Showing posts with label One Minute Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One Minute Writing. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Rediscover

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Rediscovery
What would you like to rediscover?


Hmm ... I think I would like to rediscover my youthful spirit. I will be 48 years old this summer and for the past 20+ years, all I've done is work to pay the bills. I've forgotten there is more to life than just work with no play. So, for 2k10 one of my goals is to do more writing for myself. I know I can't quit my day job to write, but I can still dream.

I want to rediscover one new thing every day. Maybe it will be something on my 5 mile trip from home to work that I take for granted, or something in my very own neighborhood. I'm going to open my eyes to the wonders around me and not center all my life on going with the flow.

I want to rediscover myself ...

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I Don't Wanna Grow Up

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Break
What responsibility would you like to forego (without any negative consequences) for one week?

I don't wanna grow up - I'd like to be free from all responsibility for one week. No work, no bills to pay. No stress, no family decisions to make. No housework, no putting off doing the laundry. No cooking, no washing the damn dishes. No bedtime, no feeling guilty for staying up all night.

I think all of us are kids at heart and would love nothing better than being able to live like a kid again - without a worry in the world. But this is the real world, so I guess I'll suck it up and just be glad I'm alive to enjoy it.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Common Sense: 101

Today's Writing Prompt: 101
Colleges offer courses like English 101 and Biology 101, teaching students the basics of those subjects. What "101" course do you think colleges should offer to help 18-year-old students learn what they really need to know?





I think they should offer "Common Sense:101." So many kids today are coming out of college with excellent degrees and "book" knowledge, but too many of them don't know how to relate this to every day life. I've always said, you have to have some common sense in order to appreciate your book sense.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

No Place Like Home

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Home
How do you feel when you walk into your home after an out of town trip?

I feel like Dorothy just before she comes home:

There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home ...

Monday, July 13, 2009

One-Minute Writer - DAY

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Day
What day of the week is your favorite, and why?


My favorite day of the week changes with the seasons. During the winter, Friday is normally my favorite day because I get to spend the evening with my hubby after a long work week.

During the spring, summer and fall, my hubby works on Friday and Saturday nights, so Sunday becomes my favorite day. I like nothing more than spending lazy Sunday afternoons with him.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Laughter is Not the Only Medicine

Besides laughter, what is the best medicine?




LAUGHTER IS NOT THE ONLY MEDICINE

The unconditional love of family and friends
My wonderful homemade chicken soup
Quiet evenings spent with my honey
A refreshing 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
Man's best friend curled up at my feet
A lap full of purring cats
Knowing my children are healthy and happy
A mental health day watching episodes of Dark Shadows
Laying in the middle of the backyard enjoying nature's beauty
An apple a day, a spoonful of sugar and everything covered in chocolate

Thursday, July 2, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Trait

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Trait
If you have children (or plan to have children, or can imagine having children), what trait do you have that you want to make sure you don't pass on?



My horrible, horrible temper! I don't get mad very often, but when I do - Katie bar the door! I've been known to rant and rave, in addition to being a telephone abuser (slamming the receiver down over and over and over again)!

Unfortunately, my two oldest daughters have inherited a combination of my temper and their father's (my ex) temper. They are more like me in that it takes a long time to get really mad - but I've seen them throw some really hellacious fits!

Fortunately, my youngest takes after her daddy (my hubby) and is very easy going and mild tempered. I honestly don't know how the two of them put up with me!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Message in a Bottle

Write a message you'd like to put in a bottle, to be thrown in the ocean.




If you find this, know two things:

I am hopelessly lost at sea

and

I've finally found happiness, so don't come looking for me.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Serenity Mountain

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Mountain
Recall a memory involving a mountain.



Good morning Serenity Mountain. I just had the best few hours of sleep, curled up in my favorite recliner at our favorite cabin smack dab in the middle of the Great Smokey Mountains! I love coming here on vacation—even if I’m never still when I’m here. Just being here sheds an entirely different light on my life. We are miles and miles from the parkway in Pigeon Forge, so everything appears to run in slow motion, like a nice gentle brook over the smooth rocks that form a small creek. I am surrounded by God’s wonderful nature and I feel peaceful and more relaxed.

On this trip we had just turned all the lights on downstairs when I turned around and a baby squirrel ran into the house and straight into the first bedroom. The blue room is one of two bedrooms on the basement level of the house, along with the pool room and the remainder of the garage.Hubby ran into the blue bedroom and clapped his hands; the noise startled the squirrel and he ran into the pool room and inside the fireplace. The squirrel had hit a dead-end and was trying to claw its way into the wall. I could just see it now, "Crazy Family Visit Cabin — Let Squirrel Tear Up House." Hubby clapped his hands again and the squirrel ran out and headed back to the blue bedroom. Clap-clap—the squirrel is headed for me at the door, but it becomes confused and runs into the corner formed by the open door and the wall. As Hubby closed in on the little critter, the squirrel high tailed it into the green bedroom. Clap-clap—the squirrel is herded under the pool table. Clap-clap—with much encouragement from me waving a pillow — I picked this up off the couch to protect myself with — in the right direction and Hubby right behind the squirrel clapping his hands, the squirrel finally ran out the opened door into the night.We both started laughing. I had already worked up a sweat and we haven’t been here ten minutes yet. I sure hope this is not an indication of what’s to come for the rest of our trip.

