Category Archives: Writing Challenge

L — Learning (…and Staying Teachable)

Posted on April 14, 2026 | 9 comments



Learning isn’t just something we did back when notebooks were fresh and knees were skinned—it’s something meant to stay with us. Not necessarily the facts, but the posture. The willingness. The humility to say, I don’t know… yet.

I’ve always believed in learning something new every day. Not because I’m chasing brilliance, but because I’ve seen what happens when people stop being teachable. They get stiff. Certain. Closed off. And if I’m being honest—I used to be one of them.

Think about it. There was a time when we had to learn everything—how to tie our shoes, ride a bike, balance without falling flat on our pride. Now, kids can ask a device to dim the lights, call Grandma, or solve 27 × 38 without blinking. That’s progress, no doubt. But somewhere in all that convenience, we risk losing the grit that comes from figuring things out the hard way.

I still remember clapping out chalkboard erasers and drawing hopscotch grids on sidewalks like it was high art. It sounds almost antique now, but those moments taught us more than we realized—patience, resilience, even a little creativity. And maybe that’s the point: the lesson was never just the task, but who we became while learning it.

The truth is, learning doesn’t retire just because we grow up—it just changes shape. Sometimes it looks like listening instead of talking. Sometimes it’s trial and error. (And yes, sometimes it’s discovering that SURPRISE: anchovies on pizza—even with Tall Cool ☺ne—is still a hard NO!)

So let’s not be the ones who think we’ve arrived.

Stay curious. Stay open. Stay teachable.

Because the day you stop learning… is the day you stop growing.

Cheers,

9 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Inspiration, Journalling, Pondering, Random, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Theme Tempting: Spirit Feeding † Flesh Starving

Posted on April 23, 2024 | 4 comments

Temptation interferes with my good writing habit
Satan lurks to devour, I understand this tacit
Some people are paid for their thesis or theory
For me it’s therapeutic when I’m feeling weary
The task at hand is one post a day
Like gathering manna, I must do it God’s way
Though I try to write more and get further ahead
The words won’t come, so I Toon Blast instead
I know it sounds silly wasting time on a game
If my post doesn’t come there’s no one to blame
But I trust in the Lord with mind, soul and heart
He’ll guide my time and I’ll finish what I start.

Be encouraged, be blessed and if temptation gets you, take the challenge, turn and finish what you start.

Cheers,

 

This is part of the A-Z blogging challenge.  Don’t forget to visit some of the other bloggers in the challenge and also check out Crackerberries Kitchen!

4 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Creative writing, Poetry, Pondering, Quotes and Thoughts, Random, Spirit Feeding • Flesh Starving, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Question (Do you hear what I hear?): Spirit Feeding † Flesh Starving

Posted on April 19, 2024 | 5 comments

All I am hearing outside my window is the song of the Cicadas.  They are everywhere!  Fernando was watching this one from the window.  I think he wants to eat it!


Are you ready for today’s pop quiz?
Have I quacked about my cousin, Liz?
Has anyone ever made a quiche?
Quickly come, I’ll teach you, capishe?
Do you think it’s quiet outside my window?
Can you hear quibbling doves, in sun aglow?
Have you played a game of Quaker’s meeting?
Do you answer your phone with a quality greeting?
Did I mention Nena, who loves to quilt?
Or the quaint little shed, Tall Cool ☺ne built?
If I call you queer will it hurt your feelings?
Do you think quail eat vegetable peelings?
Have you ever used a quarterback sneak?
Quested the hoochie-coochie and snuck a peak?
Do you have quirky followers you don’t know?
Do you like blogging quid-pro-quo?
Have I qualified the challenge with the letter Q?
Or do not pass go, go back to the queue?

I guess my question is: How is everyone doing? I’m struggling as you can see, my theme is thrown out the window. Right now I’m just going with the flow and whatever I can get out there is what it is going to be. I saw this quote and thought…. Wow, how true.

If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal.
Be encouraged
Cheers,

This is part of the A-Z blogging challenge.  Don’t forget to visit some of the other bloggers in the challenge and also check out Crackerberries Kitchen! 

