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 |   Second blog -- answers to an ocean of prompts |
 "Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself." CHARLIE CHAPLIN  Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet confinement of your aloneness to learn anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you. David Whyte        This is my supplementary blog in which I will post entries written for prompts. |
| Prompt: Happily ever after is just the start of a new adventure in a story. Write about this in your Blog entry today. --------------- We humans cannot help but return to our ape origins, no matter what any religion says about our composition. One of those "aping" incidents is the "happily every after" phrase. In the Google search I'm going to paste after my two-cents on the phrase is: "By the 1880s, we can already find authors calling 'happily ever after' out as BS." And BS it is as how I see it, since there is no "ever after" guaranteed to us people who are born to die. I had thought, once, I had the happily ever after, but my husband passed away. So there was an end and no ever after. On the plus side though, be it very temporarily, the phrase makes people happy, like the foolishness of "the tooth fairy" and "the stork bringing babies" do to children. I guess even us so-called adults succumb to believing in magical happinesses, while true happiness comes from reality and how we face and adapt to that reality with logic, hard work, and understanding. In all honesty, I tried to think of a story that started with "happily ever after"; however, the phrase at this point in my life turns me off so much that I was unable to write anything, let alone a plausible story that started with it. On second thought, however, here is something that popped up into my mind just before I saved this entry. The prince said, kneeling in front of the princess, "Happily ever after? What do you say?" The princess, who was Scrooge's daughter, answered: "Bah! Humbug!" Here is what my Google Search came up with the information about the phrase: This particular phrase is recorded by the early 1700s, but by the 1860s it had become commonly associated with fairy tale and children’s stories. It especially appears in they lived happily ever after—making sure all the princes married their princesses in their castles and enjoyed the rest of their days. By the 1880s, we can already find authors calling happily after ever out as BS. What, exactly, cemented this connection isn’t clear, as the historic sources of fairy tales don’t feature happily ever after. Nevertheless, the connection was sealed by the 20th century. Not only have countless stories closed with (happily) ever after, but the phrase itself has come to represent fairy tales and happy endings—and marriages, where happily ever after is the storybook ending we’re told to dream of. Finishing actual stories with living happily ever after became cliché by the 1990–2000s, but popular media, writing, and speech widely use ever after in titles in everything from collections of fairy tales to self-help books on retirement. Disney even has a wedding blog called Ever After. And, remember that Drew Barrymore movie Ever After, a 1998 fantasy romance? Ever after has become so common that we can use it like a noun (e.g., we’re all searching for our happily ever after or he finally found his ever after). How … nauseating. . |
| Prompt: Pets "Pets devour the loneliness." Nick Trout Do you have pets? Which kinds of pets are the best for lonely people? And if you could, which wild animal would you choose as your companion-pet if it were legally possible? ---------- Which kinds of pets for lonely people? For people who live alone, the right pet for companionship can make a world of difference. Their choices could be dogs who act like they are almost human, or cats who are independent but affectionate, or birds, fish, and other small mammals like turtles, rabbits, hamsters etc. Some people also like big snakes, but I don't see how a huge phyton could make a good companion for a lonely old person, as it is important to consider one's lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences when choosing a pet. As for me, I have the honor of living with a black cat, Noche, who graces my home and heart with her presence. Noche was not always my cat, however. Noche was first adopted, when she was only a few weeks old, by my son and her then wife. Noche also came to stay with us together with their other cat several times when my son's family went on a vacation. I always felt a liking for Noche. She was aloof, didn't take to anyone at the drop of a hat, and she had her ways. Once I even saw her hiss at the other cat. I have to say that has been the only time I saw her hiss. Then, they got the dog. A Chesapeake Retriever mix who turned into a giant dog and ruled over the cats without mercy. Although we all loved this dog, Noche didn't. The other cat sometimes let the dog win and sometimes she held her ground. Not Noche! Noche started being naughty instead. She peed and pooped all over their house and tore the furniture down. To the point that my son and his then-wife began truly hating Noche. So much so that, they decided to take her to a kill-less shelter. That was three-years ago. At the time, I was thinking of getting a dog to walk around with. Yet, I had read in the news that shelters gave the cats to labs that did medical experiments on them. That news did it for me Thus, one day, when my son brought Noche to me, he said, "This is only an experiment, Mom, only because you wanted her. If it doesn't work, I'm really taking her to the shelter." Hehehe! An experiment! That's what he thought! Well, it wasn't easy to make Noche behave much better, but I understood her and dealt with her occasional setbacks in behavior and my son never knew of those setbacks, well, not fully. So now, the fifteen year-old Noche is my best friend and possibly therapist, too. She sleeps with me and is around me all the time and has given me a sense of purpose. If I am busy with doing something too long on the computer or any other thing, she comes and demands my attention. Also, Noche is very vocal. It is hard to believe but at times, we have a two-way conversation going on. Then, she also knows when my arthritis flares up and comes and puts her paws on me and purrs. Before I was married, which is a lot more than five decades ago, I lived in a house