Talking about life and turning it into ideas for stories and poems. |
It was LostGhost: Seeking & Learning that inspired me to start a BLOG/PLOG. I constantly have ideas flooding my mind, at least most of the time. However, sometimes I'm like anyone else and suffer from the dreaded writers block. When that happens, I can come back here to a journal of interesting topics and lists of words fit to inspire the worst best poet. Please join me as I blog about life and plog about poetry. It's all combined into one for your inspirational needs. Feel free to use anything as inspiration for yourself. Settle in and stay awhile. Visit with Angelica. Maybe she'll be as demanding awesome with you as she is with me! My muse is a poetry pixie dressed in pink My Muse My muse is a poetry pixie dressed in pink Yes, from her inspiring potions I plan to drink Many nights she whispers words of inspiration Until one night I need her and she leaves me in frustration She is a clever little imp, full of spice and sugar Even with her attitude, I’ll keep the little bugger ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
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Prompt: If you could write on something you have never thought of to write about before, like a different idea, genre, or method, what would it be and how would you go about it? Hmmm... This is a tricky one. I guess a genre that really stumps me is Steampunk. I guess I could do an image search to get some different ideas. I would probably need to read something in that genre just so I understand it better. Then I would do a search on websites that specialize in just Steampunk. This prompt is through provoking, but if you've never thought to write it before, how can know what to do off the top of your head. Well, I guess it's the same with anything I write. I employ the three R's. Research, Research, Research... I think that's the most important thing you can do before you write anything. But be careful... Sometimes I get so lost in the research that I don't get started on my writing like I need to. Happy Birthday WDC!!!
Make sure you join in at least a few of the activities. Birthday week is something we look forward to all year long here at WDC!!! Take advantage of the extra gps for reviewing, join a contest, or buy a sig or raffle ticket. |
Prompt: Curious, situation... Do you become partially responsible once you definitively know of wrongdoing? I think you are only responsible for the wrong doing if do nothing about it. Here's a super simple example. My son mows lawns in the summer for some extra spending money. Today he was mowing and he busted the top off of a sewer line. It was an accident, but he was really upset about it. If he had left it without telling anyone, that would have been wrong. And if my husband knew he did it, but did nothing about it or nothing to guide my son, he would be part of that wrong doing. But instead, here is what happened. My son ran over the top of the pipe. He shut off the mower and got my husband immediately. My son thought that his Dad would just take care of it like he always does, but his Dad taught him a good lesson. My husband drove him to the hardware store and helped him pick out the pipe he needed to get to fix it. He made my son pay for it out of his own money. Then, he talked my son through fixing it. I don't know a situation where you would be responsible for the wrong doing unless you knew about it and didn't do anything. Now, going from a simple story to more complicated. What if your child committed a murder? Would you help him get away? Would you give her money? If it were my child, I believe I would have to do the right thing and turn him/her into the police. Of course, you never know until you are in that situation, but I'd like to believe I would what was right no matter how much it hurt me. In the USA, if you help someone and know they have committed a felony, you are guilty of aiding and abetting, and you can go to jail for that. I hope this was clear enough. I'm getting psyched about the birthday celebrations that being in just a few more days. I've got a fun charity sig activity going on here:
I just finished my entry for this round of ~ Santa Sisco ~'s "Invalid Item" . Phew. I had such a blank on it all month, and then suddenly it came to me. Thank goodness! If you'd like to check it out, here is the link.
