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Online Communications

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I don’t spend a lot of time online because I feel I can put my time to better use than to sit glued to a monitor. However, when I do spend time online, I am usually writing, putting finishing touches to something I have finished or just sitting there staring out to space and hoping the ideas come rushing in! Sometimes they do and sometimes nothing new pops up and I walk away a little disappointed and frustrated as well.

When I’m not writing, I look at emails and answer them if necessary. There is communication with the publisher but these days, I complain and she turns a deaf ear! There is also communication with the new publisher but I’m not sure if I’m going to get another book published this year. It was stressful last year and I want peace of mind this year. Still thinking about it but the more I think, the more I like having my free time to do what I want.

Other than that, I don’t do much online. Let me take that back. I had a problem with the computer yesterday and it screamed, “Virus attack!” Not sure if it was because I do have proper protective measures in place, so, I fiddled with it for a couple of hours, got in touch with a computer tech because I am a tech klutz and got some answers. However, the problem is still there. The next step is to get an expert in here and to have a look. I’m putting it off because I’m not in the mood and anything to do with technology rubs me up the wrong way!

That’s it as far as my communications online goes. Nothing much to speak of and I’d rather be out in nature and communicating with it!

Daily writing prompt

In what ways do you communicate online?

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Most Memorable Road Trip

It was taken a long time ago when I was still at university and the boyfriend was new. A nice guy but he had a mind of his own. One weekend he invited me on this road trip that would take us from Tennessee to Alabama. I had never been to Alabama before so decided to go along. We would be spending the weekend with his sister and his brother-in-law.

It started out as a nice trip. Lots of rest stops, good food along the way and the scenery was nice and serene. Total driving time was supposed to be around 4 hours but as evening rolled around, we were still driving! Dusk brought on a new spooky feeling as the trees on both sides of the road had moss hanging from them and it looked downright scary! I later learned that they were called Spanish Moss but that didn’t help to calm my mind.

ME: “Are we going the wrong way?”

HIM: “Nope, we are headed in the right direction.”

Hmm….anyway, I watched as the road got narrower and the ride got spookier. About an hour in, there was a sign that read, “Welcome to Louisiana.”

I looked at him and he looked away.

HIM: “I guess you are right.”

ME: “I don’t want to spend the night in Louisiana.”

HIM: “We are going to turn around,” sounding more than a little irritated.

To make a long story short, we turned around and headed back to Alabama. I’m not sure how long that took but we finally made it to our destination somewhere around midnight! I was thankful that we made it to where we needed to go and kept my mouth shut!

“Most men are reasonably useful in a crisis. The difficulty lies in convincing them that the situation has reached a critical point.” Elizabeth Peters

It was a memorable road trip because I learned that men are often averse to asking for directions when they are lost. Why? Lord only knows!

Daily writing prompt

Think back on your most memorable road trip.

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You vs. You (Archives)

“It’s you versus you. Meaning you’re the only thing standing in your way.” Amber Tamblyn

The battle lines are often drawn when it comes to facing life’s adversities, difficulties and the unknown. How often do you say, “This is too hard to handle or I can’t do this!” Life’s uncertainties are often met with, I am unworthy, I am too small, I am insignificant, I am not pretty enough, I am not capable, I am not enough and so on. We come up with so many excuses as to why we can’t achieve something or why it is impossible but if truth be told, we make mountains out of molehills. I often point my fingers at everything but myself. I become small and that problem, whatever it is, changes shape and becomes a mountain. It doesn’t matter that the mountain is of my own making, it’s there and it seems insurmountable.

What if we take a step back and view it from a different angle? Is it still insurmountable? How about if we changed our mindset to one of “I can” instead of “I can’t?” I know some problems are huge and they remain huge no matter which way you look at it but there are others that become that way because the “you” the negative “you” sees it that way and so it looms larger than life and once that negative mindset takes hold, it is all downhill from there. I’ve started looking at problems as just that. They are problems yes but I’ve decided to downsize them. I give them a cursory glance at first then I break it down into pieces and tackle it that way. Gone are the days of heart-thumping and end-of-the-world theatrics. No, it hasn’t made the problem any less of a problem but breaking it down does make it more manageable. Perhaps we need to remember it is not you vs. you but YOU working with you to come up with a solution, one that is workable.

It has been said you are your own worst enemy but what if you become your own best friend? Wouldn’t life be so much easier not to mention simpler? Here are some tips on how to do exactly that from the mindful.org.

