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 A terminal for all blogs coming in or going out. A view into my life. |
Started July 1st 2019 for contests, etc. as other blogs are filling up and have other purposes.  My new new new blog is
I'm starting a new blog because
I'll be linking to
I've started an appendix (I no longer have one personally) to keep track of my Space Cadet journals for Space Blog. It's a work constantly under construction. Mind the mess.
I needed to start a folder for contests as there are so many deadlines and details to remember.
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| I believe in unpatented-unhyphenated-God who responds to whatever name is used. One of the entries rubbed me the wrong way and there are many religious people here at WDC, on other social media and IRL who rub me even worse. I decided to not mention that as a specific comment because it wouldn't have helped. Maybe one epiphany growing up was that I didn't believe in the White Jesus that was being marketed and merchandised. *Sandy: "Double ouch.  I think these experiences need to be shared, if only as a warning to others. I have been pissed and hurt by numerous people in my life and a couple I'd rather not see again; but, there's only one s.o.b. I really fear. He's charasmatic, psychopathic and dangerous." re "Eureka"  *Kathie: "Life is too short to be unhappy. Triggers me a bit. I didn't leave a marriage but I did leave a life behind. Was it worth it? Am I happier? Rough questions. I seem to be entering a different stage of life. That may bring new challenges, new choices, or no choice at all." re "WDC 30 Day Blogging Nov. 18, 2021" ?Viv: "I remember my move to Kansas and then 30 years later to Oklahoma. Both good moves, but the culture took some getting used to. The move to Montana led to me traveling abroad. That too was good. Covid forced me to stay home. That isn't good for me mentally, emotionally nor physically. But I'm having difficulty getting my rusty self back in gear." re "Changed View" Robert: "I have small epiphanies. I want to move from here because they do not value what is already here but have decided that whatever was and is isn't good enough. They must detroy to rebuild grander, bigger, more luxurious, because folks-they-value no longer want to live without a/c, a hot tub, a private parking spot. They value the creation of a new city, one that has no room for the likes of me. " re "Epiphany" Sue: "I was on someone else's roller-coaster. I had to get off. Then I had to stop looking at the wreck-in-progress. Not taking care of myself created severe issues... and still does." re "Eureka " Petra: "It is amazing how betrayal is deeply felt. Sonali mentioned this about not being told about her uncle's death for years. Lies => feeling of betrayal. " re "Invalid Entry" Cappucine: "Ouch. I wonder what moments from a childhood I can't remember molded me. There were many I'm sure but I tried for years to erase the pain. Looking back, it took years for me to realize I wasn't liked... and more years to understand that I was unlikeable. " re "ya cat died " ?QP: "It's amazing what we refuse to discuss as a culture (sex is a major American taboo) and then expect young and old (dying is another taboo) to cope on their own (because individuality is glorified). I remember reacting to being called 'sir'. I wasn't ready to be old. Now it's nice to be 'seen'." re "Invalid Entry" Sonali: "I remember having nightmares about dying in an auto accident... until I had one. Very bad, woke up in the hospital, friends told me I wasn't myself for months. But after... no more nightmares." re"Angiography - #30DBC" Jenn: "The problem with schooling, homeschooling, unschooling, is that the child will only learn what they are exposed to and taught. / Most folks/parents/schools focus on math, language, culture (history, social studies, geography) and maybe science (what isn't contrary to their world view). But what bothers me is the lack of experience with people who don't look and think like them and then continuing to live in this bubble until they look for a job expecting to apply their language, their culture, their religion on others. I'm tired of hearing "I respect you" in a superior tone of dismissal which translates as "I have no need to consider you". Understanding people/animals/trees is a skill that can be neglected to the detriment of society in general. / How many children/youth are forced to deal with anything outside of their comfort zone when parents/family/teachers/leaders are skeptical or literally frightened? " re "Invalid Entry" LeJenD: "Quite a bit of pain involved at various stages of life. And the healing process continues.  " re "Life Epiphany - 30DBC 11/19" Marvilla: "New habits, better habits and light to guide your way." re "The Great Epiphany " Mike: "Wonderful, wasn't it. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there are still people who think that only the mother can/should bond with a child. Parental leave for fathers is slowly catching on in Europe, at least in Sweden (since 1974). You'd have been one of the latte daddies proudly pushing Christa in her pram.  In some parts of the world, child-raising has always been a family and village affair. Even some cultures in the US may have been... but got away from that. There's hope for future fathers though." re "Rock-a-My Baby [30 DBC entry]" Sox: "Yeah... and then you're tall enough to do the dishes and... that's all she wrote. " re "November 19, 2021" |
?Charlie: "Opt out? Loan forgiveness would help but that would cost $$$ and there are societal forces unwilling to allow that. I choose to live on less, but that's not an easy option for those who are faced with barely getting by with food and shelter. I'd say move to Nebraska or Thailand and work remotely; but, even if that were your dream, reality bites. I'd say: "say no" but if you're merely a cog they can find a replacement; as in, you replaced someone, someone replaced you, you are replaceable.  