\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
◄     January     ►
SMTWTFS
    
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Archive RSS
SPONSORED ITEMS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/1022429-Merit-Badges-for-November-2021-30dbc
\"Reading Printer Friendly Page Tell A Friend
Rated: 13+ · Book · Personal · #1311011

A terminal for all blogs coming in or going out. A view into my life.

<<< Previous · Entry List · Next >>>
#1022429 added December 5, 2021 at 9:15pm
Restrictions: None
Merit Badges for November 2021 30dbc
GIVEN OUT

30 LAST DAY

Merit Badge in Color My World [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022547] Thank you for making it through a very rough month; but, dare I say... you sound a bit better today. I hope the three of you have a great time together. *^*HeartO*^* to WakeUpAndLive~snowflake wonder for making it through.

Merit Badge in Home Garden [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022533] You survived November! Daily blogging is a bit of a marathon. I'm usually crawling across that finish line. *^*Heart*^* You did it! to dogpack saving 4premium+ for crossing the finish line.

29 END OF LIFE

Merit Badge in Follow Your Dreams [Click For More Info] For: [Link to Book Entry #1022508] Start now. I chose other paths when I was young. I now wish I would've chosen the one you depict. But then I wouldn't be sitting here in puddles. *^*HeartO*^* to Ray Scrivener for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Evocative.

Merit Badge in Seasons Summer [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022477] Sending you sunshine. *^*Sun*^* Yes, we are old. *^*Smile*^* The life I led will be remembered for a short time once I'm gone. I vaguely remember my Uncle Eddy, born 1874 in Sweden... it may take some time for you to be forgotten. Very lovely entry. to NormaJean AKA Writing Queen for "September 29 - 30 DBC - and this was Nov 29th" Open in new Window. Inspirational, personal

28 INTANGIBLE

Merit Badge in RAOK [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022392] I believe one answer that you mention that is doable for each individual is "random acts of kindness". to Ray Scrivener for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Opinion, plea for sanity.

27 NO-MASK-KARLY

Merit Badge in Refreshing [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022388] You enter a room open, the windows and air it out . You said it stronger than I ever could because this happened to you in recent past tense. You were proactive... kudos to you. Shame on the coworkers. to Charlie ~ for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Assertive outrage, experience.

26 FREE WRITE

Merit Badge in Remembrance [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022337] Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your personal world. A world that is distant in time and geography for many of us. to THANKFUL SONALI Happy 2026! for "Letting my fingers type - #30DBC" Open in new Window. Personal, insight.

Merit Badge in Three Word Thursday [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022371] "Nicely done. I vote for Josiecat, coffee, a snooze. I love the smell of rain, the sound of rain, the caress of rain on my face. "Tricolons are one of the most powerful rhetorical devices. There is something almost magical about the number three." A quote by someone, from some time, found you-know-where." to Cappucine for "tricolonic " Open in new Window. Rhythm and grammar.

Merit Badge in Grace Under Pressure [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022380] Blogs can be most powerful when the writer speaks from experience. This episode is recent and raw. No one dare argue with it. What you could've, should've or would've done is irrelevant. This is what transpired, this is how you dealt with it. Kudos on the appointments. Sounds like you were blessed. *^*Care*^* to Marvelous Friend for "My November " Open in new Window. Health issues. Eloquent.

25 THANKFULLY

Merit Badge in Variety [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022282] So many things to be grateful for. "My go-to tea is oolong. *^*Hearto*^* I appreciate the use of this abcediary form. It gives structure, length, flexxxibility. Glad you are sleeping better. Now... if you just had a hot-spring (onsen) out the back." to Cappucine for "Gratitude, an Abcediary" Open in new Window. Rambling poem.

24 BAD TEACHER

Merit Badge in Excellent [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022242] " They showed me how to survive but not how to live. My words exactly. This is a prologue worthy of the genre Nordic Noir. Whether auto-biographical or fictional it's devastating, stark and evocative. Jo Nesbø and Henning Mankell would be proud of you." to Ray Scrivener for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Personal, very very dark.

