute high-school home-ec teacher, Miss Lindsay, introduced its true meaning to me and my classmates. "The most important and enduring thing you can instill in yourselves is resilience. It will see you to the end," she said. I think I wrote about Miss Lindsay before. I am still thanking her from the bottom of my heart and may she rest in peace. Then, "let it go," means to me releasing grudges and stopping to carry emotional baggage, and if I can hack it, it tells me to live in the present. It is tougher than "let it be." This is because the mind has a sneaky way of recalling and resurfacing old rotten stuff and bugging the present with it. Luckily, in my old age, I have finally come to the decision of letting it go. This decision may be a conclusion, too. It means forgiving and forgetting all wrongs done to me and doing away with (I hope) all my fears and insecurities. It has been some kind of an empowerment for me and I hope my mind keeps on cooperating. It might have been a little late in coming, but it is now a very welcome concept in my life. . |
| Prompt: Mentors What do you think about mentors? Has a mentor been helpful with your life? If you didn't have a mentor, describe a favorite teacher or relative who helped you. ----------- I owe so much to my mentors who empowered me to investigate several different areas of life, emotional, interpersonal, or professional. They encouraged me and supported me through my joys and trials, and they did this without any prejudice or a complaint or without this being as if it were a duty for them. My earliest mentors were my uncle, my grandmother, a high-school lit teacher, and another high-school home-ec teacher, then later, an assistant professor in the uni. Maybe they mentored me out of a sense of duty, but I never felt it. I always felt they enjoyed my company. Some say mentoring is a two-way street and mentors also learn from those who they mentor. I am not sure if any one of my mentors learned from me; therefore, I doubt this idea. I, however, cannot ever repay their attention, their sharing their life and time, and their support when I most needed it. Because of my experiences with my mentors, I believe a good mentor teaches cooperation, respect for knowledge, respect for people who know more, and he or she fosters a sense of purpose, direction, and clarity in a young or inexperienced person's thinking and life goals, letting the mentored person experience courage and self-confidence. This way, the benefits of true mentoring way surpass just a simple knowledge transfer, as mentors also give emotional support and encouragement, and aid and add to the know-how in career advancement and skill development of a young person. Truth be told, my mentors became my role models throughout my life. Thus, their effects on me has been life-long, probably or partly because my mentors tailored their guidance to my needs and circumstances. I am forever grateful to them for their interest in me and for all their patience and understanding. . |
| Prompt: War What do you think about wars? Is a war ever justified? Has there ever been a successful war? Can a war save or spend innocent lives? ------------- At the moment, our world is teetering at the edge with several conflicts going on, on top of what's happening in the Middle East and Ukraine. "Why the aggression, in any shape or form, of one group of people against another?" I ask, especially because wars have a tendency like cancer to grow and involve more and more of us. I fear the end solution when this cancer metastasizes. War is never a preferred solution although it sometimes seems as if it is justified. Those who deem it justified push the idea of self-defense and humanitarian intervention. The idea of self-defense is enshrined in international law and is accepted as a legitimate reason for war. But is it really? Sometimes, war happens as if it is humanitarian intervention, especially when genocide or ethnic cleansing takes place. It may have proven true at the end of World War II, but this is still a contentious justification, and it raises questions about the motives and consequences of such interventions, be it by several certain nations coming together. The way I see it, no lives are really saved by war, except more lives are lost, and it doesn't matter which side, right or wrong as what's right or wrong is an iffy concept, depending on who you talk to. Yet, very rarely and possibly when all else has failed, after assessing the moral and ethical considerations, war can be deemed as a last resort, but even then, the expected benefits must outweigh the expected harm. Even this is an iffy solution, because in this day and age with the masses of weaponry and technology that can harm the entire planet, even a justified war is dangerous for the existence of humankind. Then how can we avoid the wars? I'd say, to begin with, let's not side with or defend any country that starts the idea. Instead, we can bolster the economic ties between all nations as economic interdependence can act as a good deterrent to war. This interdependence for economy and peace can urge the countries to resolve disputes through negotiation rather than confrontation, and it can help encourage the freedoms of the masses so that one group