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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: "The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." Let this quote inspire your writing today. ------------- Sometimes, this world rewards the arrogant and punishes the humble and the vulnerable. Then the fool shows up and offers an alternate correction to this, reminding us that the greatest lessons in life are often learned not from those who always get it right, but from those who are willing to embrace their foolishness. The lesson is, one can grow from foolishness, but arrogance limits itself. Even if occasionally but not often, when the fool is right, his wisdom gives himself and us a great gift. That gift is the opportunity to learn, to change, and to become wiser. The fool's being only sometimes right, then, is about having the humility to admit when he's wrong and his openness to consider new paths. When all is said and done, I guess the quote is trying to make a point that humility sometimes or, in the long run, possibly always overcomes ego and pride. . |
| Prompt: Please use these words in your entry: weave, cake, inside, outside, ample, reception, and pepper. Have fun. ------------- Patterns (short story) Wanda, a *weaver and a tailor, peeked *inside the quaint bakery, where aromas of freshly baked bread and sweet confections intertwined, creating a vision that enveloped the senses. A wedding *cake, meticulously crafted with layers of sponge cake and cream, stood as the centerpiece, its ivory frosting gleaming in the soft light. *Outside, where the afternoon sun cast a warm glow upon the outdoor reception, guests mingled amid *ample decorations. Wanda mingled among them while congratulating herself for the bride's gown, at its delicate lace pattern *peppered with tiny gems. Her hard work had produced a beauty for the beauty wearing it. Throughout that afternoon, which stretched into the evening, the wedding and the guests wove a story of love and joy, each moment etching itself into everyone's memories. And in that celebration, amidst the sweetness of cake and the warmth of companionship, Wanda thought that life, too, had its own pattern, much like her own intricate creations woven into many meaningful moments, carefully intertwined. . |
| Prompt: What was March like for you? Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------- To tell the truth, I seriously dislike March. On the plus side, my birthday, the birthdays of most of my dear friends, and that of my father (RIP) all are in March. This is the good part, which keeps me nicely busy. The not so nice part is that most people I really cared about, like my grandmother and my husband and a few others, did pass away in March. Also, the ickiest time of the year is also March because of the tax time. Every March, I go nuts with the year-end tax papers, not to mention certain companies that send me tax papers and after I take them to the accountant, they send me "corrected" forms of those papers. This has been happening during the last three years or so. Should I blame Ai or the companies, I can't tell. Then, the March weather, in where I live, just like my life, is up and down. We have nice days, but in the middle of them, some kind of a storm hits. Take today, for example. I had the AC on because the temp was in the eighties. A few minutes ago, we had a sudden storm which hit me and soaked me while walking back from the mailbox to the house, which is only about sixty-five feet away. Yet, a few minutes later, the sun came up again. This will probably go this way, like a yo-yo, the rest of the day, as I'm just hearing the wind pick up again. No wonder some stores have sales called March Madness. Yes, I agree. March is madness. . |
| Prompt: What signs of spring do you see in your area? ---- This is a difficult question only because it has to do with my area. In my area, spring, summer, hot summer, and short fall days come mixed throughout the year. Yet, we usually have a vibrant display of nature throughout the year, if you overlook the lousy aftermaths of storms and hurricanes. Yet, I lived up north for many decades, and there, one of the most noticeable signs of spring was the blooming of flowers. Gardens and parks came alive as trees and plants burst into colors. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths painted the landscape with their bright hues, while cherry blossoms (Hello, Washington DC!) and magnolia trees created a breathtaking display of pink and purple. Also, birds used to play a significant role in signaling the arrival of spring. Chirping and singing birds filled the mornings and evenings, creating a special music, soothing and uplifting. Here, I get birdsongs throughout the year. Just not like up north. Rarely we see a red-breasted Robin or a bluebird, for example. For other larger and smaller life their spring, or should I say breeding season, comes around in June here and for especially the snakes. Usually snakes avoid people, but in June, one needs to avoid them and be very, very careful. Friends up north love spring for they shake off the lethargy of the winter and begin to enjoy those more pleasant days. Here, however, what we like to shake off is the intense heat of the hot summer every fall season. To tell the truth, we're all mixed-up here, down south, in any area or way you can think of.  Seasonal change or rather confusion can be seen as only one of them. . |