I need to carve out traditions in the hardwood of my life. I need to make an impression. I want to be recognized and compensated for my time and effort, but I want it to be in a realistic way. No lies, jut the truth and the soul. My family really is were its all about.I want the life in me to be so strong it reflects on the people in my life. Serenity Mountain helps me take stock of my life and realize that all I have ever needed is right outside my back door. I don’t need modern conveniences to make me happy or help me feel closer to God. God lives in nature, not a golden castle; Serenity Mountain helps me but my life back into prospective.

Monday, June 22, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Bed

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Bed
Linda Evangelista said she wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000.What makes you get out of bed each morning?

I get out of bed every day because I have to in order to stay in my home. I'm from a working class family and I need to be at my job every day in order to pay the bills. It's not because I want to, it's because I have to.

Of course, I didn't get up until 1:00 this afternoon! After the stress of the big wedding this weekend, I took a mental health day at work in order to catch up on sleep. I've had little to no sleep for almost a week. It was great to be able to sleep without worrying about a deadline!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Hindsight

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Hindsight
Complete this thought:Since "hindsight is 20/20," I now know that....


... my ex-husband and his family are all crazy! I may have 2 beautiful daughters with this man, but I wish I had known the truth a little earlier - it would have saved me a lot of heartache.

On the bright side, I've been with my current hubby for almost 25 years and we are still happily married. My ex, he's on his 4th wife ... feel sorry for her because he doesn't stick with anyone for longer than 7 years. He is a true case of severe "7 year itch!"

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Mail

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Mail

Tomorrow you get the mail, and in it you find the best letter you can imagine. What does it say?



Dear Bobbi,

We are pleased to inform you that we would like to buy the rights to your book, THE BABY BONES. We anticipate a million copy first run and would like to go into production as soon as possible. Someone from our office will be contacting you soon.

Congratulations,

Little, Brown Publishing

Friday, June 12, 2009

Jade and the Storm

One-Minute Writer Friday Fiction: Storm

Write a brief, fictional piece involving a storm.



JADE AND THE STORM

Jade stood on the small deck of the studio apartment she now shared with her Earth friend Michael. Since arriving on Earth, Jade had tried to blend in and Michael was the first friend she had adopted. She knew in order to learn the most information about Earth, she would have to have friends to show her around.

The day of her transport to Earth, Jade had walked out of the mountains and right into the path of Michael and his candy apple red 1968 Mustang. Jade had learned about cars in her studies with the Elders on Jadocon, but she had been surprised when she actually saw one up close and personal.

In that brief second when the car hit her on her left side, she had dropped her glamour and Michael saw her true form. Fortunately for her, he thought he was seeing things. Jade had not been hurt. Although she was not an immortal, it took more than being hit with a large motorized vehicle to do damage to her body.

Now, as Jade looked up at the impending storm, she felt the electricity in the air. Storms on Jadocon mainly consisted of great whirlwinds of dust and dirt. Here on Earth a storm meant light shows in the sky, rain smacking your face and wind blowing around your body. Stormy days were her favorite days, and now that Michael had shown her how to check the weather radar on television, she had some warning before a storm hit.

"I should have known I'd find you out here," said Michael as he walked out onto the deck. "I've never seen anyone who loved storms as much as you."

"It's just so beautiful," replied Jade. "You can feel the energy in the air. It's like the storm is alive, a living entity." The wind whipped her long hair around her face.

"If you say so. You always act like each storm is the first time you've ever seen one."

"They are, I mean, each storm is different. No two are ever alike." The first fat raindrops were starting to fall from the darkening sky.

"Well, here comes the rain. You'd better come inside." He gave her a peck on the cheek and then leaned his forehead to her forehead. "You are one strange girl, Jade; you know that, don't you?"

"Yes, I know; you tell me every day." She smiled at him, but didn't take her eyes of the approaching storm. "I'll come inside in a minute."

"Suit yourself. You up for breakfast?" Michael was now standing half on the deck, half in the kitchen.

"Yes, that would be nice."

Frantic patterns of light streaked across the sky, glowing behind the dark clouds like signals from the Gods. Although Jade's mission on Earth was for 10 years, she would never be able to describe the pure beauty of a thunderstorm to the Elders. The water on Jadocon bubbled up from the planet's core; the water on Earth rained down from the sky.

Jade walked to the edge of the deck, and bracing her abdomen against the railing, she leaned over into the air and let the rain wash over her. She turned her face up to the sky and welcomed the power of the storm.