that was full of cats as my aunt who lived with us was a cat lady, and I, too, always had cats. Then, later, because we were traveling so much, we had no pets, except for a dog for the children. Still, I've always had a soft spot for cats, and at this time, Noche has become the queen of that soft spot. Her highness now rules, not with nastiness like she did in my son's house but with the full softness of behavior and understanding. And I'm truly blessed to have her with me in this alone time in my life and no other pet can rival Noche's purring and meows for me. I am a big animal lover, and I love the large cats. I bet they would take to me in no time. I say so because even snakes and lizards that are around the yard are friendly to me. Many decades ago in NY., LI., when I was into gardening, a certain ribbon snake used to sit curled up with her head in the air, close to me, and watch me work. Nowadays the few salamanders who live around my potted plants on the porch do the same thing when I'm sitting inside the covered part of the porch; however, these creatures are not pets. Pets require care and attention, so one needs to make sure to choose a pet that they can provide a good home for. It's also recommended to consider adopting a pet from a shelter, where many loving animals are in need of a home. .  |
| Prompt: Time and Thoughts "In one hour, A person thinks about 3000 thoughts." --Tad James I'm guessing some of those thoughts are the ones that pop up on their own into our minds. What do you think about Tad James's claim and which kinds of thoughts pop up in your mind? Also, is your mind so active that it tires you? ----------- In our fast-paced, modern society, it can be challenging to fully deal with and understand the multitude of thoughts that pass through our minds each day, but then, who knew how many thoughts the cavemen had per hour while trying to stay alive in the earlier harsh environment of this planet? As of our time, in our fast-paced, modern society, it can be challenging to fully engage with and understand the multitude of thoughts that pass through our minds each day. Was it always like this since the dawn of civilization or is this thought activity a reflection of our complex inner worlds? Then, I don't know how they could measure the 3000 thoughts per hour bit, but probably, it had something to do with the brain scans. It may just be that the sheer volume of thoughts that go through the human mind each hour is a testament to our incredible cognitive capabilities. Frankly before I read about this finding, I never knew the amount of stuff (sometimes garbage) that flows through our minds. My belief is at least some of those 3000 thoughts keep happening subconsciously because I'm no genius to handle 3000 thoughts per hour, in reality. As to the kind of thoughts that pop up in my mind, everything is a reminder for something else that may have to do even minutely with me. Case in point, all the photos and artwork on the walls of the house; as soon as my eye catches one of them, they immediately remind me of a person or event or whatever else is related to that picture. Plus, everything else around may act as a reminder, too. Someone's vintage car may remind of my first car, for example, and usually, such a thought comes in a flash. Sometimes, no reminders are needed. Thoughts just appear without any invitation. The stuff I don't want to recall may show up also, and I have no control over them. Luckily, I learned about a valuable tool. When something sad or disturbing pops up, I consciously and forcefully replace it with a happy idea or memory. This isn't easy and it takes a lot of practice, but it has been working for me. Does my mind tire me? I don't think so. If I had only the negatives and worries in it, it would tire me, for sure. But I learned (and am still learning) about dealing with hurtful and tiresome negatives, and I even like most of my thoughts that pop up unannounced. This is because, in the long run, our thoughts allow us to make the most of our inner world and the countless ideas our minds produce. . |
| Prompt: Here's your opportunity to get up on the podium for your good friend Tom. He's a turkey and he's asked you to save his life by speaking up for him at the town meeting. What do you want to say on his behalf? And what would you offer as a replacement for Tom Turkey at Thanksgiving dinner. Have fun! ------------  Dear Friends and Fellow Humans, I stand before you today to represent Tom, a humble Thanksgiving turkey, and I am pleading for his life. I implore you to consider the ethical and compassionate choice of sparing Tom from your Thanksgiving dinner table. Tom is just one individual in a world filled with countless creatures, each with a life, feelings, and a desire to live. He too has a family and friends who care for him. He has experienced moments of joy and curiosity, and like all living beings, he possesses an innate instinct to survive. Thanksgiving is a time when we the people gather to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. It's a celebration of abundance, family, and friendship. In the spirit of this holiday, I urge you to reflect upon the values of compassion, empathy, and kindness, and spare Tom from his untimely death. I understand that tradition can be a powerful force, and it's not easy to break free from established customs. However, traditions can evolve and adapt to our growing understanding of the world. This Thanksgiving, I beseech you to set a new tradition, one that values the sanctity of life and chooses to celebrate with compassion. Please, consider sparing Tom's life and making a difference this Thanksgiving. Choose a meal that embodies the spirit of gratitude, empathy, and kindness. Together, we can create a brighter and more compassionate world for all. With heartfelt hope and gratitude, I thank you for listening to me. Before I go, I'm offering you a list of other food options for Thanksgiving:  Tofurkey or Vegetarian/Vegan Roast: These products are designed to mimic the taste and texture of turkey without using any animal products Butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, or lentils. Stuffed Peppers And if you have to have meat: Seafood or other meat alternatives such as the meat taken from an already slaughtered larger animal like pork and beef.Thank you again for considering to save a beautiful life, the life of our friend, Tom. . |