| Prompt: Rainy Days What does the phrase "rainy days" mean to you? And what’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day? ----------- What "rainy days" may mean to me depends on how I feel at the moment, while it rains. Of course, the phrase may also mean an unfavorable time, but in general, I like rain and, to me, there's nothing unfavorable about it. Unless, that rainy, low-cloud, darker day extends to several days consecutively, which used to happen when we lived up north. Then, it meant a bit of gloom and melancholy. Usually, here in the south, a rainy day invites a sense of retreat, ease, and introspection. I sit outside, sometimes, in the covered part of the porch, and watch the rain make circles on the pool's surface and listen to its soothing rhythm, while I read a book there or use my pad to fool around on the internet. A friend I know likes to experiment with new recipes and baking on a rainy day. That could be one way as the scent of freshly baked food adds to the idea of a cozy home. For me reading and writing is the most meaningful way to spend such a day. When I was younger though, I used to like to walk in the rain under my umbrella wearing my rain boots. Not anymore, as I can't afford slipping and falling. I like rain mostly because the lack of it would mean death to everything on this planet. That threat would scare me a lot. Besides, I would so miss the pitter-patter of the raindrops on the landscape and whatever there is here on earth under the clouds. . |
| Prompt: Five Senses and Spring Describe something(s) you experience with each of your senses every spring, and/or write about what an ideal spring day could be like. --------- Is spring a rebirth and renewal? I should say, yes. This is because spring has bright hues, fragrant blooms, and gentle breezes, although at times, there's a rainstorm or two with a few lightning strikes. This is why a spring day can become a sensory adventure. As sight is one of the senses, a spring landscape bursts with life and color, from the delicate blossoms of trees to the multicolored wildflowers and roses and other spring blooms. The green on the lawns and all around is lighter and younger than in other seasons. Where our hearing's concerned, birdsongs and the rustling leaves in the breeze, added to the sound of the brooks and streams make up the spring orchestra. The chorus for this orchestra are the crickets chirping, bees buzzing, and raindrops pattering on the scene, in addition to the arias sung by the birds and other wildlife. As to my sense of smell, what first comes to my mind is the subtle scent of the rain and the floral scents and aromas of the flowers like lilacs, lilies, and the smell of freshly cut glass. The sense of touch makes me recall running my fingers through soft velvety petals, the warmth of the sun on my skin, the gentle strokes of the breeze, and the tickle of grass on my bare feet. The best sense, yet, is the sense of taste, with spring bringing an abundance of fresh flavors such as juicy strawberries and fruits and baby greens and crunchy vegetables in salads adorned with fresh herbs. As I sip a cool glass of lemonade or some herbal tea watching the beauty of spring, I feel revived by its zesty flavors, too. I think the season of Spring invites me to nature's greatest transformation in the year with the hope that I embrace the promise of new life and beginnings. What can be more tempting than that! |
| Prompt: Write about some activities you're excited trying with the season change? Flower beds, veggies, sitting outside with a book? Just some fodder to consider. ----- Excited? At my age or rather during my very own seasonal change, too much excitement is kept out of my prescriptions. I can now just sit outside on the porch with a book, and since part of the porch is covered I can even sit there and watch the rain. Of course, I could also be excited about spring cleaning. I could open up all the windows, let in some fresh air, and get rid of the winter clutter that's been accumulating. Nope, this one is postponed now, with one of my sons in the middle of his moving and his things being scattered all over the place. As to gardening, that too is a thing of the past, and don't even mention travel. A drive to the local Publix or to doctors' appointments is travel enough for me. As to the sports, let alone doing them, I don't even watch them anymore. A short walk may be in the works, but not a brisk one. Brisk ones are too fast for me. What I do or can't do, the most important think is to enjoy March and April, for the world is a beautiful place and each moment is the best time to explore it...only just my way. . |
