August 2025 – Page 3

Make Commitments Not Excuses (Archives)

“When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape.” Andy Andrews

Commitment is a must if you want to succeed in getting something done, accomplish goals or simply in moving forward. However, commitment is often met with excuses and the easy route is to make an excuse for why you are not capable of doing something and to leave whatever it is that needed done just dangling in mid-air, an unfinished task so to speak. It is often accompanied by “If only I had….” at a later point in time.

“Commitment is defined as the state of quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.”

It takes work, a certain tunnel-vision to stay on the straight and narrow and to see it through. At times, it is boring and it takes tremendous effort. Excuses, on the other hand, are easy to come by.

Looking for a job is hard work because it will take effort, focus and an unwavering mentality. I really don’t want to leave my comfort zone and be out there looking is not going to cut it. I would rather be watching something on TV or playing computer games is not how you are going to be able to pay your bills. It may be fun but not in the long run. However, this excuse comes with a big price tag attached to it at a later point in time.

“He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Unknown

How about making excuses in a relationship? Instead of building a relationship most excuse-mongers have one foot in a relationship and out chasing rainbows looking for that pot of gold with the other. Problem is they wind up losing what they had in the first place. Their excuse is, “I’m not sure.” That is one stupid excuse because keeping several fires burning is not the answer. Dedication is. Build instead of tearing it down.

“If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” Unknown

There there are all kinds of other excuses. One for every topic it seems and those excuses are the ones which keep you from achieving the goals. The all important goal of moving on in life, of making something out of life, of being with that one special someone and so on and so forth. Excuses are a dime a dozen and the path to hell is lined with them! Commitment takes courage, fortitude, a certain mindset and it is success oriented.

“Commitment is an act, not a word.” Unknown

It is what transforms a dream into a reality and it takes more than just dreaming about it. Learn what it takes to make it a reality and go after it. Never giving up is a key element and showing “excuses” the door is another sure way of getting to where you want to be. You can stay awhile in “excuses-land” but only long enough to wet your feet and then move with dedication to the end goal. If you want success, dedication and commitment is the way to go.

“There’s always a way if you’re committed.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

A City of the Future

How would I design the city of the future? I would base it on love, empathy, compassion, kindness, and equality, things which are sorely lacking in today’s society. My future city wouldn’t make it to the Architectural Digest but it sure would be a wonderful place to live in.

It would take us back to when people reached out to people instead of having their noses in whatever gadget that kept them going. Old-fashioned? Not really. It would still have all the modern amenities since we are so used to them but that human touch needs to come back front and center. Keeping that in mind, social services would be a big part of the city and social amenities like clubhouses, community centers and the like to foster human relations would be readily available and will make up a big part of the infrastructure. Perhaps, a city where people would have to put away or step away from their gadgets for a day and do without. There will be nature parks all over the place and lots of places where one can go to take a deep breath and just relax. Outdoor activities to tone the body will be plenty, relaxation would be a big thing and places where people can congregate to have a friendly chat or two will also be available. The focus will be on human interaction of the nice kind.

I don’t like public transportation so cars and private vehicles will still have a place in this future city of mine. I’ll be looking more at the social aspects and how to make it a wonderful place for everybody and not just for a select few.

Daily writing prompt

How would you design the city of the future?

View all responses

LOL!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

An Illinois man left the snowballed streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day.

When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick e-mail. Unable to find the scrap of paper he had written her e-mail address, he did his best to type it in from memory. Unfortunately, he missed one letter and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife, whose husband had passed away only the day before.

When the grieving widow checked her e-mail, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor dead. At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife,

Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.

Your Loving Husband

P.S: Sure is hot down here.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A 54-year-old accountant left this letter for his wife one evening.

“Dear Wife, I am 54 but by the time you read this letter I will be at the Grand Hotel with my beautiful and sexy 18-year-old secretary.”

When he arrived back home after his visit to the hotel there was a letter waiting for him that read:

“Dear Husband, I too am 54 and by the time you read this letter, I will still be at the Breakwater Hotel with my handsome and virile 18-year-old boy toy. You needn’t wait up for me. Being an accountant, you can appreciate that 18 goes into 54 many more times than 54 goes into 18.”

BOOM!

My Name Origin

I thought I had answered this question once before. Are we doing a loop now? Anyway, according to some sources the name “Tia” has multiple origins and meanings.

In Spanish and Portuguese, it means “aunt.” Not that exciting right? If you look further, it is a short form for names like Letitia, Tatiana, or Tiara. The Greeks do one better. There it is associated with the name Theia, a Titan goddess who is the goddess of sight. Some say it can also mean princess.

It is a popular name in various cultures but not always among the top names someone would pick to name their kid. Hmm…..some consider it a delightful name and others not. Oh well, to each his or her own.

I like the name because it is short and easy to remember amongst other things. I was once told that it is a pretty name but I guess that depends on who is giving that compliment. There you have it, a name that has various meanings like other names I guess.

Next question please……

Daily writing prompt

Where did your name come from?

