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. |
‘Idál (Justice), 12 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, March 13, 2019 The Birds of March1 A sparrow is singing, nesting in the pine tree across the street, the pigeons nesting above my door are silent listening to the sparrow's serenade. Gratitude List For 12 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot back coffee on this chilly morning. ...that I have 501 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the real hot chocolate (made with real cow's milk) I had before I went to sleep last night. ...that I have 835 points in my Survey Spot account. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 10 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Monday, March 11, 2019 Roses and Chocolatess: Memories of My Mother2 Mama loved roses: her favorite blossoms were red, and she like rich dark chocolates. Gratitude List For 10 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee on this nippy morning. ...that the writing.com travel mug from Schnujo is in the Falklands arrived today. ...for the chili relleno I had for lunch. ...that I have 340 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the two writing.com pens that came with the travel mug today, because now I can keep one beside my bed and one at the computer. ...that I have 805 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have $41.62 in my Vindale Research account. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 9 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Sunday, March 10, 2019 Sunday Poem3 Sunday afternoon A beautiful cloudy day For writing poems Gratitude List For 9 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today . ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this late winter morning. ...that I finished reading the article How to Focus Our Energy on the Stuff That Matters by Jaellayna Palmer. ...for the banana I had to go with my morning coffee. ...that I have 308 points in my Survey Junkies account. ...for the egg salad sandwich I had for brunch. ...that I was able to begin the sixth poem in the two-hundred I am writing to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab today, the working title of the poem is "Invocation to the Bab". ...for the peanut butter cups I have for my evening snack. ...that I have 446,618 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 8 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Saturday, March 9, 2019 "O Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have gathered together at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined through the light of Thy Providence. O God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided for all, dost shelter all, conferrest life upon all. Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and faculties, and all are submerged in the Ocean of Thy Mercy. O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony. O God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of mankind. O God! Establish the Most Great Peace. Cement Thou, O God, the hearts together. O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence. Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlooketh the shortcomings of all mankind." Abdu’l-Baha4 Prayer and Action5 Word by word I read a prayer for unity, afterwards I contemplate how my actions reflect my desire for unity. Gratitude List For 8 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee on this chilly morning. ...that I was able to complete the article A Small Town’s Simple Approach To Peace by Badi Shams this morning. ...for the Baha'i Prayer app I have on my smartphone because I can access the sacred writings and prayers anyplace I go with my phone. ...that I have $15.39 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the peppermint candy cane I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 306 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the tuna on rye sandwich I had for lunch. ...that I have 445,018 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for writing.com and the wonderful people who are members. ...that time springs forward on March 10 at 2:00 am, and that both my computer and smartphone reset themselves. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 7 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Friday, March 8, 2019 Virtual Vacation6 I'm taking a virtual vacation across the planet Earth to see the Baha'i Holy Places and Temples 200 years after The Bab's birth: My virtual vacation will begin on March the twenty-first. Gratitude List For 7 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for a chocolate doughnut to go with my coffee this morning. ...that the money I requested from my Loan Company hit my checking account this morning. ...for Gary who woke me up at 6:00 A.M. Pacific Time, knocking on my door, this morning. Because he woke me up I am able to start my day a couple of hours earlier then normal. ...that I have 296 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the tuna on rye sandwich I had for lunch. ...that I have 775 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the ginger ale I had with my evening meal. ...that I have my next edition of the Spiritual newsletter ready to submit. Facebook Status Update Happy International Women's Day! Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 6 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Thursday, March 7, 2019 Gratitude List For 6 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that I have $15.12 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the chocolate doughnuts I had with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chicken strips and fried rice I had for lunch. ...that I have $3.14 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...that I have 277 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that it was a nice day and we could keep the front door open. |
