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. |
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 Beckon2 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 Dreams3 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 |
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 17, 2019 Contemplating Procrastination4 Procrastination: Tension rises so I pause And ask the questions, "Why do I want to procrastinate?" "What do I want to put off?" Gratitude List For 11 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have my edition of February's fantasy newsletter submitted. ...for the black cherry yogurt I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 615 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Starbucks Chicken & Double-smoked Bacon sandwich I had for supper. ...that I have 328,191 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 10 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 16, 2019 I didn't get a poem written or transposed to put in my Poet 999 blog. I was lucky to get anything accomplished today because my internet way yoyoing most of the day. I finished the my February edition of the fantasy newsletter. I need to find one more editor's picks because one of those I chose is no longer available. I reviewed two articles for my March edition of the spiritual newsletter. I finished the "Invalid Item" topic of the week for this week. If I get a chance before the end of the month I will do the "Invalid Item" week two items I missed last week. Gratitude List for 10 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I was able to finish editing my edition of February's fantasy newsletter. ...that I have two editor's picks for my edition of the March spiritual newsletter. ...that I responded to "Invalid Item" topic of the week in "Welcome to My Life" "TotW: Mental Health and Music" . ...that I received an awardicon for my portfolio today. ...that I have 327,291 GPs in my Gift Points account. |
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 15, 2019 In The Midst Of All The Recklessness5 Once, in the midst of all the recklessness of daily living I questioned reality. I took out a microscope and examined my concept of divinity, my concept of humanity, and my concept of myself. I ask my soul the hard questions: Can I love God, if I don't love myself? Am I investigating truth for myself? What is family? Once, in the midst of all the recklessness of daily living I questioned reality, and I haven't been the same since. Gratitude List For 9 Mulk Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 857 points in My Survey account. ...for hot black coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I have enough in my Bank of America savings account to cover the check that hit my checking account today. ...for the Starbucks turkey & basil pesto sandwich I had for breakfast, with the lemon crunch parfait I had for breakfast. ...that I have $37.36 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the Starbucks Smoked Turkey and Swiss, with the assorted vegetables and fruit I had for lunch today. ...that I have 595 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Brita pitcher and filter we have in the refrigerator because I can have cold filtered water to drink when we run out of bottled water. ...that I found my copy of The Book of Certitude6 because it is easier to read a book I can hold in my hands over reading it on my smartphone. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 14, 2019 Valentine's Day Goal of the Mystic7 Is to see God Even in the contemplation Of a computer program Gratitude List for 8 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the Valentine's C-note that someone sent me today. ...that I received two merit badges today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 224,612 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that it rained in Las Vegas today. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Today I Am Grateful For8 Today I am grateful for morning, for the memory of pleasant dreams, and the chill of a winter's dawn breeze. Today I am grateful for laughter, the warmth of a joyous awakening to the beauty of another day. Today I am grateful for prayers that ascend to the throne of God and bring down the blessings of faith, which scatters the uncertainties of doubt. Gratitude List For 7 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of American checking account is not overdrawn this today. ...that I have 46,500 in my YouGov account. ...that I have 535 points in my Survey Spot account. ...that I have one response from "Spiritual Newsletter (February 13, 2019)" for my edition of the March Spiritual newsletter. ...that I have 3 editor's picks for the my February edition of the fantasy newsletter. ...that I have 732 points in My Survey account. ...that I have $37.05 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea had this evening. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Memories Underfoot9 These are the memories that lay underfoot, the memories I stumble over when waking up. A black and white long haired cat, whose purr vibrated the house when he wanted to to toss him a furry toy mouse. These are the memories that lay underfoot, the memories I scramble when waking up. Taking eggs from beneath a hen she set there glaring at me she wanted to hat the eggs I know, that that was never to be. Gratitude List For 6 Mulk Today I am grateful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for hot coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that I received refills for both my restasis and latanoprost eye drops today. ...for the ginger ale I had for with my lunch today. ...that I have 632 points in My survey account. ...that I had fish for my supper. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 11, 2019 Facebook Status Update Today I am thankful for Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God. I am also thankful to Baha'u'llah for another day of life. Gratitude List for 5 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that I have 582 point in My Survey account. ...for the candy cane I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have $31.26 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the chili relleno I had for my evening meal. Zones of Transition10 Growth occurs in zones of transition where the upwardly mobile and the downwardly mobile meet. Confronted by the prejudices and misunderstandings occurring when cultures collide we must either evolve or perish. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 4 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 10, 2019 Facebook Status Update Sunday morning serenade pigeon outside my door is singing the blues Gratitude List For 4 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for the 3,000 GPs I received from the "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" 50/50 drawing yesterday. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the black licorice candy I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that Rocky is here for a visit today. ...for the peppermint candy cane I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have $37.05 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I received a merit badge today. ...that I have 183,137 GPs in my Gift Points account. Las Vegas Dawn11 Bright rays ignite the blue sky, transforming black velvet night: stretching and yawning the city's day shift wakes up. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 3 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 9, 2019 Love12 Love is the dawn of a new day, Rising rosy over hills of gray. God's eternal light, Giving hope through the darkest night. The generating impulse that began creation, And set the universe in motion. Gratitude List For 3 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the hot, black coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 515 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had with my lunch. ...that I received a c-note today. