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 Write, write more, write better! |
 A lot has happened in my first year and a half at WdC. I am a preferred author now, thus a yellow case. I am a published author & a Rising Star! A three-time Quill Awards Nominee in 2016, even. Not a newbie any longer, I have to step up to the plate. Fast-forwarding years, I am still blogging. It's my lifesaver! It's what I do almost every day. I won my first Quill in 2022! I was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2024! After my operation, I was announced cancer-free!! YAY! In 2026, I started a Lifestyle Program to turn around my diabetes with low-carb recipes, exercise, weight loss, and sleep and stress management. It seems to be working! I also started a new spiritual, Christian journey.    This blog will be another reflection of daily scribbles and prompts. To get my Muse going. “10 Steps to Becoming a Better Writer Write. Write more. Write even more. Write even more than that. Write when you don’t want to. Write when you do. Write when you have something to say. Write when you don’t. Write every day. Keep writing.” ― Brian Clark Thanks, Elisa the Melting Stik  for the green awardicon.Other blogs: "All fingers and thumbs " [18+] "Poet @ Work 2" [18+]"In every nook and cranny" [18+]"In honest simple verse" [E]"The Bard's Hall Contest" [18+]"Blog @ Work" [18+] "Meeting Thee" "A Whisper That Breaks The Mold"          .  ![Merit Badge in Quill Fundraising
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| It’s WDC’s 26th Birthday (2) @Witchy Woman  Day 6: Write a flash fiction story about a birthday celebration gone wrong. Story Mistress and Storymaster are counting on you. Minimum word count: 300; maximum: 500. Please put the word count in your entry. Maybe this entry will become more in November's writing challenge. The StoryMaster  and The StoryMistress  were planning their big 26th Birthday party of Writing.com.For the best of the year, they secretly worked on "WdC Writing Season 2026" called Fun Run, Base Camp, and Marathon to launch online on September 1st. Almost everything was ready on August 31, 2 pm., except for one tiny thing. No Internet! What, what, Writing.Com Staff  yelled. What’s wrong? There was frantic telephone communication between Moderators and Staff all over the globe. Robert Waltz  grabbed another beer to drown his sorrow, Thankful Sonali Happy 26 WDC!  cried because the situation seemed hopeless. In a lot of states, the lights went out. All over the world, people were panicking. WdC’s connection fails? Router/modem failure? A major ISP fails? Millions of customers lose access temporarily. DNS problems? The Internet is physically working, but websites appear unreachable because names can’t be translated into addresses. Undersea cables damaged? International connections can become slow or disrupted. A major cyberattack? Large parts of Internet infrastructure or services could be disrupted. Cloud-provider outage? Many unrelated apps and websites could go down simultaneously. Power-grid failure? Internet equipment eventually stops when backup power runs out. Routing mistake? A configuration error could accidentally send traffic the wrong way or make parts of the Internet unreachable. Extreme global scenario? Multiple infrastructure failures at once could fragment the Internet into disconnected regions. When the man put his head through the door opening in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, he smiled: “It was a broken cable; I put a new one in. No sweat!” Everybody cheered. The festivities could continue. Sigh! At midnight that day, it all started. It turned out to be one of the best Birthday parties ever. They all agreed. "We have a few guardian angels", The StoryMaster whispered to The StoryMistress before closing his eyes to go to sleep two days later. They were exhausted. But it was worth everything. Let’s Party. Let’s really party. WC: 306 |
| It’s WDC's 26th Birthday (2) @Witchy Woman Day 5: There are multiple contests celebrating WDC's 26th year. Name at least five of them, and please participate in one of them. In a blog entry, tell us what motivated you to enter the contest you chose. Do you like participating in any specific contest during the year? Do you do your favorite contest every time it is available? w/c 250 Writer’s Cramp, Bard’s Hall Contest, Grill a Christian, WDC Birthday Contest, Poet: Know it, show it Contest WDC 26. |
