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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: I know it's early but what are your summer plans? Write about this in your Blog entry today. ---- Sorry, but I don't have any specific summer plans. This may be because I'm old and also because whenever I make plans for any long-distance future, you can be sure I'd end up with disappointment or heartbreak much more often than not. So, I'm even hesitant to answer SMS's "Weekly Goals"  . Yes, you guessed it right. I don't like to disappoint myself. I can take disappointments from others much, much better. That's the weirdo me, here!I can, however, write about summers and what they are good for. Summers come in with longer days, higher temperatures, and increased solar radiation in many parts of the world. Even so, summers help regulate the earth's climate. According to those who know, (Thanks, Google!) "During summer, the Earth's axial tilt causes the sun's rays to strike the Northern Hemisphere more directly, leading to longer daylight hours and increased solar radiation. This surplus of solar energy warms the surface of the Earth, influencing atmospheric circulation patterns and ocean currents." Then, "Higher temperatures during summer accelerate the process of evaporation, causing water from oceans, lakes, and rivers to transform into water vapor and enter the atmosphere. This increased moisture in the air leads to the formation of clouds and eventually precipitation in the form of rain, which is crucial for replenishing freshwater sources, supporting plant growth, and sustaining ecosystems." In addition, "Summer provides optimal conditions for photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose. The abundance of sunlight and warmth during this season promotes rapid plant growth, leading to increased vegetation cover on land. Plants act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and soil. This process helps regulate atmospheric carbon levels, mitigating the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations." Also, there's what they call the Albedo effect, which has to do with the polar regions absorbing solar radiation etc. Added to that are the weather patterns and atmospheric circulation that have to do with the high and low pressure systems, which our weather-casting news people always make a mess of. This has to do with the distribution of heat and cold, if I understood correctly. And still, if I understood correctly, summers are much more than what we complain about here in Florida. They are among the weather agents of nature that play tricks on us. Have a Happy Summer of 2024! |
| Prompt: Magnetic People Which kinds of people do you like be around of for any kind of a relationship? What kinds of descriptive details about them do you look for? ------ Most people first look for--in friendships or serious love relationships--charm, wit, and an engaging personality. I look for authenticity above everything. People who are themselves in a crowd or as private people are very approachable for me. Granted, we all wear clothes, cover ourselves physically or emotionally in most ways so we won't get hurt, and mostly try to put our best foot forward among other people. All this, however, can still be done without harming one's authenticity. By this, I mean if a person acts as if a mountain climber while having discomfort climbing up stairs, he or she is not authentic. Also, some confidence mixed with humility is attractive, too. Then, I like to see and meet people who can take life's ups and downs well enough and accept them as tests or as passing phases without too much complaining or breaking down or gloating over their small victories. Too much of anything can be boring but I can take a person who is passionate about what they do or believe in. I like their enthusiasm and dedication for they carry a sense of purpose and excitement about them. Empathy is a positive for me, as well. Empathetic persons have a unique ability to connect with others on a deeper level. When someone genuinely listens, understands, and cares about others' feelings, their presence has a lot of value. It is in my nature to be drawn to all people, anyway. I think human beings are the most interesting creations and I like to watch them a lot. That must be why I was so drawn to literature and writing all my life. Although with some people, even if I wouldn't want a close relationship with them, I like to watch them and get to know why they act the way they act, although I may favor other traits that tend to attract me to people I wish to have as friends. . |
| Prompt: Journaling Do you keep a daily journal? What do you write in it such as what happened to you during the day or what you are grateful for or your successes in writing or anything else? Why do you think a journal could be important for a writer? ----- Yes, I actually keep three journals, all as physical notebooks, but not all of them can be called daily, except one. The one I write in daily is a small 4x6 inches but 250 pages thick. It is my gratefulness journal. I have so far filled three of those notebooks and I am about 1/3 along on the fourth one. Luckily they came as a six-pack from Amazon. The other journal is a five-section spiral notebook where I write whatever I want, which usually means personal stuff. I have always used such notebooks for such personal ideas and events. Several of them I had to do away with when we moved, which I have regretted ever since. The third notebook has more to do with finances