When you look at the mirror, appreciate the unique person staring back at you – there’s never been another you!

When you talk to yourself, be friendly! Be understanding! NEVER BE MEAN!

When you need lovin’, give yourself a self-hug. Don’t knock it ’till you try it!

Don’t be shy to use your name and tell yourself that you love you.

Make a date with yourself to do something kind and caring.

Make yourself laugh.

Take time for contemplative practices that help you stay tuned in to your body, mind and emotions so that you might always be able to access your inner wisdom.

Idowu Koyenikan had this to say about problems.

“Mountains are only a problem when they are bigger than you. You should develop yourself so much that you become bigger than the mountains you face.”

If all else fails, you can give the “you” that is causing you problems a boot out the door! That should do it. Easier said than done I know and finally, YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE so don’t underestimate yourself.

Have an amazing day.

A Snack?

Does a slice of cheesecake count as a snack? Just a itsy bitsy tiny slice. Eating something healthy is at the top of my list but every now and then I tend to reach for something that contains calories, more than usual like cheesecake for instance.

I have a love affair going with this item. I’ve tried getting off this addiction if you can call it that and I succeed for a few days until I hear it (cheesecake) calling my name! Yes, folks, it has my number. The last time I had a slice was a couple of days ago but if I could, I would have it right now with a nice hot cup of coffee. I don’t know which is stronger, that scrumptious piece of cheesecake or my willpower but we will find out! I’m betting on yours truly but who knows because that creamy piece of nothingness has had the upper hand so far!

Daily writing prompt

What snack would you eat right now?

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LOL!

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A man walks into a barber shop and says, “I’ll have a shave and a shoe shine.”

The barber lathers his face and sharpens the straight edge while a woman with the biggest, most beautiful breasts he has ever seen kneels down and shines his shoes.

The man says, “You and I should spend some time in a hotel room.”

She replies, “My husband wouldn’t like that.”

The man says, “Tell him you’re working overtime, and I’ll pay you the difference.”

She says, “You tell him.

He’s the one shaving you.”

Bet that didn’t turn out too well.

Crazy Business Idea?

I think it would be based on the Uber concept of on-demand ride-hailing. Except mine would be based on hiring a friend for a day. You might say that exists already and it’s called an escort service. Only, this one would have “no benefits” if you know what I mean. It will be friendship in its purest form.

If you’re feeling lonely, pick up the phone and ask for a friend to show up. Be it for a walk, a talk, a listening session, playing games or whatever. When the time is up, they leave and you have had your dose of companionship with none of the hassles. It will be fast, moderately priced and made to order to suit your needs but here again no hanky panky involved.

We live in a society where “loneliness” reigns supreme. It goes unnoticed but it is there so such a crazy business idea might just work. Let’s call it:

RENT A FRIEND FOR A DAY

Daily writing prompt

Come up with a crazy business idea.

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MOVE! (Archives)

To the person who is facing some health issues, to the person who is looking at something new and it looks like a monumental move, to the person who is stuck and not sure how to proceed, I hope this helps.

Movement is needed in all aspects of our lives. Digging in your heels and staying put never works. It might for a short time but never in the long run. When life shows us its idiosyncrasies, human nature is quick to respond and oftentimes we respond by digging in our heels and thumping our nose at it. The problem is the more you dig in your heels, the bleaker life feels, that’s because:

“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.” Rachel Wolchin

What is the true meaning of life? Many have tried to find a definition but no one knows for sure. One thing is for sure and that is LIFE HAPPENS. It doesn’t stand still and it moves faster than we want it to at times.

“Once a wise man was asked, ‘What’s the meaning of life?’ He replied, ‘Life itself has no meaning. Life is an opportunity to create meaning.’

However, to create meaning out of something that is handed to you and you don’t want to face head on is hard, very hard. First thought that comes to mind when I’m faced with ‘hard’ is, I am going to dig in my heels and ignore it for all its worth. Life, on the other hand, is not going to take no for an answer. Adapt or stay where you are and deal with the consequences of your non-action and that, my friend, could be worse than what it throws your way. If you want to have the upper hand, you’ve got to MOVE!

John Wooden says,

“If we fail to adapt, we fail to move forward.”

Isn’t that the absolute truth? In order to accept and move on, you first have to change your mindset and make a conscious effort to move on. Where? There are no clear-cut answers and that is the scary part. It seems the outcome is all up to you. Putting one foot in front of the other is needed and taking small steps is needed too. Staring at the four walls in front of you and howling at the moon is not going to do it. You need to MOVE!