| Prompt: Life “Life," he realized, "was much like a song. In the beginning there is mystery, in the end there is confirmation, but it's in the middle where all the emotion resides to make the whole thing worthwhile.― Nicholas Sparks Let this quote inspire your writing today. --------- Life is something I was thrust into, the way I see it. Not that I'm complaining. I mean who would, if the order for my life came from THAT Higher-Up! Yet, to me, life is not a la-di-la song either. The quote, however, likens it to a song and if I were to think along the lines of this quote, I would say life is a symphony of moments. "A symphony of moments!" How's that for a phrase! And what about life's ebbs and flows and highs and lows? I guess they are all parts of Sparks' symphony. On the other hand, Nicholas Sparks has an emotional, idealized, and possibly sloppy impression of just about everything, especially while treating the idea of a tacky romance with his tear-jerking, glitzy pen. Still, this quote by him is much more elevated than most of his love stories. Getting back to life, the heart of its song lies in its middle, where the emotions crescendo and the story unfolds with depth and intensity. After that, just as a song ends with a final chord, life reaches its conclusion, in which we seek closure, understanding, and resolution. I guess, a la Sparks, I should conclude this entry by saying that let's dance to the rhythm of our own life stories, embracing both their harmonies and dissonances, but not overemphasize secondary thrashy feelings, so our sight doesn't lose the importance of real life. . |
| Prompt: We will never forget the deaths of JFK and Princess Diana. Is it because we can't close the chapters of these events? Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------------------- Each for his/her own on this subject. At my age, I can close any chapter on anything. Still, these two deaths are among the most shocking and devastating happenings in modern history. JFK's assassination in Dallas, Texas, was a defining moment that changed the course of American history. JFK's dream of a better America was brutally cut short when he was gunned down by an assassin's bullet while riding in a convertible limousine. The mourning that swept the country after his assassination was due to the deep affection and respect that Americans had for their slain president. Yet, JFK's legacy of idealism and optimism did endure, inspiring generations of Americans. Princess Diana's death in a car crash in Paris was another shocking event that shook the world. Her dedication to charitable causes and her willingness to help those in need made her a symbol of hope for humanity. After her death, her legacy of compassion and philanthropy inspired a global wave of goodwill. I believe the world's not-forgetting of these deaths is mostly due to the sudden disruption of young promising lives and the world's incapacity to prevent those tragedies. Possibly their deaths remind people of the challenges and uncertainties of the human condition. What these two left behind as their legacies are the power of leadership, compassion, and the strength of the human heart. . |
| Prompt: "Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands." Japanese Proverbs. Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. --------- I guess the key words here are "in both hands," and flowers means existence. To me, the phrase suggests a sense of abundance and completeness. It may also imply that happiness is not all about possessing or experiencing something but rather feeling a sense of fulfillment. Then, the act of holding flowers may have to do with mindfulness and presence. The quote is a reminder to seek joy in the present moment, to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the abundance of life's blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Bu holding flowers in both hands, one can see that happiness is not a fleeting thing dependent on outside circumstances, but rather a state of joy that comes from within, caused by a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of flowers, and/or existence. |
| Prompt: Fear “Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up” Veronica Roth, Divergent What makes you afraid and how do you handle fear? ------- Even if fear is often connected with negativity and inhibition, I find a refreshing perspective in this quote. It means to say that by embracing fear and harnessing its energy, we can navigate life's challenges with courage, resilience, and purpose. Yet, what a paralyzing force fear is! Especially when it hits suddenly--be it for only a few moments and with or without any earlier hint--it immobilizes me and most of the people I know. In such a situation, I am so stunned that I cannot take any reasonable action. Still, soon enough, my instincts kick in, alerting me to what is happening. At that instant, I can confront the situation and assess its origin and the surroundings, and take action. For example, after an accident when someone hit my car from the back, although no one was hurt, I developed a fear of running out of food and began storing non-perishables, just in case I wouldn't be able to go food shopping again. Was that a catalyst for growth or was I overwhelmed? I'm still working on this question. It may just be that fear did serve as a motivator, stirring a sense of urgency within me, pushing me to overcome probable problems. Just maybe, if it weren't for the fear of neediness and poverty, possibly nobody would hold a job or provide for the future. In this way, fear doesn't shut down people's will but energizes them toward success; therefore, fear is not something to be avoided or ignored but it should be used as a catalyst for growth and self-awareness. . |