5 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, Blogging, Fabulous Fiction Fridays, Feed the Spirit • Starve the Flesh, Humor, Inspiration, Poetry, Spirit Feeding • Flesh Starving, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Noise: Spirit Feeding † Flesh Starving

Posted on April 16, 2024 | 3 comments

Before I got my hearing aids, I didn’t realize how much noise there was in a day. Having 50% hearing loss in one ear and more than that in the other caused me to miss a lot. Some of the noise is pleasant, some not so much.

I never noticed in the morning when I fed the cats the one who thinks he’s a puppy always would rub my hand when I dumped the food in his dish. He also offers a meow of thanks which I had never heard before. (I know this sounds gross, but I didn’t know how loud toilet paper could be). It makes me smile when I hear Robyn tell Ella “It’s Granny,” and Ella says, “Leo, Leo, Leo”. The morning walks with Tall Cool ☺ne past the ponds fill my ears with croaking frogs and chirping crickets. The morning song of birds singing. I am amazed to hear the noise that I missed for so many years.

There are also noises I’d rather continue to miss, but with good there is also bad. Angry customers who swear under their breath because their bill went up and they think I can’t hear them cussing me out. More angry customers because apparently they couldn’t prioritize so their insurance lapsed and now they have to pay more of a fee to get it reinstated. A screaming child (in the grocery store, in church, anywhere). The noise of a siren just means something awful has happened or is about to. The gunshot of our neighbor shooting snakes will give me goosebumps every time I hear it.

I think we have a lot of noise in our lives. Some of it is good and some of it not so good.

Zephaniah 1:14 ~ The great day of the Lord is near, It is near and hastens quickly, The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter, There the mighty men shall cry out.

Just something to think about.  

Cheers,

             

This is part of the A-Z blogging challenge.  Don’t forget to visit some of the other bloggers in the challenge and also check out Crackerberries Kitchen!

3 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Pondering, Quotes and Thoughts, Random, Spirit Feeding • Flesh Starving, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Gratitude Journal: Spirit Feeding † Flesh Starving

Posted on April 8, 2024 | 4 comments


I have found that when things get overwhelming and I’m at my wits end, I have to pause. I pick up my journal and I write. I do this on a daily basis. I have multiple journals. One for every day venting, a prayer journal, a backyard critters journal, a flower journal, recipe journal and one that I don’t use often enough, a gratitude journal. Sometimes I think we all take our days for granted. What am I grateful for today?

• I woke up: another day to bring glory to God.
• Running hot water: third world countries are lucky to have fresh cold water.
• Electricity: that snow storm in Maine still has many customers without power.
• A home, a work at home job, my husband (not necessarily in that order).
These are creature comforts and that list could go on and on. What about God’s creation? What about all He has done for us?

Yesterday I was playing in my flower garden, planting zinnias and Dalia’s. While I was digging in the dirt I could hear buzzing and noticed a huge bumble bee working in the azaleas. A butterfly flitted around my head as if to say thank you for these flowers. I noticed a family of Gold Finches vying for dibs on the bird feeder, their bright yellow feathers stood out in the background of the blue sky. The beauty of creation, God’s painted artwork left a lasting impression.

When we start feeling overwhelmed, overworked, unappreciated, and sorry for ourselves — pause. Take a moment and be thankful. It always helps change my attitude. What kind of things would you put in your gratitude journal?

PS If you are in the path of the Total Eclipse today, be sure to wear eye protection!

Cheers,

 

This is part of the A-Z blogging challenge.  Don’t forget to visit some of the other bloggers in the challenge and also check out Crackerberries Kitchen! 

4 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Christianity, Feed the Spirit • Starve the Flesh, Inspiration, Spirit Feeding • Flesh Starving, Writing, Writing Challenge

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WAKE UP – Feeding the Flock 23

Posted on April 27, 2023 | 7 comments

Introduction



Monday through Friday my FITBIT silent alarm usually wakes me up at 3:25 AM. I need that quiet, prayer, worship, hot coffee drinking, journal-writing, and wake up time before we go for our four mile walk. Sometimes the alarm doesn’t wake me up. When that happens I am woken with the annoying beep, beep, and beep of Tall Cool ☺ne’s alarm clock. Ugh, so annoying. During the month of April I usually miss out on my journal reflections because I’m busy putting a blog post together. (Honest, I tried to have them done ahead of time.)