Cheerful, aren't I. " re "Invalid Entry" ?Cappucine: "I'm facing decisions as I start to fade. I day-dreamed as a child and never fully got out of the haze induced by depression and disappointment. Now I see the fog gathering around me, uncertain whether it's mist or morphine, not sure whether it matters. Thanks for sharing your real life. The prompts seldom encourage it." re "counsel " ?Jenn: "Impressive organization of time. Good insight: "I don't do creative work when my kids are awake; I can become a massive asshole whenever I'm trying to do something creative but I keep getting interrupted." I do wonder about diet... adult and children have different needs. I loved rice as a child; still do. That will come handy when I visit Thailand some day. " re "Invalid Entry" LeJen: {c:}"Unplugged? Watt's that? I vaguely remember those days when I lived unplugged. How did I manage?" re "Down Time - 30DBC 11/18" Petra: {c:}"Good to live in a different time zone... sometimes. " re "Zzzzzz!" Marvilla: {c:}"Good to read that you are feeling better. " re "Great shutdown of 2021" Ray: {c:}"I am totally worn out. I still get ideas (those tend to annoy regardless) but my effort to deal with them ebbs and flows. My income is a gov't check, so writing isn't my income. I'm old so no one expects much, except for artists older than me (artists never retire). No obligations, no responsibilities... but it's important to get out of bed and do something... and some days it doesn't seem worth it. So I get things done on those days when I have the energy. I slog through the other days. It'll be good to have you back (thick skull  and all  )." re "Invalid Entry" QP: {c:}"Somedays the mundane is helpful in getting through the day. " re "Invalid Entry" Sonali: {c:}"Time zones do have their up-sides. Thailand is 12 hours difference from WDC and when I do visit it'll seem quite odd... especially if I have to make a call." re "We are there! - #30DBC" NormaJean: {c:}"Hope your eyes improve. But having a doctor check your eyes is a good option; have someone else drive. Montana will be one of those quaint places stuck in 1889 or 1989 that the technologically advanced and wealthy Chinese and others will visit in 2189..." re "You Only Have 2" Sue: {c:}"There's a partial eclipse of the moon tonight here. Saw the moon last night, but what are the chances of clouds? Plus, it's not a convenient hour. Time zones... tricky. When I get to Thailand... *sigh* there's only one hours difference." re "Sleeping " Robert: {c:}"I don't know how to build a boat or fly a plane. But, I know enough not to pester those who do... at least not while moving. I neither swim nor fly." re "Experience" Tina: {c:}"Well, you're crafty, this makes sense. Hope the peace offerings with the neighbors calms them down. Some people need more 'hugs' than others. " re "Invalid Entry" Sandy: {c:}"If my mittens and gloves are ready and at hand, winter will assume it has been invited to visit.  Idling is what I've been doing since I was grounded March 2020. And I'm still not in gear (cluttch may be broken). Give my regards to the dust bunnies." re "Idling" Mike: {c:}"Ah... the muse played hooky. 10 demerits to (of which Hogwarts House is your Muse a member?). But at least you got other important stuff done." re "An off day on a day off [30 DBC entry]" Viv: {c:}"I went to bed early then looked at the moon last night... nice haze around it. But the partial eclipse is tonight. This is how my life goes." re "I Did This During The WDC Server/Hosting Move" Sox: {c:}"An MOE by the name of Toni... there's a rap song somewhere in my thoughts... Heck yes, we want to see what Toni wants us to see!  Of course, we may not be capable of processing and understanding whatever that is. It does seem to fit the prompt though. A rip in our 'verse so to speak." re "November18, 2021" 5233 |
| Murder, they wrote. *Robert: murder death "... don't piss off ... And here we thought you were a writer who occasionally enjoys a Belgian brew. Who knew? ... i don't ... i swear i know nothing ... (excellent writing)" re "The Butler Did It" Viv: "You have the bones of a story. (pun intended) Now we just need to know more. Are all the body parts his/hers. Pictures of placement? Odor? Sounds, taste, touch. Red: blood, liptick, redruM? We wants to know." re "Murder Discovered" Sonali: "Love Clue! Don't know whether I've ever seen Scotland Yard. CluedoHP does add a couple quirks. I love how doors open and close and how fireplaces light up. Good response without answering the prompt directly.  " re "Not My Genre - #30DBC" QP: "PPD could be a defense; but,"Baby blues and postpartum depression, while medically recognized, would not meet the threshold of legal insanity in the majority of cases." Maybe Darcy can raise the child. Not ideal but... Be ready to visit Sophia in prison. " re "Invalid Entry" Sue: "Nice set-up. Believable? I'm sure it happens. Never go for a ride..." re "Cluedo" NormaJean: "I read hearse instead of horse. I replaced the lightbulb today so it can't be the hazard of reading in the dark... maybe the snowflakes this afternoon messed with my mind?" re "Missing Artists - November 17 " Cappucine: "calm ourselves with the cellar wines of our hostess. Any bottles missing? Perhaps one with a pricey tag attached? I'd call in Elle to investigate. She'd have a clue whether it were a whine thief (she's not down with whiners at the moment). Of course if Waltz were there... all the brew accounted for? No friends... ouch. " re "not Nancy" LeJen: "Double murder? Did she plant evidence that one killed the other and then a suicide note? Did you witness this or harrass my client? Just asking... the wife's attorney. PS: And by-the-way... do you have an alibi? " re "Invalid Entry" Sandy: "A sisterly grudge? Yeah, thankfully most twins are very close. So the butler did it?  Nicely written." re "Widow Snooty's Demise" Marvilla: "Murder/suicide. It does happen all the time; although did she have some help with the rope? Just asking... it wasn't me... I swear... I have an alibi." re "murder mystery" Petra: "Yes, one looks at family. Motive and evidence... but a bit too 'convenient', n'est-ce pas? " re "WhoDunnit" Mike: "Like the child who is told 'don't touch that'. Poor kitty." re "Bad soup? [30 DBC entry]" Sox: "I wonder who at work was really out to get me... it's been over 10 years... but I still wonder. I bet I'd be surprised." re "November 17, 2021" 5231 |