| Prompt: Luck Since it was St. Patrick's Day, yesterday, what do you think of the lucky Irish? Or if you wish, write your thoughts on the theme of luck and how it has played a role in your life. ------------ Such good fortune the Irish have, don't they! The lucky Irish idea, in essence, has to do with folklore and tradition and it is symbolized by the shamrock and the leprechaun. I bet this has to do with the resilience of the Irish people in the face of adversity. After all, the Irish are a group of folks who have gone through famine, colonization, and political strife, and they have shown their strength through all that. Should we interpret resilience as luck, then? That's something to think about, isn't it! Yet, the Irish do not hold the reins of luck alone. Luck is a universal phenomenon. Imagine a young student--who hasn't studied the subject and is not called upon in class--saying, "Phew! I was lucky today!" Whether it's in school or landing a dream job or finding love or stumbling upon unexpected goods and opportunities, luck often plays a major role in our lives. In my life, however, the luckiest day was when I met my husband, but then, at the time, possibly several other factors were also in play. I tend to think, in general, luck alone can work only temporarily. Even then, there are usually underlying causes like hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. No wonder the saying, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Also, luck is subjective and idea of it can vary from person to person. Whether we believe in luck or not, therefore, we have to admit that it adds mystery and excitement to our lives. At the end, there is some comfort in hoping that luck is full of surprises and may descend upon us at any time, even when we least expect it. . |
| Prompt: What is the most relaxing space on earth to you? Why? ----- The most relaxing space on earth? For me, probably nowhere, if you mean an actual city, town, ocean or mountain, but I like sitting stretched on my bed after the evening meal and reading a book or surfing the net on my pad or phone. On this tranquil space, what I read or click on is not merely an activity but my ritual of unwinding. When I sit on my bed and find that perfect position, the outside world fades into the background as I am immersed into a comfort of the softness of pillows propped behind me, while I get lost within the pages of a book or something on the pad. This way, the reading materials in my hands become a portal to other places, an invitation to explore distant lands, meet intriguing characters, and learn and experience things I probably never dream of. Laughter, tears, excitement, wonder and all other feelings are at my fingertips and in front of my eyes, now. Since I eat early in the evening, while I settle down on the bed, I also watch the world outside the window change as sunlight fades and stars begin to twinkle. So, this time of the day is when I find new insights and relaxation while losing myself in these quiet moments of solitude as my bed turns into a vessel of escape from the real earth and becomes a most relaxing space for me. . |
| Prompt: Use these fun words in your entry today: learn, quarrel, register, barrier, pan, night, stock, scream, and me. In the Middle of the Night in the middle of the *night, I aim to see inside my thoughts, and *learn to be free my *pan of emotions, a simmering stew, in depths of darkness, I'll know what is true as each moment *registers my soul's plea, breaking through *barriers, an edict I decree from my *stock of *quarrels, I search and rescue one silent *scream, a strength I value for at the end, it's just life and *me, in the middle of the night, tired and free . |
