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.
Tag: dailyprompt
Keep The Feet Happy
Decent, comfortable– and often a bit more expensive– footwear. That’s about as close as I come to something luxurious.
Tangibles
Daily writing prompt
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
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.
Sorry
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.
Indulgence
Ooh… dark chocolate, a bit of sweetness, maybe some almonds in the mix, all put together in a decently sized bar.
I think I can…
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.
Leaving A Mark
- 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.
- Sapiens, by Juval Noah Harari. Still wrestling with this one, too, because it largely refutes or at least brings into question No. 1 above.
- 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.
Practice and Experience
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.
Happy Face
Daily writing prompt
Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.
I make a batch of cold brew coffee every few days. I break out my Toddy system– the same one I’ve had since I started writing in WordPress eight years ago– and whip up a batch of the heavenly concentrate that ends up lasting four or five days, depending on how many end up using it. More often than not, it’s just me.
A Break From the Noise
Daily writing prompt
How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
I know when I need a break from the news feeds, or being available. It all becomes too much, for a time– sensory overload or mere distraction– and I realize all I need to do is put the device down and walk away. The phone or the tablet go on a shelf, or my bureau, and I do something else– read, play the piano, take a walk, head to the Y, work in the yard for a bit, start supper.