From inside the apartment, Michael was mesmerized by the sight of Jade in the rain. It looked like she was worshipping the rain and the wind as both poured over her. In between flashes of lightning, Michael thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, because with each bright light, he would have sworn he saw some kind of green Goddess standing in the rain instead of his new friend, Jade.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Relative

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Relative

If you were to invite one relative to live with you permanently, who would it be?

Currently, that would be my mother-in-law. She turns 85 on Sunday, and although she loves living alone, she is unable to keep up with the day to day running of her 2-story home. I would love to see her sell her home, then we could build a studio apartment onto our home for her. It would make all our lives simpler.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

One-Minute Warning - Signal

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Signal

Think of the biggest goal or dream you have. Is life giving you a red, yellow, or green light?


The biggest dream AND goal I have right now is to get a book published. This year, life is giving me a green light. I am working on several books: 2 young adult novels, one adult novel and a memoir.

For the past few years, as I've wallowed in the pits of grief, I've been telling myself there is no audience for the stuff I write. With the help of my writing group, I am coming out of hiding and reentering the land of the living. With their encouragement - and the encouragement of my family - I feel my goal is finally within reach.

Since the beginning of this year, I have knuckled down and am making progress on everything I'm working on. Unfortunately, good intentions don't make my ADD any better - I still can't work on just one project at a time, but this is the system that works best for me.

Keeping my fingers crossed and on the keyboard ...


... to be continued ...

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Graduation

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Graduation

What one piece of advice would you give to someone graduating from a college or university?

(Photo by Bee Spit)

Go forth and leave your mark on the world, but don't take life too seriously. It is very easy to get bogged down in the mundane, day-to-day tasks of living. If you can't enjoy the fruits of your labor, why work so hard to get the fruits? Take time every day to smell the roses, kiss your significant other, tell your family you love them, 'cause you never know when these things will be taken away.

You've already proven you are a success - a college degree consists of many hard years of work and sacrifice. Now prove you know how to enjoy life to its fullest - use the brains God gave you to help improve the lives of others. Life is not about who can grab the brass ring the fastest - it's about the one who can grab it and then pass it around.

Monday, June 8, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Movie

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt:Movie

Write a one-minute synopsis of a movie you'd like to see, or like to make.

Of course, the movie I'm waiting on this summer is HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, but since almost everyone on the planet knows about Harry, I decided not to write about this one.


However, I would love to see Neil Gaiman's THE GRAVEYARD BOOK turned into a movie. Boy is stalked by killer and escapes to a nearby graveyard. Boy's parents are killed, but the inhabitants of the graveyard rally around boy and raise him as their own. Boy lives happily in the graveyard until he is made to realize he needs to be among the land of the living. His time in the "happy" graveyard are coming to an end.

This movie could incorporate all kinds of cool special effects, makeup and cinemotography. It is all not too scary, considering the first words of the book are:
There was a hand in the darkness and it held a knife.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Illness

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Illness

Recall a time you were sick as a child.

I recall a time when I was 7 or 8 years old and I had a horrible earache. It was Thanksgiving 1969 or 1970 and I was laying in a chair at my Granny Devine's house with my left ear on a heating pad. All day, I remember chewing little orange aspirins and having Mom and Granny take turns dropping sweet oil drops in my ear. I felt so bad I could hardly eat any Thanksgiving turkey or gravy - I have to be really sick to not feel like eating! But I got to drink Sprite cola all day for hydration - back then, I only got soft drinks on a special occasion.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Clothing

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Clothing

Write about an article of clothing you have worn that reflected your identity.

No, not this holey, but close.

I am not a clothes person! I am comfortable in jeans and a button-down shirt, so this is what I wear. Everyone who knows me always sees me wearing the same worn jeans and a white, beige or pink button down shirt, typically with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. Occasionally, I'll wear a tee-shirt around the house. I also don't do shoes, so it is either my tennies or my crocs - take your pick!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

One-Minute Writer - Lottery

Today's One-Minute Writing Prompt: Lottery

How much money would you have to win in the lottery for your life to really be changed? How would your life be affected if you won that much?

Even a small amount of money would change my life. We currently have no credit card debt and both our vehicles are paid off, so our only major payment is a modest mortgage on a modest size home. Of course, we still have utilities and insurance payments every month - but just like death and taxes, these are just as reliable.

I would like to have enough money for the upkeep on our home and one-acre yard, and be able to live a comfortable life after retirement. The rest I would give to my three children and to various charities I volunteer for.

For almost 20 years I worked as a Registered Nurse - bring in over 4 times as much money as I currently do. But I learned the greed lesson the hard way - the more money you have, the more you spend. Now my hubby and I are living on a fraction of our past income, and even though times can be tough, we are much happier without all the "stuff" we used to think made us happy.

Money does not make you happy. Family, friends and love will make you happy.