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About This Author
My name is Joy, and I love to write.
Why poetry, here? Because poetry uplifts its writer, and if she is lucky enough, her readers, too. Around us, so many objects abound to write about. Once a poet starts with a smallest, most trivial object, he shall discover that his pen will spill out what is most delicate or most majestic hidden inside him. Since the classics sometimes dealt with lofty subjects with a lofty language, a person with poetry in his soul may incline to emulate that. That is understandable. Poetry does that to a person: it enlarges the soul and gives it wings. Yet, to really soar, a poet needs to take off from the ground.
 
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Everyday Canvas
"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.
Previous ... - 1- 2 ... Next
November 30, 2023 at 10:21am November 30, 2023 at 10:21am
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Prompt:
"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."
Write about this in your Blog entry today.
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Such a wise quote! And no wonder, since I believe Oscar Wilde has said it.
In its core, the quote reminds us that it is futile to try to mimic others as each person is an individual with his or her own experiences, beliefs, and emotions. Attempting to be someone else or to be like someone else means overlooking the richness of our own identity.
Yet, why the people even attempt to copy others? It is mostly because of upbringing and social pressure. Once upon a time, when one of my aunts told my two very young cousins to emulate me only because I was good in school and wasn't much trouble, I jumped right in and said, "No, they are better than me." I was in my late teens then. And I was right. They are two very wonderful, accomplished women today who may have turned out to be much nicer than me. At least, I think so.
Being ourselves requires courage. It means embracing our quirks, knowing our strengths and weaknesses and breaking free from the fear of judgment, rejection, the noise of fame, and all external influences. Everyone's life journey is unique and whether or not Wilde really spoke these words, the depth of meaning in this quote will echo through time and every culture.
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November 29, 2023 at 11:32am November 29, 2023 at 11:32am
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Prompt: Fashion Shows.
Have you ever been to one or participated in one? How do you feel about fashion shows? Write about this in your Blog entry today.
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I'm not a big fan of fashion or fashion shows, probably because of the presentation techniques and the image of fakeness that has surrounded them. Yet, I can appreciate their economic impact such as setting trends and promoting brand identity. Also, as for being dynamic events, they become expressions of creativity, style, trends, and innovations.
Having said all that, it is hard to believe that I was in a fashion show...as a model...as a four-year old. This still makes me laugh.
It was during the late 1940s. One of my aunts was working as a fashion designer for children. At the time, she had just started. When a fashion show was to be put on for adults in the industry, the company head told her to come up with something, any one good thing, as she wanted to include her in the show, also.
So, for the lack of child models and because I came without a model's fee, I became her model. All I had to do was hold the hand of another model and walk listening to her directions in whispers. Listening to her? Well, only halfway. Since I had seen how the other models acted before the two of us, I acted on the walkway just like them. Monkey see, monkey do. I think my model and I got the biggest applause laced with giggles.
After it was over, I asked why our walk took such a short time, and made everyone at the backstage laugh. I loved the backstage then because people were paying attention to me and later, after the show, feeding me with goodies.
What I didn't like came earlier, during the preparations. Probably a few weeks before the show when my aunt was sewing that ridiculous dress and practicing the big bows on my hair, a la Shirley Temple which was the trend of the day. But I survived it all, and so did my aunt...survived me that is.
No wonder I'm not fashion crazy. I got my first taste of it, good as it was, at a very early age. As for my aunt, she left the company, got married, and was a housewife for some time, and then, she got a job working in a bank. C'est la vie.
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November 28, 2023 at 10:46am November 28, 2023 at 10:46am
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Prompt: Do the holiday seasons make you feel more connected to all the people on earth or less? In what ways and why?
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As far as I am concerned, the holiday season has no effect for the way I feel toward anyone or everyone. I like most anyone and I don't hate any one soul.
Yet, I so wish this or any other holiday season or any human endeavor could bring about unity and good will, in addition to shared values, cross-cultural interactions, technological connectivity, and acts of kindness, in our world. And I so hope this year's holiday season will be the time to start watching all nations' well-being, their people's happiness, and the many positive ways they handle their struggles or joys now and throughout their lives.
The pluses of a holiday season is that it tries to create a common ground that encourages a sense of togetherness by involving people in cultural and religious celebrations. One general reason for this togetherness, if possible, is the universality of themes such as love, peace, generosity, and gratitude.
Also, the exchange of greetings, traditions, and stories allows individuals to gain insights into the richness of human culture. This cross-cultural interaction helps break down barriers and fosters a sense of understanding and respect. Charitable activities and acts of kindness also peak during the holiday season, further emphasizing the spirit of global connection.