If you haven't visited some of the sig shops lately, you need to go back and see what's going on. I visited 🦄🏳️🌈Sapph recently, and got this AWESOME animated image! You'll be seeing it in the newsfeed once in a while. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Now for some inspiration! Here are some words that have to do with wrong-doing. Sin outlaw breaking the law lawyer bad stinker thief killer murderer crime error evil guilt fault immorality lust misdeed offense transgression violation damnation disobedience iniquity imperfection wickedness unrighteousness ungodliness Okay! Goodnight, and I'll meet you back here again real soon! |
Prompt: Tell us about the person you were when you were sixteen. This prompt put me in mind of an old Sinatra song which I will share below. His song was about being seventeen instead of sixteen, though. But, when I was sixteen, it was also a very good year. I got my drivers license, my first car, and became a cheerleader. I went to a Christian school for the first time in eleventh grade, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was able to participate in activities that I would have otherwise been denied. On the other hand, because I was heavy, I was made fun of no matter where I went to school. I didn't have boyfriends, or dates like a typical sixteen year old. But I had the big hair and clothes that were popular in the late 1980's. In fact, my bangs were so high, they often wouldn't fit in a regular picture. My family had recently moved to South Carolina from Michigan. The local culture was so much different, and I took the fast track to developing a southern accent because my mid-western accent was quite obvious. I loved the move. Our house was a beautiful old farm house with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. I had a gorgeous bedroom that was decorated in country blue and mauve flowers. I had a window seat where I would sit and read for hours. I have always loved to read. Perhaps that's why I have a love for writing as well. It's fun to reminisce. I love to remember when I lived in that farmhouse. It was perhaps my favorite of all the houses I've ever lived in, and I really do miss it! [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] |
I woke up Blue today! What fun!! I've been overwhelmed with emails, badges, cNotes, notebook posts, forum posts, and much much more! I never in a million years thought I would be worthy enough to be blue. At this point, I can't even truly grasp what that means. I'm sure I'll learn as I go along. I've already been introduced to a few new things I can't talk about... Now I have you wondering! So, in our society, having the blues usually means being down and depressed, but this blue girl hasn't been able to wipe the grin off her face all day long. In addition to all the great things that's happened here, I've also hit some new milestones on deviantart.com with my photomanipulations. I've been taking a month long class there, and apparently my work has improved. I've been on the "Most Popular for the Past 8 Hours" page, and I've never made it there before!!! Was so excited about that. I posted all my new merit badges here. "Note: This day has been so overwhelmingly wonderful!!! I..." So, I thought I'd share my newest pieces of artwork since taking my classes. Now, for your writing inspiration, words pertaining to blue: sapphire azure beryl cerulean cobalt navy royal indigo teal turquoise ultramarine sky ocean |
I love that Merry Mumsy runs this awesome little contest to celebrate all the new yellow cases. Of course, I must write a poem, and will do so in a little bit, but I thought I would make a list of yellow things and synonyms. I haven't done this in a while, and this is what this plog's original purpose was. I want to inspire as many of you as possible to participate in this three day event. Thank you so much for doing this in recognition of all the new preferred authors.
Sun Sunny Sunflowers Black-Eyed Susan (flower) Daffodil Lemon Amber Bisque Blond Gold Saffron Honey Tawny Sand Ducks Stars Roses Tulips Banana's Tang Fish Autumn Leaves Smiley Faces Yellow Bell Peppers The Yellow Brick Road The Yellow Pages Support the Troops Topaz Corn Cats Eyes Yellow Labs (dog) Yellow Raisins Golden Anniversaries (50 years) Crowns Gowns Butter A famous song by Coldplay And of course, all these brand new cases! |
Prompt: What is the hardest part about learning a new skill? Do you enjoy a challenge or do you like things to come easily? Let me first preface this post with the fact that learning has always come extremely easy to me... that is until the last five or six years. I was always at the top of my class. I graduated as valedictorian in high school. I graduated with honors in college. And even when I returned to college in my mid-thirties, I had very few learning issues. Fast forward a few years and burden me with brain fog brought on by fibromyalgia, and it's frustrating as heck. I think because learning has always been easy and fun for me, it's hard now when learning something new challenges me past my short term memory issues. I still love to learn, but I have to pace myself more than I used to. When I was in high school and college, I could study in the living room with people talking and the tv going and still ace all my tests. It used to make my brother mad because he had to work so hard if he wanted to make good grades, and let's just say, that wasn't always his first priority. My brother was good