View all responses

The Changing of the Guard

Just another morning in the grand scheme of things but it was a little different. Getting up early as usual, I found Chachi’s face almost plastered next to mine! The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes were his big expressive eyes staring back at me. Nothing new there. Just the norm in our world of being hooked on each other.

The thing that was different was how dark it looked outside compared to yesterday. The sun was a no show and everything was shrouded in a veil of darkness. A change of season approaching quietly but surely? Chachi walked up to the big window in the kitchen and let out a loud meow and went, “My TV is not working Mommy!” Oh well, he needs to be patient and it will fix itself.

My daily walk in the fields a short while later was more of the same. It was a little lighter but the sun was sure taking its time this morning. I walked knowing my path well, I could have done it with my eyes closed! A lone deer emerged from the forest line and stood there for a while before taking off to where it was familiar just as I was doing. The sky was a pearl grey and streaks of pink were starting to appear at the mountain tops. It is supposed to be cooler today but it will be sunny and warm.

My eyes scanned the horizon as I walked, my feet heavy as I trudged along the rock strewn path. No one and nothing was moving BUT there was much happening beneath my feet that my naked eyes could not see. The changing of the guard was taking place and the preparation was well under way or wherever “nature” holds its meeting to get things moving.

Turning back I noticed six bales of hay stacked on top of each other and just in front of them three deer grazing. A beautiful sight to behold. Soon, there will be more signs of another season approaching and it will be done like clockwork. A miracle? Absolutely.

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” Mary Davis

Have an amazing day.

My Motivational Factors

Nature motivates me. Being out in the open and surrounded by nature helps to motivate me to do better. The message is clear, everything has a time and place and you don’t need to push, pull or dare. It happens as it happens and that is my motivation to stand out in the open and to know that everything is being taken care off and I am where I need to be, nothing more, nothing less.

Workouts not only help to get me physically fit but it also helps my emotional fitness. The motivating factor is do better each time I get into the workout mode. I train my body and my mind to do its best and sometimes I walk away not only fatigued but full of energy, if that makes sense. Workouts have the ability to turn on the youth code meaning it keeps you young and your joints don’t stiffen up. All good things.

My favorite thing to do is to write and it can be just a post of what I’m thinking about, what has been bugging me or just some advice on how to do things better. The motivating factor here is to get my creative juices flowing. My mind has a nice workout and I come away with a clearer perspective of things.

Last but not least, Chachi, the cat. This little furball does more to motivate me than a lot of the other things. My life revolves around the little bugger and he is my little love. He helps me to see life as half-full vs. half-empty. Hugs, kisses, and purrs all go to make up his way of getting his mom to get up and do the things she needs to get done!

The things listed above help to motivate me and to keep my life moving in the right direction. I am looking for more ways to add to that motivating factor but for now, I am happy where I’m at.

Daily writing prompt

What motivates you?

View all responses

Gavin Newsom Gets His Goat!

Donald “TACO” Trump is getting as good as he has been giving if not much more. If you’re wondering what the acronym stands for, it means, Trump Always Chickens Out, a term first coined by Financial Times commentator, Robert Armstrong, referring to Trump’s trade war tactics. If the shoe fits…..

The new kid on the block, or rather the man who has found a way to “punch” where it hurts the most is giving Trump a run for the money as far as bullying goes and many will say, it is well-deserved.

The California governor, Gavin Newsom, is trying something new and he is taking mockery to new heights. Add trolling, Trump fashion, to it and you’ve got something hilarious if not “pure jujitsu” as someone else called it.

“THE BIG, BEAUTIFUL TARIFFS ARE MAKING INFLATION GREAT AGAIN! THE GREATEST INCREASE IN INFLATION SINCE THE PANDEMIC (MANY ARE SAYING). HERBERT HOOVER (LIL HOOVER, THEY CALL HIM) HAD THE GREAT DEPRESSION BUT NO ONE REMEMBERS HIM. SAD! UNDER TRUMP AMERICA WILL HAVE THE GREATEST DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY.”

And just like that, it was time to sit up and take notice. Writing posts in President Trump’s signature style, California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters on Thursday, “If you have issues with what I’m putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what he’s putting out as president.”

Here’s another one.

“DONALD TRUMP, THE LOWEST POLLING PRESIDENT IN RECENT HISTORY, THIS IS YOUR SECOND-TO-LAST WARNING!!! (THE NEXT ONE IS THE LAST ONE!). STAND DOWN OR CALIFORNIA WILL COUNTER-STRIKE (LEGALLY!) TO DESTROY YOUR ILLEGAL CROOKED MAPS IN RED STATES. PRESS CONFERENCE COMING -HOSTED BY AMERICA’S FAVORITE GOVERNOR, GAVIN NEWSON. FINAL WARNING NEXT. YOU WON’T LIKE IT!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.”

I’m liking this guy a WHOLE LOT! More please and it looks like Gavin Newsom has found a way to get under Donald “TACO” Trump’s skin. It seems to be working because rumor has it that Orange Jesus has stopped posting in ALL CAPS!

It takes guts, cunning, and Savoir-faire to stand up to a bully and Gavin Newsom seems to have it all under his belt.

Gavin Newsom for President?!!!