of people does not enslave another group. Other means could be extensive cultural exchanges and education, especially promoted in schools, could invest in the acceptance and understanding of alien groups, nations, and countries of the younger generations. This was being done at one time or another, but at times, either funds become lacking or the interest wanes and this type of education becomes an on-and-off thing. The best way to avoid a war, I believe, is diplomacy and successes in conflict resolution, mediation, and international organizations that push forward international agreements and treaties, such as arms control (btw, good luck with that one!), non-proliferation pacts, and fair trade agreements. These can be incentives for peaceful coexistence of the people of the earth and they can promote cooperation and avoidance of wars. To wrap up the idea of a warless planet, it is important for nations to continuously work together to find common ground and strive for peaceful resolutions to disputes without taking sides, and ultimately making our world a safer and more stable place. . |
| Blog City prompt: “If you're horrible to me, I'm going to write a song about it, and you won't like it. That's how I operate.”― Taylor Swift Most of can't write songs like Swift but we can write. This is your opportunity to vent about things that didn't go as you hoped. Have fun! ----------- Well, I'm no Taylor Swift and if I ever complained about anything in my writing, a reader will never know if what I write about is real or made-up. This is probably because I believe that thinking and even venting on the negative, makes that negative feel even stronger. The only place I may really vent is probably my blog or an essay or two. Then, since the prompt asks, here is something that got me upset about a month ago. I received in the snail mail from our town that my house had a code violence and in a harsh tone. Now, since the 2004 hurricanes messed up the attached pool area extension, no new addition or anything was added to the area. Anyhow, whatever we did, we got the town's okay. Even the people who I hire for repairs, I ask them to get a permit. A phone call cleared the confusion, however. Someone said it was because of the black rot on the outside back wall of the house. I hired a pressure cleaning company who found the black rot, which was hidden from the eyes and was only about 10 inch square. That company got rid of the small rot and cleaned and painted the entire back wall of the extension. What the town really thought was black rot probably was the black foam the builders in 2004 put under the roof over the extension to glue the roof better. That foam wasn't on the roof of the main house either. I e-mailed the person who was heading this, with the copy of the pressure-cleaning-company's receipt and the explanation of the black foam thing on the inside of the roof. He wrote back immediately and said he'd send someone to inspect it again. Now, I appreciate the town's minute attention to how we keep our houses here, but for something so little, couldn't someone just ring the front door and tell me or send a letter explaining the problem in the first place about that 10 inch square thing? Why send an official violation-code letter that gave no details and unnerved me? Now that I've said my piece (or peace? ), I want to write a bit about the real writers writing to vent. Yes, they do and the most famous ones that come to mind at the moment are:Virginia Woolf: In "A Room of One's Own," she complained about the limitations and lack of opportunities for women in the literary world. Sylvia Plath: Her autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" explores the challenges faced by women in the 1950s and their struggles with mental health. Plath herself battled depression and wrote about her experiences to highlight the pressure and expectations on women in her time. Charles Dickens: In his "Oliver Twist" and "Hard Times," and other works, he portrayed the harsh conditions of the working class during the Victorian era and criticized the injustices and inequalities of his time. George Orwell: In "1984," he expressed his concerns about the dangers of government surveillance and propaganda versus the individual freedoms and privacy. Those I mentioned above and many other writers have used their craft to express their frustrations, sorrows, and grievances, often in the form of personal essays, memoirs, or in their creative works. Their unique perspectives could be a therapeutic outlet like that of Taylor Swift's or it may be a social commentary or a seeking for empathy and connection. Then there is that artistic inspiration from one's own pain and suffering which may also lead to some existential exploration of the human condition. Yet, not all writers resort to complaining about their misfortunes. And in my case, did writing about what happened with the town help me? I don't think so. I had just about forgotten it and it popped up in my mind again.  . |
