Qualities of a Good Writer

I find it absolutely amazing how one’s mind wanders throughout the day.

Take for instance this morning my desire to participate in a prompt challenge

became sidetracked, dissuaded when finally I found the correct pingback only

site stated ‘not secure’.

That worded notification to me automatically became a ‘red’ flag.

A much worse case scenario would be my anti-virus software showing a

large red-bordered circle telling me ‘not safe’ which translates to quickly

get off.

Since I awoke to freezing temperatures and found myself with ample time

before an appointment I chose to write – offer up a blog contribution today.

All was not lost as my mind wandered to a totally different direction.

Question ahead faced: “What are the qualities of a good writer?”

Time to research a bit on the web.

In essence I was quite pleased by the one and only article I read, absorbing

the contents while taking notes and hanging onto every word.

The writer broke it down into ‘six’ categories.

Attention to detail was the first quality addressed and ‘yes’ I passed as

I’m constantly observing and taking notes (mental and hand-written).

Discipline was next on the list with reference to frustration in regard

to rewrites, edits and improvements.

Although setting a time schedule for writing was not inclusive it’s
a

well-known fact – one I need to address.

Clarity, strong vocabulary and open to changes are all areas of

writing I’m both familiar with and practiced since the start of my

blogging journey a little over five years ago.

The last category on the list was ‘passion for reading’ and to be

honest with myself I believe I need to prioritize more as we learn

so much from reading another’s works.

I’m extremely thankful my mind directed me elsewhere and now

it’s time to proofread before I publish today’s post while arguing

with the newest writing foe ‘the block editor’.

Forget-Me-Nots

This flower was one of several I chose to plant at my daughter’s

gravesite 25 years ago.

To me it symbolized a connection that lasts thru time, true and

undying love for a daughter whose life was taken way too soon.

Time passed; however, the ache of losing her still remains.

A parent’s nightmare!!

Germans coined the name of this flower and there’s a few myths

floating the hemisphere addressing its floral beauty.

One lovers’ myth, although quite sad, warmed my heart.

It read of two lovers walking the Danube River, spotting the bright

blue blossoms, the man’s desire to fetch some of these delicate

petite blue flowers with petals resembling the shape of a mouse’s ear

(cute tidbit of info) for the lady when suddenly swept up by the river.

As he was floating away at a distance he spoke the words to her

to ‘not forget him’.

Romantic!!

If someone asked me why I was writing this post the honest answer

would be, “I have no idea“.

Today isn’t one of those special days, the more painful ones

experienced by a Mother who has lost a child.

Thinking to myself perhaps the answer lies in an event that transpired

earlier today.

This morn’s social media journey was different as I chose to bypass

articles on my homepage’s slideshow.

Rather I headed over here to WordPress and read some truly

inspirational posts – a great start to a sunny, blustery day.

Before I shut down I accessed Facebook to tend to the garden I created

11 years and 5 months ago in memory of my daughter known to some

as TuffiMcGuffi.

In recent weeks the Fairyland app had been under maintenance.

Today it wasn’t listed on the sidebar and I couldn’t find a way to

access it.

Wonderful!!

Another creation taken from me without warning.

Needless to say although I shut the computer off and figured I’d wait

awhile to check back, my mood changed dramatically.






New Year’s Resolution 2021

As each year begins people everywhere make countless well-intentioned

resolutions.

Some are the same old ones and others brand new.

A member of the women’s club to which I belong had a new suggestion – one

ne’er seen, heard of nor thought about before.

She came up with a brand-new idea – ‘What to NEVER’ do again.

Creation of an “ANTI-BUCKET LIST’.

Thus rather than create a list of resolutions (most which doubtful most continue

for a lengthy period of time) let’s create a list of not-to-dos.

We ladies thought our friend’s idea (although different) was both interesting and

doable.

Now tis time to think of Top 10s.

Hoping my list will create lots of chuckles.

I can’t wait for we ladies to share our thoughts.

Laughing out loud as I type this – already idea good for the soul.

Monday’s Frustrations

I can’t believe tis nearing noon hour already. I wish night hours flew by at

Nascar speeds.

Ahead lies an issue to resolve: ‘The yearly update of my anti-virus software set on auto-

renew.’

Fee deducted from bank account (check) – confirmation e-mail (check)

The OMG moment . . .

Pressed the download button – looked up – URL address popped up states


‘not a secure site’.

WHAT??

Ah this should be fun since rarely (especially these days) can you be connected to

and converse with an actual human.

It’s been quite an interesting weekend and today the WP Reader keeps jumping thus

no idea what I’ve missed the last 24 hours.


Before I leave and start the resolution process, I thought I’d share the contents of

a text received on a cell phone only a few have the number thereof.


A job offer:

If interested in employment for this state agency please forward a photo copy

of both sides of three different identification cards listed plus a recent picture of

yourself.


Unbelievable!!

The Inner Critic

Each morning I access my computer for a short period of time prior to

fixing breakfast.

I pick and choose what to read, often scrolling thru a few paragraphs before

moving onto another selection.

Today an article caught my eye (a fact) it had my name written all over it.

The former joyful gal for many years, amidst periods of turmoil, no longer

likes herself.

And then I read how a woman going through a divorce revealed to her

close friends she can’t be happy for others.

Bingo!!

She stated her true feelings and this admission of truth made her friends feel

uncomfortable.

Yes, I’ve experienced the same feeling.

It was never about self-pity rather hope for a bit of support and understanding.

I learned to never expect anything from another individual.

From the contents of this morning’s article I assumed perhaps it better to lie.

Wow!!

This certainly wouldn’t be a good habit to form this late in life.

I thought what on earth can I do about my own personal predicament.

