dailyprompt – Page 13

Favorite Time of Day?

Any time of day can be a favorite time if things work out right and all is going well. However, my favorite time of day is when I am feeling calm, collected, mind free of worries and with Chachi, the cat, by my side. Add a day with beautiful blue skies, a light breeze and not too hot and you’ve got my favorite kind of day.

Ok, let’s see. I love mornings when I am up early and the world is still asleep. Listening to the birds in the trees and the constant cooing of pigeons on the rooftops is soothing and my mind is at rest. Any time my mind is at rest is a good thing so mornings do that. Chachi’s purring is an additional bonus to that feeling of contentment.

Afternoons are a time when sometimes it is hectic and sometimes I am halfway through things. It is not a peaceful feeling. I don’t take naps in the afternoons as most people around here do because if I do I wake up feeling groggy and not rested at all. I usually spend the afternoons writing, cleaning or doing whatever mundane stuff that needs to be done or needs taken care off.

Evenings, I love at times. Sometimes it is calming as the day comes to an end. Sitting outside and watching dusk approach is a nice thing to do and listening to the day settling down is another beautiful thing. This is also the time when I do my meditation practice and sometimes my breathing routine. Calming down and clearing my mind is of the utmost importance before going to bed for a goodnight’s rest. Evenings are all about bringing the day to a close with intention and preparing myself for the rest that is to come. Sometimes it is my favorite time of day as well.

It changes from time to time and it all depends on what I have going on. Days without chaos, hustle and bustle and a constant churning of the mind on how to fix things, take care of things and bring things back to normal are not my favorite times. Take them out and you’ve got my favorite time of day!

Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite time of day?

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Hainanese Chicken Rice

I came upon this dish when I was in Singapore and a group of friends took me to the hawker center. It was loud, crowded, and chaotic. We headed to this stall run by an old “uncle.” He was a nice man with a toothless grin but I was told that what he served up was heaven itself. I wasn’t too impressed but decided to try it as I had told myself to try everything once, as far as food goes and I was going to do just that.

The dish came and the sliced up chicken looked bland. It looked like plain boiled chicken served up with some boiled rice and several small dishes of sauces and for good measure some cucumber slices were added to make it look healthy. Nothing spectacular but let me tell you, what followed was mouth-wateringly scrumptious and it is one of my favorite recipes of all time! This dish evolved from the Hainan district in southern China and has become one of Singapore’s most beloved dish. I can understand why, one mouthful and you are hooked, line and sinker!

Here’s the recipe, a little time-consuming but worth the effort.

For the Chicken:

1 small chicken

1 tbsp. salt

12-14 cups of water

4-5 slices of ginger

2 whole scallions

Ice

For the Rice:

2 ounces chicken fat (taken from the cavity of the chicken)

1 tsp neutral oil

4 cloves garlic (minced)

3 cups uncooked white rice (washed & drained)

chicken stock (from making the chicken)

2 tsps salt

Ginger-garlic sauce (can be bought ready made)

Sweet Dark Soy Sauce (can be bought ready made as well)

Chilli Sauce (store-bought as well)

Instructions:

Wash chicken. Pat dry and lightly rub with salt and set aside.

Bring water along with ginger and scallions to a boil. Add chicken, breast side up. Adjust water so that the chicken breast is just slightly above water.

Once water starts to boil, lift chicken out and drain water from cavity. Lower chicken back into pot, bring the water to a a boil again. When it is JUST starting to boil, turn the heat down. Cover the pot and let simmer. Turn heat to the lowest setting.

Cook for 30-35 minutes. Now prepare the ice bath. Stick a toothpick in chicken to see if it is done. If juices run clear, it is cooked. Lift chicken out, drain water again and lower into the ice bath. After 15 minutes, the chicken should be cooled. Completely drain, cover until ready to serve.

To Make the Rice:

Heat a wok, add chicken fat with 1/2 tsp oil. Stir-fry and then add the garlic, then add the uncooked rice. Stir for about 2 minutes, turn off heat. Transfer rice to rice cooker. Add the poaching liquid from chicken until it reaches the ‘4’ line (3 US cups = 4 rice cooker cups). Stir in salt, close lid & press START.