| ?Apondia: memoir+ "Good insight into your eating habits over the years. A very simple diet growing up (yes), supplementing with homegrown foods (no), lots of self restraint (so not me). I do like fish (I prefer cod, flounder, crappie, whitefish), but today it'll be boneless porkchop filleted and stuffed and left over rice. I was raised on leftovers so that's what it is today. I hate throwing out food. My diet isn't good. I'm often sluggish. I have less urge to eat when I travel. " re "Walk Don't Eat" ?Jenn: fasting. "I do like how you go into great detail. I can't quibble with the benefits of fasting. Good for counting one's blessings and flushing out toxins. I do point out to everyone I interact with though that healthy = the $$ to choose. Many cannot choose. Whether it's potatoes, bread from flour, or rice, cheap calories = survival. As an American who lives 6 walkable blocks from a grocery store I try to monitor what I eat by simply not buying certain things. I don't buy soda (no calories), bottled water (our tap water is very good), chocolate (because I'll eat it all ). I do concur that brussel sprouts (and imho beets and parsnips) are best roasted." re "Invalid Entry" ?Sandy: cast-iron "There are foods I don't like but not much will make me sick. Me in Isan (NE Thailand): ไม่พริก (mai prik = no hot spice). I think... guess I'll find out!" "I commented before you completed the entry. Quite amusing — as teaching usually is." re "See Food Diet" ?Robert: portions "I have problems with food going bad. Recently parsnips shriveled up on me (and they were good looking too), so I reduced them to powder to add to whatever... like potato flakes in a bag. *sigh* Those are just one serving for me unless I want leftovers (like today). One head of lettuce = I'm eating lettuce all week. I don't buy crackers or cookies for the same reason. They're all just one serving to me as why should I let them go stale? I have limited freezer space (room size freezers were designed for families who buy a side of beef at a time). As long as I have canned tuna (bought when it goes on sale) and pasta or rice I'm fine... but even then... portion control? Me? I'm a see-food eater and cheap-caffeine drinker. Nicely written by-the-way." re "Thought for Food" Sue: "Good luck with the diet. My weight loss is usually unplanned. I do cook, but there are days when a sandwich stuffed with whatever can't run away quick enough will suffice. I do not eat out except at a cafe and if I'm lucky that's once a week. Unfortunately, our local milkshakes include calories. When I travel I eat street food or at a local diner. I eat like a chicken, cheap cheap cheap." re "Food" QP: "Be thankful you have a talisman to hold that contains memories of past generations. I have a pumpkin that needs to be cooked.  " re "Invalid Entry" LeJen: "My mother took 'rat poison' to thin her blood. Goodbye fried cabbage... The trick though wasn't to totally eliminate it but eat it in very small portions. The blood needed to be not too thick, not too thin. (When am I thinking of Goldie-the-vampire  ?)" re "Food, Glorious Food!" Petra: "I immediately thought of eggplant and moussaka. And the potato I need to sacrifice very soon. The pasta can wait, as can the rice. I love both and eat them frequently. I seem to be 'allergic' to healthy foods; but... if someone would cook healthy for me I wouldn't mind at all. " re "Favorite food" Marvilla: "Get well soon. I'd eat better if someone else were cooking. I depend too much on bread, pasta, rice. If getting healthy is a priority then everything else may have to take a backseat and be handled by others." re "diet?" Cappucine: "I thought of Portugal, Taiwan, even Norway... could live on a seafood diet there. Not here. Lots of varied fruits, greens and vegetables in Taiwan. I prolly eat a lot of rubbish as well. Trick for me is not buying it, not bringing any home. " re "art of feeding" Kathie: "It's great that you-two cook together, sounds like fun. I actually used salt yesterday. Months can go by without me using it; of course, it's in most processed foods. I have water boiling with lavender (in a tea ball). I love the smell and then just use the water for tea or coffee. I do love fish, but other than polluck it's too expensive in Montana. But when I travel. " re "WDC 30 Day Blogging Nov. 16, 2021" Mike: "Balkan = burek (with cheese, mushrooms, meat or whatever). Not to forget to mention the sausages or in Serbija: pljeskavica. Or the bean dish of Makedonia. Now I'm thinking of all the glorious food I ate there. I know how to say no peppers in Thai. Will see whether that works. " re "Chow call! [30 DBC entry]" Viv: "Yes, great to be able, willing, and disciplined to eat properly. I don't. I do eat more fresh food when I travel. For me, poverty = whatever food had calories to sustain me." re "FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD" Sonali: "Some of my best friends are tomatoes. What am I? Chopped liver? Funny; but, no pineapple on pizza ... nope... never." re "Chat about Chaat - #30DBC" Tina: "For authentic Indian food I suggest you go visit THANKFUL SONALI Magical Days!. Flights IAH-BLR roundtrip are about $1200. Not a bad price to learn about chaat. I rarely add salt. Sugar is my downfall. Love me some grits and pork&clams (Portuguese style). " re "Invalid Entry" Sox: Actually... a decent response! A fried PB&J... a step above what I usually eat. My next bologna sandwich may be fried in Thai peanut sauce. I have a new addiction. I get panic attacks... but this must've been major. re "November 16, 2021" 5228 |
| Thruple? 3 traveling... *Cappucine: ""& it's not going to rain." You are a dreamer! A funny one. "& turn blue, then build a fire, & steam." Thanks for the images. Is the year 2000? I could've done this 20 years ago. I wouldn't have (because I was an uptight idiot, but I could've and should've). This could be an outline of a larger work "Avoiding Port Arthur" (as in avoiding blood and pain)." re "around the apple isle" *Nannamom: "A threesome teeter-totter-ing on heels? Why do I get this flashing image of the Brit-com Ab-Fab?  "we felt calories could not possibly catch us." ... O Ye Deluded Nancy Squared Plus One. You lie about heading straight home from Texas ... just saying. You actually were sighted in Puebla eating 'pollo en mole poblano'. We have the pics to prove it. And you couldn't control yourself in Coyoacan after visiting Frida Kahlo's Blue House. Again, the pics taken at the market of you wallowing in chocolate sauce... Oh, I could go on-and-on...  " re "Our Sweet(s) Tour" *Kathie: "Three guides. Totally awesome. My trip to England '11 was the best vacation I ever had because WDC friends took me around the places they knew. They weren't just 'places'. Ruins of this and that, a festival, longboats, train museum, a shop where they made ropes, a castle where Linda's mother had once worked in the guest shop, eccles cakes and yorkshire pudding, home-made scones from scratch, roasted parsnips, mushy peas. Best trip ever. This shouldn't be a dream. You-three should plan dates for Spring (start in the South) or Summer." re "30 day Blogging-Nov 15, 2021" Robert: {c:}"I tend to travel alone; but in 1975 three of us went from Kansas to Key West. Awesome trip. We didn't take much. Now? Passport... because it's my i.d. Camera and chargers... because I don't want to waste time shopping. Map. I usually travel with one week of underwear. However, if I were to be a flash-packer three would do. A phone or my chromebook would be wise. Pen. Notepad. Debit card, money. I'd just go down my list and simplify. Clothes can be worn, washed or bought. Where would I stuff my friends? Ah... maybe I'll just leave them behind. Last solar eclipse I was here. I was in Vienna for an awesome lunar eclipse with Mars." re "Dark Side of the Moon" Sonali : {c:}"I immediately thought of Japan. The Shikoku pilgrimage route (or Shikoku Henro) is one of the few circular-shaped pilgrimages in the world. It includes 88 “official” temples and numerous other sacred sites where the Buddhist priest Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) is believed to have trained or have spent time during the 9th Century. It takes a month or two to walk so better pack for the sore feet and weather." re "Nature and Worship and Hand-made stuff - #30DBC" Ray: {c:}"Oh? Do tell us about that wild weekend! And now you owe us a story, "Tobacco Leaves"." re "Invalid Entry" Sox: {c:}"A headache is close; a hangover is close; hemorrhoids are close. How close did you say all-y'all were? "." re "November 15, 2021" Marvilla : {c:}"I guess most of us need our toys. I need to buy a cellphone. My chromebook must go with me. Pen and notebook? Yep." re "Pretend Roadtrip" Viv: {c:}"Traveling with a dog is doable, even by train, plane, bus and boat. " re "TRIPPING WITH BEST FRIENDS" Sue: {c:}"I went to non-famous historic places. One of my favorites was Lyme Hall. I must say that a slower trip is advisable. Covid really put me on hold. It's not going to be easy to get going again and I may have to stay in pricier lodgings." re "Action replay" Tina: {c:}"I butterflied a boneless porkchop, glazed it with peanut sauce, chopped cherries and cashews and then stuffed with pork-stuffing and baked it. All gone now! Should've taken a picture. As long as it all fits into one piece of luggage you haven't over-packed. (No, the prompt didn't say only three items .) The packing means prioritizing. One needs a camera to take photos; no one needs 10 different outfits (trust me on this)." re "Invalid Entry" QP: {c:}"We had a good book festival in our town for years... until they killed it. I only went to a writer's conference in Listowel, Ireland, May of 2015. You may want to put that on your bucket list. If you've been twice what did you-three do?" re "Invalid Entry" ?LeJen: {c:}"You may as well go the whole way... stop in Quebec City, go through New Brunswick, visit Anne of Green Gables in P.E.I. (Prince Edward Island) and end in Halifax. Or... visit Cape Breton (very Irish), St. Pierre & Miquelon (which is France), NewFoundLand (especially if either of you loves orchids). It would be quite a journey-of-a-lifetime, but well worth it." re "Journey Across Canada - 30DBC 11/15/21" Petra: {c:}"Well now that you have an idea, it's just a matter of filling in the details. Bus and train should suffice. There's lots to see along the way. Set aside two months (late summer into autumn September-October the way you have it set up or spring April-May if you do it in reverse) flights to Porto or Lisbon to/from Amsterdam are easy and reasonably cheap. However, if you are caravaning with your pup then I don't know... crossing into the UK may be an issue. I can imagine a circle trip coming back through Spain (the coast all the way to Barcelona), Southern France (Avignon/Arles, Nice/Monaco), Italy (Genoa, Turin, Milan), Switzerland, and then Luxembourg and/or Germany. The advantage of your own transportation would be the option to camp and the ability to take a bit more. And most everything you need can be bought along the way." re "Roadtrip" Jenn: {c:}"Books... I know when I'm flying back to Missoula because people are reading books. I don't take extra books because international flights don't allow much weight. Plus I read on my computer. Yeah, a rock in the ocean. Don't bother visiting the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen for that same reason. She sits on a rock." re "Invalid Entry" Mike: {c:}"I would get carsick as a child. My parents gave me m&ms. Did the chocolate help? I thought so. When I buy Reese's pieces I go for the biggest bag I can find. Target carries them. " re "An all enCOMPASSing trip [30 DBC entry]" Diane: {c:}"BACKROADS ONLY, NO FREEWAYS! *applaud* I remember spending a night in Munday, Texas. The room was Americana to the hilt. I was actually charmed by it. " re "Invalid Entry" |
| Kamo`oalewa: a piece of something (the Moon?) where we gather every April. *Judithd: "I want to know more about this place. It would have saved me personal grief if it had been available in 2003... just saying... and a couple times before and since. I'm good at the moment. Too bad I can't just call Mage or Bea. Too bad I'm not related. You describe a refuge I wish were real.  " re "Hideaway" *Alydria/Jenn: "Very nicely done. When the prompt said remote ... you went remote and a bit further. *Bigsmile*" re "Invalid Entry" ?LeJen: {c:}"Oklahoma. There's a well-known Turner Falls in the Arbuckle mountains near Davis in Chicasaw Nation. Braggs reminded me of Briggs, just east of Tahlequah, a place along the Illinois with a swimming hole. Braggs was between Tahlequah and Muscogee, Mvskoke/Cherokee Nations. Both places are small. Would people go back to a place over generations? Yep. One goes with ones grandparents who went with their grandparents. Well written and believable (even truth is fictionalized over the generations). My family kept secrets that were not always acknowledged nor explained." re "The Waterfall and the Castle" Petra: {c:}"It may work better as a fantasy prompt for you. That said, if I were to visit your city we would probably meet in one of your favorite places. It just works that way. Habits and routines are strong, even over generations. Learning more from your uncles might be interesting." re "Holy place" Sox: {c:}"Ah... back story! Yeah, these characters must choose paths that cross... if only because they already have. I'm going to assume that there's more to this than Seyona has told you so far. She will in time." re "November 14, 2021" Sue: {c:}"We know about the past because someone cared enough to share. This goes for the everyday lives of common people as well. At the Egyptian Museum in Torino they have collected the graffiti of those who built the pyramids, some quite bawdy. So much didn't get recorded in the official history! People do revisit the places of their ancesters, if only to uderstand." re "Mystery" ?Sonali: {c:}"Totally warped! I mean, who knows what they knew in 1556 and have since forgot. Of course, you could always go back and ask. There outta be a spell for that. But beware the side effects of time travel." re "At the King's Court, 11 February 1556. - #30DBC" ?Robert: {c:}"I love that last line. There's still time for Ted and his father... they ain't dead yet! I 'inherited' my father's hemorrhoids and smile. I suspect the smile was cultural and familial. Nice mixed non-fiction, personal and fiction response. " re "Past Tense" Viv: {c:}"Ah... the way was blocked. In a story I think your character might not give up, eventually finding out why the way was blocked but deciding it was more peaceful to leave the past buried under that ash... unless the way back was blocked as well.  " re "A PLACE CALLING THE PAST" Mike: {c:}"I knew about this history. That said, I never read about the people who actually lived there. History tends to leave common people out of the narrative, at best referring to them by numbers, not by name. And it was sparsely populated. I have visited areas where my forefathers lived and then fled." re "Nobody's fault [30 DBC entry]" QP: {c:}"I guess the problem is the word 'remote'. Works in a fictional prompt but not so much in real life. However, you live in a place that was remote for your forefathers. And going back to where they came from would seem remote as well. If aliens visited Earth long ago... perhaps you are a descendant." re "Invalid Entry" Cappucine: {c:}"Nice flow with wonderful repetitions of words and sounds. I think it's a keeper. Message? Not one #$%& useless royal among them. " re "ancestor fancy" (poem)Sandy: {c:}"Thieves do hide in plain sight. They're known as CEOs and CFOs. There are places of pilgrimage, usually of great pain, great joy, great hope. And then there's curiosity and $$. A good story will buy a few drinks, both then and now. " re "Joe / Nathaniel" 5225 |
| *Cappucine: "OMG... stay away, stay far far away... . I hope the readers understand the satire except... it is much more than that. It is chilling, dystopian... absolute horror. Well played. " re "Alpha's Letter " *Robert: "Well, parenting for everyone long before age 15; like start at age 10; after 5 years they should have a clue what's involved. Support for children after they are born (even when you don't approve of the parents). Friends adopted an Afro-Korean son because they were interracial and interfaith. You are sooooo spot on about this one. And yes, this would be a dilemma on a spaceship. You don't want too many children enroute but infertility upon arrival would doom the colony." re "Procreation Pass" ?Sonali: {c:}"I took people in. I'm quite aware that my parenting skills aren't stellar (even adults need to be parented). I can be the wacko uncle or mentor... that's about it. " re "I opt out - #30DBC" Viv: {c:}"Couples who wish to adopt face this all the time, whether infertile, single parent, same-sex couple. The scrutiny and hurdles make many give up. In Costa Rica and many places a pregnant 15 year old faces no questions (fortunately most have supportive family). " re "PARENT, MAYBE" Sue: {c:}"I think the African proverb fits best: "it takes a village to raise a child". Many animals do quite well fostering babies, even cross species, even humans do. " re "Great idea" Kathie: {c:}"Yep. It is frightening that many of the same people who wanted the freedom to have a quiver-full were not particularily open to extending their love to others who didn't live up to their expectations. I think of all the Irish Catholics having a bakers-dozen while Asians, Africans and Jews were turned away ... and still are. The quest for a White Christian Nation was and is dependent on high birth-rates, incarceration of undisirables and the exclusion of any non-white immigrants. Oh, I could rant..." re "WDC 30 Day Blogging Nov. 13, 2021" QP: {c:}"I don't think it would end well for you or most anyone we know. It would be like getting into Yale or getting out of jail. Only certain people would be valued. Sad, really." re "Invalid Entry" Petra: {c:}"Hmm... the Dutch have a decent sex education program. Parenting could easily be dealt with as well. That said, we have neither in the USA. There are still kids that are shocked when they find out at age 13 that they're gonna be a mommy or daddy. " re "No, thanks" Marvilla: {c:}"I've taken people in and at times tried to support and help. I wasn't very good at it. I'm better off being the batty uncle. It's good thing to know... but others think they can't and then surprise themselves." re "Would I be a good caregiver? I am." Mike: {c:}"Actually... perhaps. Not everyone is as nice as people think; however, it's probably true most of the time. Do cats and dogs adore you? They aren't always right but do seem to be more perceptive than humans. You do adore those litle ones, don't you?  " re "Wanted: Pitter-patter of little feet [30 DBC entry]" Sox: {c:}"And... have you ever been around children and do they like you? I denote just a bit of sarcasm... " re "November 13, 2021" Apondia: {c:}"China has been working on 'social credit' scores and although it sounds dystopian we've been doing that for centuries with who gets fed, who gets neutered, who gets slaughtered on the spot. It's very human to think in dog-eat-dog terms. Fortunately there are those who also think in terms of cooperation and community where diversity is valued. And diversity is essential should we move to new real estate among the stars." re "Childhood Planned" Sandy: {c:}"Yep, you've been there. Present this to everyone ahead of you in line. See how many have 'better' things to do. I wouldn't volunteer unless I were forced to do so. We all have our talents. This may be one of yours... certainly not mine. " re " Mamma Me-a?" LeJen: {c:}"Traditional black/white categorizing of good/evil. Very Spanish Inquisition. Very dystopian. A past and future that's disturbing to those who look at life differently. Waltz mentions SF's role of prevention; but, I also think of literature as propaganda and apology with the power of normalization." re "Alternate World" 5124 |