| It’s WDC-26th Birthday (2) @Witchy Woman Note ▶︎ "World Countries" I found one word search especially appealing because it contained country names. I am internationally oriented on this international website. This prompt reminded me that there are so many cool features besides writing, reviewing, contests, and activities. Puzzles, anagrams, or word chains? I seldom do those. What comes close are acrostic poems, where the poem starts with the letters of the name of the poem. W.O.R.D.S.E.A.R.C.H With WdC’s 26th birthday, spread Over 7 days of celebration Real fun with activities and writing Deadly earnest challenges Simply writing as much as you can Endless use of FUNRUN As a word counter Reeling in BASE CAMP and MARATHON Coming soon: Hope you enjoy everything this season! WC: 115 |
| It’s WDC-26th Birthday (2) @Witchy Woman ”Note” ▶︎ I thought the senior purple case with WDC for more than 20 years is Jeff is Carl & Princess Donut  . I always enjoy it when he has something to say. I think it’s kinda cool that he is working in the film industry. Last Christmas, he surprised me with a Christmas card via the Snail Mail Group with a beautiful drawing of his daughter. I totally enjoyed that. I reviewed a blog entry: "Off the Wagon" Review of "Blogocentric Formulations"  .I have been here at WdC for 10 years now. When I joined, I was hooked from the get-go. Within weeks, I was gifted an upgraded membership; I always suspected it was from the late 🌝 HuntersMoon  . I started blogging immediately and have not stopped since - the one constant factor for all those years.Total word count: > 200, incl. review Oops, I think I did this wrong. I read 20-year WDC, but I must look for 26 years of WDC. So, no good! A little bird told me it's Cappucine  She likes to wear boots! |
| It’s WDC-26th Birthday (2) @Witchy Woman "It's WDC- 26th Birthday" ”Note:” ▶︎ I love blogging, and I love blogs. I currently have around 10 different blogs in my portfolio. Different themes, genres, and subjects. I blog daily. I am a Premium member of the site to have the opportunity to blog more. 25 blogs in total. YAY! |
| It’s WDC-26th Birthday (2) WDC newsletters @Witchy Woman Day 1 Scavenger hunt time-- WDC has weekly newsletters for our community. Can you name them all? Do you know what year the newsletter began? Which one is your favorite and why? Feel free to discuss ones that you've read and appreciated the information. Minimum word count: 250./3 paragraphs There are 13 weekly newsletters: Comedy, Action/Adventure, Contests & Activities, Drama, Spiritual, Romance/Love, Noticing Newbies, Horror/Scary, Fantasy, For Authors, Mystery, Short Stories, and Poetry. I have subscriptions on them all. |
| Within a few hours, it is September 1, and countdown for FUN RUN and "WdC Writing Season 2026" . I am participating in THREE challenges in September: 1. 30-day blogging challenge with "A Whisper That Breaks The Mold" ; 2. Let's Heal with " The Weight Of The Unsaid" (Group Only) and 3. Blog Cities: It's WDC's 26th Birthday with "Blog @ Work 2nd Edition" . Very exciting and very busy indeed. Let's just admit I am glad I don't have to move house too.  For all the 194 or 195 writers participating so far, ENJOY and BE CREATIVE.  |
| I found and bought more supplies to carve stone. I can go downstairs to my cellar and work on the workbench. I own more tools from the previous workshop in the US, but I cannot find it. So, new is in order, new as in used. Now I have another great hobby for the autumn and winter time. I also found a stone and bought another two or three online. They will send them. There are enough videos on YouTube to help me get started again. I don't have to go on a course this time; I can sculpt at home. Looking forward to it! |
| I had a trial ride on an electric tricycle in another part of town. I was convinced a tricycle was the answer to my mobility issues. But alas, I could not sit properly on the thing; I could not go forward even 1 meter. I just couldn't handle the beast. I am now sure this is not for me, although I can take occupational therapy in my neighborhood to learn how to ride a tricycle. So, that's what I learned today. Which means that my new house has to be only 5 minutes walk from a shopping mall or grocery shop. That's what I have now. I don't want to leave; it's that obvious. I am where I'm supposed to be. |
| Someone beat me to it and accepted the house I wanted. I am a bit disappointed, of course, but it's okay. I always knew there were a lot of candidates willing to accept as well. So, I can carry on with my life and focus on the writing next week. Looking forward to all the challenges from September onward. My plans, my lists, and all the things I anticipated are not lost but can be preserved for next time. My current apartment is great, my neighborhood is very cool, and I love it here! So, I keep on going! |