Wake up calls can be anything from a silent vibration on your wrist to the loud beeping of an alarm clock or even the whistle from a tea kettle on the stove. Something that gets one’s attention. How about a conviction from the Holy Spirit? Have you ever felt that?

I recently felt a nudge in one of Pastor John’s teachings in January. We were going through the book of Romans and in chapter 13 he was teaching on how to be a good Christian in the world. One of the principles he practically YELLED (okay I’m pretty sure he did yell) was to WAKE UP! Salvation is near. Christ’s return is imminent.

I was convicted. What am I doing to be a good Christian? How am I being a good servant to our Lord, Jesus Christ? What gifts am I using to bring glory to Him? Hence the theme of my A2Z challenge was revealed.

What about you? Are you using your gifts? Has the Holy Spirit nudged you? WAKE UP and smell the coffee! 

Be blessed

Enjoy some waffles over in Crackerberries Kitchen.

7 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Christianity, Feeding the Flock, Humor, Inspiration, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Paper Cuts = Perilous Days – Feeding the Flock 23

Posted on April 19, 2023 | 3 comments


For those of you who have been here before, go ahead and skip this introduction. New to the world of A-Z? Let me explain, a group of fellow bloggers come together each year to share in the experience of writing a post Monday through Saturday every day for the month of April (see schedule here). When I first started there were 1,509 bloggers signed up! You can read more about the A-Z history here. It’s great to have you along. Even if you didn’t sign up, you can still join in the fun. Just think of something you’d like to share that coincides with the letter of the day. Most of all, get involved, have fun, and make a new friend.

Papercuts are nasty little wounds that don’t bleed much but sometimes the pain lasts for a long time. Crazy how those little wounds on the end of a finger can hurt so much. Words can do the same thing as a papercut. They can be said in a way that is small and meaningless, even jokingly. Sometimes when people say things jokingly, they say it in a manner of which they really mean it but they say it teasingly. Even people they say it to say “I know they said it in good-humor, but …” But, still.

It makes me think of times when people were going on vacation off to the mountains for a ski trip. People would say, “Have a great time, break a leg.” I bet the first person who came up with that saying really meant it. They were jealous that they weren’t going on a trip and so they really wanted that person to break a leg. People say things as a wisecrack, but deep down inside there is that covet, that sinful nature, they really mean it.

Tall Cool ☺ne recently was promoted to a new position from being out in the field to working in the office. Big change for him because he is not a desk-pencil-pushing kind of person. Give him a shovel or the keys to a big rig and send him on his way and he is happy, but being in front of a computer is totally out of his comfort zone. But he is willing to take on the challenge and I applaud him for making the change. A co-worker told him to watch out for papercuts. Funny? Maybe.

In a world of people who don’t know what they want to be, people saying anything they want without regard to others, people meaning something different than what they say, we have to be mindful. Are we building people up? Are we using our words to edify one another? Are we living peacefully among others?

~…in the last days, perilous times will come. ~2 Timothy 3:15

Be blessed

Today we have Potato & Sausage Casserole and Penguins.

3 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Feeding the Flock, Opinion, Pondering, Random, Writing, Writing Challenge

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No Darkness – Feeding the Flock 23

Posted on April 17, 2023 | 3 comments

light

No darkness.
No fear.
KNOW GOD?

I am cheating a little for today’s post. I’m using an older post from a previous challenge.  With light there is no darkness.  It fits right into the resilience of our current challenge.  How does God’s word keep you resilient in your daily activities?

Be blessed,

 

Today we have some very naughty sourdough bread in Crackerberries Kitchen.

 

3 Comments

Posted in Christianity, Creative writing, Inspiration, Random, Six Word Story, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Letter Writing – Feeding the Flock 23

Posted on April 14, 2023 | 7 comments

letter

 

The old-fashioned hand-written letter is definitely a thing of the past. I found this in my grandmother’s old scrapbook. It is dated 1934, which makes this little piece of paper I was careful to scan about 90 years old. Based on the date, my grandmother would have been almost 20 when she wrote this letter to her sister-in-law. I am one of the few left who supports the USPS by writing the old fashion hand-written letter at least once a week.

