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), 6 Raḥmat (Mercy) 180 B.E. - Thursday, June 29, 2023 On the last Thankful Thursday in June 2023, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badge I received between 6/23/23-6/29/23. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for 16.9 FL OZ containers of bottled water, because that size of bottle will make enough coffee to fill my WDC travel mug. ...that I got my 2nd June entry to "Twenty-three in Eleven " submitted today and the review done. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this beautiful summer morning. ...that I have Baha'u'llah to give me hope. ...for the doughnut and banana I had to go with my coffee. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Nur (Light) 180 B.E. - Thursday, June 15, 2023 On the third Thankful Thursday in June 2023, I am thankful... ...that I was able to get $30.00 from Inbox Dollars. ...for the merit badge I received on 6/12/23. ...that I was able to transfer $30.00 from my PayPal account to my checking account. ...for the prayer box I made. ...that "Crown of Glory" received honorable mention in "Stormy's poetry newsletter & contest" . ...for black coffee on this beautiful morning. ...that "Memorial Day Prayer" was featured in "Poetry Newsletter (June 14, 2023)" . ...for mini chocolate covered doughnuts to go with my coffee. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 4 Nur (Light) 180 B.E. - Thursday, June 8, 2023 On the second Thankful Thursday in June 2023, I am thankful... ...that I received these merit badge, ...for the cinnamon roll I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to transfer $5.64 from my SurveyJunkie account to my PayPal account. ...for fresh brewed black coffee. ...that the Wound Care Specialist came today. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 16 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E. - Thursday, June 1, 2023 Today I am thankful ... ,,,that I completed and submitted the May 31, 2023 Spiritual Newsletter on May 27, 2023. ,,,for the merit badge I received this week. ,,,that I completed and submitted the June 7, 2023 Fantasy Newsletter on May 31, 2023 ,,,for the $5.86 I was able to transfer from my Survey Junkie account to my Bank of America savings account. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 9 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E. - Thursday, May 25, 2023 On the last Thankful Thursday in May 2023, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badge I received this week ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the liver and onions I had for lunch on Sunday, May 21. ...that I have money in my Bank of America checking account, so that it is no longer $0.00. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that it is cool enough to leave the door open this morning, because I can hear the birds singing. ...for the banana and orange I had for my first breakfast. ...that I have $3.25 in my Survey Junkie account. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 2 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E. - Thursday, May 18, 2023 I am thankful for the energy assistance benefits my household is receiving this year. I am thankful for the merit badges I received this week |
Istijlál (Majesty), 14 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Thursday, May 11, 2023 On Thankful Thursday open a prayer book and intone gratitude. Today I am thankful ... ...for the merit badge I received this week. Weather is warmer, not triple digits just yet, so the front door is open. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Thursday, May 4, 2023 I am thankful... ,,,that I found my bottle of Oxybutynin medication. I thought it fell onto the floor when the lamp was knocked over; however, it just rolled under something on the lamp stand. ,,,for the new hairbrush I received because it works better than the two old ones I had. ,,,that I received the following merit badge this week. ,,,for fresh brewed hot coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ,,,that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ,,,for minibrownies to go with my coffee this morning. ,,,that a new ramp was installed in front of my apartment today. ,,,for the bottle of Ginger Ale I had with my lunch today. ,,,that I have $2.12 in my Survey Junkies account. |
Fidál (Grace), 5 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Tuesday, May 2, 2023 The Twelfth Day of Ridvan Facebook Status Update A beautiful day white clouds decorate the sky sun cast dark shadows Istiqlál (Independence), 8 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Friday, May 5, 2023 Facebook Status Update Five days into May the sun is shining, the wind is blowing, and the Pizza guy is delivering pizza to one of my neighbors. Jamál (Beauty), 10 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Sunday, May 7, 2023 Facebook Status Update Today is World Laughter Day, so have a Gelastic time and laugh as much as possible. Isrijál (Majesty), 14 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Thursday, May 11, 2023 Facebook Status Update Happy Thankful Thursday! Say a prayer of gratitude because you woke up this morning. Fidál (Grace), 19 Jamál (Beauty) 180 B.E. - Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Facebook Status Update The wind is blowing pushing the front door open as if it lives here. Jamál (Beauty), 5 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E. - Sunday, May 21, 2023 Facebook Status Update The house is silent Tranquility rules my mind At 3 a.m. Istijlál (Majesty), 9 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E. - Thursday, May 25, 2023 Facebook Status Update Happy Thankful Thursday! Today I am thankful for the sacred writings of The Bab, Baha'u'llah, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. Kamál (Perfection), 13 ʻAẓamat (Grandeur) 180 B.E. - Monday, May 29, 2023 The Ascension of Baha'u'llah Facebook Status Update Beautiful Monday, thin morning clouds and bright sunshine. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 19 Jalál (Glory) 180 B.E. - Thursday, April 27, 2023 The Seventh Day of Ridvan On the last Thankful Thursday of April 2023, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badge I received between 4/21/23-4/27/23 ...that the check from my sister came on Friday, April 21. ...for the motivational postcard that the The StoryMaster and The StoryMistress sent, perked me up and made my day. ...that I received an awardicon ...for the foodstuff that my youngest brother and his wife ordered from Walmart for me. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this week. ...for the ability to move my recliner, because I had to remove a box that was behind it. ...that I have air conditioning. I turned it on and found that it was left on energy save when it was turned off last year. All I had to do is flip the switch on the wall to turn it on. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Jalál (Glory) 180 B.E. - Thursday, April 20, 2023 On the third thankful Thursday in April 2023, I am thankful, ... ...for the merit badges I received between 4/14/23-4/20/23. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn this week. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful April morning. ...that my the writing.com travel coffee mug arrived yesterday. ...for the cinnamon roll I have this morning to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to pay the power bill this month. ...for the banana I had for my first breakfast this morning. ...that I was able to transfer $5.19 from my Survey Junkie account to my PayPal account. ...for the pleasant spring day because I can keep the front door open. ...that I have faster internet speed. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Jalál (Glory) 180 B.E. - Thursday, April 13, 2023 On the second Thankful Thursday in April 2023 I am thankful ... ...for I received a merit badge for being #1 review in March 2023 ...that I have a coffee maker that works when I add the water. ...for I received an awadicon for "Prayer for the Planet Earth" ...that the weather is warming up and the birds are singing. ...for the orange I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I have cranberry juice to drink. ...for the merit badge I received today. |