and I don't really count it as a journal but something in which I jot down important stuff in case my old brain mixes up things. In my everyday-gratefulness journal, I write each night and only on one page. This keeps my will to survive and my mood up. Sometimes, many pages in it are almost alike, but so be it. Gratefulness lets me embrace the flow of events and opportunities and see and appreciate negative or positive events and people with a lighter spirit. In the second journal, I sometimes write daily, but I write in it whenever and whatever I want to write and as long as I wish to write. One entry could be ten pages long while another could be half a page. This journal is, in fact, a deeply personal practice, attached to no rules or specifics. Over time, when I turn the pages back, I find significant insights that might have passed me by at the time I had written them. This may be because I have no expectations or judgments when I write in this journal as I free myself from perfectionism. I am probably using stream of consciousness writing, in this one. I heard that some people are more adventurous than me and they incorporate other forms of expression into their journals, such as sketching, doodling, collaging, or even pasting in mementos like ticket stubs and photos. I don't do those, but who knows, if I live long enough I might try them, too. Over time, I think keeping a journal can become more than a personal thing for writers, for it may have its uses as ideas for stories, novels, and poems, although I have never checked into my journals for ideas. But it is possible that just savoring the everyday moments, sad or happy, subconsciously may produce ideas for strong pieces. At least, I hope they do. . |
| Prompt: " An old dog never learns new tricks." It's a saying I've heard since I was a kid. Is it a truthful thing to say? Can us old dogs really not learn new tricks? or do we just not want to? Write me a story, poem or rant about it, please! ----------- In a place nestled among the trees lived Joe, a dog old and wise and with clouded eyes, spinning dreams. Though years had etched memories and lines, his spirit danced with youthful flair in the rustling of the autumn air. However, "As the clock ticks, an old dog won't learn tricks," they said, but Joe dreamt high with a twinkle in his eye. Each day he rose with a hopeful heart to play his part, to defy the norm, to frolic and prance and find his form with new energy, though his limbs creaked, he stumbled, faltered but never despaired with patience and grace, he dared and dared. Resolve and grit became his guide, and he mastered tricks "stay, stand, jump, fetch, rollover, circle, and heel," with a feel. As days went by, to the knowing eyes, Joe with his doggy grin, showed the hope that cheers are there to earn, since oldies can still learn. ------ Note: Joe was my NewFoundland puppy who lived to age sixteen, almost seventeen, although the vet had said he could only live to eleven. He passed away in 1992,  |
| Prompt: "There is creative reading as well as creative writing." Ralph Waldo Emerson Define creative reading from your personal point of view? --- Well, in the first place, most of us read creatively without realizing it. For example, when we first read Jane Eyre, didn't we form a picture in our minds about what she looked like and who she was? Then, didn't we fall for Rochester or wonder what Jane saw in this weird man? And didn't we resent Mrs. Fairfax and didn't we picture in our minds what Thornfield Hall looked like? Yet, in the back of my mind, something tells me that being overly creative could be an insult to the author of the piece. How many writers are there among us who wouldn't resent the very many ways creative reading could distort their works? My Jane Eyre example, for instance, still stays loyal enough to the author's point. As it could be considered "close reading" meaning, analyzing the nuances of word choices, literary devices, and uncovering the layers of meaning. Also readers may be making connections between the text and reacting to the events in the story by drawing parallels to their own lives. Then, there's such a thing as interpreting the text in original ways, maybe by considering multiple perspectives and plot possibilities. Creative readers can also play with different ways of creating in different areas, such as other characters, events, themes, locations, and alternating scenarios and endings. This, I think is taking creative reading too far, as if re-writing and distorting the original story. On the other hand, I have no objection to creative responses. It is okay to write a poem wondering about Mrs. Fairfax for example. Maybe even exploring new perspectives to write about, such as making Rochester a womanizer in a totally different story and hopefully by changing all the names. These types of reactions could mold readers into writers to unlock their insights, which in turn, could enrich their lives. . |