| Let this quote inspire your entry today: “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Albert Camus This classic autumn quote is so true! Although you may have a few flowers still blooming in your garden, it’s difficult to compare to the brilliance of the red and orange gardens we see on the trees during October. What's it like in your area... vibrant colors or mostly green. Squirrels gathering nuts? Leaves strewn everywhere from the rain and wind. Take us into your world. ---------------- Yes, the quote is absolutely beautiful and it points to what the scenery looked like up north when we used to live there. Where we are now, in way south, everything is green and stays green except for a maudlin Northern tree or bush some displaced northerners tried to put in because in their hearts they couldn't let go of the northern fall seasons. What they fail to see is that the climate here is warm and humid throughout the year with an exceptional day or two, occasionally. While the foliage turns so colorful in the North, down here evergreen and tropical trees such as the different species of palms, mangroves, and bougainvillea remain lush and verdant throughout the year. I, on the other hand, as another displaced northerner, with my love for roses, had some success with keeping the rose bushes alive. In addition to putting them in semi-shade, I learned the hard way not to neglect to water them three times a day in summer, which doesn't guarantee 100% success either. Also, the hurricane season, which at this time, is about to leave us alone (I hope) does a number on all plants and trees, should such a storm should hit the area. With wildlife, however, we are lucky because one can witness unique animals here. In addition to the local wildlife, with the southern autumn, we also get some migrating birds and other animals from elsewhere. This is because the late October and November is the beginning of the tourist season here and wildlife is no exception. As to "squirrels gathering nuts", yes, we have them here, too, but they are a scarce sight and they are no bigger than rats, probably because hawks and eagles get them before they can grow. For that very fear of the predator wildlife, I don't let my cat out of the house. For fresh air she is allowed to go in the enclosed porch and that's that. I was especially frightened for her when a neighbor's huge St. Bernard wandered off to a creek a few streets away and a gator got him. As entertainment in autumn, fun events and music and art festivals reflecting the region's culture mostly take place outdoors for those who like such things. Still, they are not the colorful "leaves strewn everywhere" that a Northern autumn stages. . |
| Prompt: How do you shake off a bad mood? --------- Aren't bad moods a natural part of life? Well, yes, but who says they have to linger, and worse yet, why should they move in with us, permanently! To ward off one, my main remedy is to keep busy. The harder the mood, the more complicated I make the chores that I pick to involve my mind. Any kind of activity could do. It could be physical or mental. In my case, distracting and involving my attention works the best, like losing myself in a good book. Some people suggest to breathe deeply. Any type of breathing exercises do not work for me. When I interfere with my own breathing, I end up coughing or worse yet, I get an asthma attack. Connecting with someone else may help also, but only sometimes, for I have to be careful not to inject my bad mood in a friend. I guess, listening to music, counting our blessings, meditation, and going outdoors might help, too. Yet, if the mood persists, accepting those icky feelings as natural, stepping away from the source of the bad mood if one knows what that source is, journaling, and seeking professional help could also be considered. As I said in the second paragraph, however, for me, keeping my mind occupied until the mood passes helps me the best. - |
| Prompt: Lara Parker, Angelique, The Witch From The Original Dark Shadows has died. I am saddened by this news. Write about Dark Shadows for your Blog Entry today. ---------- This prompt caught me unawares and I smiled. I really don't know who Lara Parker, Angelique is, but I'm sorry she has passed away. As to Dark Shadows, that show and I go far back to its initial showing on Channel 7 ABC on the NY TVs during the late 1960s or was it the early 1970s, I can't exactly tell. I started watching it every day and I liked it quite a bit, then. In the beginning it was like every other TV Soap, and those who watched it, me included, thought it was about regular people. But after about six months or so, it turned dark, and somewhat suddenly. And Barnabas became the talk of the town and I felt for him because he was unlucky in the beginning and had turned so horrific later. The show was a true horror and melodrama intertwined. When, for me, it lost its footing for not having a good-enough plot, I stopped watching it and the show was taken off the air, soon after that. Many years later, I heard it was back on and had been made into a film, too. Those who watch it say that besides the gothic horror and the supernatural, the show's serialized storytelling also includes time travel. I don't watch TV regularly anymore and I haven't for years now. But I do remember the first year of the introduction of "Dark Shadows," which has probably become a landmark in TV history. . |
