Daily writing prompt

If you had an unlimited budget for 24 hours, what would you do?

View all responses

I guess it would depend on whether or not I knew in advance that this opportunity would be coming– lots of ducks to get in a row.

Maybe I’d insist on allocating funding for all the departments and programs that have taken a DOGE hit, like NIH and vaccine research; probably donate to many a Democrat’s campaign fund, bolster the funding for after-school lunches, give a shot in the arm to some local municipal budgets so they can fix their roads and bolster healthcare options, try to talk my wife into buying a bigger property, and buy a vehicle that’s more useful and easier to get in and out of.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a show that had the perfect series finale?

View all responses

I can’t recall many, since I haven’t watched many, but I’ll say either M*A*S*H, or Cheers. It turns out Season 3 of Ted Lasso wasn’t the last season after all.

Oh, and the series finale of Newhart— maybe not perfect, since perfection is such a subjective thing, but unexpected and memorable for all the right reasons.

Daily writing prompt

If you could have dinner with any philosopher, who would it be?

View all responses

Of the ancient ones, probably Socrates. Of the more recent thinkers, perhaps Hannah Arendt.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a moment that made you question reality?

View all responses

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Twice.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a movie you expected to hate but ended up loving?

View all responses

I can’t think of one. I know there have probably been a couple over the years that we ended up watching on TV just as something to do, and were pleasantly surprised, but no titles are coming to mind.

If I go to a theater to watch a movie, it’s usually because I’m interested in seeing it and have heard good things about it, and I can’t remember ever being disappointed.

If I expected to hate a movie, I probably wouldn’t make much of an effort to watch it.

Daily writing prompt

What is the meaning of life?

View all responses

A mysterious, evolutionary inevitability. A happy/unhappy accident.

Asking this question, over and over again, and never really settling on an answer. Except that it means different things to different people… ugh.

Maybe it’s about wrestling with a satisfying answer to “Why?”

Or finding love.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a word or phrase that annoys you?

View all responses

Just sayin’… with all due respect… like,… devastated… traumatized. There are probably others.

Daily writing prompt

How do you plan the perfect road trip?

View all responses

There’s not much planning involved. On the rare occasion when we do hit the road to a destination other than New England, the extent of the planning consists of entering a starting point and destination on Google Maps or some such app, and deciding which route makes the most sense. Most times we don’t even make lodging reservations ahead of time, though we probably would consider doing that if we happen to be traveling during a holiday period. And we might take note of a few points of interest along the way.

Since we aren’t currently driving an electric vehicle, there’s no plotting when and where to refuel. And road trips are usually when we fall off the wagon of healthy eating, unless we come across a Chipotle.

Our main objective is to get to where we want to go. There might be a bit more leeway for balls of twine and such on the return trip.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a moment that made you realize you were stronger than you thought?

View all responses

There are different types of strength. I might be physically stronger than what some might think, just from looking at me, but average at best.

I guess it might be some of the moments in parish ministry when I was called upon to keep my wits about me, my emotions in check– the occasional heated Council meeting, certain hospital visits, a death in a family, offering words and support at a graveside service or funeral.

I remember attending a special town meeting to voice my opinion on some project that was going to ruin a piece of perfectly good open space. I had never done anything like that, never envisioned myself having the courage to stand up in front of the board and community members and offer an opinion. I was this close to chickening out, but made my way to the mic and offered up my pie-in-the-sky idealism. It was ultimately to no avail, but at least I followed through.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a simple pleasure in life that brings you joy?

View all responses

There are a few simple pleasures that bring me joy, but I have to say morning coffee sits at the top of the list. Cold brew, to be specific. It’s still a treat, after all these years, though packing less of a jolt– had to switch to half-caff. Actually, I feel like caffeine doesn’t have the same effect on me that it once did. Even when I occasionally drink the high-octane stuff, it doesn’t give me the same euphoric few minutes I once enjoyed.

Oh well, it’s still something I look forward to.