| Prompt: Is dreaming the same as planning? Write about this in your Blog entry today. --------- No, I don't think dreaming and planning are the same, but one might lead to another, and at times, the two may work together to come up with spectacular results. For example, I might dream to fly like a bird, even if I don't have wings. Still somebody else, way back when, must have dreamed that very dream of flying like a bird also, which did lead to the invention of hang-gliders and airplanes and such. Dreaming is a spontaneous, often subconscious process characterized by the imagination running free. Dreams can be vivid, surreal, and deeply personal, reflecting our desires, fears, and subconscious thoughts. They may often serve as a playground for exploring possibilities. Dreaming comes from the realm of our psyches where logic takes a bow and leaves, as dreams can be far-out personal, surreal, and vivid. On the other hand, planning is a deliberately conscious activity for achieving specific goals or objectives. It requires rational thinking, foresight, and problem-solving abilities. It is grounded in reality and hard work, plus resources and do-ability. It sets clear objectives, and then, comes up with necessary steps and strategies. It turns the abstract into action and achievement. Luckily for us, when the result of dreaming and planning agree to work together, we have inventions, better conditions, and easier lives. Still, the two are very different from each other and they shouldn't be confused as being the same or as being equals. . |
| Prompt: Which could you live without? Your computer or your TV? ------ This is not a tough question for me. I almost never watch TV anymore. As an aside, I just corrected my spelling of TV, which I had written as TB. I wonder if that was a psychological error.  Surely, this doesn't mean that, in the past, I didn't watch TV either. I did and a lot. But now, after I got used to the computer so much, TV became almost obsolete. And if I my internet, cell phone, and basic TV programs hadn't come in a bundle, I'd probably do away with the basic TV, which is mostly local channels that I turn on and watch the news, only while I eat supper. Therefore, in a way, I'm already living without the TV, but I'd be lost without the computer as a connection to WdC, my friends, family, and other important areas of life. Of course, I should mention the negatives of the computer or rather the internet my computer is attached to. A downfall for the internet is the data-mining by companies. If done with good intentions and for the companies' own uses, I have no objection to it, but lately, data-mining schemes have become very powerful tools in the hands of the criminals who are committing some major crimes that the government is incapable to address. Despite what we call cyber crimes, internet and computers in one form or another are here to stay. Then, at the end, it will not be just me and several others who are dumping the old friend TV. The dye is cast as a catching trend and there's no reversal for it. I think, as much as the TV companies are resisting the new order, reversing the slide from the TV to the computer is inevitable where most TV watchers can now watch what they want on the internet, especially, because of the younger folk who have grown up with the internet and are so hands-on with anything that has to do with computer technology. . |
| Prompt: Technique vs. Meaning "To be interested solely in technique would be a very superficial thing to me." Andrew Wyeth Do you think that technique is so important that it is okay for it to veil or distort the meaning? And when you write, do you make use of technique more than you favor the meaning? ------ Technique and meaning are mostly inseparable, as far as I am concerned, but if I were to choose, I would always go with meaning first. And no, it isn't usually okay to veil or distort the meaning, unless you are a great artist or a writer and you can do that veiling thing-a-magic perfectly. A technically flawless work lacking meaning may dazzle my eyes. Yet, it may leave my soul untouched. A truly meaningful work possesses the power to kindle feelings and thought and transcends time and space to connect with people across generations. A single poem or a painting can evoke in me many interpretations and can spark reflection and internal dialogue. I would always choose meaning above technique or any other thing, for meaning brings on new ideas, emotions, and symbolism. It encompasses an artist's or an author's intentions and even adds to them. Technique, on the other hand, can only serve as a foundation. It is a good idea to learn technique, by the way. Otherwise, how can a poet write a ballad or a sonnet? Yet, without meaning, just putting words one after the other in a form would be something like a mass burial of literature. If there has to be a choice, therefore, I wouldn't blink to alter some aspects of a technique for the meaning of a poem or story. , |
| Prompt: Meaning of life What does the term "meaning of life" suggest to you? And how do you find meaning in your life? --------- To begin with, this term "meaning of life" suggests to me a few song titles. And no wonder, because I'm an oldie, I have old songs circling through my mind, such as Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," in which he celebrated thankfulness and attention to beauty, cycles of seasons, days and weather, and the kindness and capabilities of humankind. Then came Mamas and Papas and of course "Make your own kind of Music" By Cass Elliot. Some of the lessons in it I tried to instill in my children. Next, I recall Dust in the Wind, Bad Day, and Weird World. Is it me or is it that the singers and songwriters became more and more pessimistic through the years! I think they usually reflect the thinking of their time. This pursuit of trying to find meaning in life through songs or through life itself has to be an innate urge in humankind. While this quest may vary in its interpretations, it transcends cultural and philosophical boundaries. Yet, in its core, it is a deeply personal and introspective