Merit Badge in Wisdom [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022218] A painful personal experience and the wisdom to not hate all teachers. *^*HeartO*^* to THANKFUL SONALI Happy 2026! for "Don't let her cute plum looks fool you. - #30DBC" Open in new Window. Personal experience, hurt.

Merit Badge in You Are Stronger [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022234] "Clear-as-a-bell memory, isn't it? *^*Care*^* Great details pulling us into these hurtful memories that you survived." to QPdoll for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Personal experience, hurt.

23 IT's A JOKE

Merit Badge in Work In Progress [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022199] "Gallows humor, but you make your point. In Thai/Lao culture it is mandatory to be polite (rudeness is ungrammatical). In Guatemala one always asks about the family first before business. In some cultures you make jokes about yourself but not about others. Humor like so many things is cultural. Thanks for insight into a world I know nothing about." to Soldier_Mike for "Testing...testing... [30 DBC entry]" Open in new Window. Instructional, gallows humor.

22 TALENTED SUPER POWERS

Merit Badge in Rare [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022087] "That look... hypnotic or not. *^*Smirk*^* I do like how you present this. It may be a power with limits but it'll work. to Sumojo for "Super me!" Open in new Window. Funny, fiction.

21 CONSPIRACY

Merit Badge in Wisdom [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022015] I really do like this take on the proverbial "Dust hath no beginning nor doth Dust end." Dust cannot be swept under the rug. Are OCDers denying their heritage? "All go to the same place, all come from dust, and all return to dust." Dust is family. to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "Paranoia" Open in new Window. Dust, funny.

20 REGRESA A MI

Merit Badge in Remembrance [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1022061] Glad this 30dbc prompt brought back good memories. I think of Cente singing "Volver" and hearing it sung when I was about to leave Costa Rica. I said I would never return... and I didn't for 35 years. *^*Heart*^* to Shadow Prowler-Spreading Love "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Memoir, gentle.

19 EPIPHANY

Merit Badge in Growth [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021976] "Double ouch. *^*Care*^* I think these experiences need to be shared, if only as a warning to others. I have been and hurt by numerous people in my life and a couple I'd rather not see again." to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "Eureka" Open in new Window. Personal, devastating.

Merit Badge in Growth [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021991] " Life is too short to be unhappy. Triggers me a bit. I didn't leave a marriage but I did leave a life behind. Was it worth it? Am I happier? Rough questions. I seem to be entering a different stage of life. That may bring new challenges, new choices, or no choice at all." to Redtowrite for "WDC 30 Day Blogging Nov. 18, 2021" Open in new Window. Personal, affirming.

18 GREAT DISRUPTION

Merit Badge in Organization [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021860] Impressive organization of time. Good insight: "I don't do creative work when my kids are awake; I can become a massive ... whenever I'm trying to do something creative but I keep getting interrupted." to Jenn for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Personal, daily routines.

Merit Badge in Blessings [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021849] "I'm facing decisions as I start to fade. I day-dreamed as a child and never fully got out of the haze induced by depression and disappointment. Now I see the fog gathering around me, uncertain whether it's mist or morphine, not sure whether it matters. Thanks for sharing your real life." to Cappucine for "counsel " Open in new Window. Personal, health details.

Merit Badge in Patience [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021843] They say "Patience is a Virtue" but they never tell the truth that no one has seen her this century. "Opt out? Loan forgiveness would help but there are societal forces unwilling to allow that. I choose to live on less, but that's not an easy option for those who are faced with barely getting by with food and shelter. I'd say: "say no" but if you're merely a cog they can find a replacement; as in, you replaced someone, someone replaced you, you are replaceable. to Charlie ~ for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Personal lament.

17 MURDER, THEY WROTE

Merit Badge in Crime Gangster [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021786] "Death. Murder. And here we thought you were a writer who occasionally enjoys a Belgian brew. *^*Shock2*^* Who knew? ... i don't ... i swear i know nothing ... (excellent writing)." to Robert Waltz for "The Butler Did It" Open in new Window. Funny and unexpected.