| Write about your first job and what it taught you. ----- My first job, so to speak, was tutoring a ten year-old neighbor's child who was attending a very strict private school. It seemed she was doomed to fail and the parents didn't know what to do. At the time, I was in jr. high and her mother asked my mother if she'd let me go over her child's work and tutor her, so at least she wouldn't fail everything. Also, that kid really liked me and was delighted at the idea, and I had the reputation of a good student. So, I did tutor her in everything, which started my at-home tutoring career that lasted until I finished the Uni., only because the girl not only passed that year, she also got very good marks on her report card at the end. This incident became the talk of the neighborhood and people began bringing their kids to me. As to the first girl I tutored, I later realized she needed a one-on-one type of teaching because she had a serious attention deficit, which the schools at the time had no inkling of. I learned a lot from tutoring her, more than what she learned from me. Then, I used that experience as information in my later work, and I also got a teaching license which I used for only a short time in a high-school sr. class, in which the kids were deemed to be disturbed or low-functioning. At the end of the year, my students got very high grades in my subject. After that, however, I'd had it with tutoring and teaching and branched into other areas. Plus, I also got married then, and my husband who was in mental health, warned me of the toll this type of a job (i.e. teaching) would take on me, especially in the long run. I sometimes wonder if I would still have stayed in teaching, if I hadn't met him at that time. All these tutoring experiences helped me a lot in my life especially when raising my own kids. I could see why they did not succeed up to par or why they did so well. In most their cases, their relationships with the classroom teachers became the key, but luckily neither had to repeat a grade or get too low a mark in any one subject. I think teaching/tutoring is an underrated profession and, to this day, no one takes into account the drainage in a teacher's health; physical or mental. Thus, some school districts just employ anyone who knows something about any subject as teachers for the lack of quality teachers. Teaching is much more than the bland information on any one subject. It has to do with relating to the students, and not just some but all of them. . |
| Prompt: On November 3rd Black Bart makes his last stagecoach robbery. I've included the link if you're needing some inspiration. If you lived in the 1800's and wanted to commit a robbery, what kind of robbery would you commit and where do you think it would be ideal to commit your crime? Or maybe you'd rather be like Stagecoach Mary the daring black woman who protected stagecoaches instead of choosing a life of crime. Have fun and remember the minimum is five lines to be counted. Maybe you'll be inspired to write more. --------------- You know, it's challenging enough to be living in the first part of the 21st century after having gone through all that in the second half of the 20th century. Why would I want to go to the eighteen hundreds, then? Why because the prompt asks me to. So here it goes:I, Sammy, (actually Samantha Wright) have been known for my sharp eyes, quick reflexes and unwavering resolve to safeguard the travelers and, in my case, the mail carriage of the stagecoach Company Concord, owned by my father. On this miserable late autumn day, however, with the protector-guard of a travelers' coach suddenly falling ill, I had to take over for him and guard that coach without even my father knowing about this situation. This particular stagecoach would be carrying a wealthy heiress, from San Francisco to some place called Eureka in Nevada, to be betrothed to a rich miner who had struck gold. Although, Miss Abigail, the heiress, shivered when she saw me with my Winchester rifle, I whispered to her that she shouldn't be scared because although in a man's attire, I was a woman. She gave me a wry smile and said in a thin voice, "Heavens, I do not know whether to relax or be more worried." Why some women think they are so helpless, passes me by. Anyway, at least, she wouldn't be afraid of me or my intentions concerning her you know what. Somewhere along the way, when we had just entered the vast plains of the Nevada, a pack of notorious outlaws descended on us. I yelled at Abigail to kneel down inside the coach and take cover, although I felt for her since she was probably wearing a tight corset and several petticoats. Then, I started shooting. The bandits were fierce fighters. Their bullets whizzed past me, Thank the Lord, but they splintered the wooden coach and the hoofs of their horses picked up a cloud of dust. Yet, I remained untouched for a good while as my trusty rifle, echoed through the valley. With each outlaw that fell, the remaining ones grew wilder and their attacks became more desperate. Then a stray bullet found its mark on my shoulder. Luckily, for us, a Sheriff with his posse arrived and took care of the situation. I was wounded but the stagecoach driver was in a worse shape. He wasn't too badly hurt but both his hands were shot, and he had wet himself with fear. Thus, the job of driving the stagecoach to Eureka fell on me, with two of the Sheriff's men riding near us as guards. "Take care of that shoulder, Will ya?" said the Sheriff to me as he and his men took the remaining two outlaws with them. My worst worry, however, wasn't my shoulder. It was my father. What if he'd take me away from my job and marry me off? I took a look at Miss Abigail. She was all white still and shivering with fear. I'd hate to wear corsets and petticoats and be scared of my own shadow, like her. Please Lord, help me with my father! . |