I find this letter is bittersweet in more ways than one. My grandmother is gone, and has been gone for 36 years. I imagine things were a lot different when it came to relationships in 1934 than they are now. Letters were probably few and far between. There were no emails, no text messages, no personal messages, no phone calls, no Skype, no Face-time, no snap-chat or any of the other social media formats that are available to people today.

Unfortunately, relationships are not valued as much as they were in 1934. People in today’s world take advantage of technology and just assume that their friends and family will always be there at the push of a button. And we wonder why it is so difficult for people to have meaningful connections with each other. Respect is a thing of the past and people don’t value relationships like they used to. If there is a falling-out with one friend, they move on to the next person because with social media you can have 3,848 friends on Facebook, yet still not understand the value of one true friend.

With all of the communicating technology available today one would think that contact with family members or old friends would be a normal thing to do. Today do something out of the ordinary. Contact that relative or old friend you haven’t talked to in awhile. Don’t take that relationship for granted.  There is no time like the present.

~I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write you with pen and ink, but I hope to see you shortly and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you … 3 John 13-14

Be blessed,

Don’t forget to check out the Lemon Cake.

 

7 Comments

Posted in Blogging, Creative writing, Family, Inspiration, Journalling, Random, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing Challenge

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KISS: Keep it Simple Stupid – Feeding the Flock 23

Posted on April 13, 2023 | 6 comments



Kissing was  Tall Cool ☺ne and I’s favorite thing to do when we were in high school. We couldn’t wait to get out of the class we were in and meet at the locker for a good old smooch before we went back to class. He was tapped on the shoulder a good many times by our high school teachers to come up for breath. Ahh, the good old days. Oh, don’t get me wrong, we still kiss, but it’s not like it was when we were 16! ♥

I was trying to think of something different I could write for today’s post and the only thing that came to mind was to keep it simple, stupid. KISS. There was a post I had written ten years ago about kissing in the deli department. I like to think my writing has improved since then. I thrived on controversial subjects and bringing things out in the open. I try not to do that anymore just because I’m too tired to fight about it.

Sometimes God lays things on our hearts” and even if we don’t want to “fight about it, His word doesn’t change. Some things are right and some things are wrong. Sometimes we have to take on the fight and deliver the hard truths. Back then I knew there was something wrong with that incident, but just didn’t know how wrong it was.  Some people know how to deliver these hard conversations in a kind and gentle manner. Me, I’m still learning that empathy thing. He says “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” John 15:18.

Be blessed,



Don’t forget to check out today’s German potato recipe.

6 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Opinion, Quotes and Thoughts, Random, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Embrace the Smooch – Feeding the Flock 23

Posted on April 6, 2023 | 3 comments



Tall Cool One and I were walking the other day. It was dark and I was complaining about something. I can’t really remember what it was — probably something stupid.

His comment to me was, “Embrace the suck.” I was like, “What did you just say to me?” He said, “You’ll figure it out.’

We all have times in our lives where our current situation sucks, but we have to accept it and work toward changing it. Some worse than others.  Think about Jesus. Can you imagine? He went to Jerusalem. He knew what was going to happen to Him, but He went anyways. He was embracing the suck. He shared a last meal with His disciples, washed their stinky feet, prayed so hard that He sweat blood, and then not only did his friends fall asleep when He asked them to stand guard in the garden, but He was betrayed with a kiss from one of His own disciples! If anyone embraced the suck, Jesus did ,big time! When I think about what He went through and did for me, my suck doesn’t suck that bad at all.

Whatever situation we find ourselves in,  remember there is always someone who is struggling harder. Jesus died for us. He went to the Cross and gave His life so that we could live. Even before He knew what was going to happen, He got down on his knees, and washed the feet of the one who would betray Him.  Lets humble ourselves, let’s learn to serve even those who fail us, because after all, isn’t that how Jesus loves us?

Be blessed today and always,

Check out the food.

 

3 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Inspiration, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Feeding the Flock – Introduction

Posted on March 26, 2023 | 2 comments




Hello friends. It’s great to be writing again. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it. I always tell myself this challenge will get me motivated to keep writing throughout the year but somehow my motivation gets caught up in life. Any hoot I won’t keep you with my thoughts and contemplations.