| Prompt: Hiding the True Self What do you think of people who knowingly hide a something of their true self? Have you known or read about someone who had to hide their true self or an aspect of their identity? How would this internal conflict affect them as time goes by? -------- To begin with, everyone hides something mostly from themselves and that's why the therapists are in business, but when it comes to doing this knowingly, the question could be "why?" Why? This may have a few reasons, depending on the person. The internal conflict that arises from hiding one's true self, or a part of it, is often rooted in the tension between authenticity and conformity. As a negative, when people suppress their genuine thoughts, emotions, and identities, they may experience anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of emptiness. As to the question of why, the most obvious answer would have to do with being found out by the authorities or the police. Anyone who has read a few books on World War II in Germany will understand this very well. If not the authorities, then the primary reason could be the fear of rejection. People may worry that if they reveal certain aspects of their personality, beliefs, or lifestyles, others may not accept them. This fear can stem from their past experiences of rejection or societal pressures to conform to certain norms. Then, society often imposes expectations on individuals, such as how they should behave, what they should value, or what they should pursue in life. People may hide aspects of themselves to fit into a specific societal mold. Concealing one's true self can be a way to avoid conflicts or arguments, too. People may believe that by not sharing their true opinions or feelings, they can maintain harmony in their relationships or social circles. Sometimes, a culture's or a family's expectations can exert strong pressure on individuals to conform to certain values and behaviors. Hiding one's true self might be a way to maintain a sense of belonging or to avoid disappointing loved ones. This, however, can lead to inner turmoil as they suppress their true thoughts and emotions. Also, sometimes, people hide their true selves as a form of self-protection. They might have vulnerabilities, insecurities, or traumatic experiences that they want to shield from others. Sharing these aspects can make them feel exposed and vulnerable, so they choose to keep them hidden. In addition, there is that professional image and desire for approval that can create havoc within a person. This pursuit of external validation can create internal turmoil as people become disconnected from their genuine selves. Is there a cure for this? Possibly, yes. Self acceptance and self-discovery could be the way to go, but this is difficult to do because it often involves facing fears, confronting past traumas, and gradually revealing true selves to others. Even a step in this direction, can show people a more genuine and fulfilling path in living. After all, not having to hide anything is a big relief, isn't it! . |
| Prompt: Sudden Sounds and Noises What is the loudest sound you’ve heard? When and how was it? What do you think about sudden sounds and noises? Did you ever think of using them in your poetry or fiction? ----------- Who hasn't startled suddenly from a shrill or something-exploding sound! When such a sound occurs unexpectedly my body goes into a state of high alert. I bet my heart rate increases, adrenaline surges, and my muscles tense up. Those who know say that this response is an evolutionary adaptation designed to help us react to a potential threat, quickly. Usually, I can take the sound of thunder, as loud as it may be, if the storm emerges slowly, but when out of the blue a huge sound of thunder pops up, I jump up, and even my cat seeks refuge under the bed. This I call a sudden stress. The same happens with jet engines when an airplane flies suddenly too low. Worse is, when prolonged exposure happens to loud and sudden noises, people experience health problems. Such repeating instances of noise pollution, even when we know the origin of the sounds, create elevated stress hormone levels, sleep disturbances, increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and possibly many other health issues, among them hearing damage and cognitive impairment such as memory problems and difficulty in focusing. The same could hold true about the health problems that loud concerts and the sounds of firearms may cause. This must be why every Fourth of July all the dogs on my street are scared. It is not just the fireworks though. Any sudden, loud noise hurts every pet and human. That's why I applaud all public health efforts to reduce noise pollution for to create quieter environments for communities. . |