search. This search makes us ask questions such as, "Who am I?", "Why am I here?", and "What is the purpose of my life?" Speaking for me, I feel the meaning of life depends on finding a sense of connection to something. That something could be the family, friends, social circles, profession, hobbies, interests, or service like Mother Theresa's. Not that most of us can be a Mother Theresa, but there's a good chance of finding satisfaction by following her lead. In any case, the meaning of life can be found from a pursuit of spirituality and personal growth, which involves setting goals, cultivating talents, and striving for excellence in the chosen areas and aspects of life. This provides us with a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves, so we don't fall into the existential vacuum described by Viktor Frankl as emptiness and aimlessness when life lacks meaning and purpose. Therefore, while the search for meaning may be full of challenges and uncertainties--through song titles, philosophies, personal experiences etc.-- it will become a deeply enriching and transformative time for us here on earth. This way, our lives will gain depth, meaning, and significance, be it only in our own eyes. And I admit my mind went all over the place while writing this entry!  . |
| Prompt: Start your entry today: Some one took a picture and I'm scared what it will show. Have fun! -------- EEEK! A Photo! "Some one took a picture and I'm scared what it will show" -in pixels and frames- my foibles and flaws...to be laid bare, those I dared to hide and you'd rather not know. Yet, could it show my smile bright and true, or a flicker of sorrows or my blues? A click of shutter, one sweet heartbeat or frozen tales and tears catching me unawares, for in each picture, a story is told with something unveiled I wished to hold, to unfold here, in a flash. Still, I'll dash through this shadow with a hope some light to show. . |
| Prompt: Silence Day Silence Day or Day of Silence may refer to: Day of Silence, a day in April designated to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students. This year it is April 12, 2024 Let this day inspire your entry. ------- I do believe that no one for their gender or gender choice, sexuality, culture, and financial, political, or social status should be bullied, period. Does a Silence Day help any cause? I doubt it. Yet, such a day to bring about awareness need not be solemn or serious. It can be a day for relaxation and rejuvenation, as there is something to be said about observing silence. Silence heals and refreshes a person if done properly. The exact date and customs surrounding "Silence Day" can vary greatly depending on cultural and religious contexts. Regardless of how or when it is observed, the practice of silence holds a strong potential for personal growth, insight, and inner peace. On the other hand, instead of silence, wouldn't speaking up work better, especially for the solution of social, political, or socio-economic problems? . |
| Prompt: The Titanic hit an ice berg and sunk April 14, 1912. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------------ "So iconic and tragic!" I might remark. "But it was more than a century ago," you might think. Still, not what happened to Titanic but what took place afterward is very important. Many improvements followed this tragedy, such as the realization for better ship construction, improved safety measures and better emergency procedures. After all, 1500 people had lost their lives in this tragedy and something so terrible shouldn't go without offering any use to the rest of us. Certainly, from this loss many tales of heroism and sacrifices of heroism and stories of heartbreak and loss surfaced, and countless movies and documentaries were made. Of those movies, what I can recall, at the moment, are: A Night to Remember, Titanic, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Raise the Titanic, etc. Of the documentaries, one offered on TV by Orson Welles sticks to my mind but I can't recall the name or the exact date, although I think it had to be aired during the 1980's. After all, Titanic's sinking was a huge tragedy and inside it were the passengers who were mostly on the upper echelons of society. High Society or not, to this day, the saga of this ship, Titanic, is a sad reminder of the fragility of human life and the power of the sea. . |
| Prompt: April 8, 2024 was the eclipse. Did you get to see it in your area? How did it make you feel? Write about this in your Blog entry today. ------ Yes, and no. Actually, about the time Eclipse were to show up, we got gray skies for about a few minutes. The weren't even as dark as when a rainstorm starts. So much for all the hoopla. It didn't make me feel anything special. So what if something small dared to cast its shadow on something huge! On the other hand, I really want to write about something else, today, if I may eclipse some companies if the pun sticks: AI and the Companies that cannot adjust to AI Companies are in the process of reinventing themselves, thanks to AI or rather no-thanks as (I want to curse at something or someone). I understand that the usage of AI means a paradigm shift and a transformative force for businesses. But my frustration with the companies is, "why jump into it when you haven't totally informed and instructed your workers!" Recently, I've had problems with Comcast and Microsoft. Imagine other people who have to deal with a much higher number of such and similar companies. To begin with, I resent either my