| Soon, memories will flick across my eyelids like flashes of a movie scene. People and places I ought to remember; emotions preserved in amber, priceless, serene. I told TBlum: I bring up my own experiences to connect. That can be a major issue as some folks do not desire any connection. When I blog I consider it a conversation not a mere writing exercise. That too is not always understood. FEAR/ANGER *Sox: "Chilling insight into this world and the choices Beaoul is faced with. It seems like Mira is using 'essence of hellhound'. Venom is venom... unless it's a cheap immitation... kinda like knock-off colognes. And then there's Toni..." re "November 12, 2021" ?Viv: {c:}"I need to ask myself when I'm angry, what do I fear? as that is a frequent source of my anger. Denying my anger or fear only allows it to smolder and erupt later." re "RESPONDING TO?" ?Sandy: {c:}"Parenting skills... they should be taught in grade school and above. This could be used as an example. The one-room school house concept had to deal with this all the time. I suspect that the segregation by age, class, religion, race does not bode well for understanding how to deal with outrage by 'them' in a tribal world of 'us versus them'. Yes, this too shall pass ... but only if I breathe. " re "This Too Shall Pass" Cappucine: {c:}"Sarcasm to the max; but, at times getting loud works (personal experience). In general this can lead to a violent escalation in America, as Harlow Flick aptly points out. Our former leader was an expert at using fear and anger to manipulate the masses." re "A gentle reminder " Tina: {c:}"I just blow! But your advice is far better. I should learn to breathe and be assertive but pleasant. When I calm down I need to ask myself what I'm afraid of." re "Invalid Entry" LeJenD: {c:}"Parenting skills... they should be taught in grade school and above. This could be used as an example. The one-room school house concept had to deal with this all the time. I suspect that the segregation by age, class, religion, race does not bode well for understanding how to deal with outrage by 'them' in a tribal world of 'us versus them'. Yes, this too shall pass ... but only if I breathe. " re "It Ain't Worth It - 30DBC" Judith: {c:}"Breathing, keep breathing, think quick and keep breathing..." re "Just an Instant Away" Marvilla: {c:}"I think the advice of James fits the prompt best, "let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"." re "Reminders for self" Kathie: {c:}"I vote for the animals. En serio, every school, hospital, nursing home, residency, neighborhood, workplace should have a support dog and cat. There are many animals that are good listeners. People need to chill out and breathe before blowing a gasket; sadly, I speak from experience." re "30 day Blogging-Nov 12, 2021" Robert: {c:}"I tend to be avoidant. What may be better for me is a more assertive approach, deciding to confront pleasantly without fear nor anger or by just 'letting it go' and giving it no weight nor further thought. Of course, that means I'd have to understand where my fear and anger comes from and that may mean venting in private to 'do no harm'." re "Avoidance" Sue: {c:}"I need to just breathe... and think... and later ask myself where my fear comes from (because my anger comes either from fear or injustice)." re "Count to ten " Mike: {c:}"I'm not good at tact. I'm also not good at discerning when I should open my mouth and when to keep it shut." re "Be slow to speak [30 DBC entry]" Petra: {c:}"I am still passionate about many things but at my age it's more like embers. I've had to practice non-engagement on social media for my sanity. Sometimes I succeed." re "Walk away!" QP: {c:}"I have to ask myself 'what do I fear' when I get angry... that's if I breathe and think first. I'm a bit of a dragon. " re "Invalid Entry" Sonali: {c:}"I'm not fatalistic so I don't look at life this way. For me God and all the Prophets provide guidance and understand the big picture; I'm but a small detail. Death is guaranteed but not much else. It does seem that your aunt tries to reach people where they're at and not where others expect them to be. And that's good." re "He has the answer. Trust Him. - #30DBC" We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by the fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good -- this is the secret of right living. Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Funds: Contributions and Administration, p. 11 5221 |
| We were nothing less than nothing two pale ciphers cancelling each other out and the cold we could no longer feel after 500 years the crush of glacier melting out our bones IGOTTAGO *Mike: "Some good ideas ... but poor Mildred. Who was more taken aback? A trash bag... oh the image... Your personal experience is also very enlightening. You know how easy it ain't. At least you have thought of this before you've grown old. Nice double response to the prompt. " re "A toilet too far [30 DBC entry]" *Sandy: "I think you captured this far too well ... almost as if you've had this experience sometime in your life. I'm sure something similar happens all the time in a family situation (there were 5 of us growing up). The last verse is funny tragic. Poetics: kudos on 'sprechens'; it fits perfectly. I'm not a fan of perfect end rhymes that lead to tortured syntax. Two examples to fix it: My new knee squawks at this arduous trek rough, / but my bully bladder demands it, blunt, gruff; My new knee sqawks at this at this arduous trek. It's rough / but my bully bladder demands, does it bluff? Enjambment, by allowing the sentence to contiue on the next line, solves the problem. Overall, it's fun, it's relatable, it's a keeper that just needs some tweaking here and there for flow." re "The Bully Bladder" *Cappucine: "The poem is lovely, truly lovely. Good flow, choice of words and image. A definate keeper. Consider submitting to
LeJen: {c:}"I just pee then run water in the sink and pour and clean out the container to reuse. Might gross some people out but urine isn't as dangerous as other fluids. You are right about holding it. I could go all day at school without using the restroom because I didn't feel comfortable... silly in retrospect. Now I have to remember that leakage needs to be managed. So far, if I don't try to hold it too long I'm okay. Ah... pee pads... I wonder how easy they are to get in other countries. How absorbant, thick, heavy/light and packable. I don't relish the thought but denial could be more than embarassing. " re "30DBC and Life" QP: {c:}"There are trade offs in any work situation. In my life who the boss was mattered more than the actual work. As we both know... depends... which is a good segway into the prompt. Depends are one answer. I'll need to check into other options before I travel. No wheelchairs here... our 1908 toilets are small without pre-handicap access. I'm next door to the toilets so it's just a matter of grabbing something to wrap around myself and pray both toilets aren't occupied. " re "Invalid Entry" Sox: {c:}"Yes, a bucket or Depends. But as Sandy said, hope there's no hole in it." re "November 11, 2021" Tina: {c:}"I have a Westmoreland milkglass vase (my grandfather worked there). I do not pee in it. I reuse empty cottage cheese containers. Yes, you really DO grasp this prompt. Some folks who have severe water restrictions do not flush for pee. I look at Thai TV episodes where they wash up with a big bowl of water and wonder how cold the water is and whether I will experience that when I visit. Prolly not, unless I get lucky and can stay a couple days with a rural family. There's a hilarious scene in "A Tale of 1000 Stars" when Tian has to go to the toilet at night (with a lantern) and gets startled by a gecko. " re "Invalid Entry" Robert: {c:}"It's actually a very good joke as is the ditty since it's #1 and not #2 (that would make it a poo-poo poem or a shitty ditty).  