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A new blog to contain answers to prompts |
Since my old blog "Everyday Canvas "  became overfilled, here's a new one. This new blog item will continue answering prompts, the same as the old one. Cool water cascading to low ground
To spread good will and hope all around.  |
| Prompt: "Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves." Write about this quote in you Blog entry today. ----------- I won't disagree with the idea that solitude may have some restorative powers. Yes, solitude can become a tool for self-discovery, but it may not be for everyone. I guess the idea took hold after Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own." There may be some truth to the fact that a quiet space can allow for reflection, healing, and even some empowerment, if doable.. Yet, is solitude a must? To begin with, not every woman finds herself in solitude, nor should she have to. To be authentic, some connection to others, through conversation and friendship, can also be a healer. People may discover their essences not in isolation but in the presence of those who truly see them. My grandmother, for example, was the one women who knew herself very well and adjusted to circumstances perfectly, but she never liked to be alone. She always craved for people to be around her. Then, not everyone has access to solitude. Most women juggle many duties that leave little or no room for alone time. Does that make self-discovery a luxury, then, to be only accessed through solitude? I don't think so. We can all find ourselves in stillness or in action, with or without solitude. We can access and reconnect with our selves both in company, noise or in silence and solitude. Who we are cannot only be accessed through withdrawal, silence and alone time. Who we are as women may already be showing up in the ways we live, love, resist, and deal with the world. |
| Prompt: Nothing in the world is quite as adorably lovely as a robin when he shows off and they are nearly always doing it. Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. ----------- This quote is from the Secret Garden, that my class in eighth grade--circa 1957--was to put up as a play, which didn't work because, as eager as our just-out-of-college-young English teacher was to act as a producer, nothing worked. She was a very cute teacher but she was impatient with people forgetting their lines, looking at the wrong side of the stage or person, and us giggling unnecessarily. Come to think of it, we all had more fun with the teacher's exasperation than our illusion of being in a play. At the end, the project was erased off. So much for the young teens' stage misconceptions and a sapling teacher's aspirations! As to the quote, the robin is a symbol of wisdom, gentleness, friendship and connection to nature. The main character is a lonely child and the robin leads her to the secret garden. The secret garden is a place of healing and growth, and the kind and cheerful robin is the symbol of nature. This robin comforts the girl by helping her deal with her problems and embrace change. Then, the girl introduces her invalid cousin to the garden and both kids begin to heal in body and spirit and the garden blossoms even more. Come to think of it, our world today is in need of a robin, too. Except, we either don't recognize the real robins that show up or we replace them with false robins. Will the real robins rise up, please! |
| Prompt: Fears and Courage “Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” Robert Louis Stevenson Is it always wise to keep fears to ourselves or should we boast about our courage? What would pros and cons be in both these cases? ------------ I am not sure about being secretive about such fear or courage issues or boasting openly about them. Sometimes, talking about fears too much can make them bigger than they already are. I, however, would probably prefer staying silent about them so they can allow me to power my way through them, without overthinking. That is, if or when this approach is doable. With me, I never know. Also, of course, this depends on the fear. Sometimes, it is difficult to contain my fears inside myself. Nevertheless, I've learned over the years that I lived in Florida not to panic during each summer to fall, which is the hurricane season. Still, I can't tell you that I am 100% calm, come mid July. Well, I'm not fearless about this, and I won't act as if I am fearless. Also, there may be a con about acting fearless. If I advertise myself as being fearless and if, heaven forbid, I believed in my own lie, it would create pressure on me to maintain such an image. Then, that image itself would become a problem, wouldn't it! So, in the case of the hurricane season, let's say, I'm on alert but do not expect the worst...at least, not always. As to boasting my courage, this approach needs very fine tuning. If done with no humility, I may come off as being self-centered or as a bragger who needs to overshadow other people. This would make others connections to me, at best, iffy. Then, funny enough, as far as human psychology goes, people are said to relate better to fears and misfortunes than victories and successes. Pointing out my own courage, all the time, might drive people away and might make me miss on the chances for deeper and more honest friendships. Where fear and courage are concerned, therefore, the path in the middle might be the wisest. This is because courage isn't the absence of fear but acting in spite of it. When I let people see those sides in me in their true forms, that could prove to be the best approach. |