For those of you who have been here before, go ahead and skip this introduction. Are you new to the world of A-Z? Here’s a brief overview:  a group of fellow bloggers come together each year to share in the experience of writing a post Monday through Saturday every day for the month of April (see schedule here). When I first started there were 1,509 bloggers signed up! Not sure how many will sign up this year but I’m on the list at #25 and #26.   You can read more about the A-Z history here. It’s great to have you along.

Even if you didn’t sign up for the theme reveal,  you can still join in the fun. Just think of something you’d like to share that coincides with the letter of the day. But you have to sign up to participate in posting. Most of all, get involved, have fun, share something you know, share something you don’t know, ask a question, share an answer, and make a new friend. Be part of something great, the blogging world of A-Z.

Be blessed,

 

 

 

 

2 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Creative writing, Feeding the Flock, Food, Humor, Inspiration, Journalling, Pondering, Quotes and Thoughts, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Help Wanted, Apply Within

Posted on May 20, 2022 | 2 comments

Freaky Freaking Friday’s Fun Flash Fiction Fairytales and Folklore

The challenge: take the daily Wordle and the Merriam-Webster word of the day and create a short story, thoughts, poem, whatever you like, of no more no less than 100 words. Title not included. Feel Free to play along. Leave a link to your post in the comments below.

Wordle: Gamer
Merriam-Webster: Ad Hoc


BREAKING NEWS—Elite Gamer Desired

TOP SECRET: Authorized personal only. Enter password. Enter six digit security code. Enter phrase-password. Enter four digit passcode.

Please destroy after reading.

Earth’s axis tilted.
Destruction eminent.
Concerned authorities form ad hoc committee.

Requesting notorious gamer individuals.

Specifications: unknown
Time frame: unknown
Salary: N/A
Requirements:
• Must be able to pass security authentication requirements.
• Must prefer to work alone.
• Must be self-motivated.
• Must be self-sufficient.
• Must have the ability to solve complex coding issues.
• Must have strong technical and artistic skills.
• Must be flexible.
• Must have the ability to work with immediate deadlines.


Submit interest below

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

PS:  I would not want the position.

 

2 Comments

Posted in Blogging, Creative writing, Fabulous Fiction Fridays, Humor, Inspiration, Pondering, Random, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Sunday Scriblings – #105 Chocolate

Posted on May 17, 2022 | 4 comments




The Confusing Middle has been doing a Sunday Scribblings post which is encouraging others to write on the same topic. Of course I’m way behind…just found the series so figured it’s better late than never.  This week’s word: Chocolate. Those of you who know me know how much I LOVE chocolate.



Come here you little sweetie
How you make our thighs meaty
Oh creamy and luscious you taste so good
Chocolate conscious, we’d eat you all if we could
Organic chocolate? We don’t think so
Leave us alone to our Twix® and Rolo®
All we want is chocolate and coffee to start our day
Then later on we’ll treat ourselves with a cookie tray,
Eventually, “Obese you are” the doctor will say.

 

Okay so random shit…. I’m just trying to stay in the game and blog daily.  Thanks to fellow bloggers who add prompts to keep us motivated.  We nudge each other.  That’s what makes the bloggy blog world go round.

Cheers,

4 Comments

Posted in Blogging, Random, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Doomsday

Posted on May 6, 2022 | Leave a comment

Clank, clank, clank.

“What’s that noise?”

“It’s coming from that,” he pointed across the field.

Cows shied away from it. Buzzards tried to land on the erected object protruding from the ground, but a magnetic force field protected the entity and shocked anything that came too close.

Clank, clank, clank.

“I wanna see what’s inside.”

“You can’t.”

“Why not?”

“The sign says “No Trespassing”.

“I think it’s a doomsday facility when the end of the world happens. It’s like a gigantic prepper bag with provisions.”

“It’s not that.”

“Only certain people will be allowed in.”

“Who are the chosen?”

…

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Posted in Fabulous Fiction Fridays, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Y = You and You are NOT the Christ ~ Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 29, 2021 | 3 comments


Dear Impersonator:

Y is for you, and you are not the Christ. Oh, but to have just one day to be the Christ! Can you imagine all the wrongs you’d right? Of course you wouldn’t do it the way Christ did. Dying on a cross for sinners? Heck no! You’d just snuff ‘em out with an enchanted twitch of your nose or a few hocus pocus words with a swirly twirl of your magic-wand-pen.  No second chances, sinners, you’re gone! Ha ha …now wouldn’t that be fun?