16 EAT

Merit Badge in Food Cooking [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021748] "Good insight into your eating habits over the years. *^*HeartO*^* A very simple diet growing up (me:yes), supplementing with homegrown foods (me:no), lots of self restraint (so not me). I was raised on leftovers so that's what it often is. I hate throwing out food. My diet isn't good. I'm often sluggish. I have less urge to eat when I travel." to Apondia for "Walk Don't Eat" Open in new Window. Eating less.

Merit Badge in Positivity [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021723] "I do like how you go into great detail. I can't quibble with the benefits of fasting. Good for counting one's blessings and flushing out toxins. I try to monitor what I eat by simply not buying certain things. I don't buy soda (no calories), bottled water (our tap water is very good), chocolate (because I'll eat it all *^*Laugh*^*). I do concur that brussel sprouts (and imho beets and parsnips) are best roasted." to Jenn for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Intermittent fasting. How to.

Merit Badge in Food Cooking [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021765] " Cast-iron? There are foods I don't like but not much will make me sick. *^*Smile*^* Me in Isan (NE Thailand): ไม่พริก (mai prik = no hot spice) I think... guess I'll find out! Quite amusing as teaching usually is." to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "See Food Diet" Open in new Window. Asipirin cake. Funny.

Merit Badge in Food Cooking [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021729] "Portions? I have problems with food going bad. As long as I have canned tuna (bought when it goes on sale) and pasta or rice I'm fine... but even then... portion control? Me? I'm a see-food eater and cheap-caffeine drinker. Nicely written." to Robert Waltz for "Thought for Food" Open in new Window. Eating single philosophy.

15 TRAVEL: a thrupling we will go

Merit Badge in Travel [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021651] "'& it's not going to rain.' *^*Laugh*^* You are a dreamer! A funny one. '& turn blue, then build a fire, & steam.' Thanks for the images. This could be an outline of a larger work." to Cappucine for "around the apple isle" Open in new Window. Tasmanian fun.

Merit Badge in Encore! Encore! [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021709] "A threesome teeter-totter-ing on heels? Why do I get this flashing image of the Brit-com Ab-Fab? *^*Rolling*^* 'we felt calories could not possibly catch us.' ... O Ye Deluded Nancy Drew Squared Plus One! You lie about heading straight home from Texas ... just saying. You actually were sighted in Puebla eating 'pollo en mole poblano'. And the pics taken at the market of you wallowing in chocolate sauce... Oh, I could go on-and-on... *^*Smirk*^*." to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "Our Sweet(s) Tour" Open in new Window. Chocoholic threesome.

Merit Badge in Follow Your Dreams [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021659] "Three guides for a trip down Memory Lane. Totally awesome. This shouldn't be just a dream. You-three could start planning now!" to Redtowrite for "30 day Blogging-Nov 15, 2021" Open in new Window. Dreamscape details.

14 WHERE WE MEET

Merit Badge in Family [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021609]. A place of refuge... "I want to know more about this place. It would have saved me personal grief if it had been available in 2003... just saying... and a couple times before and since. I'm good at the moment. Too bad I can't just call Mage or Bea. Too bad I'm not related. You describe a refuge I wish were real. *^*Heart*^*" to Apondia for "Hideaway" Open in new Window. Retreat. Awesome writing.

Merit Badge in Paranormal [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021641] "Very nicely done. When the prompt said remote ... you went remote and a bit further. *^*Shock2*^*" to Jenn for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Riveting and spooky.

13 EUNUCHS

Merit Badge in Well Done [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021510] "You are so spot on about this one. And yes, this would be a dilemma on a spaceship. You don't want too many children enroute but infertility upon arrival would doom the colony." to Robert Waltz for "Procreation Pass" Open in new Window. Adoption. Personal experience.

Merit Badge in Parenting [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021486] "OMG... stay away, stay far far away... *^*Shock2*^*. I hope the readers understand the satire except... it is much more than that. It is chilling, dystopian... absolute horror . Well played." to Cappucine for "Alpha's Letter " Open in new Window. Satire. Dystopian. Horror.