looking, thin, athletic, and had plenty attention from the opposite sex. Me... not so much. So it's a trade off. I've said before that I have, and have had several different kinds of creative outlets over the years. I could sew, quilt, and decorate quite well. I can design and make jewelry, and I especially enjoy wire work when my hands cooperate. Now, though, my two most creative outlets are writing and digital art. And I struggle. But, it's worth the challenge. I have been so excited about all the things I've learned in this community between New Horizon's Academy, and other small teaching groups. It's been hard sometimes, but at the same time, I think that makes me feel all the more accomplished. So right now, I'm taking a month long mentorship (I'm the learner, not the teacher) over at deviantart.com. There are a great community of artists there willing to help teach others. It's a fun place to hang out, but obviously, not as fun as WDC! But I find myself having to go back and read and watch things two or three times. Really? Wasn't I just eighteen where I learned everything virtually by osmosis? No... that was a little longer ago than I want to remember. I will be forty-three in November. Say it ain't so! And the older I get, the less things come to me quickly. So, although I don't mind the challenge... I'd sure love to have the mind of that eighteen year old with the wisdom that I have today. It's not happening, I know... But your prompt made me nostalgic for easy learning. Now I'm headed back to my video tutorial for the piece I'm working on this week. |
Prompt: She Shed or Man Cave? What would it look like? What would you keep in there? Oh my! I know I would LOVE a She-Shed. It would be a quiet place for me to go to have my daily Bible study. It would be my sanctuary to write and do my digital artwork, and it would have a second area where I could store all my jewelry making paraphernalia, and all the jewelry that I've made. It would be kind of like a mini-store where I could take pictures of my crafts and sell or gift to my friends. This would be a 'No Kids Allowed' zone. And it would only be a 'Hubby Allowed' zone if he wanted to make out for a little bit. The outside would be pink with white trim, kind of like the first picture below. The inside would be frilly and girly. I want a pink fluffy recliner or chaise lounge. (This is a dream right?) Soft white eyelet lace for trim. Pillows all around. Another comfy fluffy upright chair for me to work on my jewelry and such. Like I said above, it would have two areas, kind of like the second picture below. And as for the third photo, I just liked it! I found these photos on Google. They are not stock... they are only for demonstration purposes. Who knows... sometimes dreams can come true! |
Prompt: Several creative people, such as artists and authors, claim that relaxing and ‘doing nothing’ can be extremely beneficial for the creative process to follow. Do you believe this could work, I mean doing absolutely nothing? Has this been true for you, if ever? This is not true. The more I sit around and do nothing, the lazier I get. However, if I can't get inspired to write, I just sit down and free write. Eventually, I get inspired. DiAnn Mills, a very talented author, said that if she couldn't get into writing on a given day, she'd make herself write at least 200 words, and by then the story would begin to flow. And trust me, her books are AMAZING! I'm creative in more than just writing. I'm also a digital artist, quilter, and jewelry designer. I have a hard time with the latter two because of certain disabilities, but I do artwork probably about as much as write. When I can't get inspired there, I head over to deviantart.com and search through stock photos or tutorials. I love learning new things, and this will always get me busy creating. Finally, if none of the above things work, I will take a break, but usually I'm still on my computer. I like to play colorful Hidden Object Games. Many of the scenes are beautiful and definitely can inspire me. And sometimes when you get your mind off of what your working on, you'll suddenly get an "ah ha" moment! |
Prompt: Debating “In a battle of believability, the winner is the one with the best body language, not the clearest logic.” ― Jarod Kintz, This Book is Not FOR SALE Do you think it is an acceptable practice to stretch truths or use effective body language in order to win debates? Well, this is an interesting topic since last week we saw a bunch of liars politicians debate over who should run for President and why. And while I'll not put my personal choice out there, I think now is some time for some good old fashioned observation. ***Warning... I am a Republican, so this will come from that perspective. If you are a Democrat, you have that right, and that freedom is what America is all about. I just want you to know that some of these opinions will come from that mindset, though I do not want this to turn into our own political debate. If you have a political view, kindly put it on your own blog. And I say that with the utmost respect. I'm sick, and I'm not up to dealing with drama this week. Now on to my post... At this weeks debate, I'm not sure a winner was declared. But I do know who got the most publicity. And you have to hand it to the man. He's not having fundraisers. He's not catering to any pacs or lobbyists. He's getting his message out through negative attention on the news media. AND he is not apologizing