ASSEMBLE:

Add chopped up chicken to plate. Add a scoop of rice with a side of cucumbers. I usually add diced pineapple as well. Serve the sauces in small sauce bowls for dipping.

It is finger-licking good!

Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite recipe?

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My Book

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I don’t get excited about much these days but this one did get me up there. It was an email from the publisher stating that the provisional publication date is August 28th! The long wait is coming to an end and I can’t wait to see the finished product.

It is a children’s book and the storyline is far from what is being sold out there. There is no violence and the theme hinges on adventure and friendship. I got two offers for the book but went with the one I thought would do a better job of promoting the book. The sequel has already been accepted and Chachi, the cat, plays the lead role in that one. I’m waiting to see how the first one does before starting on the next one.

It is exciting news and that is what is happening to get my “happy hormones” in a state of excitement! I think writers love to see their work on display. There is something about seeing all that hard work up on the screen or on paper that gets you all excited! At least, it does with me.

Daily writing prompt

Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Paradise!

I love everything or almost everything about where I live. It is like living in a place where time stood still and the “old ways” are still present. The place is green, lush, and pristine at times.

The quiet is contagious and fills your whole being. I’ve lived in places where the hustle and bustle of city life was a constant. Along with it came the noise and “thinking” the kind you do and need for writing was next to impossible. Here, it is the perfect place to get your creative juices flowing and as I sit here at my computer, it faces the big window and outside there is a tall willow tree its branches softly dancing in the breeze. The sun is shining and NOT a sound can be heard! It is pure magic.

I’ve written about the fields where I wander and it takes me places. A muddled mind filled with thoughts that don’t need to be there are wiped away as I set foot on that almost sacred space. The mountains in the distance are often shrouded in haze but they are there silently watching. The open fields against a blue sky is beautiful and the seasonal plants and trees never fail to show up on time. It’s almost like they are cued to take off when the right time comes. No work on your part is needed. The pond in the woods is beautiful and it is where the herons come to roost. In spring, the slender streams criss -crossing the forest area put on a spectacular display of daffodils all along the way. In winter, it is bare but the beauty still remains but in a subdued way.

The sleepy little village doesn’t have much to offer but if you dive deeper there is more than enough to boggle the mind. The old architecture, the beautifully manicured and well-kept graveyard, the churches with their tiny pews, and the tiny little shops, they call them convenience stores here, all go to make up a place that is carved out of history but no matter how old it gets, the beauty of a place steeped in folklore and quiet elegance still remains.

I am grateful for this place and I call it home now. I love the symphony of the birds in the trees as dawn approaches and the late evening songs as they announce the end of another wonderful day. I love the horses that sometimes walk the cobblestone streets and I LOVE the beautifully kept gardens and how the people, especially the old folks who spend most of their summer days tending their gardens with such care and love and even if their backs are bent with age, those gardens keep them going. It is something to do and it is clear that they live for those days in the sun where planting and harvesting becomes important. When winter rolls around, they go indoors and take a well-deserved rest.

I am fully blessed! I love everything about this place and I can’t see myself going back to where life was a constant mad dash and my mind was filled with the unnecessary. I hope that never happens.

Daily writing prompt

What do you love about where you live?

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Feeling Positive

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Reading my posts you might think that she rarely has positive emotions but believe it or not, I do. It takes hard work and those emotions that drive up the happiness factor is there if I place my focus on them.

It is one of my goals to have happy thoughts throughout the day and to hike up positive thoughts as well. The way I go about it is not to let anything throw me into the helter skelter mode. I look at things carefully and then I put it aside before I take it to heart. Some things don’t deserve a second look and others, well, they need more but letting it rule my life like it used to is a thing of the past. I am learning to deal with things as they come and in a more sane manner.

One thing that helps me is this mantra. “I trust and believe that everything will work out for the best.” I pull it out whenever I feel myself going in the negative direction and believe it or not, it helps. The most positive emotion I feel is serenity. Meditation helps with that and most definitely Chachi, the cat! Two factors that help to keep me grounded and full of joy. Not all the time but more often than not.

Daily writing prompt

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

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