| Prompt: “Good people are good because they’ve come to wisdom through failure.” William Saroyan Is it always true that people gain wisdom when they fail, and have you ever gained wisdom from any failure? ------------- If I and anyone else always gained wisdom from failures, we would be the wisest people in the world. I don't know why failure is often described as a powerful teacher. The idea that we learn more from mistakes rather than from successes is a popular belief, echoed in motivational speeches, self-help books, and everyday conversations. If so, all of us should go after failures, shouldn't we? But, no! No one really likes failing. This is because gaining insight from a failure is wisdom in itself and none of us were born that wise! Granted, we do learn from repeated failures only if and when it dawns on us that something we're doing is not working. Then, what about context? The ability to learn from failure has to do with the environment and the support available to a person or even a business. When surrounded by mentors or friends who encourage reflection and growth, we are more likely to extract lessons from setbacks and other stuff. Also, timing plays a role. Sometimes, such wisdom doesn’t come right away. It may take time and more experiences before a person can look back and understand what they could have done differently. Not that lamenting the past is wisdom, either. So, isn't applauding failure as a teacher a false belief? Failure may teach but its teaching is not guaranteed and facing a failure can be extremely painful. I, therefore, believe, in essence, wisdom really comes from the willingness to reflect, understand, and learn. In short, real wisdom is based upon one's sincere willingness to grow. Then, and only then, everything--including failure--, will act as a teacher. |
| Prompt: "Easter is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all of your eggs in one basket." Evan Esar If given the choice, which types of candies would you put in your own basket? ------- I'm not sure about putting all my fresh eggs in one basket. What if the clumsy me dropped the basket? I guess boiled ones wouldn't matter much. Worse comes to worst, their shells would be cracked. So, what would it matter, in this world where most anything is cracking up recently! And I'm cracking up, right now, at what flows out of my keyboard onto the screen. As to that basket I'm supposed to fill with goodies, I'd start with dark chocolate anything and jellybeans, and other sweets like my grandmother's pastries that are now impossible to find, my mother's eclairs that also are a memory, and again as another memory, my late husband's delightful smile. Added to all that can be the purrs from the cat heaven of my beautiful black Noche and all my earlier cats, plus from the dog heaven, the sight of our Newfoundland dog Joe's gorgeous eyes, watching me with the purest love ever. Then, I wish to put my basket inside a much larger basket, so large that it may be impossible to carry, since inside, this large basket is already quite full with blessings for my sons, family, friends, and fellow human beings--of love and light, cooperation among people and nations, and peace and hope for our world. I think I'll pull that hope to the top of this very big basket, even though I may only be dreaming. |
| Prompt: “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” —Abraham Lincoln “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” —Dalai Lama; Let these quotes inspire your entry today. ------------ Ahha! I agree with Abraham Lincoln. Try putting your feet, even only one foot in the wrong place, and see what happens, especially in old age when your stance isn't steady. In 2016, I broke a vertebra--L4, to be exact--which eventually healed, thanks to the orthopedist. So now, I'm very careful with where I step and how I step. Mind you that I am using the word "step" literally and metaphorically. As to the Dalai Lama's quote, sorry, but I don't think so, even though I totally respect this great man's optimism and spirituality. I said I don't agree with this quote because--for a very long time, now--I have been suspecting that we were put on this planet so to test our mettle. And I bet no one feels deliriously happy while taking a test. Picture this: Bombs are all over the place and raining down on you and everyone, and all your loved ones are dead while you are barely alive. How deliriously happy are you, in a situation like this? If you think you can be happy under such circumstances, I would advise you to seek psychiatric help. I don't think the One who put us on this planet wants us to be crazily happy all the time; however, we may be allowed to taste happiness in short spurts or maybe for a few years or so, as a grace. Then, I think, we are here to experience different things and to watch ourselves as to how we act within those experiences. So the resulting awareness will show us who or what we really are. In other words, we are here to get to know our own selves. As for me, for to help my mood (i. e. happiness), when things go haywire, I tell myself, "This, too, shall pass!" Then, when any rotten stuff is over, I usually don't feel too great either, especially after the death of someone close. So, even "This, too, shall pass" can and does become only a temporary Band-Aid. So what's the key to staying alive and feeling somewhat okay without falling into deep depression when things go wrong and they don't seem to get better in the near (or far) future? I guess, each one of us will have to answer that question in their own way. For me, though, the answer is to get through any difficult moment as calmly as I possibly can, do the best with everything I do, keep very busy so rotten ideas and feelings do not crowd my mind, and always try to learn something new, which in my case, is a new language, usually. This may be because I always loved words, especially when they are written well. Keeping my mind busy helps avoid a lot of trouble, so it doesn't keep on yacking and bringing up old stuff or stinky future possibilities. As Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman emperor, said: “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” |
| Prompt: What are your plans for this weekend? -------- I don't usually make weekend plans, but I'm looking forward to this weekend, as both my sons will be here, plus a friend or two, just maybe. Right now, only my older son from NY is visiting as he only likes Florida during the winter and spring months, and now, his presence in the house is a blessing. So, today, I'm planning to take it slow and enjoy some downtime, as I am always doing something, always trying to iron out life's creases and wrinkles. People in the psycho business say that looking forward to something increases and sustains optimism. They found that people were at their happiest while actually planning their vacation rather than being on the vacation itself. On the other hand, that is one reason, I like to have somewhat of a routine. I mean what if I anticipate something great and it is not so? Would I like that disappointment? Not me. But I digress. Coming back to this weekend, Saturday morning, I will probably start with a good cup of tea and a late breakfast—maybe pancakes or something somewhat indulgent. I am not even a fan of pancakes, and I don't know why they popped into my mind just now. More likely, I might have something else, more like French toast and oatmeal for breakfast. Then, I might go for a walk and when I come in I might write in my blog and conjure up a poem for Katya's "Dew Drop Inn" , for April being the poetry month. After that, maybe, I'll do chores around the house. The same will probably go for Sunday, except of course, both my sons will be here, and I never know what will pop up with them. In any case, I'm sure they'll decide for me. Honestly, that might be the best part. |
| Prompt: "Hope springs eternal." Write about this in your Blog entry today. --------- "Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never is, but always to be blest." Alexander Pope’s poem An Essay on Man (1734) How could I forget this quote! I knew Princess Megan Rose  's prompt was tied to something very familiar but couldn't put my finger on it right away. Now, I know after searching it. Alexander Pope was probably my tenth grade English teacher, (RIP) Mrs. Mc Achron's favorite poet and she told us never to forget "hope." That was more than six decades ago.But I did forget "hope" at times, as life does it to people, and it did to me, too. Yet, as I have found over and over again, things can and do improve, maybe not exactly to my liking, but in the least, they become tolerable. Even in the face of adversity, disappointment, or failure, hope finds a way to emerge...quietly, persistently, and sometimes irrationally. It was hope what motivated me to try again and again after failing, to love again after losing, or to believe in peace in times of conflict, as no matter how difficult life became, I had to continue to hope for better days. Hope always knows when to emerge when to motivate me to get up and brush off the dust and gloom, and continue to change, to heal, and to keep on going. This quote then, is not only a poet's observation but a powerful, quiet truth about our human condition. I hope I never lose hope! |
| Prompt: "A happy life must be to a good extent a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy can live. " Bertrand Russell Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. -------- Did you ever think we might be chasing happiness in all the wrong places? I mean we attend the noisy sports games, races, movies, parties, social media, and other such things as well as shopping in crowded stores. How much happiness can one get from such excursions! Maybe, we've somehow convinced ourselves that joy comes from more: more experiences, more achievements, more connections, more likes. But what if the opposite is true? Speaking for me, I find true joy (maybe myself, too, the real Joy) in quieter moments. Nowadays, blame it on my age if you wish, I prefer sitting quietly reading, writing, doing chores around the house, or having a conversation or back-and-forth messaging with a friend or two, since I can also appreciate the fact that "quiet" doesn't necessarily mean isolation or complete silence. It means I am not constantly reaching our for the next event or performing for any audience, real or imagined. This is because, in my solitude or half-solitude, I can hear myself think, feel free to feel my feelings, and connect to what truly matters to me. My moments don't shout, they whisper, and because of that I'm more alert to paying attention to them. |
| Prompt: Sunlight In what ways does sunlight affect you, especially when it is filtered through the trees and not too strong? ---------------- Sunlight, when gentle, has a way of softening my world. I watch it dapple the ground in golden patterns, bringing more than just the warmth. This way, it becomes my quiet friend who dances with the wind. And now, through the leaves, when it arrives softened, it is a whisper, not a shout as it usually is, here in Florida. This makes me wonder how it can shape-shift from one thing to another like a curmudgeon who turns into the nicest, kindest person, and I am very appreciative when such a change happens. In such a subtle state, the sunlight touches not just on my skin, but somewhere deeper. This is because it is the kind of light that invites me to sit longer outside or wander slowly in the yard. Then, soothing it is, with a meditative quality, as if offering peace and presence and a comforting rhythm for my tired spirit in a way no other outdoor or indoor lighting can. So magical, I end up thinking. So, sunlight when in a gentle form, reminds me that even in the busy rush of life, there are still spaces where light can slow down—and maybe, I should too. |
| Prompt: Shadows What does a shadow suggest to you? Do you like shadows that are soft and light or those that are dark and strong? ---------- When I was a very little kid, I was afraid of my shadow, if only because my mother scared me, due to her practical wisdom, by saying that, "Whatever you say and do, your shadow will tell me, so tell me the truth always." Surely, there was an existential truth in her words that still rings through my life, and possibly in everyone's life, for what we hide can become our shadow. Fact is, whether they tell on us or not, shadows are the quiet companions of light. They form when something blocks the path of light, depending on the intensity of the light source and the distance between the object (or me) and the light source. In other words, the stronger the light, the weaker the shadow. As such, soft and light shadows are gentle, even barely noticeable, like whispers. They come about, calm and subtle, under diffused light, as on a cloudy day or near a dim lamp, possibly suggesting serenity and do not demand much attention. On the flip side, dark and strong shadows are bold and strongly visible, suggesting mystery, intensity, and even fear. We can often see them in cinematic scenes where tension is high for the movie-makers have mastered how to use shadows to enhance a scene. This is because a strong shadow tells a strong story. Frankly, I have nothing against shadows, whether they are soft or strong. They are, with their often blurry edges, reflections of what we call real. This may be because each plays a different role, but both speak the language of light. I bet, however, they don't have enough language to talk to the mothers of tiny little kids, at all. |