On the other hand, the holiday season can also bring some negative experiences and challenges to people and groups. For those people who live alone or who are away from home or who have recently experienced a loss of a loved one or who are separated from family through misunderstandings, this emphasis on togetherness can heighten their feelings of sadness or loneliness.
In addition, when the holidays bring people together, contrary to the idealized image of harmonious family gatherings, conflicts may arise due to differing expectations, the pressure to conform, unresolved issues, or the stress of coordinating and hosting events and dinners, in addition to the financial stress and pressure of exchanging gifts and similar activities. These, in turn, may even lead to or make worse those mental health issues such as burnout, anxiety, and depression.
It's important to recognize and address these negative aspects of the holiday season to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals who may be struggling during this time. This way, the holiday season can become a unique and powerful bond for connecting people worldwide in a spirit of joy, warmth, and shared celebration. And I so hope and pray that this may be done very soon.
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November 27, 2023 at 10:53am November 27, 2023 at 10:53am
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Prompt: Gifts
What does the word gifts mean to you? And have you ever received a deeply meaningful gift you weren’t expecting? Tell us about it.
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Gifts, at first thought, bring to my mind all those God-given (or nature-given) gifts. Then, when I think more about it, everything is a gift. Even the rotten times in our lives are gifts because they teach us about life and ourselves, whether we want to be taught or not, and they show us our own mettle, which we may be too blind to see.
Yet, above all, life is a gift in itself, whether we hold it dear or not.
Then, comes the gifts humans give to one another for any reason or for no reason at all, and they serve as a universal expression of emotions, appreciation, and connection. This is because the act of giving and receiving gifts goes beyond a material exchange; it is a powerful means of communication and it strengthens bonds between any two people.
Gifts are often associated with celebrations and milestones and they also have something to do with cultural celebrations as different cultures attach unique meanings to specific types of gifts, enhancing the symbolic value. Gifts can show love, gratitude, friendship, and sympathy, providing a medium through which we communicate emotions. A well-chosen gift can convey sentiments more effectively than words alone.
Be it a show of generosity and altruism, or symbolism and thoughtfulness, or even reciprocity a gift goes a long way to build relationships or mend broken ones. My favorite kinds of gifts, however, are the unexpected kinds that do not have anything to do with a birthday, achievement, or a celebration like Christmas or a New Year.
At the top of those unexpected kinds comes the sapphire ring I never take off from my finger. My husband and I were in the jewelry store to have a battery replaced in a watch. While I was looking outside the window to our car, he noticed this ring on the display counter together with a matching pendant and bought them right on the spot, saying they would look good on me. This set will always be my most favorite gift.
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November 26, 2023 at 11:07am November 26, 2023 at 11:07am
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Prompt: Use these lyrics to inspire your entry today: Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight. We're happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland. Have fun!
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As old as I am, I never rode in a carriage with sleigh bells ringing. What did I miss? Where was I when the whole world was having such fun? These questions I ask myself.
Chances are whoever wrote this carol forgot about the cold of the winter, too, which I am not a fan of. Seriously!
Still, "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening" opens the door to a world adorned in the magic of winter. The scene is a tranquil field or a lane, where the snow lays like a delicate blanket, reflecting the soft glow of winter's light. Picturesque, right? Okay, again, what about the cold?
"A beautiful sight. We're happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland." Walking? In the cold? Why aren't they in the sleigh wrapped in blankets? Yet, the song has a punch to it spiced with merriment and celebration. In this winter wonderland, happiness abounds, and the world seems to pause, allowing those walkers, not me, to embrace the magic that unfolds with each step.
As much as this carol reminds me of the cold, it is a mood lifter and it does capture the essence of the holiday season when, even after the season is over, memories that linger keep running through our minds, especially because Johnny Mathis sang this carol so well, stretching each word in it in his inimitable fashion. Thus, I salute it, lifting my cup of eggnog to it. "Cheers!"
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November 25, 2023 at 10:58am November 25, 2023 at 10:58am
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Prompt:
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder
Talk about childhood memories.
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I was an only child to four women, my mother, my grandmother, my aunt, and my grandmother's foster daughter who lived with us all her life. There were men there, of course, but my most intimate relationships were mostly focused on these women. Even after my aunt got married and moved away, she and I were just as important to each other, especially since she couldn't have any children of her own, and I always felt so blessed and lucky to be mothered by four women.
Yet, I was lonely. I always envied people with brothers and sisters and thought, despite all their fights and quarrels and jealousies, they had the upper hand. Now, in old age, I can see that conviction wasn't so far off. Yet, I'm still lucky since I have cousins.