‘Idál (Justice), 5 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Facebook Status Update Wet Wednesday morning Raindrop hitting cement walks The coffee is hot Gratitude List For 5 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to request a $30.02 check from Inbox Dollars. The check will be processed on March 13 and should arrive on or before June 13. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I had enough in my savings account to cover the overdraft in my checking account. ...for the rain we received here in Las Vegas today. ...that it took only an hour at Quest Diagnostics to get my blood drawn today. ...for the banana I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I have $14.86 in my Send Earnings account. ...that "Witches Stew" was featured in "Fantasy Newsletter (March 6, 2019)" . ...that "Love yourself; it will be okay" was featured in "Spiritual Newsletter (March 6, 2019)" . ...that I have $40.87 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I have 253 points in my Survey Junkie account. An Afternoon in March7 The rain has stopped gray clouds cover the sky promising more rain, a chilly wind blows through palm and olive trees giving the feeling of winter, but spring is on the way. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 4 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Prayer to Increase Trust in God O Lord! Unto Thee I repair for refuge, and toward all Thy signs I set my heart. O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee. Grant me then Thy sufficing help so as to make me independent of all things, O Thou Who art unsurpassed in Thy mercy! Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me. Thine is the absolute authority to command. The Báb8 White Recliner: A Memory9 I always think of Grandpa Newland, whenever I see a white recliner. I remember him setting in one, with the Siamese cat beside him and the dog in his lap, watching TV. Grandpa enjoyed setting there with Jay beside him and Cindi or Popcorn in his lap, watching The Grand Old Opera. Gratitude List For 4 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the two cases of bottled water we were able to purchase last week. ...that I have $32.85 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly morning. ...that I was able to transfer $5.00 from my PayPal account to my Checking account. ...for the cheese and broccoli soup I had for lunch today. ...that I have 438,755 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the popcorn I had for my afternoon snack today. ...that I can leave the door open on this beautiful March afternoon. ...that I have 165 points in my Survey Junkie account. Facebook status Update I rescheduled one of the doctors' appointments I had next week to April. The co-pay on that appointment was only $10.00, but since I suspect I may be overdrawn this month, I decided to wait until April to have my toe nail cut. Other things I'm probably not going to be able to afford this month is get my hair cu t (unless I cut it myself) and go the Spiritual Services. Next month is the last payment on the security deposit, and after t hat there will be a little extra money ( Hopefully.). Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 3 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Monday, March 4, 2019 Facebook Status Update I officially have four physicians appointment and a blood draw this month. My social calendar is full. A sparrow singing Proclaiming spring's arrival Partly cloudy day Gratitude List For 3 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on the crisp late winter morning. ...that I was able to make all five physician appointment this month. ...that I have 47,500 points in my YouGov account. ...that I have $14.85 in my Send Earnings account. ...for the homemade beef stew I had for lunch. ...that it is warm enough to keep the front door open this afternoon. ...that I have $32.03 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...that I have 424,905 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the salad I had for my evening meal. ...that I have $40.24 in my Vindale Research account. Word Problem10 Life is one big word problems with more variables than constants. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 2 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Sunday, March 3, 2019 March Morning11 Partly cloudy sky The sun casts deep dark shadows Beautiful March day Gratitude List for 2 ‘Alá’ Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning. ...that it is a nice day and I can keep the front door open. ...that I have $39.24 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the Mango juice I had for lunch. ...that I have 423,055 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 1 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness) 175 B.E. - Saturday, March 2, 2019 Feast of Loftiness Facebook Status Update Ala has begun It's the month of Loftiness The nineteen-day Fast Sunrise and Sunset Time for the month of ‘Alá’ March Sunrise Sunset 1 6:11 am 5:35 pm 2 6:09 am 5:36 pm 3 6:08 am 5:37 pm 4 6:07 am 5:38 pm 5 6:05 am 5:39 pm 6 6:04 am 5:40 pm 