| Prompt: Use these words in your entry today: circumvent, gullible, voracity, timeless, upstyle and writing. Have fun! ------------- Words are the backbone of communication, a powerful tool to inform, persuade, and express. Thus, writing is an art that uses words as its medium. The voracity of our present information age, however, poses challenges, requiring writers to circumvent pitfalls and engage a potentially gullible readers. In the same vein, writing has been used as a timeless skill from the earliest cave paintings to the modern blog posts, and in order to survive today's new challenges, the writers need to upstyle their approaches to cater to a changing audience. The way I see it, truth is always the way to go. Misleading, false information, unresearched or badly researched facts, and no fact-checking may have dire consequences, be it for a professional journalist or a casual blogger. Then, do we even consider who reads what we write? If we don't, we should, for this is why today's readers have shorter attention spans. Yet, who can blame them when they are bombarded with a constant stream of iffy content! The remedy can be found in telling the truth, even when writing fiction, and using engaging and accessible language, breaking down complex ideas into digestible portions, and keeping the work concise. Also, it is important to keep in mind the basic principles of writing, such as clarity, coherence, and the ability to evoke emotions and spark critical thinking. Since the world is becoming more and more interconnected, we writers must adapt to the new but still stay within the limits of the principles of age-old good writing practices. . |
| Prompt: Friday, the 13th and a Solar Eclipse on Saturday. Are you superstitious? If you think Friday the 13th is scary, try hanging out with me when I've been without coffee. Did you know Friday the 13th combines two taboos that come from the bible, accord to Stevens. Based on the story of the Last Supper of Jesus, 13 people were seated at the table and it happened on a Thursday. He was arrested that evening, and crucified the next day, on a Friday. "So 13 is associated with that terrible event. How do you feel about the number 13? Or is it just another day to you? ============== Nope, I don't believe in the "unlucky" anything. After all, I now have an old finicky black cat I love so much. The idea of the "unlucky" happens because if anything seems to be unlucky, it is because our minds have made it so. What we think we make happen because, as the creatures of this universe, we do have certain powers, some unbeknownst to ourselves, and I think quantum physics is on the way to discovering this very fact. Many bad things may take place on any other day in life, regardless of the number attached to the day. Come to think of it, numbering the days and the months is a human thing and it isn't there in nature, even if nature may work on a set schedule. As to the fear of Friday the 13th, this fear is not based on any scientific evidence. In reality, the chances of experiencing misfortune on this particular day are no greater than on any other day of the year. It's a superstition, perpetuated by badly interpreted religious traditions and cultural beliefs. I certainly believe that, while it's essential to respect people's beliefs, it's equally crucial to remember that such superstitions are not rooted in concrete evidence and should not govern our decisions or actions. After all, luck, or the lack of it, often depends on one's perspective and attitude rather than specific dates on the calendar. By the way, Lyn's a sly fox  , your "If you think Friday the 13th is scary, try hanging out with me when I've been without coffee," made me spurt out my own coffee. . |
| Prompt: Do you believe in good luck charms? ----- No, not really, although I think they're a lot of fun. In essence, nothing increases one's own luck like one's own thinking, attitude, and work. The thing with good luck charms is that they bring a bit of hope and sunshine to the chaotic and unpredictable world we live in. Plus, they may have some sentimental or cultural meaning to some of us. My mother, so unlike me, did believe in such things going as far as to pinning amulets on her bra straps. I don't think they did her any good, but maybe they made her feel better and well-protected, and she might have felt she was at least doing something about the oft-wrongly-perceived ills of the world and the darker side of living. She might have a point in that new studies conducted by therapists and scientists have come up with the idea that having special items that people associate with good fortune may actually increase their chances of succeeding at whatever it is that they wish to succeed at. This isn't really science but a tactic to make one's mind believe in the positive so it steers a person toward some success. In its essence, a lucky charm usually may work to improve people's luck and bring happiness and positivity into their life, if only it can bring to the surface the locked part of them deep inside their subconscious. Then, as I mentioned earlier, such things as charms, amulets, etc. are not for me, but I can see how they can boost someone else's confidence and improve their performance in several areas of living. Still, even this little success of any lucky charm must depend on one's own abilities and inner potential. . |