for one second of it. The man cracks me up. So if you ask me, Donald Trump won that debate whether he was the declared winner or not. In his case, I think the one with the loudest voice got what he wanted. In our country's history, it seems like it's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. Our country has become so politically correct that people are stumped as to what to say without putting their foot in their mouth. So in a debate, people are dancing around the truth of what they want to do because it may not please people. With everything that America stands for, isn't it supposed to come down to a majority vote, and not a minority? Okay, hear me out before you think I'm being cruel or racist. If you know me at all, you know I am neither. I'm talking about every little group being offended by trivial things. And it's the tiny little group that wins, and not the majority of the country. Just three months ago a school where I attended said that trucks and cars would not be allowed in the student parking lot if they were waving the AMERICAN flag. Not the Confederate flag, but the flag that shows we are loyal to this beautiful land. Why? Because ONE person came to school and said they were offended. The next day, every car that came to school had the American flag attached to it. Good for them. For once, the majority stood up for what was right. Why that anecdote? Donald Trump (who I might add is not my personal choice) stood up, without apology and said, "Let's make America great again!" And honestly, I believe him. I believe that's what he wants. He's smart where business is concerned, but he also has some good moral values when it comes to what he wants for our country. I think that the majority needs to make their voice heard again, and that is my opinion on what makes for a good debate. On a personal note, I believe that evidence of truth, Biblical principles, and reliable resources are what should win a debate every time... and nothing else. Thank you for letting me have my say on this matter. |
Prompt: Playwright Anton Chekkov said, "People don't notice whether it is winter or summer if they are happy." Do you agree with him? Why or Why not? Would you say you are happier during the summer than other seasons? Why or Why not? I do not agree with this statement at all. If you have ever heard of SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. According to WebMD, SAD "is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year."* Often you will hear this also called seasonal depression or winter depression. Most people that suffer SAD will do so in the winter, and one of the biggest reasons is the lack of sunlight. Our bodies get our best source of vitamin D from the sun. We may get a larger dose via supplements, but it absorbs much better when we receive it naturally in sunlight. It is also known that cold damp weather can cause an increase in pain for those who suffer from a number of arthritic and autoimmune disorders. This can also increase depression. Not to give just winter a bad rap, but, in the heat and humidity of summer, people who suffer from breathing issues may be at risk of a summer version of SAD. Personally, I don't care what season it is because I'm just happy when the weather stays even for a week at a time or so. No storms, no up and down in temps, and highs in the seventies are all ideal if I don't want to be achy. Because if I'm achy, I'm not happy. However, if I had to say I prefer one season over another, I cannot do that. I like the temperatures of summer, but the festivities of fall and winter, and I also enjoy the beauty of spring. Realistically, all health statistics aside, I think happiness comes from much more than what the season or the weather is. I think we have to decide what makes us happy overall in life. For me, it's my faith, my family, and my friends, both online and off. In that respect, Mr. Chekkov may be partially correct. * http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-over... |
What is number one on my to-do list? Wow! I guess it would to get everything done that needs to be done by the end of July. 1. Set up Poetry Corner at the Coffee Shop Discussions group. 2. Read and judge entries for Hook to Book 3. Finish today's blog post. 4. Write final entry for 30 Day Image Prompt as soon as it comes out. 5. Close out "Invalid Item" That may look like a short list, but I didn't go into detail what I needed to do to accomplish #1 and #5. When other people share their to-do lists on the newsfeed, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I usually skip over those posts to be honest. I mean, we all have a bunch of things to do. I like seeing that things are checked off of their lists because it kind of motivates me, but other than that, keep your list some place other than the newsfeed. I hope this doesn't hurt anyone's feelings. It's not aimed at any one particular person, but rather to the group as a whole. But I still love all of you! Okay, I'm going to try to sleep now. Having some problems with my fibromyalgia and arthritis. Not really complaining. It just is what it is. Good night/morning! |
Prompt: What would it be like to have a secret place, imaginary or real, where you’d like to go to escape from the grind of everyday life? Can you describe the landscape of such a place for you? This was an interesting prompt to me because of the prompt for today's 30 Day Image Prompt is a beautiful serene view. Lo' the night's moon hangs in yonder sky. The worldly gloom has said it's goodbye. And to relax I sit and watch the silent wax that is a swatch of yonder moon's beaming bright light. |