12 FEAR

Merit Badge in Science Fiction [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021504] Good development and leaves us wanting to know more about Beaoul and Toni ... and that gruesome poison/venom. Well done. to I Resolve to Wear My Sox for "November 12, 2021" Open in new Window. Character. Hook.

11 IGOTTAGO

Merit Badge in Drama [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021371] "Some good ideas ... but poor Mildred. Who was more taken aback? *^*Laugh*^* A trash bag... oh the image... Your personal experience is also very enlightening. You know how easy it ain't. At least you have thought of this before you've grown old. Nice double response to the prompt." to Soldier_Mike for "A toilet too far [30 DBC entry]" Open in new Window. Humor.

Merit Badge in Drama [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021413] "I think you captured this far too well ... almost as if you've had this experience sometime in your life. *^*Wink*^* I'm sure something similar happens all the time in a family situation. The last verse is funny tragic. Poetics: kudos on 'sprechens'; it fits perfectly. Overall, it's fun, it's relatable, it's a keeper." to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "The Bully Bladder" Open in new Window. Humor. Poetry. Experience.

Merit Badge in Imagery [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021361] "The poem is lovely, truly lovely. Good flow, choice of words and image. Definitely a keeper." to Cappucine for "make my chamber pot" Open in new Window. Poem.

10 HEYHAY

Merit Badge in Nature [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021313] "From the horses mouth... as they say *^*Bigsmile*^*. Thanks for the details and step by step description. In Kansas it was corn and combines and silage. No question that the whole community would step in. Cooperation was the key to survival. Everyone watched the weather. Harvested all night if they had the right equipment and a storm front was moving in. In any case, thanx for a peek into your world. Experience trumps opinion or fantasy when it comes to making hay." to Apondia for "Make Hay When the Sun Shines" Open in new Window. Experience. Takes you there.

9 CASTLE

Merit Badge in Riveting [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021261] "Gripping and far more than a blog post. We begin to get a clearer image of Raen and Beaoul and the relationship between them. Powder as a weapon makes perfect sense." to I Resolve to Wear My Sox for "November 9, 2021" Open in new Window. Story. Well written.

Merit Badge in Dark Fantasy [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021233] Chilling."She has called for me." No pleading, no need to elaborate, just a firm statement. I'd let you pass too! "Let us see what Hope needs from me now! Let us see what the light requires of the darkness." Again chilling. to LeJenD' for "Castle In My Dreams" Open in new Window. Story. Chilling.

8 IN A DECADE

Merit Badge in Today Is Your Day [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021205] The Joy of Being Present. Truthfully, today is the only day one can change as you so wisely point out. to Marvelous Friend for "Now is my best decade" Open in new Window. I-statements. Present.

7 PRAISE/CRITICISM

Merit Badge in Mentor [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021032] "Yep, as Harlow said. I needed certain skills re praise/criticism at an earlier age. I was the kid who ignored the teacher. *^*Sad*^* I didn't feel loved and teachers had no extra time to mentor someone who was unreachable. I do appreciate your depth of knowledge on this subject of praise/criticism." to Cappucine for "praise is fattening " Open in new Window. Knowledge. Sincerity.

Merit Badge in Zodiac Libra [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021081] "I couldn't find a badge to fit 'the balance' and 'the letting go'. I'm HSP (highly sensitive) so meanness doesn't help me grow. I cringe and crawl back into my closet and slam the door. Perhaps the things that people create get better by criticism, but the people sure don't. Kick my work but don't kick me. Thanx for sharing what wisdom you have learned while riding this roller-coaster we call life." to Charity Marie - <3 for "30DBC Day 7: Praise Me, Don't Hate Me" Open in new Window. Wisdom.