I need to look into diaper options. Weight and volume are issues when traveling... and yes, that may be my future, no denying it.  " re "Nothing to Go On" Sonali: {c:}"I'm considering looking into something that is light-weight and packable (taking up little space). Yes, some things are easier as a man but I could give examples that are TMI when it isn't." re "Easy! - #30DBC" Marvilla: {c:}"Yep, be prepared. I have had a plan B during the Season of Covid. I'm considering some kind of pad for traveling. Planes are fine but trains and buses can be iffy and there are those 'bad' days to consider." re "Dire bathroom situation " Petra: {c:}"I'm looking at adult diapers and underwear liners for when I travel. Planes are rarely a problem unless I'm blocked in next to the window. Long distance trains and buses are usually fine. But... "local" buses are not! This all varies by country. Still if they don't weigh much nor take up much room I should consider it. " re "If you gotta go..." HEYHAY ? Mike: {c:}"Exactly how it's done. If they need more help they just make another call. Same with any kind of harvest most anywhere there are farmers." re "Say, hay! [30 DBC entry]" LeJen: {c:}"And done with kindness and concern that everyone gets better. Where there is a sense of community this happens all the time and people don't think twice; they just show up and deal with it. Even in the city this happens if there's community (my personal experience)." re "Just Being Neighborly" Sandy: {c:}""They are experienced farmers and they succeed because they toil together. I shall ask them to assist with the hay harvest." This is reality. They toil together. It's how your forefathers survived. You may not have to make that call. If you know each other they probably already know your circumstance and will call you or drop by and offer." re "Me In A Farm Fix?" Sox: {c:}"I think this is a reasonable answer, especially for sheep or goats. The guinea pigs might prefer an unmown back yard (suplemented with carrots). The goats would be even better at clearing out a woodlot of shrubs and poison ivy." re "November 10, 2021" CASTLE *Sox: "This was gripping and far more than a blog post as Ray aptly lamented. We begin to get a clearer image of Raen and Beaoul and the relationship between them. Powder as a weapon makes perfect sense. Hope you continue this for NaNo using any 30dbc prompt that's applicable." re "November 9, 2021" *LeJen: "I'm with Ray and Norma Jean. Chilling."She has called for me." No pleading, no need to elaborate, just a firm statement. I'd let you pass too! "Let us see what Hope needs from me now! Let us see what the light requires of the darkness." Again chilling. "But pride and vanity corrupt the soul. Oh the pain, anger, and sorrow it took to turn me into what I now am! Years of envy led to this hate and malice..." seems too abstract (may work in a blurb/synopsis). I wonder how this could be reworded to make it more concrete. In any case it could be reworked and made a separate item. Consider entering a synopsis of it into "The Whatever Contest -- Closed for Now" as I'm sure one of the titles would fit, maybe "Blade of a Pale Moon" if nothing else.Sandy: {c:}"So... we know you're batty... what else is new?  Or are you a dragon that got lost in the wrong story? Anyhoo.. thanx for the different take on the prompt." re "Letting My Hair Down" VARIOUS Tina: {c:}"Very disturbing yet uplifting post. I didn't realize your school was that tough. Mine wasn't, but maybe I was also oblivious. Classmates just 'disappeared' but I didn't have close friends and never heard why. I'm sure petty crime or 'with child' were two reasons. We didn't have gangs. Such a different world. Is all of Texas this violent? In all my travels I've never been anywhere as violent as the US. Give us an update on your dinner with neighbors." re "Invalid Entry" |
| Hey Hay IGOTTAGO Sumojo: "Yep. My grandparents had a two-seat outhouse but at night we used a chamber pot. I have pots and in an emergency would manage. I use a cup to pee." re "Busting" Viv: "My grandparents had an outhouse and used chamber pots. I grew up in a family of 5 with one toilet. For me, this is my present reality. I've been in this old hotel for 13 years. I've thought about moving out. But rent is cheap. So much to consider. I'm not sure everyone could handle more details unless they've worked in a nursing facilty or assisted friends or family with similar issues. But I have." re "PEES IN A POD" Kathie: "Well, well, well... welcome to my world. When I travel around the world and stay in hostels I know where the exits and toilets are before I have to use them. I've thought about depends..." re "30 day Blogging-Nov 11, 2021" HAY Robert: "I've lived in areas that grew hay but I know nothing. In NE Kansas years ago they were 4-croppers or hog farmers. More need for the corn and milo and silage. Regardless, they would've all helped out. Farmers can be very cooperative. The competition wasthe weather, not each other". re "Hay Now" Sonali "Honesty is fine. This is a very Euro-American prompt. I grew up where hay was used by the dairy farmers for horses and cows. In Kansas they grew corn and other crops to feed cattle and hogs. All I can say is that in Kansas the farmers worked together. The competition was the weather." re "I haven't the foggiest notion - #30DBC" Sue: "Farmers understand working together. The 'enemy' is the weather (or maybe rabbits) not each other. Neighborly people also do well. Even in cities there's cooperation. One sees this everytime there's a disaster. What has happened here is that people don't want to know their neighbors. I'm just the opposite." re "Bringing in the hay." *Judith "From the horses mouth... as they say . Thanks for the details and step by step description. In Kansas it was corn and combines and silage. No question