This Blog is about all the things I've ever wanted to do but never had the time or courage. I'm going to include here that I also never had the money! Because I'm not a famous author.... yet. 1. I have always wanted to go to Australia and see where the movie "Man from Snowy River" was filmed. 2. I have always wanted to travel to Switzerland and Austria which is where my ancestors are from. 3. I would love to travel around the United States and see all the famous and not so famous tourist spots like the Grand Canyon. 4. I would LOVE to take an Alaskan cruise. They say it's one of the most breathtaking sites in the world! 5. I'm extremely afraid of heights and falling, so if I had the courage I would love to fly in a hot air balloon. 6. I would love to go zip lining in some cool, high up, mountain spot. 7. I would love to go bungee jumping 8. I would love to ride fast roller coasters, but I do lack the courage for sure 9. I would love to ride a motorcycle. 10. I would love to go parasailing. I have done some interesting things in my life. I once dated a guy with his pilot license. He took me up in a two passenger plane to view the sunset over Charlotte, NC. That was an amazing experience. I have been swimming in the cold fresh water ponds created by springs up in the mountains. I have stood behind a waterfall and played until my hearts content. I live right on the Atlantic Ocean's Coast, so the beach is once of the kids favorite places, though I'm not able to go like I could before. I've been to museums, aquariums, and all kind of other places around North Carolina and South Carolina. When I lived in Michigan, I visited Traverse City, Mackinaw Island, the Detroit Zoo, and many other places. So though I have a bucket list above, I am content that I've had a lot of fun in the first 40 some years of my life. I look forward to what I can accomplish in the next 40. |
Prompt: In the Washington Post today: “New research suggests nature walks are good for your brain.” What do you think about this finding, and do you take nature walks at all? Before I was disabled, I definitely spent more time out in nature. First of all, walking is better for you than running. It's easier on your joints, and you still get the exercise benefits from it. Being out in nature where the air is clean can help clear your lungs and your head. It doesn't surprise me that research shows it could be good for your brain. You have to be more on alert if you are climbing or hiking. It's proven that the more you use your mind, the more alert you are. Finally, learning takes place every time you are out in God's beautiful creation. I think that happens whether you are in the woods, the mountains, or on the beach. My favorite place is time on the beach when the sun comes up or goes down. |
Prompt: What do you think is the bonus quality in celebrating the anniversary of a long-term relationship of any kind, be it in a love relationship, work relationship, sticking with a hobby, or in being a WdC member? I think it's important to celebrate milestones. It gives us something to look forward to, but it also gives us a reason to look back and see all that we have accomplished. Celebrating anniversaries gives us a goal to say, "I've made it this far." It's an incentive to being committed. Look at it on the flip side. A recovering addict celebrates each milestone, each anniversary of his/her sobriety. And the more milestones they celebrate, the more self-confidence they have. The stronger they may feel in the commitment to stay sober. I feel it's the same in my marriage. I look forward to each anniversary because it says I'm committed to my husband and my family. I've accomplished seventeen and a half years, and I'm not about to quit now. I'm not saying that someone who has made a long-term commitment won't or shouldn't end it, but I'm saying we feel a sense of pride with the celebration. I've been with WDC for two years, and I'm proud to say I'm still writing. I took the time to look back at my early work, and boy, I've come a long way, baby! Without the commitment to what we do here, I wouldn't be writing like this and learning. And the milestones of the anniversary cements my commitment even further. I hope my ramblings about this subject make sense. After all it is 1:30am, and I'm not feeling good, and I have insomnia. Maybe it will look better in the morning. |
Prompt: Use these words "I Ain't Afraid Of Dying " and write me something....a short story or a poem.. or even a rant. I know I haven't posted in a long time, but I'm sincerely getting back to my writing. I lost my way for a little while with some circumstances on here and in real life. But I think my muse is back, and this prompt really inspired me. I ain't afraid of dying but this old body's full of pain and soon it shall be flying first class in a heaven bound plane I ain't afraid of dying I know the Keeper of the gate My family may be crying but I'll be free from sin and hate I ain't afraid of dying because the Devil's lost the war and soon he shall be lying in his fiery grave forevermore |