Sometimes you try to play God, point your finger to the ones who are doing wrong.  You try to put things in motion  to turn out a certain way. Sometimes you do things to make other things happen to get you the desired result. How do those times turn out for you? Never very good right?

Remember cutting the Cedar tree limbs because the road was blocked? The neighbors told you they took care of the road. (Course they lied, but you still had to exert your rights). Cops came told you NOT to touch the trees, even though they were on the right of way. “The Jones (not their real name) have a lot of entitlement in these parts.” Shit you not, the officer said so himself.

God took care of it all in the end, but if you had just left it alone instead of exerting YOUR rights, you wouldn’t have so many run-ins with the neighbors.  You also would not have the sheriff’s department giving you a “friendly reminder” every time you decide to start a new project! That name has clout in the these parts…don’t you forget it. You’re a Yankee and the South is gonna do it again (that’s a whole other topic, don’t get started!)

Do you wonder if other people think about having that kind of power? Wonder what it would be like to be the Christ for one day? Isn’t that why writers write? To live in a little bit of fabricated world to set aside the real world humdrums even for a short period of time. That’s why you write when you are writing to entertain yourself.

Even in a good short story with that kind of power you couldn’t handle it. You probably wouldn’t be able to handle three wishes. You’d screw up the first two, then have to use the last one to wish that you never had them in the first place. It’s better to live by these instructions.

1. It is all in God’s hands, you are not the Christ.
2. Any questions, refer to #1.

Thanks for playing along. This was just a silly-willy kind of letter. You were convicted a lot in that last Bible study. It’s good to be humble.  He’s got it all planned and mapped out for you if you just follow His prompting. Don’t try to do it on your own. You’ll mess it up and then you know what happens? 


Your constant and faithful,


I don’t know about you guys but I am ready for a break. Omigosh so many things that I’ve not done around the house. Tomato plants are dying to be transplanted (literally). I sure hope we can all stay in touch if not daily, weekly maybe or monthly. It’s really been nice to have you loyal bloggies come around for a visit.

3 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Christianity, Creative writing, Humor, Journalling, Letters from the Heart, Letters to Self, Opinion, Pondering, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Xtra Xtra Read All About It! ~ Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 28, 2021 | 14 comments

 

 

Dear Barbiella:

Isn’t it funny how sometimes the things you have planned or not planned work out like you had no idea they were going to work out? Be honest here. When you put down Xtra Xtra read all about it on the Theme Reveal List, you had no clue what you were going to write about. You just figured something would come to mind and you would get it done.

Perhaps you were going to use this post to list some of the favorite blogs that you have been trying to keep up with throughout the challenge.  

o Music
o Vacation
o Projects
o Cartoons
o Life musings

 

Perhaps you were going to have the news about the new opportunities that both you and hubby have at your places of employment. You are both waiting for that yeah or neigh to go through and maybe you thought  you could brag about those opportunities.

Perhaps you wanted to sing praises about your son and all of the awesome opportunities he has at Disney and Universal. Can’t wait to go on the new ride.  

 

You weren’t really sure until about 8:30 PM last Friday evening when you got the news. (You need to write these things down so you remember them in chronological order!) It’s still kind of a secret because all of the important people have not been told. But in your defense none of the important people read your blog anyways so you need not be concerned that they will find out here.

So you are gonna be a Granny! Isn’t that exciting?   Today is about CELEBRATION! YOU are finally going to be a Granny-mamma! How AWESOME! More to come at a later date.

Your constant and faithful,

 

The end is near … on the last three letters XYZ.  Don’t give up now. You can do this.  Try to get yourself a copy of the Master List so you can continue to visit other blogs throughout the year.  Buy a TSHIRT if you haven’t already.  Make some comments or share your linky-dinks on the social media platforms.  Have some fun.  Enjoy the ride…ooh Road Trip coming up.