| Prompt: Cookie Monster Day is today Write about your favorite Muppets or write about cookies or both for your Blog entry today. ------------------ I missed all the fun! I was too old for Sesame Street! When Sesame Street came about, I was already married and had a child. In fact, my older son became a Sesame Street afficionado even before he could speak. He had an indoor baby swing for babies we had placed across from the TV. He sat inside that swing, wearing a diaper with his legs dangling from the seat's holes, and watched Sesame Street. He was less than a year old then, and in a few months, that Cookie Monster became his favorite muppet friend. The way the Cookie Monster crushed and crumbled cookies as he ate them made him laugh a lot. I don't know what made Cookie Monster his favorite. Was it this muppet's distinctive voice, his way of speaking or his declaration of "Me want cookie" or his googly eyes or was it his voracious appetite for cookies, who knew! My son used to sing that song, "C is for Cookie" together with the muppet and he could say the alphabet before he even talked in three word sentences. Then, who can ever blame the Cookie Monster, when cookies in our popular culture and in our culinary world continue to be a source of joy and comfort! As baked goods, they come in a wide variety of shapes, flavors, and textures. From the classic chocolate chip cookie to intricately decorated sugar cookies and delicate macaroons, cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many of us. Now that I talked about cookies and made myself want some, maybe its time for me to head to the kitchen and make some apple-cinnamon cookies.  . |
| Prompt: Write about a magical pumpkin that comes to life. ---------- Her dress was made of a pumpkin's green vine's leaves, and her wings glistened like dewdrops in the morning sun. She had bright, twinkling eyes that held the wisdom of ages and a mischievous smile that hinted at her magical nature. She was Pumpkinella, the magical pumpkin fairy. Pumpkinella had first come to life eons ago, emerging from a pumpkin. And during the night, after the sun set before the Pumpkin Day when the pumpkin patch was bathed in shimmering light, a chosen pumpkin had begun to shake and quiver. Then, it had opened up and its insides slowly had changed into this tiny enchanting creature. Just like in the beginning, this year, too, the most splendid pumpkin was an enormous, radiant orange pumpkin with swirling patterns that seemed to dance under the moonlight. Its surface was smooth, and it emitted a soft, warm glow that bathed the entire patch in a gentle, golden light. It is no wonder that only from this special pumpkin, the fairy Pumpkinella finally appeared with the wisdom of ages twinkling in her eyes. Now, finally in her fairy form again, Pumpkinella flew into the moonlit night to explore the village, her laughter of joy tinkling like windchimes in the breeze. She sprinkled stardust on the villagers' homes, making their dreams sweet and happy. She even played little pranks, turning pumpkins into mini carriages and mice into horses, bringing wonder and whimsy to the village. And why not? Of course, she could. After all who says that only Cinderella's fairy godmother can perform such magic! The next day, when the festival began, the villagers in the town square marveled at the enchanted pumpkins and rejoiced as Pumpkinella watched from the shadow of an elm tree, feeling the happiness of the people in her tiny magical bones. Unfortunately, her time of fun was limited and she knew it. When the first rays of the setting sun touched the pumpkin patch, she felt the pull of her pumpkin form, and she fluttered back to her radiant pumpkin to merge her pumpkin vine dress with this pumpkin's surface. Later, when the sun dipped below the horizon and the pumpkin patch was once again bathed in a magical light, Pumpkinella transformed back into this pumpkin, to stay hidden with her secret until the next year when she'd be born again maybe from a different pumpkin, then. . |
| DAY 2901--October 30, 2023 Prompt: Halloween Monsters If you could create your very own monster, what would it look like? And/or do you know someone in real life that you could create as a monster in your writing? -------------- My very own monster would look exactly like me, especially when I see me in the mirror sometimes. As to creating a monster from someone I know, I can do that with just anybody, but I wouldn't tell them about it, would I! This is because all people have darker aspects in their make-up. It is just human nature. If I were to create a monster from someone, I would try to make it believable. I would try to go into the mind and motivations of my real-life inspiration, which just gave me an idea about someone I know who is so sensitive and touchy that she thinks the whole world is out to get her. She's even upset with someone else's success, and no, I'm not kidding. This happened during the last two months. Sometimes when she talks about such things that bother her, she's no better than Count Dracula or Frankenstein. As such, even when the monster is twisted or acts to the extreme, its actions and motivations have a rational basis that has to do with the personal or societal factors. This way, I would avoid making the monster purely evil or purely good. Then, I would let the monster develop/evolve its character toward the better or the worst. Just imagine Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs! Thus, I guess, I would humanize the monster by its backstory and giving it moments of vulnerability and internal conflicts, so the readers do not hate it totally but are intrigued by it. Also, I might use the monster as a symbol for deeper themes, such as unchecked power or erosion of morality, and I probably could use it to explore ethical dilemmas, such as in criminal justice, mental health, or societal responsibility. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ DAY 2902--October 31, 2023 Prompt: Sudden Scary Things Which sudden things would scare you? A certain sound, a scream, the doorbell, finding yourself suddenly alone in a graveyard or in a tight place, a stuffed toy coming alive... or anything else? ----- I am not scared easily but sometimes I'm startled suddenly or annoyed with loud noises like a car horns, sirens, fireworks, thunder, etc. The sudden scary stuff is often used in horror movies and, I guess, video games. It's no wonder the way some people behaved, people who were into video games too much. The sudden, unexpected appearances of frightening or startling images or sounds could knock anyone off their sanity. Another scary thing would be a sudden animal encounter and even worse hearing a wild animal in the thick of the night. Imagine a sudden lion's roar or a bat's cry in the dark when you're alone outside, say in the woods. Any kind of scream or cry, especially when it sounds like someone's in distress can be quite startling and unnerving, too. Yet, fear is a subjective experience influenced by a person's past experiences, temperament, and context. As such, individual reactions to any sudden sound or appearances can vary and what one person finds scary, another may not. . |