| Today, an appointment with the dentist. She pulled out a molar. Within 5 seconds, the thing was out. Wonderful, sedation so no pain whatsoever. The rest of the afternoon, I kept quiet. I phoned the housing company to ask about procedures on the house. They told me that things might have been delayed because of the holiday period. Fewer consultants meant the process looked as if stopped. But I had to be patient. So, I will be. |
I've organized and planned everything just in case I get the new house. But I am still waiting for news after one week, and I got bored and sidetracked. So I am on an online shopping spree.  I just bought: Book on blogging, Chinese for Dummies, Skinny jeans, Package (20) of autumn clothing, Boots and shoes, Vintage tea set, Red winter coat, 2 pairs of walking boots, Wooden statue, and Red relief of Mary. Now I will stop because I want to save money instead of spending it. It feels ridiculous, but although cheap-priced, it is not something I need; it is something I want because I am anxiously waiting for news. And I can use the money, so it is a stupid move! But alas, it's done! I will wait for those packages next week. Hopefully it will tie me over the waiting period that is still going on. It's not that I mind either way, but it’s the not knowing that is killing me. I also put some items on the equivalent of eBay to sell: Complete study writing short stories, 1 pair of sneakers, 2-person bistro bench, gamer's chair, 2 high small cupboards, 1 mini fridge. Hopefully I will sell as well as I bought, that way I will get even, or save a little bit. Have a good Sunday! |
| This is the blog entry just before I know how the rest of my life will be affected. By a move to a new place with all the uncertainty that goes with it, or a continuation of steps in my familiar surroundings? Strangely enough, I feel calm, and I don’t have a preference anymore. I am okay with both solutions. The last few days, although stressful with waiting to hear news about the house, I also enjoy my neighborhood tremendously. I love this part of the Hague, and I have lived here for almost 20 years with great satisfaction. It has soothed me, comforted me, and welcomed me for decades. And lately it is the home of my church and newfound family. Yesterday and the day before that, I did my evening walks farther than usual because my lumbago is less painful, and I want to exercise more now that the pain is gone again. And it helped me manage the stress of waiting on news about the house. I am prepared to the teeth. And now it’s really out of my hands. I feel supported by the Lord, by Jesus Christ. That means, concretely, I don’t feel alone in this. And, on the writing front, I am looking forward to the activities of my writing season these coming 3 months. Still 10 days before Fun Run, the 30-Day Blogging Challenge will start. We’ve managed to create some wonderful prompts. I am doing a nonfiction project this year in Base Camp and Marathon. So, all three will be a blogging endeavor. Truly exciting! It’s very early in the morning. Deafening silence all around. The birds, the seagulls, are not yapping yet. Calm before the storm! I am ready for the rest of my life. Either way, here or elsewhere in this city. Have a lovely Friday and a good start to your weekend. |
| I am planning my writing assignments just in case I am NOT moving house. Candidate nr. 5 is viewing the house. It's Saturday; I think I'll find out Monday if he/she has said YES or NO! Then it's either over and done, or there is still candidate nr. 6 to tackle. I am nr. 7! Anyway: In September, October, November, there is "Writing Season 2026 ~ FR, BC, & M" . I am planning on the 30-Day Blogging Challenge; Prepping my new non-fiction book and actually writing Blog Insight. Furthermore, in September I am participating in "Let's Heal" with " The Weight Of The Unsaid" , and I am taking a virtual writing trip to haunted houses with "BCoF 's Virtual Haunted Holiday" in October. So, very busy! Perhaps it's better I am not moving house! Ahem, what? I am still in the race, you know, although with a slight chance. Through the open door to the balcony, there is a whiff of flower scent- Jasmine, if I am not mistaken. I love that scent. Have a wonderful and creative weekend! |
| It's very hot today; another weather alert. Code orange, more than 35 degrees. I am busy managing the floor plans, the garden plan, and my to-do lists in case I get the house, since candidate nr. 5 has been offered. He or she has not yet accepted, so I am still in the race as number 7.
It's mind-boggling, and I am so hot because of the weather and the excitement.
I want this house really badly! On the other hand, if it's not for me this time, I am okay with it as well. I did a lot of work that I can use the next time around.
So be it.
I also spotted a three-wheeler bike in the Hague somewhere, for 280,- euro. Cheap and nearby. I have emailed if I can do a test run with it. No reply yet.