My mother tried to take care of my alone and lonely child syndrome by inviting all their friends' children over. Some I couldn't relate to, others I could, but my favorite friends were my cousins.
My uncles left at least one or two of my cousins to stay with us for weeks at a time when they didn't have school. To this day, one of my cousins who is a year younger than me has been my best friend. I think most of my cousins think they are my best friend, too, btw.
My cousins and I always got into something childish, funny, and full of mischief, which greatly entertained me. When the entire family gathered around the table, Christmas or not, we kids had our own table on the side, so we could plan our escapades and giggle at our internal jokes.
When alone, though, I was a very quiet child who read all the time. Yet, I had the most fun when my cousins were there. My mother used to say, I turned into someone different when my cousins arrived. a kind of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I guess.
Once, my cousins and I, a whole bunch of us, went out of the house without telling anyone we were going and we got caught in the rain and came back like wet rats. The worried adults didn't know whether to scold us or to hug us.
Then, at another time, my granduncle took all of us to a local fair and he had to pay a lump sum to the guys who operated a certain kind of swings so they would take only my cousins and me for a few rides.
My childhood memories linger, evoking nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the fleeting beauty of those formative years. Throughout my so-called adulthood, these memories have served as a source of solace, reminding me of the joy of belonging and the innocence of my earlier times.
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November 24, 2023 at 10:15am November 24, 2023 at 10:15am
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On this day in 1969, The Apollo 12 spacecraft returns to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Do you remember seeing the Apollo 12 launch and when it returned? Discuss how you feel about the space launches. Have you seen any launches?
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How could I miss those earliest launches? We were all glued to the TV set. Later on, when one of my sons during his teens got interested "greatly" in space exploration, I heard a lot more about such stuff because of him. Later on, however, the excitement fizzled out of everyone, including my family.
Nowadays, the idea is going through a revival due to Space X and Elon Musk, but now my family and I couldn't care less as we are all into earthling-things.
The first time was the Apollo 11 mission, when the first man walked on the moon. The other missions came later to our attention.
As to Apollo 12, it had three people as its crew. During its launch, however, lightning struck something on the rocket but the flight crew took care of it enough to continue the mission. I believe the crew, then, retrieved something from an earlier spacecraft that had landed on the moon, some time ago. Then, some weird thing happened and the cameras were cut off. I knew what it was, but I can't recall it now. I can dig up this much because my late husband had kept talking about it after the lightning hit as he was always much against endangering human lives, no matter what the exploration.
After Nasa gave up on the moon, sort of, Skylab was built where scientist-astronauts conduct experiments. If I'm not mistaken it's still in place. Then, what I consider the best project ever was the Apollo-Soyuz thing in collaboration with the USSR. I don't know what it was exactly about but the idea of collaboration between nations always appeal to me.
Then, Nasa's Space-Shuttle program with some sad failures and also several achievements happened. By this time, especially after a shuttle exploded right after take-off, killing everyone on board, while we all watched and ended up with some kind of a PTSD as a nation, I lost all interest in this, as did my family.
I like, however, seeing the photos Hubble Space Telescope sends. I can't predict where this space exploration thing will take us earthlings, but technology is advancing and new missions and discoveries may shape our future.
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Note: I called my son for what he remembered on the subject and he told me a few names and titles. If it weren't for him, I couldn't have come up with the name Apollo-Soyuz that I mentioned, even though I knew all those and a bit more while they were in progress.
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November 23, 2023 at 11:54am November 23, 2023 at 11:54am
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A random act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a tremendous impact on someone else's life.”
Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
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Well, I'd have to add to this quote that random acts of kindness can have positive effects on the well-being of both the giver and the recipient. Scientific studies refer to this fact very often. All acts of kindness release feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin, which contribute to a sense of happiness and reduce stress. Additionally, knowing that you've made a positive impact on someone else can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
In addition, the impact of a random act of kindness extends far beyond the immediate moment. A small act can have a profound effect on someone's day, potentially turning around a challenging situation or simply brightening their mood. It's like a chain reaction, as the person who receives the kindness may be inspired to pay it forward, creating a positive cycle that can touch countless lives.
I am sure most of you know that here in WdC, the name of the RAOK group comes from the term Random Acts of Kindness. This is because this acronym refers to kindness's ability to share our humanity and to create a sense of connection to our mutual interests and to our community. Any kindness breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of unity by highlighting that, despite our differences, we all experience challenges and joys in our lives as well as the group or the site we belong.
The essence of all kind acts is to spread positivity and create a ripple effect of goodwill. In short, the beauty of random acts of kindness lies in their simplicity and their positive impact. Thus, when you perform or are thankful for small gestures such as holding the door open for someone or letting someone with only a couple of items pass in front of you at the checkout in the supermarket while you have a full cart or helping an old person carry something heavy, you are helping to create a more kind and compassionate society, one small gesture at a time.