Istijál (Majesty), 17 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, April 6, 2023 On the first Thankful Thursday in April 2023, I contemplate everything I am grateful for and realize that I have more to give thanks for than the things I have listed. One of those things is the ability to pay the rent every month. Another is that I have food everyday. I think I have gotten into a rut by listing the same things or almost the same things every week. On the first Thankful Thursday in April 2023, I am thankful ... ...that "Daylight Savings Time Nightmare." won third place in the March "SENIOR CENTER FORUM" contest. ...for the merit badge I received. ...that I won first place in "Journalistic Intentions" Round 11. ...for the yogurt I had as a morning snack. ...that it is warm enough to open the door this afternoon ...for the hot coffee I had this morning with my mini doughnuts. |
Jalál (Glory), 12 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Saturday, April 1, 2023 Facebook Status Update Happy Saturday! Happy Poetry Writing Month! Each day either write or read a poem. Happy National Poetry Writing Month! Be a poet and write a poem each day or read a poem each day. Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Facebook Status Update Happy Tuesday! It is the first Tuesday in April, and the weather here in Las Vegas is cold. I looked outside, saw a blue sky, shadows of palms trees, and closed the door because the temperature didn't reflect the spring like image. Iḍál (Justice), 16 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Facebook Status Update Easter Sunday Memories On Easter morning a basket containing multicolored Easter eggs and a chocolate bunny sat on the kitchen table. Jalál (Glory), 14 Jalál (Glory) 180 B.E. - Saturday, April 22, 2023 Facebook Status Update It's Earth Day, time to ask "What can I do for my planet?" |
Istijllál (Majesty), 10 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, March 30, 2023 Today I am thankful ... ...that I received an awardicon this last week. ...for hot coffee on this chilly spring morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the banana I had to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to order a new WDC travel coffee mug. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, March 23, 2023 On the fourth Thankful Thursday in March 2023, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 3/17/23-3/23/23. ...that I was able to make both my Desert Radiology and Quest Diagnostics appointments for next week. ...for the awardicon I received 3/22/23. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 179 B.E. - Thursday, March 16, 2023 I am thankful for the merit badges I received between 3/10/23-3/16/23 I am thankful that I was able to get my haircut I got on Saturday, March 11. I am thankful for the liver and onions I had on Monday, March 13. I am thankful that "Vision Problems" was featured in "Comedy Newsletter (March 15, 2023)" . I am thankful for the ability to get out of my chair by myself. I am thankful that I can have the front door open in the afternoon. I am thankful for fresh brewed coffee to go with my mini donuts this morning. I am thankful that the smoke alarm works, even though it goes off when we are using the electric range. I am thankful for the bacon I had to go with my toast and cereal this morning. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 8 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 179 B.E. - Thursday, March 9, 2023 It's been a long week and the week hasn't ended yet. I begin another set of iron infusions on Tuesday, March 7. The second infusion will be on Friday, March 17. Between now and then I plan to get my hair cut. Spring is approach and I need shorter hair. I probably need several other things, but the shorter hair will have to do. Other things I am thankful for. (1) Getting my tablet out of hawk. (2) That today's cloudy morning turned into a warm and sunny afternoon. (3) That I have only five more entries in my Serenity Journal to transcribe into "I Blog Poetry and Prose" . |
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 179 B.E. - Thursday, March 2, 2023 On the first Thankful Thursday in March 2023, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badge I received this week. ...that "From Beyond" was featured in "Comedy Newsletter (March 1, 2023)" . ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful March morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the mini doughnuts I had to go with my coffee. ...that we had a little rain this pas weekend. ...for the frosted mini wheat cereal I had for breakfast. |
Iḍál (Justice), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 179 B.E. - Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Facebook Status Update I give thanks for the spring For the winds of March that bring The cool gentle rain Istijlál (Majesty), 1 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 179 B.E. - Thursday, March 2, 2023 Facebook Status Update On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for the prayers Baha'u'llh revealed for the Nineteen-Day Fast. At 76, I no longer physically Fast. I say the prayers because they help me focus on breaking a specific bad habit. Istijlál (Majesty), 8 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 179 B.E. - Thursday, March 9, 2023 Facebook Status Update A cloudy day in Vegas! Is it going to rain? Maybe, Maybe not. Jamál (Beauty), 18 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 179 B.E. - Sunday, March 19, 2023 Facebook Status Update Naw-Ruz approaches The beginning of a New Year Hope and faith renewed Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Friday, March 24, 2023 Facebook Status Update I find comfort in the poetry of the sacred word. Jamál (Beauty), 6 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Sunday, March 26, 2023 Facebook Status Update Tranquility flows from my soul to my body: The Long Healing Prayer! Iḍál (Justice), 9 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Facebook Status Update Chocolates bunnies the sweet taste of paradise celebrating spring. Istijllál (Majesty), 10 Bahá (Splendour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, March 30, 2023 Facebook Status Update April is approaching when poetic madness takes hold of the poet's soul and a writing frenzy occurs. |