| Prompt: April Morning Write about an ideal April morning, if possible in a warm and cheerful mood. ------------ Where I live, the air is not slightly warm but with bright sunshine that heats up the day, so much so that I have to have the AC on by noon. This morning, though is a beauty, only because it is more tolerable. So, my son took his coffee to the porch and I followed his example with my tea. The wide expanse of the golf course was bright green under the sun, except for the lightened shades of the trees here and there. I heard a few birds chattering and a song or two, although I couldn't tell what kind of birds they were from their sounds. All I know is that some of them are local while others are the migratory ones. The neighbor next-door waved at us, sleepily, while taking care of his small plot of a garden. A couple of golfers looking for golf balls came closer to us and waved at us, too, which made me think, how wonderful a world we would have if we could just wave at other countries and they would wave back at us and also at each other, without getting into one another's ways! But the mess that is happening with the world should not mess me up, also, not on a morning like this. On an April morning like this, time slows down just enough to notice the little things: bird songs, bright colors under the sun, the smile on my son's face as he sips his coffee, and the rhythm of my own breath. So for a little while, the world feels just right. |
| Prompt: Today's a full moon is called the Pink Moon. While it won't appear pink, this full moon holds a special distinction — it's the smallest full moon of the year, also known as a "micromoon". This is because April's full moon occurs when the moon is farthest from Earth in its orbit (known as apogee), making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, though the difference may be hard to spot with the naked eye. https://www.space.com/april-full-moon-2025-rises-what-to-expect Let the moon inspire your entry today ... a poem, a story. Have fun. -------------- To the Pink Moon You rose, steeped in gloom, today, like a whisper shooing the stars away in a sky that begs for grandeur loud you drifted into its boastful crowd your face, gentle, light pink and all as if a hush, but not a trumpet call now, you pull at my heart with silver beams and soft light and longing, as it seems still, from so far away, you turn the tide and float over us in constant pride from your distant path, with a pale plea even dimmed and shy, you still move me. |
| Prompt: Sadly, there was another helicopter crash today in Manhattan. Have you flown in a helicopter? Do you think enough inspections are being done? Should the FAA make more rigid guidelines to reduce the amount of crashes? ------------ Yes, I have flown in a helicopter, several times, but those were the days when I was much younger and daring and we used to travel a lot. Nowadays, I won't set foot in a helicopter, unless I'm drowning in the middle of the ocean and a rescue helicopter is hovering above. Some of the helicopters, in those days, seated 6-8 people. The scariest one was a four-seater with open sides, but those were way back when. As to the second and third questions, I don't know enough to have an opinion about helicopters and safety inspections and what the FAA does in its spare time, but then, everything can be made better and safer. The rule of thumb should be with anything: too many problems and crashes and such, it needs to be fixed. The good thing about helicopters is that they can take off and land vertically, unlike airplanes. This allows them to land on just about anywhere without the need of much space. I think army helicopters must be better and stronger, and if they aren't, they should be. I'm guessing, about the crashes that, maybe, the size and strength of the engine does not meet the requirements of the body of the helicopter and wind problems, and that might be why they crash. Also and again, maybe, when an engine fails in mid-air, if the helicopter pilot can switch to a second engine immediately, like the spare tire in the car, the losses wouldn't be this great and crashes so often. I am sure, as it is, most helicopters today must have some kind of flight controls, and a few also have wings possibly for better stabilization. But, as I indicated earlier, I don't know enough about the subject and I've only tried to think this thing out. |
| Prompt: "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." Henry David Thoreau Write about this quote in your Blog entry today. -------- This prompt reminds me of my childhood when my two uncles went fishing in a boat, and often, they took me with them. I learned a lot from them about fishing, but what were they after, sitting in a boat in the middle of the sea under the sun? So, I asked. One uncle said, "When we are out there, we don't think of the world and the whole entire crap it shoves our way. We only worry if the fish is biting or not." His words still make me think: What are we really after? Not just with fishing, but with everything else? We might think we want recognition, goods, wealth, appreciation, etc. Yet, beneath what we go after lie the desire and longing for freedom, love, recognition, and meaning. Often, we realize this much later in life and/or somewhere inside our maturity's curve, if we can ever realize it at all. This quote, therefore, is a reminder to reflect on our pursuits and thoughts. Are we chasing the "fish" — a surface-level reward — or are we seeking something deeper, something harder to name but far more valuable? And just maybe, the real catch isn't out there in the world —but it's already within us.  |
