Tag: dailyprompt

Nothing really, I don’t read much anymore. I don’t know why because I used to be a bookworm in my younger days. Some days I had my nose so deep in books that I forgot time and place! It was my way of escaping the ordinary and going out into the extraordinary where fantasy and make-believe reigned supreme. It was a beautiful place to be in and I didn’t have to leave my bedroom to do it. I could kiss princes, find true love, visit exotic locations and learn so much from the written word. Those days are gone.

Then I started writing and books took a back seat. Sad, really, because I would love to get back there again, put on my adventurer’s cloak and let imagination take hold and lead me to a fantastic world where everything is possible.

I am not into history and neither am I into things that make me think too much. I love romance and I dabble in politics, well, more than dabble but if I could get back to reading, I would love a love story where the girl gets the guy and they walk off into the sunset forever!

Daily writing prompt

What books do you want to read?

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I don’t have many now but there are a few I remember from times past. One of my best memories or traditions that the family enjoyed was Christmas Eve. We usually had a huge tree all lit up and for a young child it was magical. I remember the house was bright with lights and to bolster the mood further, the table was brimming with food. Right before the clock struck midnight, the carollers arrived and they stood in front of the tree and sang Christmas carols. It was one of the best family tradition that I remember.

When I was married, my German in-laws used to come to our place on the 24th and we had a huge meal, sometimes roast rabbit and sometimes goose or duck and all the trimmings that went with it. I cooked the meal and we sat around with my son’s eyes all lit up in anticipation and sometimes we sang Christmas carols but most of the time it was just cosy because the fireplace was on and the place felt warm and full of love.

Those days are gone but the memories remain and to my surprise, my ex mother-in-law remembered it too. Not too long ago she said, “I remember how beautiful the house looked at Christmastime.” I guess sometimes beautiful memories remain even though time has come and gone and changed the circumstances.

Daily writing prompt

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

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Some days it is doing nothing but it never turns out that way. I always find something to keep me occupied.

I’m working on two books, one is a children’s book and it is in the process of being published. The other which is taking time is a novel and it is a huge undertaking. Writing is sometimes strange. Some days the flow is good and at others it is a stop and go or it comes to a complete standstill for some time. Whatever it is, writing is one of my leisure time activities to free the mind and to get my thoughts down on paper instead of keeping it stored in this thing, I call my mind.

Walking is the other. Being out in nature especially by myself is something I cherish. Winter doesn’t make it easy because most days it is dark, windy or cold and even though I don’t get out in nature everyday, I still make an effort to stay in touch with it. It is one of the nicest ways to relax the mind, to embrace lessons if I open my mind to it and to let go of what I hold inside. I call it, my “zen” time and I usually come back with a smile on my face so what’s not to like?

Daily writing prompt

What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time?

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It is located two villages away and whenever I go to the new part of town, my eyes always look longingly at the old part.

Let me first tell you about the new part. This is ultra modern lined with shops, restaurants and markets. This is where most people go to get their shopping done and I love market days so I love Tuesdays and Fridays. Anything you want, it’s there and much much more. This is not a quiet place because you have to navigate the masses. However, once in awhile, it is a great place to have a cup of coffee and people watch.

Now, the old part of town. I would like to visit it some day just to take in the atmosphere and the peace that surrounds it. It is lined with cobblestone streets, the homes look old, dilapidated and not in the best of shape. Some are more than a hundred years old. The colors are subdued and when compared to the new part of town, this part has no shops but right across it is an old castle with a beautiful garden surrounding it where you can sit, take a break and just relax and watch the swans go gliding gracefully on the water. One day I will take the time or make the time to go there and take in what it has to offer. Maybe when spring rolls around.

Daily writing prompt

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

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Wow! Not one or two but five?

Let’s see, I love walks in nature. It helps to declutter my mind and to bring peace and clarity to my soul.

I love spending time with Chachi, the cat. Just a hug and kiss from the little guy in the fur coat brings so much joy to my life. Plus I talk to him all the time and he just sits there and gives me his undivided attention. What he is thinking is something else altogether!