| Prompt: What is your dream project? ------------------- I don't have a dream project that I personally work hard at. At this time in my life, I just want to keep going and live through each day the best I can. Having said that, for those younger than me, dream projects have the potential to be incredibly helpful to people, and not just persons themselves but also a whole community and maybe even the entire globe. Good dream projects often are a combination of vision, innovation, collaboration, and determination. This is because when they are ready to become real, their benefits can be immense. Dream projects usually vary widely in scope and focus. Among some examples of them with potential benefits to all is the clean energy revolution and environmental conservation. A project like this has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fight the climate change, and ensure a sustainable energy future for generations. Space exploration and colonization, as far-off as it seems, can be another ambitious dream. I mean how about mining the asteroids or getting Jupiter's gold? Some of the dreams that are not that far-off could be the medical breakthroughs, global education access, and social and economic equality. Still, my favorite one involves dream projects in the areas of arts and culture. Imagine artists and even regular people creating groundbreaking works of art, preserving cultural heritages, and encouraging cultural exchange. This could not only promote a sense of belonging and enhance the quality of our lives but also possibly could avoid wars between different groups and nations. Now isn't this something special to wish for all humanity? . |
| Prompt: The recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine reminds us again about guns not being regulated enough in this country. How do you feel about the current laws on guns? Should the laws be more restrictive? What needs to be done to end gun violence? -------- Unfortunately, gun violence happens in malls, schools, neighborhoods, and just about everywhere. Do we want to live in fear because guns are so easy to obtain by people who cannot think straight? I think this is the question lawmakers need to answer truthfully without being cajoled by groups that promote pro or anti gun laws. In my opinion, just like the perpetrators, the lawmakers we choose ourselves do not think straight either. Those proponents of not touching the existing laws claim that background checks, mental health screening, safe storage and education would solve the problem. Anyone who has ever worked in mental health would know that the screening will not work. One never knows when a seemingly normal person could suddenly lose it. For the same reason, background checks are not dependable. Safe storage and education should be done, yes, but there is no safe storage of any kind when it comes to enforcing it. Besides, even little kids nowadays know how to undo anything especially if it involves any technology. On the other hand, a strict assault weapons ban could work to some degree. In the US, gun laws are under federal and state jurisdiction. Then, the second amendment to the Constitution protects an individual's right to bear arms, which has been a significant influence on gun policy and regulation. I'd say let's go back to the time when the second amendment was ratified and let those guns of that time be okay for bearing arms. No one would touch that, would they! Then, there are the very varied state laws, where in some states, regulations are more permissive. It's very easy to get an assault weapon in such a state and take it to another less permissive state. I don't know exactly what the answer is, in view of the political, cultural, and constitutional factors. It seems no single solution exists that could satisfy all sides of the debate, as this is a complex issue; however, my feelings and sixth sense tell me that the laws we have are not protecting us well enough, and I will applaud any legislator that addresses effectively this gun violence problem we're having. . |
| Prompt: Six weeks before Covid, I saw a fox by the bucket factory 🏭 by the railroad tracks. We don't have many foxes since they were hunted to extinction sixty years ago. Was seeing this fox a omen of bad things to come? Write about signs and symbols that could be a omen of bad things to come. Write about this in your Blog entry today. ----------- I think your seeing the fox is a good sign that the foxes were not "hunted to extinction," but I wouldn't consider it an omen. It just shows the life force and resistance of a species not to leave this planet. As for me, I don't believe in omens or pre-ordained signs of any kind. I wish I could give you an entertaining personal story about omens and signs, but it is not to be, for I believe that some or most things in life are only coincidences. Still, omens and signs are fascinating and would be fun to write about in some genres like horror and fantasy. What emotionally vulnerable people may think to be omens could be a pattern recognition. Even seemingly random occurrences can be perceived as meaningful if they fit into a larger pattern or narrative. Then, people have selective memories or a tendency to recall when or how a certain sign proved to be true, while conveniently forgetting the times that specific sign had not been true. Plus, the stories from others, especially people they respect and believe in, like their elders and good friends, also help solidify the belief in omens and signs. Yet, omens and signs can provide psychological comfort and maybe a sense of purpose, too, as this mental bias can give people some emotional control over what happens to them, and in this way, they think they can predict the future better. Also, such signs and omens may console us for our shortcomings with the idea that we are part of a larger and more meaningful universe. . |