7 6:02 am 5:40 pm 8 6:01 am 5:41 pm 9 6:00 am 5:42 pm 10 6:58 am 6:43 pm - Daylight savings time begins 11 6:57 am 6:44 pm 12 6:55 am 6:45 pm 13 6:54 am 6:46 pm 14 6:53 am 6:47 pm 15 6:51 am 6:48 pm 16 6:50 am 6:48 pm 17 6:48 am 6:49 pm 18 6:47 am 6:50 pm 19 6:45 am 6:51 pm 20 6:44 am 6:52 pm 21 6:43 am 6:53 pm Saturday Morning12 Wind whispering through palm fronds Gray clouds and sunshine It rained early this morning Gratitude List For 1 ‘Alá’ Today I an thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the banana I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that it is nice enough to keep the front door open. ...for the rain we received this morning. ...that I finished four poems today: "Love yourself; it will be okay" , "The Arrival of Spring" , "Celebrating Spring" , and "The Wayfarer's Journey Begins" . ...for the chocolate ice cream I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 414,155 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the prayer app on my smartphone because I can access the prayer for the Fast anytime I want. ...that I have finished five poem dedicated to The Bab, so far this year. Those poems are "1 Muharram 1235 AH" , "Intoning the Prayer of The Bab" , "The Great Trumpet Has Sounded" , "Portal of Grace: To The Bab" , and "The Wayfarer's Journey Begins" . Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 28, 2019 Facebook status Update I went to see my doctor this morning. She gave me three referrals one to have blood drawn, one to a radiologist for 3 screening tests, and one to a physical therapist. Plus I have two other doctors appointments in March. My social calendar is for at least March. Gratitude List For 3 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that I received an awardicon for "Creative Echoes" . ...for fresh brewed hot coffee this morning. ...that I have received to merit badges today. ...for the cranberry juice I had with my lunch. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the chocolate mint candy I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 765 points in my Survey Spot account. Istiqlál (independence), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Friday, March 1, 2019 Facebook Status Update The month of fasting Ala begins at sunset Prayer for fasting Loftiness Gratitude List For 4 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to request $5.00 sent to my PayPal account. Your Order Number: W022819C9018 life point/my survey. ...for the banana I had with my fresh brewed coffee this morning. ...that I was able to pay both the rent and the loan payment today. ...for the bottle of ionized water I have to drink today. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the barbecue ribs I had for lunch. ...that I have 412,906 GPs in my Gift Points account. |
‘Idál (Justice), 2 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 28, 2019 The Word of God13 There is Power in the Word! Power to create a new world out of the ashes of the old; to bring order out of chaos. There is Love in the Word! Love that binds one heart to another; that creates an new humanity. There is Peace in the Word! Peace that passes all understanding; that creates a world free of war, with citizens free of fear. There is Justice in the Word! Justice which is God's best beloved; allows individuals to see withe their own eyes, and know of their own knowledge. There is Life in the Word! Life that survives physical death; that carries the soul beyond material existence into the Abha Paradise. Gratitude List For 2 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this beautiful late winter morning. ...that it is nice enough to leave the front door open. ...for the banana that I had with my lunch. ...that "Soulmates" was honorable mention in "Poetry Newsletter (February 27, 2019)" . ...for the several merit badges I received today. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 “It behoveth the people of Bahá, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name.” Bahá’u’lláh This is the first day of Ayyám-i-Há, the Days of Ha, the intercalary14 days in the Baha'i or Badi calendar15. These are wonderful days, day of joy, days to say the Intercalary Day prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. This year I begin by reading Happy Ayyám-i-Há! What Baha’is Do During Intercalary Days the first part of the series "Days Out of Time" on Bahaiteaching.org and saying the prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. Gratitude List for 1 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that it is a nice enough day for me to keep the front door open. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have an internet connection that is somewhat dependable. ...for the check which arrived in the mail today. ...that my Bank of America checking account is no longer overdrawn. ...for the double cheese burger I had for lunch. ...that I finished The Inner Meanings of the Baha’i Intercalary Days Part two of the series "Days Out of Time" on BahaiTeachings.com. ...for the chocolate Twinkies I have for my afternoon or evening snack. ...that I have 387,905 GPs in my Gift Points account. Worship of God16 Praise be Thine, O Lord! In this new day, Worship embraces all art forms. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 18 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 24, 2019 The Grace of God17 When the sun clears the horizon, We get a second chance, Through the grace of God. Gratitude List For 18 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for the banana I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that it is warm enough today to keep the front door open. ...for the spegitti I had for supper today. Kamál (Perfection), 19 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 25, 2019 Gratitude List For 19 Mulk Writer's Block18 Fields of virgin snow Imprisoned between bared-wire Empty of footprints Today I am thankful... ...that I was able to make an appoint with my doctor for Thursday, February 28. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to make an appointment with Nationalmettran to take me to the doctor and bring me back home on Thursday. ...for the small peppermint candy cane I had for my morning snack. ...that pest control came today and sprayed the apartment. ...for the spaghetti I had for my lunch today. ...that I have 715 points in my Survey Spot account. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 17 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 23, 2019 Meditation On The Writings of Baha'u'llah19 I see vision of a greater glory when I swim in the ocean of His words. I hear the music of the spheres when I intone His verses. Gratitude List For 17 Mulk Today I am thankful ... ...for the banana I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 705 point in my Survey Spot account. ...for the postcard I received from Krista today. ...that I have 378,805 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the grapefruit I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I rewrote " Say: "Thank You!"" to rhyme. ...for the chicken soup I had for supper. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 22, 2019 From dendrite to axon thought moves at a turtle's pace. Thought moves from section to section doing the snail crawl to its destination. At 2 1/2 inches in 900 milliseconds (the time it takes to move a finger) thought moves from hemisphere to hemisphere, carrying with it the electricity of our souls. Gratitude List For 16 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have 695 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to sweep the glue trap with the two mice in it into the dustpan and get them outside to the curb. ...for the soup I had for supper. ...that I have 378, 505 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 21, 2019 The aroma of the deep forest awakens nature's child, rousing the ecologist hibernating under layers of materialism. The taste of autumn's bounty caresses my tongue, flows down my throat, warming each passing blood vessel, and spills into my body's furnace to ignite the day's activity. Poet's Note: ▼ Gratitude List For 15 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have 370,445 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that it snowed in our part of the valley last night. There was snow on top of several of the cars this morning. ...for the chilly and garlic toast I had for lunch today. ...that I have 685 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the banana I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I receive a merit badge for being #22 in reviewing in January. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 14 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Angels Beckon22 White wings against an azure sky! Are the cumulonimbi, Or God's messengers beckoning? God messengers beckoning, To the believers of every race and nation, To the righteous of every sect and religion. Distant thunder reverberates! Is it the warning of a storm, Or angelic trumpets? Angelic trumpets calling, To the scattered remnants of humanity, To assemble in peace and unity. Poet's Note: ▼ Gratitude List for 14 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have $31.55 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for being put on hold when I called Cox Communications about my internet bill, because I was able to read How My Conversation with a Homeless Woman Changed My Life by Mantine Khalighi. ...that I have 645 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for hot back coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I have a working internet connection. ...for the carrot soup I had for lunch. ...that I have $14.78 in my Send Earnings account. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 12 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 18, 2019 Gratitude List For 12 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for hot coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I have 635 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the chili and toast I had for lunch today. ...that I have $38.11 in my Vindale Research account. Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Facebook Status Update Snow in Las Vegas We made the national news It is cold outside Gratitude List For 13 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have 365,705 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that won the 50/50 "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" today. ...for the blackberry yogurt I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I have $38.86 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the homemade fish tacos I had for lunch today. ...that I have 47,000 points in my YouGov account. ...for the snow we got in Las Vegas today. ...that I was able to begin the series Who--or What --is God? today. Night Dreams23 Some dreams remain with you all your life. Staying with you through difficulties and strife. Other dreams disappear as mist in the morning sun unremembered and unsung. Footnotes |