connection to the net and the tricks it plays on my Email and other things, or Microsoft butting in with notices while I'm trying to write something, especially MS's pushing their browser through my nose and their new so-called "dock" no matter how many times I deleted them. They are either doing this for to enrich their profit or to mess up my concentration with their distracting suggestions. Or they are so excited with their newly-found capabilities and freedoms that they have no respect for their users. Then, the workers in such companies, even those people on the higher rungs of the company's ladder, still don't have any idea how things work in connection to their AI use. When I call, I either get a runaround or a defensive, "Let us look into this and we'll call you back." On my personal usage front, for example, MS word used to be my go-to writing pad and I used to love it. Nowadays, it does weird things, such as if I select a word or sentence, delete doesn't work on it. I have to cut it. Then, other weird stuff happens too, which is too long to go into at the moment. So I gave up on MS Word totally for a while, until--hopefully--they clean their act, regardless of the fact that I keep paying them. So I write just about everything on notepad and do the fixing on WdC's still intact system. When AI first surfaced, I had rejoiced as I like inventions and technology, however inept I am in such things, but I think in this case, I jumped the gun. Still, I'm not blaming AI but the companies and their eager-beaver incompetents who think they know everything but do not have an inkling on how to use a technology that can be so helpful. . |
| Prompt: Ending Wars On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant bringing the Civil War to an end. In what ways can we end wars whether they are personal or worldwide? ====== End wars? Bah, Humbug! My own prompt just made me laugh. Is that ever possible, I ask. We cannot end any wars unless we really, truly dig deep and find out what their underlying causes are. This goes for all wars, between nations, worldwide, or persons. Let's see what seemed and seems to work in some instances:  Using a neutral third party or mediators. Sometimes this works because a neutral country or person can tame their use of vocabulary, find a common ground, and clarify misunderstandings. Sometimes though, because the weirdness of our human nature, the third party is also drawn into the war. For example, when Germany was attacking other nations on the mainland Europe, British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, flew to meet Hitler at his private mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden in an attempt to resolve the crisis. Guess what happened to Great Britain afterwards! Humanitarian Aid and Development Assistance:Addressing some or most of the effects of war on people and providing humanitarian aid to them can help ease the suffering, therefore opening more tolerance for a peace negotiation. I don't know all history in its details but I dare think this doesn't help any peace negotiation. It may, however, aid the suffering populations and ease our conscience for letting one nation kill, maim, and hurt many people of another nation. International Law and Conflict Resolution Unions: This does work, however, for only a few decades, the way I see it. The League of Nations before World War II came to an end. As is Nato and EU are losing effect at this time. What next? I tremble with fear. Just who will be there for conflict prevention, arms and insult control, good communication, cultural exchange? The players always change, and if they are effective, it is only for a short time. My guess is, the world peace has come down to the individual person. If each person refrained from harsh words, harsh thoughts, harsh actions, and cultivated in himself the love for humankind regardless of differences, maybe, in the very long run, we could have good leadership and worldwide good will for peace. Not doable? Seems so, but let's hope. . |
| Prompt: Eclipse What does the word 'eclipse' mean to you? And what about the darkness in some areas of life where we need to seek clarity and light? --------- Eclipse is where one being or celestial body is made to move into the shadow of another. Today, April 8,2024, is the total solar eclipse. It means the silly moon is daring to obscure our majestic sun. But in jest only and depending where one stands, both today and throughout our existence. This may easily mean that dark periods in our lives such as personal struggles, failure, loss and all other crises are only shadows. Like the moon veiling the sun's light, these hardships can block or mar our sense of purpose, hope, and happiness, leaving us in the shadow of despair. Yet, during such eclipses in life, we appreciate the light of our good times, and if we are sane and stable enough, we know that these eclipses can only be fleeting. In such moments we need to turn inward, to find that lost light outside inside of us and realize that such moments are the creation's or the Creator's (whichever you believe in) way of testing our mettle, challenging our beliefs, and thus, shaping our characters. Especially when we realize what seems to be light lost is not lost. That light was untouched and undiminished but was only covered up to be discovered again. This realization is resilience and it transforms us into being better and enjoying this human experience with courage and hope. Has there been eclipses in my own life? Yes, of course, and too many to count or to caliber. Did I learn from them? I certainly hope so. Otherwise, I wouldn't even dare write in my blog every single day without lamenting my existence. So, I hope and believe this game will end with eclipses 0 to Joy's every win (well, mostly  ). After all, in the games of light and shadow, light always wins. . |