| Prompt: Let it be and Let it go. How often have you used these concepts to get through problems that arise? ----------- Such powerful and profound concepts these are, yet so simple and easy to say! At first glance they add meaning to various aspects of life such as personal growth, decision making, and emotional health. The mindset behind them, the way I look at it, is encouragement with acceptance of the unwanted or the terrible, releasing the pain from it, and being able to move forward. "Let it be" reminded me of a famous Beatles song, which I used to love and still do, for it points to the "letting be" and accepting the challenging situations and finding in me the trust that time will do its healing. "Letting it be" can reduce the stress, accept the imperfections, and focus on what I can change. It other words, "letting it be" enhances my resilience. Resilience has been a life motto for me ever since a very astute high-school home-ec teacher, Miss Lindsay, introduced its true meaning to me and my classmates. "The most important and enduring thing you can instill in yourselves is resilience. It will see you to the end," she said. I think I wrote about Miss Lindsay before. I am still thanking her from the bottom of my heart and may she rest in peace. Then, "let it go," means to me releasing grudges and stopping to carry emotional baggage, and if I can hack it, it tells me to live in the present. It is tougher than "let it be." This is because the mind has a sneaky way of recalling and resurfacing old rotten stuff and bugging the present with it. Luckily, in my old age, I have finally come to the decision of letting it go. This decision may be a conclusion, too. It means forgiving and forgetting all wrongs done to me and doing away with (I hope) all my fears and insecurities. It has been some kind of an empowerment for me and I hope my mind keeps on cooperating. It might have been a little late in coming, but it is now a very welcome concept in my life. . |
| Prompt: Mentors What do you think about mentors? Has a mentor been helpful with your life? If you didn't have a mentor, describe a favorite teacher or relative who helped you. ----------- I owe so much to my mentors who empowered me to investigate several different areas of life, emotional, interpersonal, or professional. They encouraged me and supported me through my joys and trials, and they did this without any prejudice or a complaint or without this being as if it were a duty for them. My earliest mentors were my uncle, my grandmother, a high-school lit teacher, and another high-school home-ec teacher, then later, an assistant professor in the uni. Maybe they mentored me out of a sense of duty, but I never felt it. I always felt they enjoyed my company. Some say mentoring is a two-way street and mentors also learn from those who they mentor. I am not sure if any one of my mentors learned from me; therefore, I doubt this idea. I, however, cannot ever repay their attention, their sharing their life and time, and their support when I most needed it. Because of my experiences with my mentors, I believe a good mentor teaches cooperation, respect for knowledge, respect for people who know more, and he or she fosters a sense of purpose, direction, and clarity in a young or inexperienced person's thinking and life goals, letting the mentored person experience courage and self-confidence. This way, the benefits of true mentoring way surpass just a simple knowledge transfer, as mentors also give emotional support and encouragement, and aid and add to the know-how in career advancement and skill development of a young person. Truth be told, my mentors became my role models throughout my life. Thus, their effects on me has been life-long, probably or partly because my mentors tailored their guidance to my needs and circumstances. I am forever grateful to them for their interest in me and for all their patience and understanding. . |
| Prompt: War What do you think about wars? Is a war ever justified? Has there ever been a successful war? Can a war save or spend innocent lives? ------------- At the moment, our world is teetering at the edge with several conflicts going on, on top of what's happening in the Middle East and Ukraine. "Why the aggression, in any shape or form, of one group of people against another?" I ask, especially because wars have a tendency like cancer to grow and involve more and more of us. I fear the end solution when this cancer metastasizes. War is never a preferred solution although it sometimes seems as if it is justified. Those who deem it justified push the idea of self-defense and humanitarian intervention. The idea of self-defense is enshrined in international law and is accepted as a legitimate reason for war. But is it really? Sometimes, war happens as if it is humanitarian intervention, especially when genocide or ethnic cleansing takes place. It may have proven true at the end of World War II, but this is still a contentious justification, and it raises questions about the motives and consequences of such interventions, be it by several certain nations coming together. The way I see it, no lives are really saved by war, except more lives are lost, and it doesn't matter which side, right or wrong as what's right or wrong is an iffy concept, depending on who you talk to. Yet, very rarely and possibly when all else has failed, after assessing the moral and ethical considerations, war can be deemed as a last resort, but even then, the expected benefits must outweigh the expected harm. Even this is an iffy solution, because in this day and age with the masses of weaponry and technology that can harm the entire planet, even a justified war is dangerous for the existence of humankind. Then how can we avoid the wars? I'd say, to begin with, let's not side with or defend any country that starts the idea. Instead, we can bolster the economic ties between all nations as economic interdependence can act as a good deterrent to war. This interdependence for economy and peace can urge the countries to resolve disputes through negotiation rather than confrontation, and it can help encourage the freedoms of the masses so that one group of people does not enslave another group. Other means could be extensive cultural exchanges and education, especially promoted in schools, could invest in the acceptance and understanding of alien groups, nations, and countries of the younger generations. This was being done at one time or another, but at times, either funds become lacking or the interest wanes and this type of education becomes an on-and-off thing. The best way to avoid a war, I believe, is diplomacy and successes in conflict resolution, mediation, and international organizations that push forward international agreements and treaties, such as arms control (btw, good luck with that one!), non-proliferation pacts, and fair trade agreements. These can be incentives for peaceful coexistence of the people of the earth and they can promote cooperation and avoidance of wars. To wrap up the idea of a warless planet, it is important for nations to continuously work together to find common ground and strive for peaceful resolutions to disputes without taking sides, and ultimately making our world a safer and more stable place. . |