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November 22, 2023 at 11:04am November 22, 2023 at 11:04am
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Prompt: "Everybody's life is a soap opera. Everybody's life is a country song, depends on who's writing it." Reba Mcintire Write about this in your Blog entry today.
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When I was much younger, say in my late twenties and early thirties, since I had babies and I was staying home for them, I got into watching soap operas like the Days of Our Lives, plus a couple of others. I found them to be very successful downers. In fact, if they were to be made into pills they might have been used as suicide pills for some.
As to life being a country song, I prefer it better that way, like Tim Mc Graw's Where the Green Grass Grows. This is because, no matter how bad things get for me, I like to find at least a modicum of positivity in them.
Also to me, life is more than a soap opera or a three-minute country song. I look at life as a symphony of existence, a masterful composition with grand orchestration of each moment and each experience.
In the beginning, life starts with the striking of a piano key, as a pure singular note. Later, infancy becomes a sweet prelude, setting the stage for complex harmonies. Then. with time, the composition gains depth, in crescendos of self-discovery, adding layers of complexity and turbulence against the melancholic movements with hauntingly sad minor chords.
Yet, it is within these layers that resilience ends up as a powerful counterpoint, and through all that, we transform adversity into a poignant and bittersweet melody to be followed by the brass fanfares and strings for our accomplishments and milestones. Next, in the grand finale, final notes linger, echoing the impermanence of our time on this grand stage called life.
Finally, the composition concludes with the last notes fading into silence, leaving behind a musical legacy of a masterpiece, its echoes lingering in the hearts of those who listened.
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Note:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-musicappreciationtheory/chapter/the-class...
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November 21, 2023 at 11:23am November 21, 2023 at 11:23am
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Prompt: Use these words in your entry: yeast, time, stars, music, violin, and diamond. Have fun!
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Elsa's Violin
Elsa loved to play the violin. Yet, she couldn't give her somewhat dented instrument enough attention, since she had to work in her family's bakery, where the air was always filled with the scent of rising yeast and freshly baked bread.
One evening, when it was Elsa's turn to close the bakery, she noticed an old man with an antique violin standing outside under the stars. As Elsa locked the doors to the bakery, she struck up a conversation with the old man. The old man told her about a diamond hidden in the fabric of time, waiting to be uncovered by a skilled musician.
Then, the old man offered Elsa to play his violin. Excited and intrigued, Elsa took the instrument in her hands, and while her fingers danced across the strings, a melody emerged, echoing through the quiet town. Plus, as if magic, the stars seemed to respond, too, twinkling in rhythm with the music.
As Elsa played this magical violin, a brilliant diamond appeared in the night sky. Only then, under the diamond's radiance, Elsa, saw the crowd surrounding her in awe. She had been so engrossed with playing the violin that, she hadn't noticed the townspeople gathering around her to listen to her music.
Since that night, Elsa's town has been known for its night-time concerts where the melodies of the old man's magical violin intertwined with the twinkling of the stars at night. As to the old man, he was nowhere to be found, but Elsa would never forget him for giving her his violin so she could go on creating a harmony that became woven in the fabric of time.
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November 20, 2023 at 10:22am November 20, 2023 at 10:22am
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Prompt: Thanksgiving Parade
Do you like Thanksgiving Parades, and/or what do you think of parades in general and have you had any experiences with watching or being in a parade?
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I like the sense of community and togetherness that events, such as parades, create in our lives. Parades also serve as bridges between generations when families get together and enjoy the spectacle and create lasting memories, whether a family member is a part of the parade or not. Especially children can be captivated by the giant balloons and floats bringing their favorite cartoon characters to view.
I have been in several parades during my school years while we marched behind a float or a person carrying the flag. Getting ready for that was not easy, I have to say. You had to march with steps in tandem like Disney's wooden soldiers, and this took long practice sessions as a group.
As to Thanksgiving parades, especially the one Macy's puts up every year, we used to watch them on TV, after or while having a late breakfast. Since my children are so grown up and have their own lives now, if I turn on the TV for the Macy's parade on Thanksgiving day, I don't feel the same wonder as when I was watching it with them. Still, I sit down and take in the scene on the screen for a while, in appreciation of tradition, gratitude, memories, and the Thanksgiving Day.
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November 19, 2023 at 11:12am November 19, 2023 at 11:12am
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Prompt:
"Good mashed potato is one of the great luxuries of life."~ Lindsey Bareham
“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.” ~ Jim Davis
“Thanksgiving: Brings out the best in family dysfunction since 1863.”~ Unknown
Have fun with these quotes in your entry today!