You need to take what is handed to you, sieve through the pieces and make sense out of it. Say, I can do this and go do whatever it is that needs to be done and do it. This move is not for the weak of heart. It takes courage and unrelenting strength plus trust that it will all turn out well in the end. Sometimes all it takes to climb that insurmountable mountain is attitude. A positive attitude combined with never giving up will get you to the top of the mountain and beyond. MOVE!

Albert Einstein once said:

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

I like this one better.

“Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.” Charles M. Schulz

Always remember, you can’t start the next chapter of your life, if you choose to stay in one place and refuse to MOVE! Don’t let life pass you by. Keeping up is what it is all about.

MOVE!

Have an amazing day.

My Youth Attachment

It was books. I discovered that I could visit faraway lands, take fantastic journeys into the realm of fantasy and I could dive into romance without ever having to leave the comfort and safety of my bedroom!

It was a world that I reveled in. Love is not the word for it, it was something more. One day I discovered Anne Frank’s Diary and my safe world shattered. I read it several times and I cried and I lived her journey with her. I learned that there is evil out there and I started writing. Writing about my feelings, my hopes and most of all my voice took on a power of its own.

I don’t read much these days perhaps because I write and I have something to say. Books showed me worlds I didn’t know existed, it showed me the inequalities that exists out there and it taught me that I too can change the world for the better.

Daily writing prompt

Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

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Ellie

It is a name that is sweet and unassuming but she is packing a punch! Winter storm Ellie has stomped in wearing her winter boots and holding most of Germany hostage. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official warning and upped it to “Red Warning Level: Storm “Ellie” brings train cancellations, black ice and extreme risk of falls,” add up to ten centimeters of fresh snow, freezing rain, and strong gusts of wind and you know what Ellie is about, not as sweet as her name implies.

“Experts are warning of chaos on the roads as well as dangerous conditions on the highways. The north and east of Germany will be particularly affected with temperatures dropping to minus six degrees in persistent frost.”

Looking out my window, I see that strong gusts of wind are at play bending the willow tree in the neighbor’s garden like it was nothing! No snow yet but it is predicted for this evening and should stay till tomorrow. This means I will be on snow duty again, snow shovel in one hand and a bowl of salt in the other! Honestly, I am getting a little tired of it but as I was reminded by a neighbor, “It is winter.” Yes, it is.

Last year, we had very little snow but this year it is making up for it. Not only that, it is adding freezing rain and ice to the mixture. Chachi, the cat has been complaining about his TV acting up all the time! He doesn’t understand what is going on outside. Sometimes it is white outside and at other times, the wind is howling like a banshee. He has decided to leave it alone and has found refuge in his basket. Sleeping most of the day is the norm now.

I’m trying to keep myself occupied and I am grateful that I don’t have to be out in this weather, however, it is getting old and I want “Ellie” out of here as soon as possible!

I AM LEARNING (Archives)

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I am learning that each new day is a reminder to do better.

I am learning that I am fully capable of dealing with everything life throws my way.

I am learning that I need to practice gratefulness and to be thankful for all that I have.

I am learning to accept me as I am and to make changes if some of those things don’t work to my greater good.

I am learning to let go of things that don’t serve me and I am making room for those that do.

I am learning that I can’t change people, I can only change myself.

I am learning that life is a journey full of ups and downs and nothing stays the same forever.

I am learning that there is no such thing as forever, just the here and now.

I am learning that love is fleeting at its best and at its worst, it has the potential to turn your world upside down and inside out. Tread carefully.

I am learning that cheaters never change. They are repeat offenders. Integrity is just another word to them. A relationship with such an individual is like throwing pearls at pigs.

I am learning that today is a blessing, a gift and I have it in my power to make it an amazing day.

I am learning that life is ever-changing. It is a learning curve and mistakes are made to show us a new way of handling things and to learn and grow from it. Perhaps that is what life is all about.

“But most of all, I am slowly learning how to just be in this moment. How to exist. How to understand that I cannot control life, that I can only experience it in both its light and its dark stages. I am slowly learning how to laugh and cry and feel through it all, how to welcome the confusion and the joy that come with loving and living and breaking. I am slowly learning how to accept where I am”

“I am slowly learning how to simply believe in the person I am becoming.” Unknown

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY!