Gratitude breaks the spell of Writers Block |
Staring at a blank page is like staring into a snowfield. The snow, untouched by civilization and unmarked by living creatures, blinds you for a few minutes, it glistens reflecting subtle shades of pure white and rainbows at odd angles. If you stare at the snow too long, you get lost in the interplay of light and shadow. As the day wears on, you become awestruck at the beauty of the snow's perfection. You marvel at the way an oak tree cast its ebony shadow across the pure white snow. You watch the tree's shadow change, grow and shrink, as Earth turns and the sun moves from morning to evening. If you stand out in the snow too long without moving, you risk snow bite or freezing. If you are fortunate, a red fox will walk across your line of sight. The fox will leave his footprints written in the snowfield. As you watch the fox move, the spell holding you in one spot staring at the snow is broken. You are free to go inside out of the cold and out of danger. I must say, writing 500 words a day isn't difficult, unless I'm attempting to write on a single subject. On Monday, October 28, 2013, I began posting my weekly goals at "Weekly Goals" . On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 I began keeping track of may accomplished goals in this journal. "O SON OF BEING! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." Bah'u'll'h The Hidden Words of Bah'u'll'h, Part I.'From the Arabic, #31, page 11 'Heinlein's Rules for Writers Rule One: You Must Write Rule Two: Finish What Your Start Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold' Robert A. Heinlein It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon the day-star of wisdom and utterance shineth resplendent. Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 21-29: gr 32 I changed the way I did entries in this book several times. Beginning on March 21, 2018 the entries will cover the topics of spiritual, inspirational, and religions. However, the genres it will be under are Women's, Inspirational, and Spiritual with a tag of Religious. |
Jalál (Glory), 18 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Saturday, June 22, 2019 Energy leashed tugs at the brown leather strap pulls me forward. Distracted by the scent of another on a blade of grass. Specs deposits her own scent before moving on. Gratitude List For 18 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 636 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the breakfast cake I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to finish The Bab and Baha’u’llah: Two Divine Messengers by Steve McLean, which is third in the article series { xlink:https://bahaiteachings.org/series/the-dawn-of-a-new-faith}The Dawn of a New Faith{/xlink}. ...for the chocolate cake I had for my afternoon snack. Facebook Status Update Faith's pure water Flows from the Mountain of God Quenches humanity's thirst Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 17 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Friday, June 21, 2019 Facebook Status Update Sparrows are singing The sun is casting shadows A pleasant morning Gratitude List For 17 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my fresh brewed coffee this morning. ...that I was able to pay the Cox internet connection bill today. ...for the inspiration of this beautiful Summer Solstice day. ...that I was able to finish the articles Believing in the Magic—and the Reality—of Intuition by Kathy Roman. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I have to drink this afternoon. ...that I have 937,167 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the brownie I had for my afternoon snack. Is It Writer's Block2 Sometimes, I don't know what to write because my muse has taken flight across a foggy lake of "I don't know what to write!" Is this writer's block? Is this the voice of my inner critic attempting to block my creativity? Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 15 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Gratitude List For 15 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my morning coffee. ...that I have 365 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the cereal, canned peaches, and milk I had for breakfast. ...that I have $14.27 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...that I have 56,700 points in my YouGov account. Istijlál (Majesty), 16 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Thursday, June 20, 2019 Gratitude List For 16 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on the beautiful, almost summer day. ...that I have 460 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the banana I had with my lunch. ...that I have $15.08 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the chocolate cake I had for my evening snack. ...that I have $21.45 in my Vindale Research account. |
Kamál (Perfection), 13 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Monday, June 17, 2019 Motivation3 Inhale the fragrance of motivation and accomplishment: a busy day. Gratitude List For 13 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that I had enough money in my checking account to cover the donation to the National Baha'i Fund. ...for fresh brewed coffee to go with my breakfast pastry this morning. ...that I have 233 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I was able to finish the article Racism as a Social and Spiritual Phenomena by Makeena Rivers. Fiḍál (Grace), 14 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, June 18, 2019 Gratitude List For 14 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn this today. ...for the mini bagels and cream cheese I had for my fist breakfast. ...that I have $18.01 in my Send Earning s account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee ...that I have 340 points in my Survey Junkie account. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 12 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Sunday, June 16, 2019 Facebook Status Update Partly cloudy sky Reflects Sunday morning's mood, Neither depressed nor happy. Gratitude List For 12 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 137 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the fresh brewed cafe mocha I had this morning with my first breakfast. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the banana I have for my first breakfast this morning. ...that I was able to finish the article The Dawn of a New Faith—and the Persecution that Followed by Steve McLean. This is the second installment of the series The Dawn of a New Faith . |