| Prompt: "Holding the ocean back with a broom." Write about this quote today as this applies to life and the problems we face. ------------- Can I sweep the tide back with a broom? Nope, and so many times that I've tried, the ocean didn't care about me or my broom. No matter how I swept, the water kept coming. Yup, that's life most of the time. . All those things I couldn't control...all those forces bigger than me. What hurt the most was probably the uncertainty, followed by change, loss, and grief. Nothing ever stopped coming at me just because I wasn't ready. But, here's the thing--I still try and I still sweep and I hold on to my broom as if it is a life-saver. Yet, it isn't, is it! So what's the point? What's the point when problems keep multiplying, responsibilities become endless, losses are a dime a dozen, and grief doesn't heal on my schedule? The point, I'm finding out, is a quiet, stubborn hope. It's my way of saying, I'm still here; I'm still trying. The point is, I don't always sweep because I hope or think I'll win. I sweep because this is an act of love for the Creator and the creation. Then, maybe, it is dignity, courage, and my way of saying, "I’m still here. I’m still trying." The ocean will always be bigger. But so is my heart, big enough for me to show up, no matter what! ------- Note: Thank you for the prompt, Princess Megan Rose , and for letting me rant.  |
| Prompt: Swimming What swimming-related topics would you discuss if you were a stand-up comedian? ------ Oh, swimming! Instead of the topics, let me stand up instead. Then, since I'm standing up, I can't swim, can I? Anyway, here I am as your very new and very raw recruit stand-up comedian. Aaahem! Swimming is one of those things where, if you stop doing it, you die...especially if you're in the middle of the ocean. That's why they invented the swimming lessons and swimming pools so we can throw our two-year old babies into them, so they learn swimming. I should know. I did just that with both my sons, but with the swimming instructor sticking around. I did it because I know that swimming is not a sport, but survival with style. If you dare, go argue this point with the Olympics people! They'll tell you a mouthful of nonsense. And they are weird. Just like swimming itself, as it’s one of those few skills you can’t really brag about, without sounding slightly like a psychopath. Picture this: Someone says, “Oh, I’m a runner.” Cool, health nut, you think. Someone says, “I’m a swimmer.” Oh... so you trained for when the land betrays us? And just how people describe swimmers? "They’re like a fish in water!" Okay, but you know what happens to a fish out of water? Dead in ten seconds. Plus, let's take a look at swimwear versus other coverings of the body, such as clothes, veils, chador, armor, fashion...and then, we get to the pool and strip down to the smallest piece of elastic underwear held together by hope and we flaunt it to everyone around. At the end, when all is said and done, I respect swimmers, especially those long-distance in the ocean kind, who dunk themselves out there, beating physics, racing inside the water like a submarine or a super hero. But me? No way, at my age! I'll just stick around by the pool or if I dare, I'll be holding on to a float at the shallow end. |
| Prompt: Pets What is the most important reason for having a pet? And which kinds of people shouldn't have pets? ---------- I don't know what the most important pet-adoption reason is, but I adopted my pets because they were either strays or their owners didn't want them anymore. Research suggests most people get pets for companionship. My last pet-companion was Noche, a black, very sweet, old cat, unwanted by her previous owners. She passed away a few months ago at 16. This last pet of mine proved what the research said. She was a wonderful companion. I still miss her. Will I get another cat? No. It wouldn't be fair to the animal because I'm old, and who would take care of it after me! Also, sending an animal to a shelter after it gets used to an owner and a home would disturb it, I think. All pets fill a very human need for bonding. For children and the young people, they teach and encourage the feelings of empathy and responsibility, and for us all, they can improve our mental health and provide emotional connection. Then, not everyone is in a good position to care for an animal — and that’s okay. Pets aren’t accessories. They’re living beings with needs. Also, it takes time and energy to care for a pet properly. Then, what about people who travel constantly or are away from home for long periods? Should they get pets? I think not, unless their place is fully staffed to take care of an animal when the owners are absent. In addition, pet care can be expensive. Thus, people who have unstable housing or lack of finances to care for a pet shouldn't get one. Also, lack of patience and lack of empathy for animals do not belong in a pet owner, either, especially if they are not willing to commit for the long haul of the pet's entire life. What I mean to say is, pets are not for status, aesthetics, trends or impressing one's boss or friends. Adopting or buying a pet should be because we want to give love and care, and not just, only to receive it. |