| Blog City prompt: “If you're horrible to me, I'm going to write a song about it, and you won't like it. That's how I operate.”― Taylor Swift Most of can't write songs like Swift but we can write. This is your opportunity to vent about things that didn't go as you hoped. Have fun! ----------- Well, I'm no Taylor Swift and if I ever complained about anything in my writing, a reader will never know if what I write about is real or made-up. This is probably because I believe that thinking and even venting on the negative, makes that negative feel even stronger. The only place I may really vent is probably my blog or an essay or two. Then, since the prompt asks, here is something that got me upset about a month ago. I received in the snail mail from our town that my house had a code violence and in a harsh tone. Now, since the 2004 hurricanes messed up the attached pool area extension, no new addition or anything was added to the area. Anyhow, whatever we did, we got the town's okay. Even the people who I hire for repairs, I ask them to get a permit. A phone call cleared the confusion, however. Someone said it was because of the black rot on the outside back wall of the house. I hired a pressure cleaning company who found the black rot, which was hidden from the eyes and was only about 10 inch square. That company got rid of the small rot and cleaned and painted the entire back wall of the extension. What the town really thought was black rot probably was the black foam the builders in 2004 put under the roof over the extension to glue the roof better. That foam wasn't on the roof of the main house either. I e-mailed the person who was heading this, with the copy of the pressure-cleaning-company's receipt and the explanation of the black foam thing on the inside of the roof. He wrote back immediately and said he'd send someone to inspect it again. Now, I appreciate the town's minute attention to how we keep our houses here, but for something so little, couldn't someone just ring the front door and tell me or send a letter explaining the problem in the first place about that 10 inch square thing? Why send an official violation-code letter that gave no details and unnerved me? Now that I've said my piece (or peace? ), I want to write a bit about the real writers writing to vent. Yes, they do and the most famous ones that come to mind at the moment are:Virginia Woolf: In "A Room of One's Own," she complained about the limitations and lack of opportunities for women in the literary world. Sylvia Plath: Her autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" explores the challenges faced by women in the 1950s and their struggles with mental health. Plath herself battled depression and wrote about her experiences to highlight the pressure and expectations on women in her time. Charles Dickens: In his "Oliver Twist" and "Hard Times," and other works, he portrayed the harsh conditions of the working class during the Victorian era and criticized the injustices and inequalities of his time. George Orwell: In "1984," he expressed his concerns about the dangers of government surveillance and propaganda versus the individual freedoms and privacy. Those I mentioned above and many other writers have used their craft to express their frustrations, sorrows, and grievances, often in the form of personal essays, memoirs, or in their creative works. Their unique perspectives could be a therapeutic outlet like that of Taylor Swift's or it may be a social commentary or a seeking for empathy and connection. Then there is that artistic inspiration from one's own pain and suffering which may also lead to some existential exploration of the human condition. Yet, not all writers resort to complaining about their misfortunes. And in my case, did writing about what happened with the town help me? I don't think so. I had just about forgotten it and it popped up in my mind again.  . |
| Let this quote inspire your entry today: “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ― Albert Camus This classic autumn quote is so true! Although you may have a few flowers still blooming in your garden, it’s difficult to compare to the brilliance of the red and orange gardens we see on the trees during October. What's it like in your area... vibrant colors or mostly green. Squirrels gathering nuts? Leaves strewn everywhere from the rain and wind. Take us into your world. ---------------- Yes, the quote is absolutely beautiful and it points to what the scenery looked like up north when we used to live there. Where we are now, in way south, everything is green and stays green except for a maudlin Northern tree or bush some displaced northerners tried to put in because in their hearts they couldn't let go of the northern fall seasons. What they fail to see is that the climate here is warm and humid throughout the year with an exceptional day or two, occasionally. While the foliage turns so colorful in the North, down here evergreen and tropical trees such as the different species of palms, mangroves, and bougainvillea remain lush and verdant throughout the year. I, on the other hand, as another displaced northerner, with my love for roses, had some success with keeping the rose bushes alive. In addition to putting them in semi-shade, I learned the hard way not to neglect to water them three times a day in summer, which doesn't guarantee 100% success either. Also, the hurricane season, which at this time, is about to leave us alone (I hope) does a number on all plants and trees, should such a storm should hit the area. With wildlife, however, we are lucky because one can witness unique animals here. In addition to the local wildlife, with the southern autumn, we also get some migrating birds and other animals from elsewhere. This is because the late October and November is the beginning of the tourist season here and wildlife is no exception. As to "squirrels gathering nuts", yes, we have them here, too, but they are a scarce sight and they are no bigger than rats, probably because hawks and eagles get them before they can grow. For that very fear of the predator wildlife, I don't let my cat out of the house. For fresh air she is allowed to go in the enclosed porch and that's that. I was especially frightened for her when a neighbor's huge St. Bernard wandered off to a creek a few streets away and a gator got him. As entertainment in autumn, fun events and music and art festivals reflecting the region's culture mostly take place outdoors for those who like such things. Still, they are not the colorful "leaves strewn everywhere" that a Northern autumn stages. . |
