Tag: dailyprompt

I wrote this before the current president took office and it still stands true today. He is showing us everyday what a good leader should not do. Does he care? Not one iota!

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!

“The hardest part of leadership isn’t making decisions – it’s making them with integrity.” Unknown

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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I’ve felt loved and feel love in Chachi’s presence. I feel love oozing out of his pores when he looks at me. There is this certain look he has when his gaze turns on me. It is soft, it is loving and there is no doubt in my mind that I am loved.

The little guy in the fur coat watches me like a hawk. He follows me around and if he finds something else to amuse himself for a few minutes, he always comes back to me. When he does, he lets it be known that he missed me, often with light purrs or a rambunctious MEOW! There is no mistaking the fact that his world revolves around me and it is the same for me.

Love is unconditional where he is concerned. Some may say that’s because he has no one else and is dependent on me. However, I tend to disagree. Yes, he is dependent on me but he has learned to show love in small ways. A slight rub against my leg when I least expect it, a kiss on my cheek when he thinks I’m sleeping or the way he rubs his face on mine all adds to “feelings of love” shown in unexpected ways. The one I really like is when he rushes into the room and joins in when I am working out. He doesn’t care what I’m doing, be it yoga, aerobics, weight-training or whatever, the Little Macho is front and center! Yes, it is a hindrance but I LOVE it!

I feel love in his presence and I feel like I’m loved. The little macho has me wrapped around his paws, all four of them! I love cuddling with the little guy and I love spending time with him. Yes, the guy who walks into my life has big shoes to fill! He has to gain Chachi’s approval and he has to put up with our LOVE FEST!

Daily writing prompt

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

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I can reduce clutter in many ways. Clutter seems to be a way of life for some people and sometimes “clutter” gives you a sense of comfort, if that makes sense.

My office space is cluttered. I have books, papers, files, things that don’t belong in the office area and other stuff that takes clutter to higher level! However, there is comfort in the clutter. I don’t like it organized because it points to my mind which is quite often “cluttered” as well! So, they work hand in hand. I try to keep a semblance of order but that is about as far as it gets!

I think I can reduce clutter when it comes to my personal space. My wardrobes are still full of clothes and I just keep some stuff because I had spent too much on the item and parting with one or the other brings anxiety. I did get rid of a lot of things that I no longer wear but bringing it down to clutter-free level is another thing altogether!

Reducing the clutter in my mind is very hard to do. It seems like I have compartments where I store things, things that no longer matter, things that caused heartache, things that caused pain, and so on. I think most of us do. I would like to reduce the emotional clutter that I carry around as well. I want to free up some space for the good things and to say goodbye to things that are better left alone.

Still working on it. It is a long and slow process but I’m hoping that in time, I will get there. Fingers crossed! Add my toes to that as well for good measure.

Daily writing prompt

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

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This one is right down my alley and I can wax lyrical on this topic! It was and still is, Chachi, the cat! I love this little guy to bits.

I have a love affair with cats. Not all of them but the ones I have had and the one I have right one. I have learned and am learning that there is more to them than meets the eye. They are not dumb for one thing and their love is unconditional. Once you gain their trust, they are there for you fur coat and all!

Chachi, the cat, is an indoor cat and he is low-maintenance. Once he has his food and fresh water, he finds things to keep himself occupied. Keeping himself clean is of the highest priority and observing like a hawk is his other specialty. Hence his fascination with opening cupboards and doors! That aside, he is a confidante of sorts and just a hug and a kiss from my little buddy is enough to bring the sunshine back and for my heart to sing with joy.

Dogs are another thing altogether!

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite animal?

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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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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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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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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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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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