| Prompt: I am always having dreams that I lose my purse, my car gets stolen and my cat who is an indoor cat, is outside with me and runs off. I would like to hear about your dreams like this. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------------- This prompt by Megan made me smile. Yes, I think, at one time or another, we all have recurring dreams. Recurring dreams are fascinating, enigmatic, and sometimes problematic to the degree that even the seasoned therapists can't solve them. Here is a page that addresses the issue of recurring dreams as far as Americans are concerned: https://amerisleep.com/blog/americas-common-recurring-dreams/ In my case, I've had recurring dreams at certain points in my life. For example during my early 20s and 30s I used to lose my shoes or my clothes in public. Lol! I don't know what brought those dreams on! The thing was, they repeated only in certain stages of my life, and eventually, they faded away. Then, later on, when my sons were young, I kept dreaming I was chasing some wild animals in our backyard. If this wasn't symbolism, I don't know what is! I've also had very strong flying dreams for a very long time. In them, I went everywhere, and once, even to the end regions of the universe, which was very dangerous and someone warned me to get away from there. Now, what was that about? Interpreting the meaning of recurring dreams can be complex as they are highly individualized. They could be about unresolved issues, facing tough decisions, conflicts, or exams, or just plain stress and anxiety. Whatever they are in their essence, I bet for us dreamers, they are symbols of something or other. Luckily, nowadays, I don't dream as much and the only dream that recurred a few times during this last year, to the best of my memory, is the one in which I keep cleaning after somebody else's mess. One of them was a huge hill of unneeded stuff. Does that stuff belong to me or to the others around me is up for speculation, but I am known among my friends and family to clean up after others' emotional messes. Probably, in that dream, some of that messy stuff belonged to me, too. . |
| Prompt: People and happiness “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust Which kinds of people make you happy? And/or does your happiness depend on other people? ------- Happiness is a difficult subject to write about because to be constantly, deliriously happy seems to be an over-the-top idea to me, especially in this world of ours where there is always something disturbing and someone who is miserable. On the other hand, external influences should not determine anyone's overall well-being, as real contentment can live inside a person and does not/should not come from the outside. Yet, it is also true that some people have the knack to make others happier, be it for a short while. Such people are usually empathetic and have the ability to connect with others on an emotional level. Having the presence of such a person may bring comfort to any distressed human being. Also, optimists and positive thinkers tend to see the bright side of things even in challenging situations, making their positive outlook infectious. In addition, kinder people who are generous with their time and resources can create positivity in others. Some people are also good listeners, especially when they listen to others' troubles without judgment or unwanted advice. Most of the time, supportive friends and family can be reliable sources of emotional assistance when one really needs someone else to hold his or her hand. In my case, when it involves my own happier feelings, having a sense of control over my own emotions and my own well-being should be my own business. Expecting others to hold my hand when I am down is unrealistic, and it can put undue pressure on my loved ones. If only for that reason, self-reliance is the way to go. Personal growth, positive thoughts, and true awareness of the status quo can always help anyone toward internal happiness. In short, the way I see it, true and sustainable happiness always comes from within. . |
| Prompt: Wasting Time “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” Marthe Troly-Curtin, Phrynette Married What is "wasted time" in your opinion? ----------- Although this quote, in its essence, is attributed to Bertrand Russell, the writer in the prompt, Marthe Troly-Curtin, has used it in her story. Whoever the idea belongs in reality, it is about how we see and value our time. As such, "wasted time" is a subjective idea. Even if it seems straightforward at first glance, it has to do with productivity and enjoyment. Without any enjoyment, how can we be productive and well-adjusted at the same time? Some might argue that time spent on hobbies, interests, or self-care activities that do not directly contribute to professional or personal development is wasted. On the other hand, personal growth is not limited to achieving goals and gaining new skills all the time. What about, I ask, self-discovery or self-awareness or emotional development? Rest and mental and spiritual renewal can come as the result of leisure time. As such, these seemingly idle moments are investments in future creativity and productivity, as enjoyment itself has great value and becomes a balancing act during our busy lives. Maybe we should evaluate what "wasted time" really is, and then, reevaluate it in the context of personal satisfaction, happiness, and a balanced life. After all, here in WdC, we writers know this and use this "wasted time" a.k.a "rejuvenation" so very well. . |
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But good job quickly redirecting back to the positive things.