Daily writing prompt

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

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Nuclear weapons, or any implement of war. Imagine the financial outlay and intellectual resources mis-applied over the centuries. Of course, this would mean we either ignore or show superhuman restraint in using various technologies for other, more beneficial purposes. It seems unlikely that this would be possible, given current human tendencies.

The first thing that came to mind was cell phones, but that wouldn’t make sense. Beyond the distraction they cause among our youth, they’re also quite useful, some might say indispensable.

How about pharmaceutical commercials?

Daily writing prompt

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

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I grew up feeling loved. I may not have put that label on it in those early years, but this was driven home as I got older and began realizing how lucky I was to have parents who were committed and engaged and who gave us some space, along with an extended family which largely shared similar values instilled by parents and grandparents.

I got along with my siblings and continue to treasure that bond. And the early years of married life were exhilarating.

Daily writing prompt

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

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Funny you should ask… I started cleaning out my bedroom closet a couple days ago and ended up parting with three bags’ worth of longtime favorites- lined flannels, a couple of zip-up sweatshirts, one from a trip to England and Scotland over 20 years ago, along with a couple of cool and cold-weather jackets. I could still do some further culling, but it’s getting a bit more difficult now.

Other than clothing, there are always the boxes of stuff never opened after several moves, but some of that is keepsake stuff– mementos and memorabilia, journals and such. And my workbench and tools can always use a good going-over, could be better organized.

In a spiritual, emotional sense, or maybe head space-wise, I could work on letting go of long-held insecurities, and make an attempt at being more conversational, especially with my wife. It’s difficult, because I have never felt compelled to speak if I didn’t have anything to say. I don’t talk for the sake of talking or breaking silence. I used to have to do that when I was in the Parish Pastor setting and visiting people, but manufactured dialogue was and remains a chore sometimes. Maybe it’s a matter of being less concerned with quality, and more concerned with basic communication and connection.

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite animal?

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Of the domesticated variety, I’d have to say dogs. Undomesticated? Probably one of the big cats, maybe the cheetah. Their speed and maneuverability are stunning, and they’ve always seemed somewhat refined to me.

Birds are fascinating, as well. Floating on the thermals, getting, well, a bird’s eye view of everything. I’ve always been a bit envious.

Daily writing prompt

In what ways do you communicate online?

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I’ve always tried to minimize my online footprint, which is most likely futile. As it is, I use the texting app on my phone, along with email, a weekly Zoom session with family, and an occasional Facetime chat. That’s enough of a cyber plunge.

No X, Instagram, TikTok, or anything else of that nature.

Daily writing prompt

Think back on your most memorable road trip.

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This time around, it’s a trip we took as a family in the summer of 1964, when we drove from our home in central Massachusetts to Sycamore, IL.

There were seven of us– Mom and Dad, my two brothers and two sisters, the youngest of which was less than a year old. I was 10. We were riding in a maroon 1960 Pontiac Catalina station wagon, a boat-like vehicle with few modern safety features– if there were seatbelts, they weren’t used, and there might have been a padded dashboard. The speed limit on I-90 was at least 70 MPH most of the way.

I forget where we stayed the first night, probably somewhere in Ohio, but I do remember seeing Lake Erie for the first time. My Dad pointed it out by saying something like, “Look over there. See that blue that looks like sky? That’s actually water.” Or something like that. It was an amazing sight.

I don’t remember everything about our stay at our aunt and uncle’s place, mostly bits and pieces. I do remember a thunderstorm that forced us to sleep on the living room floor one night (we had been sleeping in a screened-in portion of an outbuilding on the property). We got to meet some folks on my uncle’s side of the family, connections we’d have for the rest of our lives. We went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and took in a Yankees-White Sox game at Comiskey Park. Whitey Ford was on the mound, and I think both Mantle and Maris were playing.

I remember, on the way home, stopping at Niagara Falls and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. And I also recall that by the time we got to Cooperstown, we were all getting tired and cranky from sitting in a confined space for extended periods of time.

When school started back up, it was the experience I shared with the class when we talked about What We Did This Summer.

Daily writing prompt

What snack would you eat right now?

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Just about any flavor of Pop Corners, an Oatmeal Raisin Clif Bar, Smartfood White Cheddar popcorn, regular popped corn with a bit of salt, an apple, cheese and crackers, a bowl of cereal. Maybe a small piece of dark chocolate for dessert…

Daily writing prompt

Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

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Nothing is jumping out at me except the first baseball glove I ever had. My Uncle Freddie gave it to me and I used it from Little League all the way up to when I tried out for the high school team. I eventually got a new one because it was too small and used hard over the years.

I really can’t think of anything else, besides “souvenirs” I would take home from trips to different places– a rock, a pine cone, a shell, or something like that.

Daily writing prompt

What is your mission?

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Given the current goings on in America, I’d say to be an engaged citizen. I know how all this feels to me, and it doesn’t feel right. We’re being “led” by a cornered rat, a lying, self-absorbed, incompetent, immature, shallow, vengeful, and angry old man. And the people around him are awful for similar and different reasons.

Interesting time to be alive, to put it mildly.

Daily writing prompt

What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

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Once most people reach the age of cognition, maybe they hope to stick around for as long as possible. My thoughts largely reflect this desire– as long as I’m able to fend for myself and not become a major burden to anyone. Quality of life has become a cliched catchphrase, but it does matter when one is talking about living a long time.

There is a difference between maintaining a certain vitality and merely existing, though in each case there may still be a drive to stay alive. Some people have a death wish and sometimes that wish is granted, but by and large, I believe folks prefer to not just survive but to live a long, satisfying life. Love, laughter, a certain autonomy, living free of strife and sickness and oppression, maybe even leaving their mark, leaving some sort of legacy. Or at least being missed when they’re gone.