The tenth and final installment of "Invalid Item" - The Escape My singing started out low, and I continually got higher and louder. The windows began to rattle and I got an idea. I got the band playing in the highest octave they could, and I began my chant. Chords of music on waves of air, chime your sounds in a ghostly scare. Shatter these shimmering pains of glass. Let the prisoners take their pass. The entire room shook, and the windows began to crack. I covered the head of me and the girl, and waited for the spell to take hold. Glass shattered all around us, and a gaping hole opened up in the side of the house. I carefully made my way out, and at once felt relief at being free from the Haunted House. I ran around the side, back past the front porch, and down the drive. I opened the car and laid the girl down in the back, and strapped her in. I got in, and the car started right up. I was shocked. The tank was full, and so I pressed the gas pedal to the floor. When I looked over in the passenger seat, the book that I had found in the library was there. I didn't know how that was possible, but I wouldn't question it since the information within had saved my life. I will never know what made my car stop there in the first place. Was it the witch or the mad scientist? Was it a ghost or other apparition? I can only guess. However, from that day forward, I had powers that were unexplained, yet quite helpful. The girl was never the same, but I got her all the help I could. I have since adopted her. |
Installment Nine of "Invalid Item" - The Ghostly Music Room I finally made it to the last room in the house. The portal through which I leaped closed instantly behind me, and left no access to the room. This was a good way to get rid of that nasty Mad Scientist, but I was still carrying the child, and I was without my trusted book. I knew from reading the map in the book that this was the ghostly music room. I saw several instruments set up around the room, and yet there was an eerie silence around me. I could only hear the breathing from the girl and the wheezing in my chest. There was a glowing light that seemed to start from nothing, and grew and grew until it became an apparition at the base. He began with the *thunk* *thunk* *thunk* of the large strings. The next glowing ghost appeared at the piano, and it chimed in beat with the base. From there, a translucent form appeared at the sax, and it continued until all the instruments were covered. They weren't threatening, and for that I was thankful. I sat down with the baby girl who was starting to wake up. Now that I looked at her, I believed her age to be even younger. She weighed next to nothing. I bet she was only four or five. Poor girl. I hoped the damage from the Mad Scientist was reversible. The ghosts played several different numbers, and I was glad I could sit there and just rest and think. How was I getting out of here. "SING," I heard a ghost say. "Sing, sing, sing," they said as they all chimed together. I tried to beg off, but they were insistent. I looked around and saw the big picture window nearby. I had a plan, so I complied with their wishes. |
Installment eight of "Invalid Item" - Mad Scientist Lab The room was filled with tables and chairs that had straps to hold you down. I looked around quickly, and it appeared no one was there. However, I knew that in this house, it could change in an instant. I consulted my book, but it was conspicuously absent of a door. I knew there was another room on the wall to the right, but it was a good twenty feet to that wall, and there was no guarantee I would find my way out. Then I saw her. It had to be the body of the voice I heard throughout the house. She was strapped to a small chair in the corner. Her hair stood out from her head in straight and curly spikes. Her eyes were vacant, and her body semi limp. I heard the voice calling to enter again, but it wasn't coming from her. It was coming from a computer at a work station. The computer was hooked to a cord, and I followed to a device that connected to the back of the girls head. I had to get her out of here before the mad scientist returned. I set about taking off her bonds and figuring out how to remove the thingamabob connected to her head. She was unresponsive, but I managed to get her up on my shoulder like I was carrying a baby. She couldn't have been more than ten or twelve years old. Who would do this to a child? I had set my book down in the process of freeing the girl, and looked around for it now. As I bent to pick it up, it flew across the room to a man seated in the opposite corner from where I was with the girl. He began to laugh with a screech that sent shivers up my spine and goose bumps on my flesh. "I believe that belongs to me," I said with my teeth clenched so they would not chatter. "And I believe SHE belongs to me," he said with another cackle. "What have you done to her?" I inched forward a few steps. "That is none of your business! I have done what I've done in the name of science." "Unethical science," I roared back now. There was a bravado filling me at the thought of saving this child from the mad scientist. I had moved closer and closer and tried to grab the book, to no avail. So I ran to the opposite wall, and yelled "Door open!" No door. Did I need to be holding the book or was it the wrong command again? I then remembered my command to enter this room. The mad scientist was laughing as he figured he pretty much had me trapped. I guess he thought I would be his new victim. "Open the door to the Ghost Music Room," I demanded. This time the door opened, but it was more like a portal. I jumped through, and the portal closed behind me. That meant I no longer had my precious book as well. |