Daily writing prompt

What notable things happened today?

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Since it’s only 5:40 AM, not much has happened yet. I woke up, got out of bed, didn’t drag a comb across my head… poured some cold brew, and now am writing in here.

If you’re asking what happened on this day, June 13, in history, Miranda rights were established in 1966; the Germans started launching the V-1 bomb into London in 1944; Meriwether Lewis reached the Great Falls of the MIssouri River in 1805; Lafayette arrived in 1777 to assist George Washington with the war effort; Thurgood Marshal was nominated to the Supreme Court in 1967; and Pioneer 10 crossed the orbit of Neptune in 1983.

Daily writing prompt

What are you passionate about?

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Being alive; trying to understand human nature, i.e. why we seem to have a penchant for making life miserable for people we decide we don’t care about, why we can’t just get along, why we elect “leaders” like many we currently have here in America.

Trying to get my head around flight- as in air travel; looking up, looking around, coffee, music, hitting a decent tee shot, cracking an egg without breaking the damned yolk.

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite season of year? Why?

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It used to be Fall, for some reason. I think it was because of the colors, the smell of burning leaves, and relief from the heat of Summer. But it’s been Spring for a while now. Winter, with its bleakness and cold, is behind us, and we look forward to a stretch of moderating temps, lengthening daylight hours, and that sense of renewal and rebirth.

Daily writing prompt

What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?

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Decent, comfortable– and often a bit more expensive– footwear. That’s about as close as I come to something luxurious.

Daily writing prompt

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

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Besides being born into a stable society where life isn’t a survival contest from the get-go, someone who loves you, a sense of purpose, and a mix of humility, compassion, and curiosity.

Daily writing prompt

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

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Most of these daily prompts… prompt an honest treatment of the question at hand, but I’m having trouble with this one. I realize it’s just a fun exercise, but I guess I’m trying to imagine a scenario where I would be forced to change my name, and all I can come up with is that it sounds like something within the realm of possibility for the current presidential administration. And this just pisses me off.

My name has been my name my entire life. I have no idea what I would change it to, nor would I have a desire to do so.

Daily writing prompt

Describe your dream chocolate bar.

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Ooh… dark chocolate, a bit of sweetness, maybe some almonds in the mix, all put together in a decently sized bar.

Daily writing prompt

Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

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I don’t recall many titles, but I do know I was read to as a young child. There wasn’t the plethora of options kids have today. It might have been The Little Engine That Could, the Watty Piper version, which I just learned is a pen name for Arnold Munk. It was probably a go-to back in the late 50s, early 60s, and before, but one we read to our kids, too. It wasn’t a bad message to instill.

Daily writing prompt

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

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1. The Bible— a book of books I’m still wrestling with, wondering if it’s the inspired Word of God or merely a collection of good stories.
2. Sapiens, by Juval Noah Harari. Still wrestling with this one, too, because it largely refutes or at least brings into question No. 1 above.
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee), or A Separate Peace (John Knowles)– a couple of books I read in high school and still think about, because of the characters, twists and turns, and inspired, inspiring writing.

Daily writing prompt

What fears have you overcome and how?

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The one that emerges is offering words before a crowd. My internship while at seminary was at a large congregation that worshiped hundreds at multiple services on a Sunday, and I had to help lead worship every week and preach once a month.

The difference for me was that, when I preached, I never tried to speak without a manuscript. I knew what I wanted to say and had the words in front of me. And I had a pulpit to stand behind, though I did eventually leave it every once in a while.

I had no desire to stand before hundreds of people with a sermon insufficiently memorized. I never wanted to put that kind of pressure on myself– even if, for some, this would make the sermon more authentic and personal.

Other than that, I still have fears to conquer.