| Prompt: Imperfection~ in things, in people, in places add character to life. Tell us about an imperfection that you cherish. -------- Flaws, asymmetries, and quirks...don't they lend depth and charm to our lives and relationships? This may be because perfection can be intimidating while imperfections mean authenticity, sincerity, and acceptance. In people some imperfections make each person unique and fascinating. Those imperfections hide in our quirks, vulnerabilities, and idiosyncrasies. A crooked smile, a nervous laugh, or a distinctive accent can be a loveable trait to draw people to us. As to places, a crowded city with a maze of narrow and wide streets and old and new architecture captures the beauty and evolution of human life. Yet, a cottage on the countryside among wildflowers has the charm of simplicity and serenity. On physical objects, each scratch or mark carries the signs of life and history of vintage furniture, for example. This is because some imperfections add character and sometimes a story. A case in point, the chipped mug I still have, which my late husband used to drink from, has a such sentimental value! The chip happened when it slipped from my hand and hit the side of the kitchen counter, but the mug remained intact, except for a very tiny chip on its side at the bottom. Hubby had joked, "Never mind, I'll like it even more now...it's a proof for resilience." Such a grand acceptance to celebrate the clumsy me and this chipped mug! It was as if rejoicing the imperfect nature of life with its unpredictability and impermanence. I'll never forget him or throw away this mug. . |
| Prompt: You find yourself trapped in a fairy tale. What happens to you? -------- Once upon a time, I was a woman of grace and kindness, but then, I became the infamous Evelyn, the wicked stepmother. Just who put me in this role of the villain in a story I never liked or even this unfortunate event I never foresaw? Just who trapped me into being Evelyn? I don't like this! Because now, I'm teetering on the edges of sorrow and desperation, laced with my cruelty. Once, as Evelyn, I had dreams of my own in my youth. I was like a delicate leaf dancing in the moonlight. Yet, those dreams were swept away in a storm when I was made to marry a man with a daughter and the legacy of a perfect, dead wife who loved everyone. Her unseen presence clobbered me and surrounded me in an inescapable fog. It isn't that I didn't try to embrace this family. I did. Yet, there was no comfort in this step-mother-hood. She, that daughter, saw me not as a beacon of warmth but an intruder to her perfect world with her dad. Thus, the years wore on, withering my spirit, suffocating me with the weight of broken dreams and unrequited love. My husband was still consumed by his own grief of his "real" first wife and he remained distant to me, creating a chasm between us. Still, we managed to bring to life two daughters who reflected the turmoil of my innards. In the depths of my despair, especially after my husband passed away, I succumbed to bitterness and envy. In the meantime, Cinderella had blossomed into beauty and grace. She had become a haunting melody against the scratchy tune of my broken life, and so, I forced her into slavery...to me. Then, fate intervened with that grand ball for maidens to compete for Prince's affections. Just when my own daughters, during the ball, had caught the eye of the prince, a grand reverse happened. A calamity! Cinderella entered the scene, and the rest is history. When all is said and done, my life journey somewhat resembles that of Cinderella's. Yes, there's some truth to this. When I think of it, in hindsight, it is a tale of loss and longing, of darkness...Well, maybe a hope of light, at its end. Yet, Cinderella was always bright and pure, and I always misstepped and made mistakes. But now that it is all over, my heart is free from bitterness and regret. Maybe through some transformation, I'll find redemption. I think, after all, the Creator is all-forgiving and maybe He'll show me the light. |
| Prompt: "Sometimes it snows in April." This is a song by Prince. Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. -------------- Honestly, I can't even recall if I ever listened to this song. So I ran a search and came up with the lyrics for it. Also, Wikipedia says: "The song's narrator recounts memories of Christopher Tracy, Prince's character from Under the Cherry Moon, and how Tracy's death affected the narrator; it also expresses their desire to hopefully rejoin Tracy in heaven. Prince performed the song live fairly often over the years, sometimes using it as a final encore to wind down the show." So, it shows, being that I'm of the very old school, I am not too much into Prince, as good or as popular as he may be. Still, there is some feeling in the words of the song that apply to me, too. This is because I've also lost someone most important to me and know about that kind of a grief. I guess grief is a natural response to loss, as well as a tribute to the depth of love and connection. The pain of that loss can be overwhelming, leaving a void in our lives that seems impossible to fill. That's why, in the midst of the grief, we long for a chance to meet