14 Comments

Posted in #A2ZChallenge, A-Z Blogging, Blogging, Family, Inspiration, Journalling, Letters from the Heart, Letters to Self, Letters to Self, Opinion, Pondering, Quotes and Thoughts, Writing, Writing Challenge

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Weekly Letters ~ Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 27, 2021 | 10 comments


Dear Cool Heel:

Cool heel is a joke, but for real, one of your heels is cold all the time lately. You don’t know why, but it won’t warm up. Maybe you need to get a cup warmer and set it on that during the day? Ha ha.

Did you know December 7th is National Letter Writing Day?

You know it’s funny, you have been writing yourself this whole month and not paid much attention to writing any of the weekly letters you normally do. Saved some money in postage. Your S☼nshine mentioned he hadn’t seen a letter lately so you did sneak in one to him, and your pregnant daughter (secret revealed) over the weekend.  It was strange as you were composing the letter like you were still writing in second person point of view. It’s a little bit of a challenge writing in the first person again.

The weekly letters are the reason this theme came about. They are as much fun as this month’s challenge. Even more fun (especially) when you get a letter back. Most people are not letter writers and don’t write back.  But it’s peculiar when people don’t like to get a letter.

Something to keep in mind. Perspective. Everyone has a different stance on things. Writing how you feel or what you think may not be perceived by someone else the same way. What you find happy and exciting, others might see as depressing. Sad but true. No way around it. [Matthew 7:6] Be careful what you share and who you share with.

And one more W thing… What do you season a WOK with? Do you season a WOK?  Why is your WOK always getting tarnished with rust? Can anyone help?

Your constant and faithful,

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Vicious Life Cycles ~ Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 26, 2021 | 9 comments


Dear Barbarinie:

It sucks that you picked vicious life cycles as today’s topic. Sometimes you have to face it. Life is not all skittles and beer or rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes life wants to push you down and fuck ya stick it you where the sun don’t shine. Not so much life, really, but people in your life or situations that come about that involve people in your life. You know like the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tide.

Vicious life cycles are something like generational sin. It goes on and on until someone decides to stop it. Not that they can because you have tried to right the wrongs. Just because you speak it true, won’t make it real. You cannot control how others will react to your desires. You are not the Christ (coming up in a future post).

Vicious are the things in life that you want to change, you try to change, but you don’t have the power to change them. So what can you do?


1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. In a day/week/month/year it won’t matter anyways.
2. Realize all people are messy. They deal with the same things you do.
3. Show grace. Everyone needs to be shown a little clemency.
4. Know when to just shut up. Remember what Thumper said in Bambi.


Practice these few things and that will be the beginning of stopping the vicious life cycles you find yourself in with people. Just know life is not always going to be smooth as velvet 🧶

Go have a good day now.
Your constant and faithful,

Can you believe we are on our last week of the challenge?  How’s everyone doing?  Having a good time?  I am going to be bummed to see it end.  How about you guys?  Are you going to keep at it and continue blogging on a daily/weekly/monthly basis?  How do you fit it all in? Just curious.

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Understanding Truths ~ Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 24, 2021 | 6 comments


Dear Barbie

Understanding Truths, what does that even mean? Remember the truth or dare game you used to play as a kid? It was always intimidating after the question was asked knowing you had to be truthful or take the dare. Who knows what that dare could be? Kids had a funny way of making each other participate in silly and stupid things. And to be honest, how did they know if you were telling the truth or not.  Ever since the ballerina incident your conscience always got to you.  

Tall Cool ☺ne always says, “Say what you mean and mean what you say”. He is very literal. It’s hard for you because you write.  You write for effect and sometimes things need embellishment. You should work on articulating without trimming when communicating … you are not writing a story.

Point to mention, this new venture at work entails a full background check ~life time. Crazy, huh?  You are pretty good at knowing what is in your past since you’ve journaled about every little detail. While trying to get the documentation for one such incident from the court, the person on the other end tried to tell you it wouldn’t show up when they did the background check. Hello? Person on the other end of the phone, you’re seeing it, what makes you think “they” are not going to see it?

Why do people have an issue with truth? Do they think that if they don’t talk about it makes it not true? Do they think if they speak what they think is true that’s what it will be?  This is where Understanding Truths came to land on the list.



Just a quick look in your bible’s index and there are over 58 references to the word “truth”. Probably the most important one is John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If you ask Him, He will give you all the truth you need. You don’t need to understand anyone else’s truths.

