Our anniversary was played out over a few days of really good food! Here are a few of my favorites!
Does anyone remember those popular souvenir shop t-shirts? My parents went to Florida, South of the Border, Gettysburg, and all I got was this lousy* t-shirt? My husband said no one would remember them, but I remember them. I think we all got one at one point, but they are long in the bin of history.
As I’ve written last week, I had to have surgery on my achilles tendon, so our vacation was cancelled; however, we sent our kids for half of the vacation since there was a “comic” convention, Fan Expo Canada. The three of them had never gone away alone together, and they all came back in one piece, and hopefully with stronger relationships than when they left. I had concerns about crossing the border, but I grew up going to Canada all my life, and I feel that they are an extension of New York and vice versa.
I thought for this month’s inspiration, I would share a few collages of some of the things my kids brought back for me. Some were requested (the clothes and stationery items) and others were surprises, especially Niagara Falls. (*Nothing in here represents anything lousy!)
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Yesterday began Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and I thought this would be a good time for a couple of reminders.
Mental Health Monday begins next Monday.
They all hurt, but this one hurts.
Graham Greene has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. It may hit a bit harder today because of my research into St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a fellow member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, although she was Mohawk (and Algonquin) and he was Oneida.
[I’m checking out a new book of writing prompts. To be honest, I usually find these unhelpful because, as a writer, I can usually write my own prompts, but in previewing this book, I like how it’s set up, and thought I’d share a few of them with you over the next few weeks.]
This prompt comes from the book, 5-Minute Daily Writing Prompts: 501 Prompts to Unleash Creativity and Spark Inspiration by Tarn Wilson, currently on sale in the Kindle Store for $1.99
Prompt 13
Fantasy
A character is assembling a jigsaw puzzle and realizes the image is of their own kitchen – with one difference. What do they see?
Continue the Story They look up from the puzzle, and…
I am supposed to be here: at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Unfortunately, after cancelling our vacation, I am here:
At the beginning of the month, I went on a retreat. At the time, I didn’t know that I’d be having surgery a little more than a week later, and I was in blissful ignorance that my tendon was simply pulled and needed some extra care and a walking boot. I was wrong. That will be a post for tomorrow. Today is to walk through the weekend that was a journey of self-discovery through the concept of Original Goodness.
It was wonderful.
I discovered a morning prayer that I’ve tried to pray and contemplate on most mornings. I have also gone to sleep using breath work: breathe in “acceptance;” breathe out “surrender.” It has a calming effect on my bedtime ritual.
The journaling exercises were really thought provoking and I did some artwork as well.
I enjoyed the company, and it made me look forward to my next retreat in a few weeks with my writing group.
I created a map that began with “rest” and continued through other thoughts like “be,” “create,” and “let it go” among other gems tossed out to think about.
That weekend has stayed with me, and will continue to stay with me as I go back and re-read what I journaled and the notes I took, and perhaps lead me in a new direction or even in the same direction with possibly new focus, determination, and motivation.
Take this weekend and use the time for your own journey of self-discovery. Take the notes, smell the flowers, write the words, sketch the doodles.
Be at peace.
[I’m checking out a new book of writing prompts. To be honest, I usually find these unhelpful because, as a writer, I can usually write my own prompts, but in previewing this book, I like how it’s set up, and thought I’d share a few of them with you over the next few weeks.]
This prompt comes from the book, 5-Minute Daily Writing Prompts: 501 Prompts to Unleash Creativity and Spark Inspiration by Tarn Wilson, currently on sale in the Kindle Store for $1.99
Prompt 5
Mystery
Your character goes down to the basement to get something and notices the pale outline of a hidden door. They open it to find an elaborate labyrinth of tunnels.
Continue the Story What happened 100 years earlier?
Today is National Photography Day. I wanted to share some of my most recent photos, although you may have seen some of them here or on my Instagram. (Described in the captions.)
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Griffins and Ginger Snaps 