that the whole community would step in. Cooperation was the key to survival. Everyone watched the weather. Harvested all night if they had the right equipment and a storm front was moving in. One question... can you tell the moisture/mold etc. in hay mostly by sight or smell or touch or taste or sound? In other words what senses were used before fancy monitors and such? Are there certain weeds that affect harvest? We cut shattercane out of the milo (sorghum) to not gum up the machines. As children, we wild-strawberry harvesters knew by taste, sight, smell and whether it was hard or smooshy. One thumps watermelon. In any case, thanx for a peek into your world. Experience trumps opinion or fantasy when it comes to making hay. " re "Make Hay When the Sun Shines" Marvilla: "It would be a 'disaster' and everyone would help. Workers need to be fed, folks needs someone to look after kids or the elderly. More so when a disaster or tragedy hits." re "Neighbor’s situation " Lilli: "Robert: nope ropes and danger noodles? Lilli: yes, farmers understand cooperation. In the old days survival depended on it; it still does but hard to explain this to some folks. You'd be there with your coffee-by-the-carload and donuts-by-the-dozen or enough soup and rice to feed an army. Of this I'm sure! " re "Hey, neighbor!" Petra: "Apondia wrote what hay cutting and baling is like. She can do that because she has first hand experience. I can only observe what I saw in small farm communities I lived in long ago. Farmers are cooperative. Their enemy is the weather, not each other. City folks can be cooperative too. Like when me and my neighbors were stuck for days due to a blizzard." re "Helping a neighbor" Cappucine: "I've lived in combine country. It's used for wheat and other crops not hay. That said farmers always help each other in the MidWest. Apondia lives in the NorthEast near where I grew up. The folks there are not as friendly but I'm sure they help each other. My city was in the snow-belt so blizzards were common and neighbors always checked on each other." re "hey hey hey" Viv: "When I lived in Kansas there was no question that everyone would help. Elizabeth and Judith make valid points: people aren't as neighborly these days." re "KINDNESS" Kathie: "I saw how people came together in Kansas when a tornado let the hogs out. And I saw how folks responded to a blizzard back home. Kindness is not as uncommon as some people think. You would do what you could while others did what they could. " re "30 day Blogging-Nov 10, 2021" CASTLE Cappucine: "Funny response. I didn't see any castle when I visited Australia. Must've gone to the wrong country." re "let down my hair" ?Sonali "Yes, well worth the read. Thank you. This prompt triggered me which is why I posted my own. I didn't grow up with castles. Like your comment about hay... I had no clue how to answer. " re "An Old Folk Tale Retold - #30DBC" Kathie: "1963... when the poet was young. All I can say is that some people listened; all I can moan is that most of us didn't." re "Blog entry for Nov. 9, 2021" Sue "Yes, it does jump around like a dream. Well done. What did the Queen say by-the-way? Like... "On with your clothes or off with your head" perhaps?" re "Searching for lost memory " Mike: "Well ... are you sure you got to the right one? I mean... Igor...?" re "In the castle east [30 DBC entry]" Judith "Not a lot of castles in the US. I can see how open house tours would be interesting but I don't think we ever did that. My family didn't have much interest in moving or seeing other people's houses when I was growing up. One of the charms of the open air museum of Maihaugen in Lillehammer Norway were homes from various decades." re "Pricing the Ticket" Marvilla: "I would never find the prince or princess. I have nightmares where I look for a friend others are hiding. I couldn't deal with fantasy yesterday. Reality bites." re "The castle " Petra: "I believe a friend has moved to Wales. Possibly Swansea. I've never been. Future trip? I'd like to escape to the world for 2 years and then maybe to a city that has access to the country. American cities are notorious for sprawl and lack of transportation." re "A castle in Wales" Viv: "Hopefully the UTI has cleared up. In our family it makes people 'loopy'. Not everyone is prepared for change nor deals with it well. Castles can protect or become a 'prison'." re "DDOUBBLE TTROUBBLE" Ray: "Just within your grasp...  This can be worked on some time if you want to make it a story of its own. "He/I dreamed a dragon" could become flash, a short story, an intro to a longer work. You give the dragon a voice. This dragon is no mere object; he has dreams of stars and sparkly things ... and a few anger-management issues. Since dreams and nightmares can be a glimpse into someone's 'soul' this could be saved until it inspires you to work on it again." re "Invalid Entry" QP "Yes, Lady Elizabeth. May I help you with anything else M'lady? IMHO, the last two lines weaken this passage. There are better ways to show angst. That said, it could be worked into a short story or a chapter in a longer work. Keep it until it speaks to you again. Then listen closely, M'lady; it may know what it wants." re "Invalid Entry" MaryAnn "This is a fine castle , may I look around it.?" So disarming, like Agatha Christie. Delightful."DECADE ?Marvilla: "Even a child can walk across the country with slow steady steps. Yeah... making new habits that are better than the old is a good beginning. Getting out of one's comfort zone is another. Getting out of bed (where I'm now sitting) would help me! Glad you mentioned mistakes. That's part of the process I really didn't understand as a child. Mistakes were not allowed in a place and time where perfection and product were valued over process. I wish you many more mistakes to help you along the way. " re "Now is my best decade" Mike "I have a kick-the-bucket-list. (parse as you please) I think I'll do 2 year plans from now on. " re "The Year 2031: Status? [30 DBC entry]" PRAISE/CRITICISM Marvilla: "Harsh criticism crosses cultural boundaries. In the Thai TV series I watch the compassion or cruelty can be an important part of the story. 'Tough love' is merely tough is there is no love. Maya Angelou said, "when we know better, we do better."" re "Ruined with praise or saved by criticism " Darken: "I do think we need both. Praise can kill but so can criticism. I can take criticism when I know I'm loved unconditionally. " re "Invalid Entry" 5211 |
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. That's good, right? Or did you just list those checked? 