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| Today I went for a house viewing with my sister. I was number 8 of the 17 candidates. We ended up in the last 4. There were 3 candidates before me with equal interest. The house was adorable, compact but spacious enough, new kitchen and bathroom, lovely house with garden (terrace). Tomorrow I have to lie in front of my phone because they can call. It’s not like I am a likely candidate, but it’s still feasible. They can decline because of the narrow stairs; they can decline because of the lack of necessary papers. Anyway, if I hear something, I am it; if I don’t hear a thing, someone else is it! Both the first and second choices were good; one woman was waiting for dialysis. I felt for her. So, if I don’t get it, it's okay. I now know my preferred house does exist and I can save money for the move instead. Tomorrow I also have an online morning for my low-carb project on Zoom. I will be waiting with one ear near my phone. I do hope I get the call! There was an eclipse tonight at eight. I didn’t have the special glasses to see the sun, so I missed the moment. Fingers crossed and prayers for tomorrow! Will get you posted. |
| YES!!! I am invited on Wednesday to the most beautiful 3-bedroom house with an open-plan kitchen and conservatory, and a garden. A social rental I really want! I am number 9 on the list of 12 who are invited for a viewing. My sister, who is an expert at moving into social rentals, is coming over to join me. She arrives on Tuesday for a sleepover. I am over the moon. 8 candidates before me have to say no, I know, but my sister was number 48 or something when she got her house. So, it's doable. Fingers crossed, prayers, and it's in God's hands! Both options, moving or not moving, are okay. I now know that my perfect house (on paper anyway) exists; it's just a matter of time. Berging= shed Woonkamer=living room (becomes study) Hal=hallway Keuken=kitchen (open plan) Serre=conservatory (becomes living room) Tuin=garden Slaapkamer 1+2 =bedroom 1+2 Badkamer=bathroom Overloop=landing  |
| A good day today. A friend visited; we had drinks on the balcony in the sun, and I used the two parasols. Then we drove to the home of my stepmom, Toos, a 92-year-old with dementia. I visited her while my friend walked an hour with Sprout. There was a local children's farm visiting the home today. With all kinds of animals (pigs, geese, ducks, rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, the like). 25 residents, including my stepmom, enjoyed the animals. Apparently, the owner of the farm visits homes four times a week. A terrific activity. After that, we went to the nearby fenced land where dogs could run loose. Sprout enjoyed his free time running while we both picked and ate blackberries. Very sweet and a lot! We arrived at my place, sat on the balcony with drinks once more, and left for a restaurant in the nearby park in Rijswijk. A lovely spot in the woods. We ordered shrimps and fries. Nice meal. A lovely day. Once a month, my friend visits me, and we have a day with my stepmom while he is walking Sprout. At night we have dinner; sometimes I pay, and the other time it's his turn. Today it was his! Tomorrow another friend will visit. Because we are both broke, I will cook dinner for him instead of dining out and going to the movies. We postponed that. I will cook stew of potatoes and pointed cabbage with sauce in the oven and two big chicken legs with herbs in the oven. I already made applesauce of apples with cinnamon and lemon. I feel blessed to have both friends in my life. I have a secure small group of friends with whom I interact on a regular basis. That’s golden. |
| "Note:
48-HOUR CHALLENGE : Media Prompt
Dead..." Weezer - Island In The Sun (Spike Jonze Version) 2004 Hip, Hip! What a lovely video with this great relaxing music. All those young animals: lions, chimpanzees, dogs, cats, and bears playing with the boys of the band. I loved this so much. Fluffy paws, love and serenity; the Garden of Eden… This is how life should be: taking care of animals and playing carefully with them. I was just now occupied with some videos on Facebook about dogs in shelters, hoping for a forever home with loving people. Those reels broke my heart, although I tried to distinguish them from tearjerkers created with AI. I never cared for those. This video of Weezer is the best. My own dog Sprout woke up in his crate in the bedroom and looked for me in the study where I am writing this. He is now sleeping behind me in another open crate, the sleep of safety, innocence, and beauty. Oops, as I write this, he walks away, back to the bedroom. I love it that he has a few good and safe places where he can sleep, rest, or hide if he wants to. He is one of those shelter animals who has lived in two shelters, the first under horrifying circumstances…he had suffered a lot, and because of that he was not toilet trained. Very sad. It had to be all stress, because as soon as he was with me in the Netherlands, all the way from Portugal, he never had an accident. It's been 5 years since we met; his 8th birthday is coming Monday! And how I love him. He is the most wonderful dog in my life! Humble, sweet, shy, playful, and so beautiful… love him to bits. Just look at him…  |
un: 
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