Merit Badge in Condolences [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021041] I send this for all the hugs you didn't get and all the mourning you were denied. Your uncle was my age. I remember that year. I would've been devastated, as I was when Bob was killed in a motorcycle accident that same year. My parents realized that I wouldn't take it well, but they never realised how it affected me. One of the worst times of my life. to THANKFUL SONALI Happy 2026! for "Ruined by praise - #30DBC" Open in new Window. Personal pain. Suicide.

6 LOST TIME

Merit Badge in Love to Read [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1021023] I think Head Dust Bunny called the maid to make your bed No mother on earth has ever managed such a ginormous block of uninterrupted time to herself. As Viginia Woolf lamented in "A room of her own". Familiarity breeds accidents. Grab the first-aid kit. The only activity that causes me to lose blocks of time is reading. I've always been grateful that breathing is a reflex. So much wisdom but no answer to the question. *^*Laugh*^* Oh so much like life. to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "8 Hours" Open in new Window. Meanderings.

Merit Badge in Foresight [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020958] Dystopian... "U r 3 minutes late in posting... deductdeductdeduct" iProd has its uses.*^*Smirk2*^* to Robert Waltz for "A Productive Day" Open in new Window. Dystopian. iProd.

Merit Badge in Reach For The Stars [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020964] "Exquisitely written. Poetic prose at times... and a poem! The literary allusions remind me of all the places that books transport one to. I'm gobsmacked." to Cappucine for "a few of the endless perhaps, maybe" Open in new Window. Poetic prose.

5 DONUTS

Merit Badge in Comedy [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020891] "Mine. *^*Donut*^**^*Donut8*^**^*Donut2*^**^*Donut7*^**^*Donut5*^* ALL mine. *^*Laugh*^*" to LeJenD' for "Caffeine and Sugar - 30DBC 11/5 " Open in new Window. Greed. Humor.

4 MISSING

Merit Badge in Nonfiction [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020795]. A serious essay on MWWS: Missing White Women Sydrome. to Robert Waltz for "Hide-And-Seek Champions" Open in new Window. Missing White Woman Syndrome.

Merit Badge in Remembrance [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020816] Thank you for sharing this personal memoir of Rape and Loss. to Charity Marie - <3 for "30DBC Day 4: For Maggie" Open in new Window. Rape and missing.

3 ALIENS

Merit Badge in Detective [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020756] Great at setting up the suspense. We want to know more. to Recovering Richard 🥂🍾 for "New Comers - Z'llya's Voice" Open in new Window. Fantasy.

Merit Badge in Comedy [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020701] Edgy! But with a twist at the end that may make you *^*Smile*^* or *^*Laugh*^*. to Ray Scrivener for "Invalid Entry" Open in new Window. Vivid. Hilarious.

2 MUSEUM

Merit Badge in Selfless [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020602] Oh, the joy of special postal cancellations, and a lovely video of your father. *^*Care*^* to THANKFUL SONALI Happy 2026! for "Marcophily - #30DBC" Open in new Window. detailed tour.

Merit Badge in Originality [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020665] Funny bunnies. Yes, I can relate. *^*Rolleyes*^* Ka-choo. to Winter Wonderin' Wanderin' for "Dust Bunny Tableaus" Open in new Window. Dust doesn't descrminate.

1 POSSESSIONS

Merit Badge in Philosophy [Click For More Info] For [Link to Book Entry #1020553] The serenity of letting go and not being possessed by possessions is a powerful message. to Charity Marie - <3 for "30DBC Day 1: Possessions" Open in new Window. Possessions do not own me.

I didn't rate the comments as I was reading them but I have now... The bolded/orange items were 4.8; bolded/red 4.9 in my opinion. Of course, most timely entries meet the overall criteria of the challenge, therefore I awarded merit badges based on excellence in writing. Excellence was often overlooked in my high-school growing up and it's my observation that it's overlooked at WdC as well, so I award it here.
*Thought*  Comment   •   View 5 comments

© Copyright 2021 Kåre เลียม Enga (UN: enga at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Kåre เลียม Enga has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
<<< Previous · Entry List · Next >>>
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/1022429-Merit-Badges-for-November-2021-30dbc