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Oh, the joy of food! And on the Thanksgiving table, too. What can be better than that?
Thanksgiving itself is a time for families and people to come together and reflect on the things they are grateful for. It's a time to appreciate the bonds that tie family members and friends, creating a sense of unity and warmth. As to Thanksgiving bringing out the best in family dysfunction, I think, humans are better than that.
With function or dysfunction, families are our backbones. I grew up in a family that, no matter what the dysfunction or the disagreement, it was taboo to discuss it at the dinner table at any time, whether it was Thankgiving on the fourth Thursday of each November or not. In fact, my grandmother considered someone leaving the table in anger as an equal sin to murder or probably worse. Thus, when the conversation took an unfriendly turn, it was everyone else's job to change the subject.
This tradition held true through time when I had my own family and I am very happy to say that neither my sons nor my husband nor anyone else who would be at our table broke it. Food represents gifts from God or from whichever deity a person believes in, be it Nature or Creation. Food at dinner table is sacrosanct.
Also, it is delicious. Just imagine all those food items mentioned in the quotes and tasting them at your Thanksgiving table: Mashed potatoes, vegetables, carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. And especially that pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream, as the perfect ending to a Thanksgiving meal! Yummmm!
Now, whoever can mention dysfunction in this delicious togetherness and inclusivity that we all share, plus the joy of food and our divinely enriched lives?
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November 18, 2023 at 10:26am November 18, 2023 at 10:26am
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Prompt:
On this day in1865 Mark Twain publishes the short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" in The New York Saturday Press.
Here's your opportunity to write a short story about a frog. If you're not feeling creative share with us what you know about frogs.
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The Prince of the Rainforest
Freddie the frog lived in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Freddie was not your average frog. Unlike other green frogs, Freddie was purple with eyes as golden as the sun. Plus, he had a small bump on his head like a crown. Yet, what set apart Freddie from all other frogs was not his looks but his unusual ability.
Freddie did not only croak like other frogs, but Freddie could sing, and he sang almost like Plácido Domingo. His songs were so operatic and so captivating that they drew the attention of all the creatures in the rainforest who would pause their routines to listen to Freddie's mesmerizing melodies.
One day, a renowned music producer--who was piranha fishing on the Amazon river--heard Freddie's singing. Intrigued, he ventured further into the rainforest to witness and maybe discover this new singer who could switch from a tenor to a baritone, just like Placido Domingo.
As Freddie continued with his daily performance, the music producer was astounded. Freddie had such a unique and beautiful voice with such a range! The producer knew immediately that the world needed to hear Freddie's songs.
With the help of the local tribes, the music producer set up a live stream from the rainforest directly to the internet. Freddie's singing was broadcasted across the globe, touching the hearts of millions. He became a sensation overnight as his music united people in a way no one could have imagined...ever! Thus, almost immediately, Freddie was given the title of "The Prince of the Rainforest."
Despite all this name and fame, Freddie remained where he was, as himself, and he continued to sing for his friends in the rainforest, his music spreading love and joy, and proving again and again that an unusual ability can bring the world closer, and that beauty and talent can be found in the most unexpected places.
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November 17, 2023 at 11:22am November 17, 2023 at 11:22am
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Prompt:
Let's have fun with these eight random words: miserable, wording, romantic, study, disk, debated, steak, consensus.
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Some people study hard just to turn a simple conversation into a heated discussion, as in the linguistics professor Dr. Jim Wording's case, who always debated the most trivial matters, especially on syntax and word origins.
One day, while Dr. Wording was engrossed in his examination of an antique word's origins, he received an unexpected visit from his eccentric neighbor, Prudence. Prudence, who was an absurdly romantic person and had eyes for Dr. Jim Wording, brandished an old floppy disk in front of his face, saying, "Jim, dear, I found this in my attic and, believe me, you will be interested!"
Jim Wording, although feeling miserable for being interrupted from his studies, nodded in agreement. What Prudence dangled in front of his eyes could be a relic containing unheard mysteries of linguistics. Then, wasn't Prudence herself someone good to look at!
As the two wondered whether the disk held secrets of a bygone era or if it was just a relic of obsolete storage, they realized they needed a consensus. And for that consensus, they decided to invite their knowledgeable friends to a steak dinner and ask for their input on the subject.
Yet, during the preparation of the steak, the group's discussion led to the idea whether a perfectly cooked steak could bring about a world peace. On that note, they raised their glasses to the power of steak diplomacy and only then, decided that the floppy disk was a relic and possibly a technological mystery, and unlike a good steak, it should be left alone, like this tall tale.