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 8, 2019 Friday Afternoon Thoughts13 Weariness sets in and the weekend approaches inhale, exhale, laugh Gratitude List For 2 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for the pound cake I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich I had for lunch. ...that I have $30.92 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the yogurt with honey I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I got my upcoming edition of the spiritual newsletter finished and submitted today. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 7, 2019 Feast of Mulk This Much I Know14 This much I know! Lowe is the only true magic there is. This much I know! Faith is breathing without air. This much I know! Without love and faith this life is merely existing. This much I know! Each individual has their own secret knowledge gained from experience. This much I know! Each individual is put on earth for a purpose. This much I know! When I read the Holy Scriptures of each religion, I feel the Holy Spirit echoing. This much I know! The known to one individual can be speculation to another. This much I know! There is one God with many names. This much I know! Each star has its planets and each planet its own life forms. This much I know! A woman's intuition is important to a woman's survival. This much I know! Some people believe faith and speculation are the same thing. This much I know! Intuition allows the individual to know many things, but you must accept intuition as a fact. Gratitude List For 1 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the Ding Dong I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 1,79,987 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the Arizona sweet Iced tea I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 495 points in my Survey Spot account. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Evening Shadows15 Growing with Earth's slow rotation shadows reach for the days lost youth, like an elderly woman reminiscing about the joys of yesterday. Disappearing as night advances shadows fade into the darkness, like the disappointment of a elderly man, letting go of yesterdays fears. Gratitude List For 19 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the banana I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that "Sam I Am - Food Blogger" was featured in "Comedy Newsletter (February 6, 2019)" . ...that "My Search" was featured in "Spiritual Newsletter (February 6, 2019)" . ...for the grape soda I had to go with my lunch today. ...that I was able to add another one of Mom's poems to "My Mother's Poems" today. The poem I added is "Words stir My Imagination" . ...for the ginger ale I had with my super. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 5, 2019 My Muse Is A Skin Changer16 I discovered that my muse is a skin changer. It morphs into another creature or item with each genre and subject I write in or about. When I write about nature, my muse becomes an olive tree. As the wind blows through its leaves my words are transformed into bires nesting in its branches. When I write poetry, my muse becomes a timber wolf stalking stanza and line through the forest of metaphor and simile. When I write a personal essay, my muse is transformed into a crown of glory illuminating a snow capped peak . As the crown disappears in morning's light, the rays of the sun melts the snow blocking the paths of my creativity. Ever day and every hour, my muse changes revealing a different aspect with each story, article, essay, or poem I write. I never know in what guise my muse will appear until it materializes. Knowing this about my muse, has helped me to recognize it when it appears to me. Gratitude List For 18 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the banana I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I have completed 3 poems of the 200 I am writing to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Bab. The third poem is "The Great Trumpet Has Sounded" . ...for the spaghetti and meat sauce I had for lunch. ...that De colored my hair today. ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I found some more of my Mother's poems. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 17 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 4, 2019 Thistledown17 Growth occurs in the silent hours when the mind pauses to reflect on the day's events. My eyes focus on a white cloud moving across the firmament. I watch it change, as sections are torn from the main mass by the wind in the upper atmosphere; I watch it become wisps of gossamer against the blue sky. That could is my illusions ripped apart by the day's events leaving behind thistledown to be dispersed by the reality of my actions. Gratitude List For 17 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my entry in The Prompt Me Contest Round 131 tied for fist place. ...for the Ding Dong I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the candy cane I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 455 points in my survey spot account. Submitted to "Spiritual Newsletter (January 30, 2019)" In the Baha'i Faith the age of maturity is 15. At that time young people can declare their belief in Baha'u'llah, and begin participating in, between sunup and sundown, in the nineteen day fast. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 16 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 3, 2019 Gratitude List for 16 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...for the merit badges I received today. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the Ding Dong I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 45,650 points in my YouGov account. ...for the homemade hot cafe mocha I had this afternoon. ...that I have 174,737 GPs in my Gift Points account. Earth's Blessing18 A rainbow arc spreads across the firmament, voices praise in a thousand dialects this paradigm of God's ancient covenant. Voices raise intoning God's trillion names-- glorifying the mirrors of His attribute-- as they cross the bridge that connects the rift valley that separates into sects the religion of God. A rainbow spreads across Earth's continents, mystic dance-- accompanied by castanets, bells, tambourines, lutes, lyres, harps, dijeridus, bagpipes, musical bows, reed flutes, talking drums, etc.-- as echoes reverberate and voices unite into a single symphony proclaiming that there is not a place on Earth unblessed by the mention of one of God's names. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 15 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 2, 2019 The Music of Children19 In the music of children, we live in unity: One God, one race, one religion. God lives in the music of children, in the songs of the purified heart God is reality. A breath from the Kingdom of Glory, carries the scent of the sanctified soul in the music of children. Gratitude List For 15 Sulṭán Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the Ding Dong I had for my desert with my lunch today. ...that I have completed 2 poems of the 200 I am writing to celebrate the bicentenary of the Birth of The Bab. Those 2 are "1 Muharram 1235 AH" and "Intoning the Prayer of The Bab" . ...for the Arizona sweet iced tea I had with my supper tonight. ...that I have 166,537 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the rain we received in Las Vegas today. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 1, 2019 Humanity20 We are one family, descends of the first migrations out of Africa. We are a single species, descended from migrants who sought new home for numerous reasons. Gratitude List For 14 Sulṭán Today I am Thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for homemade cafe mocha on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I both my SSA and SSI money hit my checking account today. ...for the chili dogs and pears I had for breakfast today. ...that I was able to pay the rent today. ...for Fudge Hearts for my bedtime snack. ...that I have $36.05 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the grape soda I had with my lunch today. Footnotes |