Learn about some truths here … today (4/24/21) only

 

That’s all for today. (Oh and you have a secret… )

Your constant and faithful,

 

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TGIF – Thanksgiving ~ Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 23, 2021 | 8 comments


Dear Barbie

Can you believe there are only six letters left after today? Whatever will you do? Today’s letter is about thanksgiving. Not the holiday (although it is Tall Cool ☺ne’s favorite) but thanksgiving in general.

As you read through the past letters in your little orange journal, you find a few revelations that have helped you understand and get past some of your silly stubbornness. Let’s just say you still have a long ways to go. But aren’t you happy you took the time to write to yourself? At the end of this month you are going to owe yourself 26 letters! (Ha Ha)

Seriously though, when you forget to give thanks for the simple things, you tend to look for things that you don’t have. When you do that it snowballs into a great big battle of discontentment and disappointment. It’s actually been quite nice writing to yourself here on your blog because you have such great people who respond. Thanks, blog buddies! ☺  I really appreciate all you do!

When you look back and see what you have or what you don’t have, it’s usually the daily little things that mean the most. Does that make sense? It’s the trivial things that are huge if they aren’t there. The first breath you take when you wake up, indoor plumbing, the flick of a switch that brings light to the room, a hot cup of coffee, that little piece of Bible scripture that starts the day,  a wink from Tall Cool ☺ne when he peeks into your office each morning, the purring of the cat cuddled up on your neck, the good morning texts from your kids, the bunnies, birds, butterflies and squirrels in the yard, a glass of wine at the end of the day… The list is endless if you just take the time to think about it. It’s the small daily things that count as big in the end. Be sure to give thanksgiving every day.

Have a great day!

How’s everyone’s challenge going? Are you all having a good time? Visiting lots of other blogs?  I gave up trying to visit five new blogs each day– my bad I’m sorry. But if you visit me I do my best to visit you. Have you ordered a t-shirt yet? I really hope Jeremy creates a SURVIVOR TSHIRT for completing the challenge. Are you finding all of the letters so far in the scavenger hunt?  Don’t forget to check out the master list and see if there is a blog you may have missed. We are on the final stretch now.  You can do it!

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Salting the Wounds ~Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 22, 2021 | 6 comments

Dear Salty Dawg:

Salting the wound is making an already unpleasant situation worse. As much as you want to share your little orange notebook entry for today’s letter, you know it’s not the right thing to do. Sometimes you just gotta know when to let people go. Sometimes you can’t fix the wrongs they feel in their life. Sometimes it’s not you. Sometimes you have to accept that you have done all you can. Sometimes they won’t let bygones be bygones.  Sometimes you need to let them go, scissor ✂them out of your life. Stop trying to fix them.

You probably should have picked Starbucks or Sunshine or summer or Sometimes… here’s a song by one of your favorites.  Perfect for this post…..


See ya,

                   

 

 

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Reflections of What Made You Who You Are ~Letters from the Heart #atozchallenge

Posted on April 21, 2021 | 10 comments

Dear B,

Well you have absolutely done it again. Picked a topic which takes a lot of deep thought and contemplation. How in the world will you get this post done in time? There’s much to do…cooking, cleaning …. and calling your mother.

You may have to cheat just a little.

Why do you write ?  Have a gander right here.  When you get a chance maybe you should update that.

Writing has always been a hobby but at one point there was a time you wanted to be famous.  Remember that terrible book you had so many issues with?

It’s more fun to just have a place to ponder your thoughts and write whatever you want instead of what people tell you to write.

When you get sick of writing let your creativity explode in the kitchen. You always have something tasty going on over there.

Tall Cool ☺ne and you have such a fairytale to tell, not to mention the on-going journeys and never ending projects. My, my, you are a busy little thing aren’t you?  Just a face in the crowd baby, a face in the crowd.

Now, in perfect fashion, you have decided to take on that opportunity you talked about in an earlier post. Good luck my dear. You can do this. You have the inclination and determination it takes to push yourself to reach higher goals. If you are comfortable, you are not challenging yourself. Remember that, and when the going gets tough, get a cup of coffee and the tough will get going.

You just realized you don’t have a blog for the kids and grandkids.  You need to build a site for them….one more thing to add to your to do list.

until next time your constant and faithful,

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