On the internet I found several responses to my search for the top

10 stressors and a list of things that steal your joy.

Fortunately I was able to print it out since although I don’t suffer from

ADHD my attention span is shorter compared to earlier years.

The critical voice in my head’s purpose, to find fault with everything I do,

appears to be operating in overdrive.

You want to try something new automatically a prediction of failure.

I thought I did something well then thought how it could have been done

better.

Chronic stress is actively turning into anxiety and some degree of depression.

Once upon a time I used to wish I’d never been born followed by the belief

I’d never live past age 21.

It’s amazing how a person’s childhood can affect their thinking for the rest

of their life.

I don’t wish to participate and ‘spill my guts’ or ‘hang out dirty family

laundry’.

Sad but true is I’ve been privy to the majority of major stressors on those lists.

Life isn’t fair for all.

Although I’ve accepted the truth that ‘bad things happen to good people

people’ it hasn’t exactly made my life easier to endure each day.

I’m a firm believer that no person who hasn’t experienced the same

negative events can actually know how you feel.

Today I’ll end with a note about Friday the 13th, a day dreaded by superstitious

people. This is a true personal experience.

While enjoying an afternoon playing Bingo at the local senior center, a friend

sitting at the table expressed her concern about this date.

I told her, “Don’t worry Dolores, it’s just a day and bad luck can happen any day.”

Once home my affirmation of positivity turned amuck when I opened my mailbox

and found a letter of legal concern, another court appearance unless I agree to

stated terms.

I couldn’t believe the person with whom I’d spent most of my life would be onboard

with the plan to financially destroy me. (Round #4)

Small wonder I learned to distrust family members plus a few certain friends.

Live and learn.







Forget-Me-Not

3:52 a.m.
Awaken
Still tired – bit confused
Dang tenant lacks consideration

Recipient
Life full deceit
Desperately seeks
Winner be versus admission defeat

Words penned
Mini-story begins
Additional notes topic wisdom
Another chapter versed Ageism

I didn’t realize yesterday was ‘National Forget-Me-Not Day’ until I brought up
the page of my favorite senior center early this morn.

The post must have been incoming the latter portion of the day thus I missed it.

No e-cards sent nor received, no special phone calls nor a quite popular way to say
‘I miss you’ – ‘I remember you’ by sending a packet of Forget-Me-Not seeds via mail.

What’s happened to humans? We forget to remember.

Perhaps a calendar of what each day is special for would be a wonderful
holiday gift.

It’s interesting how a bad experience can alter one’s mood.

Yesterday I asked my hometown group a question with regard to vehicle
inspection stickers and extensions.

I was thankful to the intelligent individuals who replied; however, the group
administrator (name foreign to me) commented I should inquire at the RMV.

It’s interesting how a bit of power from someone younger goes straight to
their head.

Early afternoon while still sunny and balmy I proceeded to the mechanic’s
garage and the sticker good for one year is now adhered on my vehicle’s
windshield.

Today – hey I’m blogging about myself – a page from the daily diary.

I did some writing – three people received e-mails from me as I found it’s best
not to procrastinate when the opportunity arises to write them.

Reading news articles, writing mini-letters – I shouldn’t have sat down on the
couch with my notebook. Why?

No lunch rather took an early p.m. nap. Oh, lovely!!

I’m near 100% certain this post is far from what I would have written had I
remained awake earlier today.

Tired I think I’ll close rather than continue to babble out loud. I realize anyone
who reads this can’t actually hear my voice; they can form their opinion though
based on my thoughts typed here.











Truthful Tuesday: Nov. 10th 2020

Today’s questions: post-election

Question: Have the results of the US Presidential election left you feeling relieved,

apprehensive, hopeful or some other emotion?

Answer: apprehensive as I read the possibilities that ‘may’ lie ahead for citizens.

Question: Have you been surprised at all by the emotions and reactions of others

regarding the results?

Answer: No, people form their own opinions and if you don’t agree with

them then best you ‘walk on eggshells’ and refrain from the topic of politics.

https://pcguyiv.wordpress.com/truthful-tuesday-november-10th-2020/


Simply 6 Minutes Challenge: Nov. 10th 2020

Photo by Wendy van Zyl on Pexels.com

Today’s prompt: famous quote

“Practice what you preach” – first thought came to mind.

I accessed the internet to find out to whom I should accredit this quote.


To my surprise it was ‘Jesus’ who spoke those words in his teachings about legalism.

Matthew 23:2-3

I’ve been a firm believer my entire life of treating others in the same manner you

wish them to treat you.

To my dismay this thinking doesn’t hold true as many talk the talk only don’t walk

the walk.

No, individuals are first to give instructions to someone on how to behave only

they fail to follow their own words.

This makes them hypocrites and sadly our world is chaulk full of those types.

Word count: 113 to 114 (numbers inclusive)

https://christinebialczak.com/2020/11/10/simply-6-minutes-welcome-to-the-challenge-11-10-2020/


Share Your World – Nov. 9th 2020

  1. Do you like or dislike surprises?
    Ans: I enjoy both giving and being the recipient of positive ones – frown on negatives.

2 What’s your favorite zoo animal?
Ans: The peacock – so beautiful when feathers are spread.

3. What three things do you think of the most each day?
Ans: Family – world situation – agenda

4. When, if ever, is taking a human life justified?
Ans: Although this is not my call, it’s difficult to fathom the injustices done to
innocent victims by criminals who show no remorse.


Attitude of Gratitude Section (always optional)
Question: Do small miracles exist?
Ans: Yes, I’ve witnessed a special one (8lbs. 2 oz. son) born 2 years to date
from his older brother (stillborn) almost to the exact minute.

https://sparksfromacombustiblemind.com/2020/11/09/share-your-world-11-9-2020