Gratitude breaks the spell of Writers Block |
Staring at a blank page is like staring into a snowfield. The snow, untouched by civilization and unmarked by living creatures, blinds you for a few minutes, it glistens reflecting subtle shades of pure white and rainbows at odd angles. If you stare at the snow too long, you get lost in the interplay of light and shadow. As the day wears on, you become awestruck at the beauty of the snow's perfection. You marvel at the way an oak tree cast its ebony shadow across the pure white snow. You watch the tree's shadow change, grow and shrink, as Earth turns and the sun moves from morning to evening. If you stand out in the snow too long without moving, you risk snow bite or freezing. If you are fortunate, a red fox will walk across your line of sight. The fox will leave his footprints written in the snowfield. As you watch the fox move, the spell holding you in one spot staring at the snow is broken. You are free to go inside out of the cold and out of danger. I must say, writing 500 words a day isn't difficult, unless I'm attempting to write on a single subject. On Monday, October 28, 2013, I began posting my weekly goals at "Weekly Goals" . On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 I began keeping track of may accomplished goals in this journal. "O SON OF BEING! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." Bah'u'll'h The Hidden Words of Bah'u'll'h, Part I.'From the Arabic, #31, page 11 'Heinlein's Rules for Writers Rule One: You Must Write Rule Two: Finish What Your Start Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold' Robert A. Heinlein It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades and the like. We have graciously exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship unto God, the True One. Ponder ye in your hearts the grace and the blessings of God and render thanks unto Him at eventide and at dawn. Waste not your time in idleness and sloth. Occupy yourselves with that which profiteth yourselves and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon the day-star of wisdom and utterance shineth resplendent. Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 21-29: gr 32 I changed the way I did entries in this book several times. Beginning on March 21, 2018 the entries will cover the topics of spiritual, inspirational, and religions. However, the genres it will be under are Women's, Inspirational, and Spiritual with a tag of Religious. |
Fidál (Grace) 9 Jalal (Glory) 181 B.E. - Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Facebook Status Update Sweet tea reminds me of Oklahoma summers when I set under a cottonwood tree drinking sweet tea and listening to the wind. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 4 Jalal (Glory) 181 B.E. - Thursday, April 11, 2024 On the second Thankful Thursday in April 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the following merit badges I received between 4/5/24-4/11/24. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 16 Baha (Splendor) 181 B.E. - Thursday, April 4, 2024 On the first Thankful Thursday in April 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 3/30/24-4/5/24. ...that I have 341 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this beautiful spring morning. ...that I was able to redeem $10.14 to my Bank account from my Branded surveys account. ...for chocolate cake to go with my coffee. ...that I was able to transfer $10.00 from my Inbox Dollars account to my PayPal account. ...for the beautiful red apples I have for a snack today. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 2 Baha (Splendor) 181 B.E. - Thursday, March 21, 2024 On the third Thankful Thursday of March 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 3/15/24-3/21/24. ...that I have $8.52 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for duct tape. ...that I was able to attend the Naw-Ruz celebration on the evening of March 19. ...for peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches. ...that I have 746 points in my Branded surveys account. ...for Reeses peanut butter cups. ...that I have 307 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for Tootsie Roll Pops. ...that my Nevada ID was returned to me. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 7 ʻAláʼ (Loftiness) 180 B.E. - Thursday, March 7, 2024 On the first Thankful Thursday in March 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 2/1/24-2/7/24. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the frozen blue berries I received from the food bank this morning. I have my breakfast for the next week or so. ...that I heard sparrows singing this morning while I was waiting for the food bank to open. ...for the pizza I received from the food bank this morning. ...that I was able to pay the entire rent at with one check this month. ...for the cafe mocha I had this morning while waiting for the food bank to open. ...that it is March and the days are getting longer and warmer. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 180 B.E. - Thursday, February 29, 2024 On the last Thankful Thursday in February 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 2/23/24-2/29/24. ...that I was able to transfer $5.06 from my Survey Junkie account to my savings account.. ...for strong black coffee on this late winter morning. ...that I was able to transfer $5.70 from my Branded Survey account to my checking account. ...for the Short Obligatory Prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. ...that I have $5.74 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the cookies I received from the Food Bank on Tuesday, February 27. ...that I have 33 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the beautiful day today. ...that I have 341 points in my Branded Surveys account. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 16 Mulk (Dominion) 180 B.E. - Thursday, February 22, 2024 On the third Thankful Thursday in February 2024, I give thanks ... ...for the merit badges I received between 2/16/24-2/22/24. ...that I was able to discuss Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i concept of unity on the Baha'i Center on Sunday, February 18. ...for the coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 290 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the white cheddar popcorn I had with my coffee. ...that I have 367 points in my Branded Surveys account. ...for the beautiful late winter day that we experienced. ...that I have $5.34 in my Inbox Dollars account. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 9 Mulk (Dominion) 180 B.E. - Thursday, February 15, 2024 On the third Thankful Thursday in February 2024, I am thankful ... ...that I have $4.23 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the merit badges I received between 2/9/24-2/15/24. ...that "Epistle to Cupid" was featured in "Comedy Newsletter (February 14, 2024)" . ...for hot coffee on this beautiful late winter morning. ...that the overdraft fee my bank charged was only $10.00 ...for the oatmeal and peanut butter I had for breakfast. ...that I have 342 points in my Branded Surveys account. ...for the apple sauce I had as my afternoon snack. ...that I have 178 points in my Survey Junkie account. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 2 Mulk (Dominion) 180 B.E. - Thursday, February 8, 2024 On the second Thankful Thursday in February 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 2/2/24-2/8/24. ...that I have $3.52 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for Social Media because it helps me communicate with my Baha'i brothers and sisters across the planet. ...that I have 39 points in my Branded Survey account. ...for hot coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I was able to send $5.06 from my Survey Junkie account to my Savings account. ...for McDonald's breakfast, which I had this morning. ...that "Dear Me" is featured under the Editor's Picks in "Short Stories Newsletter (February 7, 2024)" . ...for both the sunshine and rain we have had the past few days. ...that I have 19 points in my Survey Junkie account. Word Count: 130 |
Istijlál (Majesty) 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 180 B.E. - Thursday, February 1, 2024 On the first Thankful Thursday in February 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit and achievement badges I received between 1/26/24-2/1/24. ...that "Pegasus’ Ordeal" was featured in "Romance/Love Newsletter (January 31, 2024)" . ...for hot coffee on this chilly and rainy winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the leftover chicken and rice I had for breakfast. ...that I have 27 points in my Branded Surveys account. ...for peanut butter cups ...that I have 404 points in my Survey Junkie account. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty) 180 B.E. - Thursday, January 25, 2024 On the fourth Thankful Thursday in January 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 1/19/24-1/25/24. ...that I had 509 points in my Branded Survey account, which I was able to transfer to my checking account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on cold winter mornings. ...that I have 387 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the sunshine on this cold winter morning. ...that I have $2.06 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the check I received through the mail yesterday. ...that I was able to go the The Baha'i Center in Las Vegas on Sunday, January 21, for spiritual services. ...for the shelled walnuts I have for my afternoon snack. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 19 S͟haraf (Honour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, January 18, 2024 On the third Thankful Thursday in January 2024 I am thankful ... ...for the achievement merit badge i received on 1/12/2024. ...that all my bills are paid this month. ...for the two blankets my brother sent me. ...that "Winter in Las Vegas" was featured in "Comedy Newsletter (January 17, 2024)" . ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 12 Sharaf (Honour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, January 11, 2024 On the second Thankful Thursday in January 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 1/5/24-1/11/24 ...that I was able to pay the rent this month. ...for plastic forks from that come with my fast food orders. I like them because I can use them like a regular fork instead of using one of the two regular forks I have. ...that I have $0.59 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the awardcon I received. ...that I have 229 points in my Branded Survey account. ...for cafe mocha made with instant hot chocolate mix and coffee. ...that I have 241 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the food bank that is less than a block from my apartment. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 5 Sharaf (Honour) 180 B.E. - Thursday, January 4, 2024 On the first Thankful Thursday in 2024, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 12/28/23-1/4/24. ...that I got my financial spread sheet for 2024 set up on 12/29/23. ...for the frozen Apricot treat I have in the freezer. ...that I was able to transfer $10.00 from my Inbox Dollars account to my PayPal account.. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on cold winter mornings. ...that I have 186 points in my Branded Survey account. ...for chocolate chip cookies I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 117 points in my survey Junkie Account. ...for the liver and onions I had for lunch. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 17 Masáʼil (Questions) 180 B.E. - Thursday, December 28, 2023 On the last Thankful Thursday in 2023, I am grateful ... ...for the awardicon for my Portfolio I received on 12/22/23 ...that I received second place in the "The Prompt Me Contest" for December week 2. ...for the apples I have to go with my morning coffee. ...that I have 20 points in my Branded Survey account. ...for the grape I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 98 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the merit badges I received between 12/22/23-12/28/23. ...that I have $8.61 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this beautiful winter morning. ...that I had enough GPs to renew my Premium membership for another year. This was a nice birthday present to myself. ...for chocolate cookies to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I was able to pay the rent this month. ...for the trophy I received on 12/d27/23. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 9 Masáʼil (Questions) 180 B.E. - Thursday, December 21, 2023 On the third Thankful Thursday in December 2023, I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 12/15/23-12/21/23. ...that I was able to transfer $5.87 to my Bank of America saving account for my Survey Junkie account on 12/18/23. ...for the large hot chocolate I had on the evening of 12/16/23. ...that I was able to transfer $5.08 from my Branded Surveys account to my Bank of America checking on 12/15/23. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this Winter Solstice morning. ...that I have 10 points in my Branded Survey account. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have $8.45 in my Inbox dollars account. ...for the large frozen ham I received at the Food Bank this morning. ...that I have 3 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the grapes I have for my morning snack. ...that I was able to pay the rent this month. ...for the cookies I received from the Food Bank this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the chicken leg quarters I had for lunch and dinner. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 3 Masáʼil (Questions) 180 B.E. - Thursday, December 14, 2023 On the second Thankful Thursday in December 2023, I am thankful for ... ...for the merit badges I received between 12/8/23-12/14/23. ...that I have 231 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the dried cherries I received from the food bank on 12/12/23. I now have something different for my afternoon snack or to go with my morning coffee. ...that I have 309 points in my Branded Surveys account. ...for the frozen apricot snacks that I received at the Food Bank today. ...that my Bank if America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly morning. ...that I have $8.36 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the dried cherries I have to go with my coffee this morning. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 15 Qawl (Speech) 180 B.E. - Thursday, December 7, 2023 On the first Thankful Thursday in December 2023, I am Thankful for ... ...for the merit badges I received between 1/1/23-1/7/23. ...that I have $8.16 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the awardcon I received. ...that I was able to transfer $5.07 from my Survey Junkie account to my Bank of America savings account. ...for fresh brewed coffee on this chilly late autumn morning. ...that I was able to transfer $5.61 from Branded Survey account to my Bank of America Checking account. ...for the apple I had with my morning coffee. ...that I have 73 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the oatmeal and peanut butter I had for breakfast. ...that I have 138 points in my Branded Survey account. ...for the Mexican Pizza I had for lunch. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. |
Istiqlál (Majesty) 7 Qawl (Speech) 180 B.E. - Thursday, November 30, 2023 On the last Thankful Thursday in November 2023 I am thankful ... ...for the merit badges I received between 11/24/25-11/30/23. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for fresh brewed black coffee on this late autumn morning. ...that I have a space heater that does a good job of keeping the area around my recliner warm. ...for the frosted cinnamon roll I had with my coffee. ...that I received my prescription for Betamethasone Dipropionate today. I can begin applying it to the rash on my legs on December 1. ...for the maple bacon flavored cereal I had for breakfast. |
Istijlál (Majesty) 1 Qawl (Speech) 180 B.E. - Thursday, November 23, 2023 Feast of Qawl and Thanksgiving On the fourth Thankful Thursday in November 2023, I am thankful ... ...that I was able to transfer $5.17 from my Branded Surveys account to my Bank of America Checking account on 11/17/23. ...for the books two novels I received when I went to the Food Bank on 11/21/23. They books are Climate of Change by Piers Anthony and Perish by Latoya Watkins. ...that I was able to transfer $5.25 from my Survey Junkies account to my Bank of America savings account on 11/17/23. ...for the apples and grapes I received when I went to the Food Bank on 11/21/23. ...that I have 128 points in my Survey Junkies account. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had to go with my apple this morning. ...that I have 231 points in my Branded Surveys account. ...for the merit badges I received today. ...that "Turkeys' Revenge" and "Gertrude Plans Thanksgiving Dinner" were featured in "Comedy Newsletter (November 22, 2023)" . ...for writing.com. ...that I have $7.57 in my Inbox dollars account. |