| Prompt: New Ideas In what ways can one make room for new ideas to emerge and grow for any situation in any area? ------------ Just as a garden needs space, light, and nourishment for plants to grow, my mind needs openness, stillness, and curiosity, which I can't get all the time, but I do get it in bits and pieces. Maybe that's why my ideas take root in bits and pieces. Then, just maybe there is a reason for that. Sometimes, my mind is too full, with opinions, feelings, pro or con, and old and weary assumptions. Then, I try to give it a rest and disconnect. A while afterwards, I empty it...my mind that is... from clutter as much as I can by asking myself, "what if I'm wrong?" And I search and listen, just like I did with today's prompt in "Dew Drop Inn" , I hadn't even heard of death cafes before. My first reaction was, "Why are people so stupid to discuss grim subjects like that? Don't they have any guts to accept life as is?" But then, I thought it over and came to the conclusion that, as human beings we are entitled to use any means in order to face difficult subjects. It was like playing in a play space, and I enjoyed writing that poem. I like play because play invites experimentation without the pressure of results. This is when ideas often arrive when I am not trying to force them and I am patient with uncertainties. This puts me in a receptive mode. Then, clarity comes with time and a bit of work. Sometimes, what emerges isn’t a new idea but a new question, and this is fine, too. Now, that I'm almost done chewing the fat on this subject, my kitchen waits for me to cook for the day. Although cooking is not a new idea, but a distraction to ease and keep my mind on a simpler more user-friendly job. |
| Prompt: Imagine you’re a detective. What’s the most bizarre case you’ve solved? --------- Dexter is Missing? What was it about this case! Bizarre? That word isn't even enough to describe it. I knew something was up when there was a knock on the door of my office. Since the secretary was out that day, I opened it myself. Here was Mrs. Winslow with a short-cut, salt and pepper hair, standing in front of me. She was a thin woman of average height but with knotty fingers. Arthritis, I guessed. How did I know she was Mrs. Winslow? Because of the appointment calendar. That's how. . I showed her in. So far normal, right? Nope, not after she told me what she came to me for. It was her missing cat, Dexter. Nothing unusual so far. So an old lady has lost her cat. So what? But, that wasn't all. At first, I snickered (totally, inside me) about this weird situation, until she told me more about what I, at first, didn't believe. And why should I believe her! She was old, and though her hair was lush, her mind might be thinning.. Mrs. Winslow swore her tabby, Dexter, had vanished into thin air, casually walking into her kitchen wall...and disappearing. No cracks, nothing, the cat was just gone. I raised my eyebrows and humored her. Honestly, I didn't believe her, until she opened her big bag and shoved a VHS tape in front of me, saying this was from her security camera. 'Oh, my! Who ever uses those things, anymore?' I thought. But being a pack rat myself, I pulled out of the storage my old friend, the VHS player. Yes, the security camera had captured it all! So the next day, I went to visit Mrs. Winslow in her home. And yeah, it was the same kitchen, the same wall the cat, Dexter, walked into. Mrs. Winslow might not be lying or hallucinating. I didn't know what to do. So, she asked me to stay the night and watch that wall. I did. Just as I was dozing off, on the armchair I was sitting on, the light shimmering from the wall alerted me to open my eyes. A very strange light... I checked my watch. It was 3AM, and out of the wall, strolled a huge tabby cat with a tiny gold crown on his head, followed by two other cat attendants. Was I hallucinating or what! I pushed the button on my watch for recording, so I could show it to Mrs. Winslow. When she watched my footage, her eyes opened up like sink holes and she nodded. "That's why I asked you over for the night," she murmured. Bizarre? Yes, but it might be more than that! It turns out, that wall might have served as a portal to some cat kingdom, and Mrs. Winslow's cat Dexter was, in fact, royalty. I told Mrs. Winslow to go along with whatever the cat wanted to do, as some mysteries don’t need much solving — just respecting. And I'll never ever take another missing pet case again. |
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