My Top Ten Favorite Movies

I am a romantic at heart so I like watching movies about love. My top ten favorite movies of all time are:

The Notebook

This love story has you captivated right from the start. What starts out as a summer romance turns into a romance never to be forgotten. I’ve watched this one many times over!

Sleepless in Seattle

Who doesn’t like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? Together they are a powerhouse couple and it is one of the most romantic films ever made.

Notting Hill

Love happens and it can happen between a glamorous movie star, Julia Roberts, and an average bloke. A beautiful love story with all the trimmings.

Pretty Woman

This is one of my favorites. Love strikes between a rich entrepreneur and a prostitute. How often does that happen? Only in the movies? Perhaps but it is worth watching.

Legends of the Fall

Loved this one. It is an epic tale that touches on themes like family, love, loss and throw in a war and you have a fantastic movie worth watching over and over again.

Ghost

I recall watching this movie when I invited my boyfriend at that time (my ex) over to my place for dinner. Just a tip, don’t watch this if you are only friends with someone because this movie can change things quickly as it did for us!

When Harry Met Sally

An all-time classic with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. It had all the elements of a great movie and it had me rooting for them.

You’ve Got Mail

Another Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie. A famous line from the movie goes like this:

“I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three words: You’ve got mail.” Watch it to find out why.

An Officer and a Gentleman

Loved this one. A brilliant film with great performances by Richard Gere and Debra Winger.

Last not not least

Pearl Harbor

It is a historical romance that mixes two events, the attack on Pearl Harbor and a twisted love story.

There you have it. Ten movies that are worth watching and if you’re a romantic than these are right down your alley.

Daily writing prompt

What are your top ten favorite movies?

View all responses

Disrespect (Archives)

It is defined as “insulting someone or displaying rude behavior by showing a lack of respect.”

Have you experienced it? I have and it is not a nice thing when faced with such behavior. There are three forms of disrespect. These are known as the passive, subtle and the blatant variety.

Passive disrespect is when someone is condescending, makes insulting insinuations, gives you the silent treatment, is sarcastic and doesn’t care if it is hurtful or not. How do you deal with this kind of disrespect?

Don’t take the bait and address the issue immediately.

Subtle disrespect is when someone mocks you, when they talk behind your back and they will pretend to have forgotten things you agreed on.

Show that it doesn’t affect you or decide if you want to engage. Name the disrespectful behavior you have observed and call them out on it. Have a conversation about it but do not lecture.

Blatant disrespect is the no holds barred variety. They go out of their way to deliberately undermine or demean you. Their actions are obvious and they don’t give a hoot if it hurts you.

Here again stay calm but it is hard to do. Use “I” statements when addressing the issue and ask for clarification. You can react with kindness but since that is almost impossible to do, call the person out on his or her behavior and set boundaries as to what you will or won’t tolerate.

If all else fails, you have the option of walking away and closing the door behind you. No one should put up with disrespect. Disrespect basically says, “You are not important and your feelings don’t matter to me.” The truth is, you are important and your feelings do matter. Do not tolerate disrespect of any kind.

Here are some quotes that speak to the heart of the matter:

“The best way to end disrespect is by not giving them a chance to do it again.” Unknown

“Disrespect is the weapon of the weak.” Alice Miller

“Wasting somebody’s time may be the highest form of disrespect.” Unknown

I like the next one a lot.

“Never let your heart be so forgiving that it gets comfortable with disrespect.” Unknown

“Don’t put up with disrespect just to keep them in your life.” Sonya Parker

“Be careful what you tolerate, you are teaching people how to treat you.” Unknown

This last one needs a plaque of its own!

Detox Your Life in 4 Easy Steps

Eliminate anyone who:

Lies to you

Disrespects you

Uses you or

Puts you down.

Have an amazing day.

Things I Enjoy About Writing

It is hard to put into words. Writing has always been a way to bring out what is hiding inside. The insecurities, the pain, the worries, the lessons I have learned all take on a different persona when I see it in print or on my posts. It is a way of releasing what I need to release to move on.

I also relish the free reign my mind has to go to places I wouldn’t do as a person. Yes, it takes me places and the fantasy world is lit up and full of radiance as I dance there for a while. I have the ability to let go of things I have been holding inside and it gives me an avenue to look at it with different eyes, from a distance instead of right smack in the middle of it!

Writing has helped to calm the beast that I call my mind. An hour or more of writing and I walk away feeling calmer and my insides cleared of the clutter that often resides there and sometimes I am given a blank slate to start over again but it doesn’t happen all the time because I have too much clutter and it is going to take a long time before that part happens.

Writing is about stepping into a different role. One of observer rather than having lived. Not sure if that makes sense. I take on the role of observing, dissecting and making sense of what has transpired AND how to make it better. The act of writing helps me to go deep within and to get it out there so that my inner being can breathe again and in the process I hope my writing helps others who have walked the same path I have.

The joys of writing are plenty but for me it is my way of helping my psyche to deal with things and the other thing is, I get to paint pictures with words! If you can picture every detail as you read, the colors, the sounds, the feelings and much much more, than my writing has done what it started out to do.

Daily writing prompt

What do you enjoy most about writing?

View all responses