So much for those floppy disks in our attics, wouldn't you say!
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November 16, 2023 at 11:28am November 16, 2023 at 11:28am
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Prompt: What is something you are struggling with and how are you dealing with it? Write about this in your Blog entry today.
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Now that I am re-discovering the stoics, I look at most struggles as challenges to learn from. Yet, someone's passing away is very difficult to handle, if it's someone too close for any philosophy to take away the pain.
That, I'm learning, takes time. I have been struggling for the last three years with the passing of my husband of 54 years, as we were very close in life and, I believe, we still are in death. I am, however, learning the acceptance of it along the way. It is not perfect, yet, but at least, I'm functioning much better than, say, a year ago.
Yes, it is a struggle. But I had no choice, from the beginning, to accept that struggle. Denial was never my forte and I knew it only would prolong the pain. Then, to me, acceptance is understanding that death is a part of life and its acceptance doesn't really mean resignation. It means I stop against the struggle and start working with it, despite the pain.
If this were some other kind of struggle, I would probably try to identify its cause, external circumstances, my personal weaknesses on the subject, and things like that. But it was not. Nothing can be done or smoothed over against death.
I'm not the kind of person who seeks outside support or creates plans to take action on anything. In this case, I could only force to be patient with myself and to stay positive as much as I could, at least on the side issues.
I have to say, of all things I did and still do, keeping my mind busy helps my mood. Along the way, I came up with a couple of exercises. Although it sounds silly, they help with the way I feel. One of them is a to-do list for each day. I make long lists for each day from the night before, and if I cannot finish the list at the end of the day, it is okay. That list is a road-map which helps my mind not to wonder and get lost along the way. And the second must-list I write down, before noon each day, has 10 things on it that made me smile or feel good so far in the day. The items on the list can be as simple as a kind word or action from someone, the sight of a butterfly on a bush, my cat's meow, or the leaves dancing in the breeze. In fact, the smallest the joy, the better it is for the list.
As for stoicism, about two years ago, I began reading Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. Although I had read it during my teen years, this time it rang a bell. From it, I ventured on to read the works of other stoics. Seneca had always been my favorite, but I discovered, through my reading of all stoics, many ways of handling life and what it throws on a person's way.
I guess, for some people, religion can do something similar, also. Although I am a big believer in God and religion, in addition to such beliefs, I found out and I am still finding out that stoicism comes up with very practical, do-able life advice. In fact, YouTube has many videos of do-this or don't-do-that kind of advice from the stoics. I don't have to apply all of it to my life, but mostly, they do help, for they are usually offered in a nutshell.
I know everyone faces challenges and we need to find and get support from wherever we can. I hope, for people with any kind of struggle, time and effort will help greatly if they are patient with themselves and can remember that progress is often very slow and small things should be celebrated along the way.
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November 15, 2023 at 9:29am November 15, 2023 at 9:29am
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Prompt:
"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wish bone, a back bone and a funny bone."
Reba McIntire
Write about this in your Blog entry today.
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The definition of success can be different for each person. I am guessing, in the quote by Reba McIntire, she was referring to what she herself considers as success, possibly in the music business.
Of all the so-called bones she talks about, I like the funny bone the most because the funny bone or a sense of humor allows one to remain flexible and adaptable, and not to take oneself too seriously. This is because success, however you define it, could be-- not about achieving any one goal or many goals--but enjoying the journey of life in its entirety and as a human being.
Then, a backbone, regardless of how one views success, is essential to stand the difficulties in life because that backbone is our inner strength and it represents determination, resilience, and courage. It is this backbone that allows human beings to stand firm in the face of adversity and to keep pushing forward.
A wish bone, however, is only a symbol as it symbolizes dreams, aspirations, and ambitions. It is only useful for giving a person a target to aim at. I'm not too keen on this wish bone thing since a wish alone means nothing. Yes, it could be a starting point, a spark that ignites ambition and hard work. In itself alone, a wish is only a wish. "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride!" Why focus on wishing alone when life is only transitory, although we don't feel its fleeting quality while we live it!
As far as our lives are concerned, even our accomplishments and so-called successes mean nothing on their own at the end, unless we live as human beings respectful of one another and wanting the best not only for ourselves but everyone else. To me, that is the true success.
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November 14, 2023 at 10:38am November 14, 2023 at 10:38am
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Prompt: Laundry
“I've buried a lot of my laundry in the back yard,” said Phyllis Diller
Does doing the laundry annoy you? What is it about laundry that scares so many people in this day and age when appliances do the job?
Or Write a story or a poem on the subject, if you wish.
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Dirt, stain, and odors. Ugh! Try removing them! Yet, why complain? In our day, human ingenuity, advances in technology, and societal change has taken care of the tedious, mundane nature of this somewhat disgusting task.
Historically, laundry was a process done by hand by a group of people, and mostly women (no surprise there!) Then, in ancient Rome, no one did the laundry at home for they had large public facilities where the wash was soaked in water and cleansed in urine (a natural ammonia, eek!), and rinsed and wrung out to be spread out over clean surfaces to dry. If you wish you can search using the name fullonica, as those facilities were called.
Then, what I wrote so far is only a very short version of this info on the web. Here are a couple of URLs.
https://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com/ancient-everyday-pee-and-laundry-in-the-r...
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA/*Fullo.html
Then, during the Middle Ages, women took over the chore, totally. This time they used animal by-products and sticks to beat out the dirt. But the fun part was that it was a communal activity, a party really, with women exchanging news and gossip as they worked by a river or any other water source.
Well, so much for the origins of laundry. If I read more about it, I think I might get sick, so I'm very glad and thankful to those who came up with today's machines and made our lives so much the better.
in a room of suds and spins
clothes twirl, a dance begins
water whispers, fabrics play
laundry rules my busy day
detergents dream, bubbles rise
colors mingle, my rainbow prize
hum of machines, some rhythmic song
laundry's symphony all along
folding the warmth in my embrace
scents and softness with fresh trace
from a chaos to a neat array
to laundry's theme I can sway
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November 13, 2023 at 10:46am November 13, 2023 at 10:46am
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Prompt: Change
“And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves…”- Virginia Woolf
How good are you in dealing with change? What would be the steps to take in dealing with change?
Or write a poem or a story about a "change".
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I am not much good when it comes to change, and that's why I stick to the old as long as I can and to those things I can't stand being changed. Yet, there is life, action, and renewal in change, and as the idea about this earth goes, if there is one thing here that we can be sure of is change.
I don't know if anyone has the inkling or the will to plan ahead for change. If anyone did, their lives would be full of planning instead of living. Change, however, is inevitable and comes mostly unexpectedly and different from our planning for it.
Still, just in case, those who know insist that change can be less stressful when we have a contingency plan in place. With what we consider a negative change, we may have to look at the bright side of things that show up with a change and take time to reflect before diving into any action. Creating some normalcy and comfort for ourselves in the process and counting our blessings for what we have, no matter how small, can be of great help to find some semblance of sanity during and after any change.
So here goes something...
A symphony of change, a fleeting chance
in the quiet woods where time does dance
to my wave of farewell, a gentle release
of nature's offering moments of peace
the palette of hues a vibrant array
nature's masterpiece in grand display
autumn whispers secrets to trees
as leaves are carried by the breeze
those leaves, once firm in summer's hold
now flutter down in crimson bold
emerald greens give way to gold
story of my life, furtively told
with an air crisp, chill in the wind,
a shift begins, a cycle thinned
in seasons of change, majestic shows,
trees shed clothes as daring heroes
their rustling hints at a changing tide
leaves cover bare earth in false pride
through amber days, a twilight's gleam
autumn's embrace, a passing dream
nature's canvas painted with care
a tapestry of change beyond compare
those leaves remind me as if a satire
that this life is a constant shellfire
yet in its stance, promises are made
for rebirth and renewal to cascade
as a timeless ode to loyalty of change
in seasons' plays, out of my range
Well, I tried! 
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November 12, 2023 at 10:24am November 12, 2023 at 10:24am
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Prompt: Use these words in your entry today: small, harm, autonomy, wedding, pay, kneel, realize and injection.
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In the small town of Autumn Hollow, lived Abby and Hal, a couple who had been in love for a long time, since childhood, to say the least.
Their wedding was a grand affair, with joyous laughter and merry toasts echoing through Autumn Hollow. But happiness, as everyone sooner or later realizes, can be as fleeting as a wisp of smoke.
Hal, a scientist, was a man of ambition. His latest experiment was a procedure, an injection really, that could grant the recipient eternal life. So, he decided to try the injection on himself first.
A few months after the wedding, the day after the injection, Hal woke up feeling stronger, his senses heightened. Abby and the townsfolk marveled at his vigor, but it didn't last. By the seventh day, Harold was unrecognizable. His once bright eyes now held an eerie glow, his once warm smile replaced by a ghoulish grin. The town's doctor could do nothing but watch as Hal started slipping away.
Abby, heartbroken, refused to leave her husband's side. Each day, she would kneel by his bed, holding his hand and whispering words of love and courage. But all was in vain and Hal passed away, leaving Abby with her grief.