| Prompt: How do you shake off a bad mood? --------- Aren't bad moods a natural part of life? Well, yes, but who says they have to linger, and worse yet, why should they move in with us, permanently! To ward off one, my main remedy is to keep busy. The harder the mood, the more complicated I make the chores that I pick to involve my mind. Any kind of activity could do. It could be physical or mental. In my case, distracting and involving my attention works the best, like losing myself in a good book. Some people suggest to breathe deeply. Any type of breathing exercises do not work for me. When I interfere with my own breathing, I end up coughing or worse yet, I get an asthma attack. Connecting with someone else may help also, but only sometimes, for I have to be careful not to inject my bad mood in a friend. I guess, listening to music, counting our blessings, meditation, and going outdoors might help, too. Yet, if the mood persists, accepting those icky feelings as natural, stepping away from the source of the bad mood if one knows what that source is, journaling, and seeking professional help could also be considered. As I said in the second paragraph, however, for me, keeping my mind occupied until the mood passes helps me the best. - |
| Prompt: Lara Parker, Angelique, The Witch From The Original Dark Shadows has died. I am saddened by this news. Write about Dark Shadows for your Blog Entry today. ---------- This prompt caught me unawares and I smiled. I really don't know who Lara Parker, Angelique is, but I'm sorry she has passed away. As to Dark Shadows, that show and I go far back to its initial showing on Channel 7 ABC on the NY TVs during the late 1960s or was it the early 1970s, I can't exactly tell. I started watching it every day and I liked it quite a bit, then. In the beginning it was like every other TV Soap, and those who watched it, me included, thought it was about regular people. But after about six months or so, it turned dark, and somewhat suddenly. And Barnabas became the talk of the town and I felt for him because he was unlucky in the beginning and had turned so horrific later. The show was a true horror and melodrama intertwined. When, for me, it lost its footing for not having a good-enough plot, I stopped watching it and the show was taken off the air, soon after that. Many years later, I heard it was back on and had been made into a film, too. Those who watch it say that besides the gothic horror and the supernatural, the show's serialized storytelling also includes time travel. I don't watch TV regularly anymore and I haven't for years now. But I do remember the first year of the introduction of "Dark Shadows," which has probably become a landmark in TV history. . |
| Prompt: Hiding the True Self What do you think of people who knowingly hide a something of their true self? Have you known or read about someone who had to hide their true self or an aspect of their identity? How would this internal conflict affect them as time goes by? -------- To begin with, everyone hides something mostly from themselves and that's why the therapists are in business, but when it comes to doing this knowingly, the question could be "why?" Why? This may have a few reasons, depending on the person. The internal conflict that arises from hiding one's true self, or a part of it, is often rooted in the tension between authenticity and conformity. As a negative, when people suppress their genuine thoughts, emotions, and identities, they may experience anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of emptiness. As to the question of why, the most obvious answer would have to do with being found out by the authorities or the police. Anyone who has read a few books on World War II in Germany will understand this very well. If not the authorities, then the primary reason could be the fear of rejection. People may worry that if they reveal certain aspects of their personality, beliefs, or lifestyles, others may not accept them. This fear can stem from their past experiences of rejection or societal pressures to conform to certain norms. Then, society often imposes expectations on individuals, such as how they should behave, what they should value, or what they should pursue in life. People may hide aspects of themselves to fit into a specific societal mold. Concealing one's true self can be a way to avoid conflicts or arguments, too. People may believe that by not sharing their true opinions or feelings, they can maintain harmony in their relationships or social circles. Sometimes, a culture's or a family's expectations can exert strong pressure on individuals to conform to certain values and behaviors. Hiding one's true self might be a way to maintain a sense of belonging or to avoid disappointing loved ones. This, however, can lead to inner turmoil as they suppress their true thoughts and emotions. Also, sometimes, people hide their true selves as a form of self-protection. They might have vulnerabilities, insecurities, or traumatic experiences that they want to shield from others. Sharing these aspects can make them feel exposed and vulnerable, so they choose to keep them hidden. In addition, there is that professional image and desire for approval that can create havoc within a person. This pursuit of external validation can create internal turmoil as people become disconnected from their genuine selves. Is there a cure for this? Possibly, yes. Self acceptance and self-discovery could be the way to go, but this is difficult to do because it often involves facing fears, confronting past traumas, and gradually revealing true selves to others. Even a step in this direction, can show people a more genuine and fulfilling path in living. After all, not having to hide anything is a big relief, isn't it! . |
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