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. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Feast of Glory Life in the Universe1 The universe blooms with life, Each star has its planets And each planet it life form Plants and animals flourishing In countless numbers. Gratitude List for 1 Jalál Today I am thankful .. ...that I have 196 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the spice cake/bread that I had with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the soft tacos I had today for lunch. ...that I was able to finish My Husband’s Death and the Flight of His Soul by Cindy Catches. ...for the banana I have for my afternoon snack. ...that "Feed Me: To Garfield" was one of the winner in "The Not-So-Daily Poem" for April 7. ...that it's nice enough and cool enough today to keep the door open. ...that I unsubscribed to both Survey Spot and Opinion Square. ...for the fresh brewed ice tea I had with my supper tonight. ...that I have 5 items for the Editor's Picks of my next edition of the fantasy newsletter. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 8, 2019 Spring Cleaning2 Every year, when spring arrived Grandma cleaned house. She went about it methodically, room by room removing the dust of winter (not that there was much dust to remove). She opened the windows to let in the fresh air or, perhaps, letting out the closed up feeling that settles in a house in winter. Gratitude List for 18 Bahá Today I am thankful .. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for hot coffee on this beautiful April morning. ...that the money from PayPal hit my checking account this morning. ...that I have 86 points in my Survey Junkies account. ...that I sent my ballot for the LSA election today. ...that it is nice enough to leave the front door open. ...that I have 3 editors Picks for my next edition of the fantasy newsletter. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 17 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Saturday, April 6, 2019 Gratitude List for 17 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate doughnuts I have to go with my coffee this morning. Jamál (Beauty), 18 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 7, 2019 A Poem A Day3 A poem a day chases writers' block away, and scatters the clouds of boredom. Gratitude List for 18 Bahá Today I am thankful .. ...that my Bank of America checking account is no overdrawn today. ...for hot back coffee on this chilly April morning. ...that the $10.00 from Survey Spot hit my PayPal account yesterday. ...for the April poetry prompts that bring back pleasant memories from my childhood. ...that I was able to transfer $20.46 from my PayPal account to my checking account. ...that I submitted "You Have Enemies" and "Death" to for review in the upcoming Super Power Reviewers Raid. ...that 58 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I received a merit badge today. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 4, 2019 Gratitude List for 15 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate doughnuts I had with my coffee this morning. Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Friday, April 5, 2019 Will I Be Able to Sleep Tonight4 Last night was a sleepless night. As the sun sets, I wonder if I can sleep tonight. If I can't sleep, the next question is "Do I read or write poetry?" Gratitude List for 16 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 1,015 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the vanilla yogurt I had with my breakfast. ...that I have 46,200 points in my YouGove account. ...for the the banana I had for my morning snack. ...that my SNAP benefits have been approved for another year. ...for the leftover T-bone and vegetables I had for lunch ...that I could request $10.00 sent to my PayPal account from my Survey Spot account. I have 15 points left in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Country Time lemon aid packets for individual bottles of water. ...that I have 44 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had for supper. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 14 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Prayer of Thanks5 Oh, Lord, I give you thanks for guiding me through the tests and difficulties of life. Gratitude List for 14 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh boiled coffee I had to go with my chocolate doughnuts. ...that I was able to pay the rent today. ...that I have $1.39 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I could redeem 1,046 points in my survey junkie account for $10.46 in to my PayPal account. ...for the chocolate cake and tamales I had for lunch. ...that I have 582,473 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 2, 2019 April Winds6 March is supposed to come in like a lion, not April. This year, Mother Nature seems confused. Today the wind is harassing the palm fronds, and the clouds-- which are supposed to bring April showers-- float across a blue porcelain sky without threatening rain. Gratitude List for 13 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I received an awardicon for "I Blog Poetry and Prose" . ...for the chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 825 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the BBQ sandwich and lemon yogurt I had for my lunch. ...that I have $0.64 left in my Vindale Research account after requesting payment yesterday. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 581,873 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that I received a merit badge. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 12 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 1, 2019 After School7 I listen to the laughing children playing outside on this beautiful and cloudy spring day. I smile because it reminds me of my childhood, and the joy of being out of school for the day. Gratitude List for 12 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh boiled coffee I have on the beautiful April Fools Day. ...that I have 775 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the leftover pasta salad I had for breakfast. ...that I was able to finish the article What are the Spiritual Attributes of an Artist? by Shadi Toloui-Wallace. This is the first article in the two part series 7 Steps to Make Art from Spiritual Struggle . ...for the egg salad sandwich, chili cheese Fritos, and vanilla yogurt I had for lunch today. ...that I received a Contest Challenge Merit Badge through in the mail today. ...for the chocolate chip cookies I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 935 point in my Survey Spot account. ...for the banana I had with my supper today. ...that I was able to verify my payment request to Vindale Research today. The $50.00 will hit my PayPal account on March 11 or March 12. ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea I have for my evening snack. ...that I have $65.83 in my Google Adsense account. ...for the Reese's peanut butter egg I have for my bedtime snack. ...that I received a merit badge. Facebook status Update On April Fools Day clouds hide the sky's blue beauty will it rain tonight Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Sunday, March 31, 2019 Facebook Status Update On Sunday morning my coffeemaker went out boiling coffee on the stove. Gratitude List for 11 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the ability to boil coffee on top of the stove, because the coffee maker went out. ...that I have $50.64 in my Vindale research account. ...that I could request a $50.00 payment from Vindale research. It will be processed on April 12. ...that I have 644 points in my Survey Junkie account. Noonday Prayer8 I perform my ablutions, I turn my face toward Bahji, and recite the short obligatory prayer. Stress melts, dissolving like a iceberg in the warm Pacific waters. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 10 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Saturday, March 30, 2019 Facebook Status Update Intoning the Tablet of Ahmad, and refocusing on the solution to the problems facing me. Problems are tests and difficulties, worry and depression hide the solutions. Gratitude List for 10 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly March morning. ...that my SSI check hit my checking account today. ...that I could pay the March Cox Communications bill today. ...that I can pay some of my bills online without having to go to a brick and mortar office or sending a check through snail mail. ...that I have $49.89 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I won the "Invalid Item" daily contest with "Proof of God" . ...that I have $17.03 in my Send Earnings account. ...that I have 624 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I have $5.19 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...that I received a merit badge today. March Evening9 Inhale the fragrance of the evening breeze as it blows through the boughs of palm and pine trees. Shadows cast by the setting sun remind us that this March day will soon be gone. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Friday, March 29, 2019 Facebook Status Update At last, it's Friday. At last it's the last Friday in March 2019. I've lived in this apartment for three months. Moving is expensive, it takes a toll on your finances. It took an toll on my finances, and my finances haven't gotten any better. In fact, they have gotten worse, at least that's how it appears to me right now. No matter what I try doesn't work. I'm without a car, which may be a good or bad thing; however, that means when I apply for any type of assistance it's online. The problem is many of the applications cost to submit, which I haven't got. As it is, my checking account will be overdrawn again in April, which is a bank change. I'm tired. I'm almost to the point of tears, which isn't going to do any good, but when I get frustrated I want to cry. That's how my life is going, if anyone really cares. New Direction10 I need to move in a different direction one where my was isn't blocked. I look around, but see only roadblocks I need to grow wings to fly above the roadblocks and the fog. Gratitude List for 9 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 566 points in my Survey Junkies account. ...that I have $48.89 in my Vindale Research account. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Thursday, March 28, 2019 April Approaches11 April approaches it's National Poetry Month, unfortunately my focus is on increasing my income and preventing an overdrawn checking account. Gratitude List for 8 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 453 points in my Survey Junkies account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this cloudy March morning. ...that I have $48.57 in my Vindale Research account. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Evening Breeze in March12 March wind whispers sweet nothings to palm fronds and olive leaves. March blows into the arm of April composes love odes to April showers. Gratitude List for 7 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that the $10.10 I transferred from PayPal hit my checking account this morning. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on the cloudy March morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chicken soup I had with my sandwich for lunch ...that I have $44.31 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the salad I had for my evening meal. ...that I have 55 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that my Transunion credit score is up 61 point to 652 which is Fair. ...that my Equifax credit score is up 72 points to 663 which is Fair. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Monday, March 25, 2019 Spirit of the Age13 From time immemorial, God's promised humanity peace and unity. In this age, peace is inevitable and unity unstoppable. Gratitude List for 5 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful spring day. ...that I have 821 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I have $43.81 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the soft chicken tacos I had for lunch today. Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Facebook Status Update Don't ask: "What's wrong?" If you don't want an honest answer. Don't accuse me of being angry with you when my emotions are express in my voice; I'm a passionate person and sometimes my emotions express themselves in my vocal tones. Gratitude List for 6 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 921 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful March morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the lentil soup I had for lunch. ...that I have $44.31 in my Vindale research account. ...that I have 1,010 points in my Survey Spot account, because I was able to transfer $10.10 to my PayPal account. ...that I could keep the front door open all day. ...that I have 566,708 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the cranberry juice I had with my evening meal. ...that I could transfer $10.10 from my PayPal account to my checking account. My Notepad App14 Midnight time to write phrases and lines, I don't have to turn on the light I can compose poetry using my smartphone's notepad app. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 4 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Sunday, March 24, 2019 Sunday Afternoon Poem15 Beautiful Sunday Sun shines in all its splendor Casting dark shadows Gratitude List for 4 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful March morning. ...that I have 548,783 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for double chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have $43.31 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the chicken enchiladas I had for lunch today. ...that I have 632 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that National Poetry Month is coming up in April. ...that I have five Editors' Picks for my April Edition of the Spiritual newsletter. ...that I finished "Who is The Bab?" in "Bicentenary Poems and Prose" . ....that I have a notepad app on my phone because I can write down lines for poems in the middle of the night. ...that I have 1,263 points in my Opinion Square account. ...that I have $4.60 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...that I have $17.01 in my Send Earning account. ...that I could keep the front door open all day. Facebook Status Update Sometimes I wonder why these are called the golden years when there is no gold only fears, and a lot of tears. Then I intone a prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah, and both the tears and the fears are transformed when I realize these tests are polishing the mirror of my soul. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 3 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Saturday, March 23, 2019 Feast of Splendor16 The glorious wine of the Holy Spirit sipped from the chalice of God's love. The radiant bread of the Word of God consumed at the table of the Lord. Gratitude List for 3 Bahá ...that the day was nice enough to keep the front door open. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking isn't overdrawn today. ...for the double chocolate doughnut I had to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to finish Can Science Save Our Souls? by Maya Bohnhoff. This is the second installment of the series Questions from an Atheist about the Nature of God . ...for the lintel soup I had for lunch. ...that I have 500 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the chocolate chip cookie and cornbread muffin I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have $16.95 in my Send Earnings account. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Friday, March 22, 2019 The Nineteen-Day Feast17 At the Lord's Supper we sip the crystal waters of God's Word from the chalice of divine love, and verse by verse consume the fruit of the Tree of Life. Gratitude List For 2 Bahá Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of American checking account is not overdrawn today. ...that I have $42.56 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I have 489 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that the sun is shining today and it is nice enough to keep the front door open. ...that my prescriptions came through the mail today. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had for lunch. ...that we still have a case of water left this month. ...that I have 545,133 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Thursday, March 21, 2019 Naw-Ruz Naw-Ruz: A New Year18 March 21, 2019-- Naw-Ruz 176-- the beginning of a New Year full of hope and joy. The morning was cloudy, clearing a little by afternoon and the sun cam shining through: the joy of a new and glorious day. Gratitude List For 1 Bahá Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that I was able to pay the March electric bill today. ...for the double chocolate doughnuts I have to go with my coffee. ...that I read this thought provoking article Atheism Is Inconsistent with the Scientific Method, Prizewinning Physicist Says by Lee Billings. ...for the sunshine we received this afternoon, because it is always nice to see sunshine and shadows on a cloudy day. ...that I finished the article Spiritual Exploration for Atheists by Maya Bohnhoff, which is the first in a series of articles about Questions from an Atheist about the Nature of God . ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had with my supper. ...that I finished the article 5 Steps to Increase the Quality of Prayer by Makeena Rivers, which is the first installment of the series Creating a Prayerful Life . Article Series To Read in 176 B.E. Creating A Prayerful Life Questions from an Atheist about the Nature of God Refining the Chain of Being Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 19 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Facebook Status Update Naw-Ruz 176 B.E. will soon be here (March 21). It is a New Year, with new hope, and big changes in my life (at least that is how it appears at the moment). 175 B.E. was a difficulty year, with a few changes, I don't see my finances getting much better. I have to make the changes, with the hope that my finances will improve. I doubt I will be moving again for a while. Gratitude List For 19 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America account is no longer overdrawn. ...for the fresh brewed hot black coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 211 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I was able to finish reading Naw-Ruz: It’s a New Day, and a New Year! From the Editors of BahaiTeachings.org. ...that I have 905 point in my Survey Spot account. ...that I have 508,533 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that Naw-Ruz 176 B.E. is the beginning of the second bicentenary period, and the upcoming celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of The Bab. ...that at sunset the New Year of 176 B.E. begin, because I feel it will indicate a better period in my life. ...for the chocolate candy I have to eat before going to sleep. |
Fiḍál (Grace), 18 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, March 19, 2019 "O thou forgiving God! Forgive the sins of my loving mother, pardon her shortcomings, cast upon her the glance of Thy gracious providence and enable her to gain admittance into Thy Kingdom. O God! From the earliest days of my life she educated and nurtured me, yet I did not recompense her for her toil and labors. Do Thou reward her by granting her eternal life and making her exalted in Thy Kingdom. Verily, Thou art the Forgiver, the Bestower and the Kind." Abdu'l-Baha Facebook Status Update Today March 19 is my mother's 98th birthday: Happy Birthday Mama, I miss you. Gratitude List For 18 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...for fresh brewed hot coffee. ...that it is a nice day and I can keep the front door open. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had with my brunch. ...that I have 885 points in my Survey Spot account. ...that I have 167 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I have $16.37 in my Send Earnings account. ...that I have 501,783 GPs in my Gift Points account. Naw-Ruz: A Time to Celebrate19 Spring is almost here a time for joy and cheer, a time to celebrate Naw-Ruz and a brand new year. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 17 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Monday, March 18, 2019 Facebook Status Update Beautiful Monday Inhale the joy of morning Intone a prayer of thanks Gratitude List For 17 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to charge the battery in my smartphone by moving it to another charger last night. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee. ...that I was able to request $10.00 sent to my PayPal account from my Survey Junies account. ...that I have 6 points in my Survey Junkies account toward my next $10.00. ...that I could transfer $10.00 from my PayPal account to my checking account. The money should hit my checking account in 1 business day. ...that the replacement for my lost SNAP card came in the mail today. ...that I thought to add the Tahirih Justice Center to my Web Favorites list toyat, ...that I have $16.10 in my Send Earnings account today. ...that the money I transferred from my PayPal account this morning hit my checking account this afternoon. ...for the Arizona Sweet Ice Tea I had for lunch. ...that I have 496,783 GPs in my Gift Points account this afternoon. ...that I received a merit badge today. |