Surprisingly, after Hal's demise, peculiar things began happening around the house. Objects moved on their own, whispers echoed through the hall, and the scent of Hal's cologne lingered in the air. Abby realized that Hal was still in the house, his spirit granted autonomy in death as a reward for the injection he had so bravely tested.
Hal's ghost, unable to cause any physical touch or harm, did what it could to communicate with Abigail. He moved objects to spell out messages, played their favorite songs on the piano, and even maintained the garden they both loved. Yet, he could not provide a warm embrace for Abby.
Abby, however, found a way to pay tribute to their love. Every year, on the anniversary of their wedding, she would put on her wedding dress, kneel by Harold's grave, and tell him stories of the short life they had shared and the love they still held for each other. And Harold, his spectral form glowing softly in the moonlight, listened.
To this day, this love affair in the tiny town of Autumn Hollow still continues, with the tale of the dangerous ambition, that frightful injection, and Hal the ghost who was granted the chilling gift of autonomy, who is now forever bound to Abby, the woman he loved.
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November 11, 2023 at 12:24pm November 11, 2023 at 12:24pm
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Prompt:
Did you know Kurt Vonnegut (11/11/1922) and Leo DiCaprio {11/11/1974) shared the same birthdate?
Discuss either one of Vonnegut's books or DiCaprio's movies that you either enjoyed or disliked?
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Slaughterhouse-Five
"If you were to bother to read my books, to behave as educated persons would, you would learn that they are not sexy, and do not argue in favor of wildness of any kind. They beg that people be kinder and more responsible than they often are,"
is the quote from Kurt Vonnegut, in the beginning of his page: https://www.vonnegutlibrary.org/biography/
For this blog entry, I picked this novel, which was later made into a radio drama then a movie, because with the world events threatening the world peace at this time in our lives, the story and the ideas in it cannot be more relevant.
The book also has its origin in Vonnegut's personal experiences. During the World War II, while in Dresden, Vonnegut’s job for weeks after the bombing was to gather up and burn the remains of the dead. His experience at Dresden marked him for life and eventually resulted in this literary masterpiece, Slaughterhouse-Five.
Since the book first came out in 1969, at the time, I was busy with my first baby less than a year-old and didn't read it then. A few years later, my husband and I saw the movie but due to the way the story is told in a non-linear form and in flashbacks, I didn't quite get the plot. The ideas in it, however, especially the bitter humor, got to me and knowing how the film industry decapitates good books, I decided to read the book afterwards.
In the book's first chapter, the unreliable narrator (I guess Vonnegut himself), describes his own experiences and education and his employment in various places. Then, he starts to tell the story of Billy Pilgrim, from Ilium (fictional city). Billy is made to serve during the World War II's Battle of the Bulge. But he escapes death, but later is captured by the Germans in 1944. The Germans hold Billy and his fellow prisoners in an empty slaughterhouse called Schlachthof-fünf "slaughterhouse five". During the extensive bombing of Dresden by the Allies, German guards hide with the prisoners in the slaughterhouse, which is partially underground and well-protected from the damage on the surface. Billy somehow survives the fire bombing and becomes an optometrist after the war, with a life and somewhat damaged, later.
There's a lot more to this story that what I can write here as there are many other characters with great variety, most of them shown with great depth of characterization. The novel is told through simple yet ironical, humorous, and sentimental words and sentences, which makes it all the more powerful.
The novel's basic theme is war and death and, in my opinion, the insanity and ridiculousness of life, itself. It may also be that the author was directing his attention to war veterans who may suffer from PTSD and are not fully cognizant of the present realities of living.
Unfortunately this book was banned from some schools in the US, due to its being "depraved, immoral, psychotic, vulgar and anti-Christian." Later on, however, it was reinstated.
Here are some quotes from the book:
“The nicest veterans...the kindest and funniest ones, the ones who hated war the most, were the ones who'd really fought.”
“I have told my sons that they are not under any circumstances to take part in massacres, and that the news of massacres of enemies is not to fill them with satisfaction or glee. I have also told them not to work for companies which make massacre machinery, and to express contempt for people who think we need machinery like that.”
“How nice -- to feel nothing, and still get full credit for being alive.”
“- Why me?
- That is a very Earthling question to ask, Mr. Pilgrim. Why you? Why us for that matter? Why anything? Because this moment simply is. Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber?"
“It was very exciting for her, taking his dignity away in the name of love.”
Then, as I wrote this entry, I decided to read the book, yet another time.
Here is the free YouTube's audiobook version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz6uGkdenEk
Also, several PDF versions exist on the web or one can buy the book from a bookseller.
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