| Prompt: "I'm intimidated by the fear of being average." Taylor Swift Write about what intimidates you for your Blog entry today. ------- What would intimidate me would be if I hurt someone willingly or unwillingly or did something wrong to mess up anyone's plans or relationships. But life happens and sometimes, without knowingly, I might have done that and might again do it. As to the quote...Well, Taylor Swift is sweet, talented, and looks great on stage, but I can guarantee you that I have never ever in my entire life wanted to be like her. I'd rather be average and do what I like to do without any hoopla. In addition, I believe that no one is the same as any other. In our own ways, we are all unique. We may have similarities but the "average idea" stops there. I also believe Taylor Swift mixed up being average with being mediocre. So sorry for her that she has such a deeply ingrained concern or fear that has infiltrated her being. The way I see it, her fear might have stemmed from parental or societal pressures, personal goals that ran amok, and her comparison of herself with others. In its core, this fear is a desire for validation and recognition possibly gained in childhood when a person becomes conditioned to seek praise and approval. In addition, once becoming recognized, the social media heightens this fear by presenting altered versions of a person's reality, where she leads a picture-perfect life. Unfortunately, hoping for any shift in such a perspective is almost impossible once a person becomes addicted to societal fame and achievement (in other words, public applause). I think, instead, living authentically--even if it seems average on the surface--leads to true or, at least, better fulfillment in life. For me, true success lies in reevaluating false values and priorities, and then, pursuing passions with a purpose, rather than becoming "intimidated by being average." . |
| Prompt: "It is easier to solve other people's problems because you aren't emotionally involved." Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---------- Do I sense a potential limitation in this quote, or not! I guess some emotional detachment can lead to a clearer perspective. On the other hand, it might also result in a lack of understanding or empathy. In other words, one may miss the emotional nuances of the others' situations. This may be why, unless they really ask me for my advice, I try to hold myself back from solving other people's problems. I mean, by not being in their shoes, I would not lack any personal losses as the result of a possible bad advice, would I? Yet, my lack of personal stakes could also cut me some slack for thinking more clearly and making usable suggestions, too. I guess that is why really good therapists, instead of putting on their advice-giving caps immediately, first listen a lot. Since emotions can cloud judgment, without emotional involvement, they can thus view the situation and their patient much more objectively. Still, only a few of us are good therapists and offering empathy and a good listening ear would work much better than trying to solve someone else's problems. That is, if we think we are able to do just that. After all, who says interpersonal dynamics and human psychology is easy to handle! . |
| Prompt: Health and Fitness Can you think of any common mistakes or misunderstandings about health or fitness? What myths or half-truths do you find yourself hearing again and again on the web? --------- One may think, 'it tastes good so it must be good for me.' Well, not always. I can think of a few poisons that can be sugar-coated or made to taste very good in very many ways. Added to our own such biases about health, the vast expanse of the internet offers a lot of wrong information based on half-truths and baseless claims. When we make decisions about our well-being based on inaccurate or unfounded information, a lot can go wrong. I think detox diets top the list if I were to make a list of bad information on the web. Our bodies have their own way of detoxifying through the liver and the kidneys. If something is not working, educated medical advice from a professional could work better, not that the doctors and hospitals are always right either. Should anyone start a detox diet on their own, the least they can do is to start small and watch very carefully how their bodies react. Then, there's that vaccine misinformation. A cousin of mine, in Netherlands, passed away from Covid last year because he believed in the false claims linking Covid vaccines to various health issues. Maybe vaccines have side effects but, frequently, they do save lives. Related to vaccine misinformation are the conspiracy theories that push forth claims about secret government or medical agendas. These can encourage mistrust in established healthcare and can lead people to decide about the health issues based on fake fears. Another area that the web is guilty of messing with our health has to do with superfoods and supplements and miracle cures. Not only do they exaggerate the benefits of certain cures, foods, and supplements, they also warn people from eating what's in fact good for them. An advice about not eating several foods if one has arthritis comes to mind. I am really tempted to give links to these false advices, but I could be sued and so can WdC. But you know what I mean and please, do be careful about whose advice to take. And do fact-check these and all other flimsy claims on the web. . |