again with a loved one, be it in Heaven, hoping that our soul can find solace, peace, and companionship beyond the bounds of this earthly existence. In the end, grief is a testament to the depth of love and the enduring impact of who is lost, and being human, we still hope for healing and renewal. Here are the words for Prince's song, Sometimes it Snows in April: Tracy died soon after a long fought civil war Just after I wiped away his last tear I guess he's better off than he was before A whole lot better off than the fools he left here I used to cry for Tracy 'cause he was my only friend Those kind of cars don't pass you every day I used to cry for Tracy 'cause I want to see him again But sometimes, sometimes life ain't always the way [Chorus] Sometimes it snows in April Sometimes I feel so bad (So bad) Sometimes I wish that life was never ending And all good things, they say, never last [Verse 2] Springtime was always my favorite time of year A time for lovers holding hands in the rain Now springtime only reminds me of Tracy's tears Always cry for love, never cry for pain He used to say so strong unafraid to die Unafraid of the death that left me hypnotized No, staring at his picture I realized No one could cry the way my Tracy cried. . |
| Prompt: One man's junk is another man's treasure. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----- One Man's Junk (A short story) With his arthritic fingers, Paul shuffles through the boxes, lifting forgotten things: a broken toy, a yellowed photograph, a rusted hammer... Each holds a story. He straightens up and looks around. He has inherited this antique store from his late uncle Marvin, a dedicated collector. Marvin saw potential where others saw clutter. Paul lifts delicately a porcelain doll from a dusty box. Glass eyes and faded pink dress. This doll was not for sale. It was his daughter Charlotte's. Charlotte had passed away at age nine after her measles turned into pneumonia. Then her favorite doll, this one, sat on Paul's dresser for decades. He sighs. This doll has to go now. This doll has to go with all the other so-called junk. He is having a sale, isn't he! Paul has difficulty keeping the store open with the rising prices and customers opting for newer, more modern merchandise. He has decided. He will definitely close the store. Through the day, seeing the sale sign at the door, customers pour in. Some have wide eyes and eager expressions. Others simply wander in and out, and if Paul is lucky, some make a purchase. Is he lucky? Suddenly, he looks up, startled, at a young woman. She has picked up the chipped porcelain doll, her fingers tracing the faded pink dress. She holds the doll close to her cheeks. Paul notices her eyes, then. Her eyes reflect the doll's beauty. She says, "This doll, almost speaks to me and I don't know why." So Paul lets her have the doll for free. At the closing time, he looks inside the store. It is almost empty now. Most merchandise has been sold. Still, Paul thinks Marvin's Antiques Store has been a success and he has had the honor of tending to it. After all, he believes, for such a long time, one man's junk had indeed been another's treasure. |
| Prompt: Life Skills What does the term "life skills" mean to you? What life skills, hard or soft, have you developed that serve you the best? Hard skills are education, certifications, money-making, etc. Soft skills are problem-solving, time management, patience, gratitude, listening ability, etc. ----------- For me, the term "life skills" refers to our competencies to live through the complexities of existence, daily and on a long term. Although I asked for hard or soft skills in the prompt, I think all life skills are interrelated and they can also be categorized in other ways. As for what may be included in soft skills--which I think they are more helpful than hard skills--are communication, critical thinking, problem solving, resilience, adaptability, self-care, and emotional intelligence. These soft skills make it possible for the hard skills to succeed. I think I learned about resilience first, adaptability second from the family, in the beginning of my life. Some psychologists claim almost all soft skills have their roots in one's original family. The thing is, with those soft skills, we have to adjust them to us and to the circumstances, throughout life. Critical thinking, some emotional intelligence, and communication skills, I believe, came later for me while I was going through my education. Bouncing back from adversity or setbacks and adapting to change I had to learn the hard way throughout my life. Also, my time management and organization skills developed over time and according to situations, but these two did help greatly with my hard skills such as occupation, digital literacy, and/or paid work. Digital literacy is the least developed of them all for me, but I wanted to include it, here, because it seems to become very important in the very near future. As to conflict resolution, negotiation, and financial literacy, the way I look at them, these fall in between soft and hard skills. I guess I can count creativity, empathy, and compassion among soft skills, but some of us are already born with an inclination for those. Time, however, teaches us how to be better at them. Working on our life skills is an important part of living. Through perfecting those, we can enhance our lives, achieve goals, and go through the difficulties along the way, successfully and with confidence. . |
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