Istiqlál (Independence), 10 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Friday, June 14, 2019 Gratitude List For 10 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that the $10.00 from PayPal hit my checking account today. ...for the honey bun I had with my coffee this morning. ...that the $11.00 from Survey Junkie hit my checking account today. ...for the grapes I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I finished poem 121, "Unfailing Protection" , in the 200 I am writing to celebrate the anniversary of the Bicentenary of the Birth of The Bab. ...for the Arizona Sweet Ice tea I had to go with my lunch. Jalál (Glory), 11 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Saturday, June 15, 2019 Gratitude List For 11 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I have to drink this morning. ...that I have 111 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the banana I had for my first breakfast today. ...that I have 55,700 points in my YouGov account. ...for the cherry pastry I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 20.83 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I was able to finish "Kevin Locke" and enter it in "Invalid Item" . |
Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Thursday, June 13, 2019 Facebook Status Update Another hot day in Vegas, the wind is blowing and no birds are singing; I think I'll turn on the cool air. Gratitude List For 9 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to transfer $11.14 from my Survey Junkie account to my checking account. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrafted this morning. ...for the cherry breakfast pastry I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have $20.08 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the mixed salad with boiled egg I had for lunch. ...that I have 9 points in my Survey Junkie account. Summer's Arrival4 Summer arrived eight days early with triple digit temperatures that cause power bills to rise toward the national debt. Air conditioners hum, their songs echoing through the neighborhood, while excessive heat warnings are sent to smartphones. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 8 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, June 12, 2019 Submitted to "Spiritual Newsletter (June 12, 2019)" : "Baha'ullah, the latest in the line of divine prophets or messengers, encourages individuals to search for truth independently. Encourages us to ask questions, and to use our minds to find the answers. As a Baha'i, I recognize the divine foundation of all religions. God has sent different divine messengers to assist humanity in both its spiritual and material progress. Some of the messengers that we know about are Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah." Gratitude List For 8 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for Hershey's chocolate syrup because I can use it to make cafe mocha. ...that I have $18.78 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the doughnuts I have to go with my morning coffee. ...that I have 898 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee from a drip coffeemaker. ...that I have 926,917 GPs in my Gift Points account. Jonah Inside the Belly of the Whale5 Averse to obey God's command darkness envelop the being swallowed by the leviathan of self. Stomach acids digest self's outer layer, leave, the inner kernel on its knees begging for salvation. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 7 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, June 11, 2019 I Write For My Beloved6 I write of my Beloved Through whom my fingers bend To pick up my pen! I write of my salvation Using ink drawn from my ow2n veins To document my liberation! I write of my pain Caused by my ego's attempt to gain My soul's allegiance! I write of my fears Caused by the disempowering years In Self's prison! Gratitude List For 7 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 608 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the coffee flavored yogurt I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that we have a working air conditioner in this apartment. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had with my lunch. ...that I can call on the Local Spiritual Assembly if I have problems. ...that I have five editor's picks for my next edition of the spiritual newsletter. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 6 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Monday, June 10, 2019 Writing Poetry7 I am compelled to write! The words come to me as lovers; As lovers they tantalize and seduce, Making me their willing slave, Until I master the art of their seduction. Gratitude List For 6 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 345 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the yogurt crunch I had for my morning snack. ...that I have a cane to help me get through the house. ...for the banana that I had for my afternoon snack. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 5 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Sunday, June 9, 2019 Facebook Status Update He is the Royal Falcon My soul is a broken winged bird The Glory of God heals my drooping wings Gratitude List For 5 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to finish the article The Bab: The Dawn and Herald of the Baha’i Era by Steve McLean, which is the first in the series The Dawn of a New Faith . ...for the creme soda I had with my lunch. ...that I was able to finish the poem "The Martyrdom of The Bab" in "Bicentenary Poems and Prose" , which is number 20 in the 200 I'm writing to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Birth of The Bab. ...for the hotlinks I had for lunch ...that I have 86 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the beautiful, pleasant day because I can keep the door open for some fresh air. ...that I have $17.02 in my Vindale Research account. We ask questions all the time: Who, what, when, where, where, why, and how. The answers come in various forms, though they are often not what we want or expect. Are the questions we ask God and ourselves meant to elicit the answers we want or the answers we need. I find myself asking, "What am I doing wrong?" Doesn't this suggest that I expect to take the incorrect action? On the other hand, if I rephrase the question it becomes "What am I doing right?" Now I'm preparing my eyes to see reality. God put within me, within everyone, a s park of divine light. Rephrasing a question refocuses it on either the positive or the negative. It lets us see both what needs fixing and what is well done. God loves the individual and humanity, has a plan for each person and for civilization: There is always something the individual is doing right. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 4 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Saturday, June 8, 2019 Facebook Status Update For Friday, June 7 You know you're getting old when you walk into the kitchen and ask: "What did I come after?" And decide that the best solution to the problem is another cup of coffee. Facebook Status Update For Saturday, June 8 Saturday morning The smoke alarm is sounding Breakfast is ready Gratitude List For 4 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America account is not overdrawn today. ...for chocolate doughnut to go with my coffee. ...that I have 55,200 points in my YouGov account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had this afternoon. ...that I have 32 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the cream soda I had with my evening meal. ...that I have $16.27 in my Vindale research account. Like battalion marching to war, Transporting victims of slaughter, Waves are marching into the shore. Pushing lathered whitecaps before, swells transport debris and water, Like battalions marching to war. As birds echoing the breakers roar, Scavenge the sea edge for fodder, Waves are marching into the shore. Suffers paddle away from the shore, Advancing past the breakwater. Like battalions marching to war. Billows recite ancient sea lore, As tourist ramp in the water, Wave are marching into the shore. Disgorging refuse on the shore, The sea returns our waste water: Like battalions marching to war, Waves are marching into the shore. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Friday, June 7, 2019 In the words of Baha'u'llah, I find a fortress safe and strong where the cares and strife of modern life neither linger nor belong. His words inspire my heart to find the love that hate conceals, His pen inscribes upon my spirit the faith that tests reveal. His verses are my sanctuary bestowing peace on mind and soul, His sacred scriptures God's book of laws to which obedience is my goal. Gratitude List for 3 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank o f America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the cafe mocha I had with my sweet roll this morning. ...that the money I transferred from Survey Junkie yesterday hit my PayPal account. ...for the hard boiled eggs I had for breakfast. ...that I was able to finish the article God: Beyond the Idea of the Bearded Patriarch by Ali Helmy, because it gave me a deeper understanding of God's Unknowable Essence. ...for the beautiful and pleasant morning because I can keep the door open to get some fresh air into the house. ...that I was able to finish If We Have a Soul, Where Does it Live? by David Langness, which is the first article in the series The Existence of the Human Soul . ...that I received two merit badges today. The series of articles on BahaiTeachings.crg I'm reading. The Existence of the Human Soul The Baha'i Model of Penology Indigenous Messengers of God God Speaks Again Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 2 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Thursday, June 6, 2019 Prior to dawn the darkness deepens, as if gathering its strength to fight the light. Dawn comes its rays of life send darkness scurrying and ting gray-white the morning sky. Life's rays paint the sky in shades of purple streak the clouds with pink and red. The sun ascending in silent glory blinds the ravenous birds of night and inspires the nightingale's song. Gratitude List for 2 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee this morning. ...that I have 1,010 in my Survey Junkie account because I can have it transferred to my PayPal account. ...that I was able to start poem 19 of the 200 I am writing to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab. ...that I was able to make an appointment with Dr. Lim for Thursday, July 11, at 2:20 PM. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 1 Núr (Light) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, June 5, 2019 Feast of Núr I posted Day 2 of my entry in the "The Bard's Hall Contest" . I'm attempting to post entries that have nothing to do with the any blog prompts I receive. On Tuesday, June 4, I posted "Tuesday Contemplations: June 4, 2019" , and today, Wednesday, June 5, I posted "Midweek Reflections on the Nineteen-Day Feasts" . The reason for this is creativity, I need to convince myself that I can consistently post entries that have nothing to do with blog prompts. Gratitude List For 1 Núr Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 750 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the Cream Soda I had with my lunch. ...that I have $15.87 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the working air conditioner we have in this apartment. ...that I have 881,766 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the bottles of water we have because it tastes better than water out of faucet. ...that I was able to finish the article When My Nightmares Turned into Spiritual Dreams by Camilla Chance. Life is renewed, and creation reborn for Christ ha returned in the Father's Glory. Stalactites of light shine with crystal radiance, while grandeur is reflected from radiant stalagmites. Stalagmites and stalactites glitter in the darkness of matter proclaiming the joyous news. Silence transcends for an abundance of reasons say: That God's Promise is fulfilled. Splendor's shadow hides in the radiant reflection of the Lord of Host and the King of Glory. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 18 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Monday, June 3, 2019 Gratitude List for 18 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I have today. ...that I was able to pay the rent today. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had with my lunch. ...that I have 486 points in my Survey Junkie account. Fiḍál (Grace), 19 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, June 4, 2019 After midnight the seconds become minutes suspended on the event horizon of a black hole. A black hole that pulls and stretches the minutes into hours longing for dawn. After midnight the mind falls into a cogitative languor waiting for the hours to be pulled into days. Days overflowing with the agony of months stretching into years. After midnight the eyes stare into years elongating into decades. Decades pulled second by second into centuries that are pulled minute by minute into millennia that are stretched hour by h our into aeons. Gratitude List for 19 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrafted this morning. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this late spring morning. ...that I have 676 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the working air conditioner we have in this apartment. ...that I have completed 18 of the 200 poems I'm writing to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Birth of The Bab. I have 182 poems left to write in 147 days. ...for the chocolate covered cherries I have for an afternoon snack. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 17 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Sunday, June 2, 2019 Trust God14 Place your trust in God Move forward toward your goal God is sufficient Gratitude List for 17 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the chocolate chip cookie I had for my morning snack. ...that I have 471 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed strong back coffee to start my Sunday with. ...that my poem "My lLife Is The Title Of A Poem" won second place in May's edition of the "Invalid Item" . ...for the Starbucks snack box I had for breakfast. It contained eggs, cheese, peanut butter, and a little biscuit. ...that I was able to finish the article Baha’i Behavior: No Mere Code of Laws by John Hatcher. This is the first in a series of article titled The Baha'i Model of Penology , which is about the Kitab-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book), which was revealed by Baha'u'llah. ...that my Vindale research account has $15.12 in it. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 16 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Saturday, June 1, 2019 Saturday15 A beautiful day Bright sun, blue sky, and white clouds Wind moves tree shadows Gratitude List for 16 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the fresh brewed black coffee I have to drink today. ...that my Social Security money hit my checking account today. ...for the dried fig pieces I have with my morning coffee. ...that I have 363 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the pleasant day because I can keep the front door open rather than turn on the air conditioner. ...that I received an awardicon for
...that I have 56,600 in my YouGov account. ...that I have $67.18 in my Google AdSense Account. ...that I have $14.37 in my Vindale Research account. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 15 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Friday, May 31, 2019 Peace Plan16 The Glory of God Has a plan for humankind That will put an end to war Gratitude List for 15 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee. ...that my SSI check hit my checking account today . ...for the chocolate brownies I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to pay the Cox Communications bill and make my payday loan payment today. ...for the clothes Miss Mischell brought me. ...that I have 273 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the veggie wrap I had for lunch today. ...that I was able to finish The Tao of Baha’i Life: to Act or not to Act by Peter Gyulay. ...that I have $13.62 in my Vindale Research account. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Jusitce), 13 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Ascension of Baha'u'llah Gratitude List for 13 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for fresh brewed black coffee to drink while I write this morning. ...that the $10.59 from my PayPal account hit my checking account today. ...that "Metaphor of Eternal Life" was feature in "Spiritual Newsletter (May 29, 2019)" this week. ...that I was able to finish Losing Everything but My Faith: Becoming a Baha’i by Camilla Chance. ...that I discovered the link to my other offsite blog, http://poet999writingthoughts.blogspot.com/, while I was doing some housekeeping in "The Snowflake Chronicles" . ...that I was able to get all the Editors Picks for my next edition of the Fantasy newsletter. Istijlál (Majesty), 14 ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur) 176 B.E. - Thursday, May 30, 2019 Gratitude List for 14 ‘Aẓamat Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this morning. ...for the chocolate brownies I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 172 points in my Survey Junie account. |