| Prompt: Scammers What do you think about the scammers of today with all the media available to them? Do you think they only target the elderly or is everyone liable to fall for their scams? And should scamming be made a serious offense since most of it is a misdemeanor at this time? ------------- As long as crooked people exist, scammers will survive. That is a fact; however, in digital age, scamming has become world-wide and ocean-deep. Scammers try to prey on unsuspecting individuals, causing them emotional and financial harm. Scamming the elderly has become a serious issue, lately. In fact, several people I know who are over 70 have lost a lot to scammers. Last week, when someone pretending to be from the Social Security Agency called me and threatened to do away with my monthly income. I didn't fall for it, and I didn't give them any info about myself than what they already had gathered from God-knows-where. Then, I wrote to the local SS office about this incident. To their credit, I received an answer within an hour. Moreover, they must have informed Medicare also, as I received another letter from Medicare with tips of protecting myself. Targeting the elderly works well for the scammers because we are of a generation where trust in authorities were highly valued and many of us didn't grow up in the digital era and may lack knowledge or familiarity with what the latest tech is capable of. Some elderly are socially isolated due to different factors and scammers know well how to exploit this limitation. Still, some elderly might have accumulated savings and perpetrators often use tactics with urgent situations. I can't tell you how many phone calls I used to get, up until last year, with a kid crying at the other end, "Grandma, I'm in jail. Send me bail money." Some have fallen for that. I don't have any grandchildren and my children have many other ways to get in touch with me. So I have laughed these calls off. But this may not have stopped there. There are many ways of scamming and many more ways will surface, I'm sure, especially with the internet, ai, and who-knows-what invention to pop up next. Possibly some deterrence can work, but much stricter legal measures to protect the vulnerable populations are needed. That is, if our political parties stop fighting for nonsensical things and try to help the people of this country. Most of the scamming, if I know correctly, is considered to be only a misdemeanor. I think it should be made into a much more serious crime. Then, public awareness and education for the elderly and telling them to report scams could also encourage a culture of protection. As it is, one can't even call on the phone most institutions and some don't even provide e-mail addies. I believe, in fact, a special institution of law just for reporting scams would work very well. At least, it would be worth a try. . |
| Prompt: Use these words in your entry today: literature, reason, coma, half, go, curl and determine. --------- in my land of literature, tales unfurl a half with reason, a half in a whirl my words curl like vines in poetic coma... do I care to determine why such drama? Nope! so I go with rhythm, I waltz on the page, exploring lines, and think I'm on stage of reason and passion, and in my clownish dance, I prance with words in some poetic trance |
| Prompt: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S. Eliot Let this quote inspire your writing today. ----------- Taking risks and pushing beyond my comfort zones? I did those and then some, but now in old age, I don't have the same nerve as I had earlier. Neither do I have the wish to find out about how far I can go. Nevertheless, this quote is priceless for the young and the young-at-heart for it encourages them to venture into the unknown and face and embrace uncertainties. Then, ""going too far" doesn't necessarily imply reckless or thoughtless actions, either; rather, it emphasizes the need to surpass self-imposed limits and others' expectations. It is mostly beneficial to open oneself to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. This willingness to take risks and explore uncharted areas helps uncover one's own hidden talents and strengths. Especially if that person can be bold and resilient. Also, by daring to confront fears, taking calculated risks, and testing one's limits, that self-discovery can be quite rewarding. While writing about this quote, all the famous explorers like Marco Polo, Magellan, and others came to my mind. But then, one doesn't necessarily need that kind of boldness for self-discovery and gains, and most gains need not be for oneself or one's fame alone. While Mother Theresa comes to mind in this area, there are those, who may be less known in our time, with the same or similar empathy. Among them is the U.S. product designer Patricia Moore. During the late 1970s at age 26, she dressed up as an 85-year-old woman to discover what life was like as an elder. Based on her experiences, she invented new products for use by elders, such as those thick rubber-handled potato peelers. Then she went on to invent things for maimed war veterans and she came up with designs for rehabilitation centers for them. Patricia Moore is only one person but there are many others like her and the world and our humanity is better and richer, thanks to them. . |
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But good job quickly redirecting back to the positive things.