Meditation is my go to to feel rounded and balanced. It is my alone time but since I am not in a relationship currently, I am alone most of the time but meditation takes the “alone” time to a new high. My mind shuts down and I am transported to nirvana. I call it my “zen” zone.

Working out is a must for me. It always has been. I do everything from cardio, weights, pilates, yoga and fusion workouts. This is a godsent because it keeps my weight and health where it should be. Daily workouts are a must and I find it fun.

Lastly but not least is my love for writing. My mind is an overactive one. I need something to reel it in and to make it behave! Writing does that. Getting my thoughts and feelings out is a wonderful outlet to tame the “monkey” as I call my mind.

There you have it. Five things I do for fun but I left out cheesecakes because I love them but it is “cut them out” for now time. It is mindless fun but the addiction has got to go!

Chachi, the cat, or Little Einstein as I call him understands a lot but if there is one thing I could make him understand better is that he is loved unconditionally and no matter what, he is part of the family and as such there is nothing to worry about.

Pets tend to have abandonment issues and I see it with Chachi. When I leave the house or if someone comes to visit, he acts nervous to the point that he runs and hides or meows in a small voice showing fear and only settles down after I pick him up and hold him close for a while.

I call him my “mini-me” and there is an unbreakable bond between us. It is hard to describe but there is a certain kind of love between us and it transcends the human variety, just something very very special. If I could make him understand that, I think his world would be less stressful and he would be more at peace.

Daily writing prompt

If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

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I never gave it much thought until now. Someone told me that Tia means “aunt” in Spanish. Okay but not that enticing so I looked it up or rather I googled it. I’m known as the Google Queen and it did bring up some interesting meanings.

I found out that Tia is a girl’s name of Arabic origin and it means “happiness,” “joy,” or “princess.” Tia also means “goddess” or “divine” and it is a very versatile name that can be used in a variety of contexts.

Do I want to know those different contexts? Not really. Let sleeping dogs lie, I say and we’ll leave it at that.

Daily writing prompt

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

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This is a hard one. These days I don’t work because I have chosen to step back from the chaos that reigned supreme in my life to a much quieter one where I can concentrate on writing. I am currently working on two books and I take my time doing that.

However, if I had to choose, I would say working in the White House. This would have been a dream job. I think it would be exciting, adrenaline pumping and I would be right there where it all happens. The hub so to speak. Nothing would beat that but I think it would be very exhausting not to mention the stress factor which would probably be through the roof!

In my next lifetime I would like to do that! For now, I am happy where I’m at.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your dream job?

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This question couldn’t have come at a better time. The 47th president is in the wings ready to take the helms of the highest office in the land as many of us grit our teeth and wait with bated breath to see the unfolding of what he has in store for America and the rest of the world.

The man is bold when it comes to certain issues BUT he is also impulsive, undisciplined, tradition-defying and doesn’t speak the truth. Shading the facts is his expertise and blowing hot air from both sides of his you know what is another area where he is well-versed in. Put this together and you’ve got what a good leader is NOT about!

That said, a good leader is a person who has integrity, courage, one who commands respect, who is able to communicate effectively and a leader who puts the will of the people front and center and the “me” concept somewhere in never never land!

Daily writing prompt

What makes a good leader?

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I would un-invent emojis. It was created in 1999 by Shigetaka Kurita to facilitate electronic communication but it has taken the world by storm and now there is one for any emotion you can think of sans the emotion of course. In a world where everything is digitalized and emotions are taking a backseat, this is the last thing we need.

Reaching out and showing any kind of compassion or emotion is done by sending emojis. Sad? Here’s a sad face emoji or a tear-drop one. Happy? Here’s a smiley face. In love? Here’s a heart emoji or kisses. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned hugs, the compassionate voice on the telephone or even the human touch?

In my opinion, we are becoming too digitalized and hence I would un-invent emojis if I could. Cute but some things need or deserve the human touch.

Daily writing prompt

If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

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