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. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 28, 2019 Facebook status Update I went to see my doctor this morning. She gave me three referrals one to have blood drawn, one to a radiologist for 3 screening tests, and one to a physical therapist. Plus I have two other doctors appointments in March. My social calendar is for at least March. Gratitude List For 3 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that I received an awardicon for "Creative Echoes" . ...for fresh brewed hot coffee this morning. ...that I have received to merit badges today. ...for the cranberry juice I had with my lunch. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the chocolate mint candy I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 765 points in my Survey Spot account. Istiqlál (independence), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Friday, March 1, 2019 Facebook Status Update The month of fasting Ala begins at sunset Prayer for fasting Loftiness Gratitude List For 4 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that I was able to request $5.00 sent to my PayPal account. Your Order Number: W022819C9018 life point/my survey. ...for the banana I had with my fresh brewed coffee this morning. ...that I was able to pay both the rent and the loan payment today. ...for the bottle of ionized water I have to drink today. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the barbecue ribs I had for lunch. ...that I have 412,906 GPs in my Gift Points account. |
‘Idál (Justice), 2 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 28, 2019 The Word of God1 There is Power in the Word! Power to create a new world out of the ashes of the old; to bring order out of chaos. There is Love in the Word! Love that binds one heart to another; that creates an new humanity. There is Peace in the Word! Peace that passes all understanding; that creates a world free of war, with citizens free of fear. There is Justice in the Word! Justice which is God's best beloved; allows individuals to see withe their own eyes, and know of their own knowledge. There is Life in the Word! Life that survives physical death; that carries the soul beyond material existence into the Abha Paradise. Gratitude List For 2 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this beautiful late winter morning. ...that it is nice enough to leave the front door open. ...for the banana that I had with my lunch. ...that "Soulmates" was honorable mention in "Poetry Newsletter (February 27, 2019)" . ...for the several merit badges I received today. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 “It behoveth the people of Bahá, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name.” Bahá’u’lláh This is the first day of Ayyám-i-Há, the Days of Ha, the intercalary2 days in the Baha'i or Badi calendar3. These are wonderful days, day of joy, days to say the Intercalary Day prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. This year I begin by reading Happy Ayyám-i-Há! What Baha’is Do During Intercalary Days the first part of the series "Days Out of Time" on Bahaiteaching.org and saying the prayer revealed by Baha'u'llah. Gratitude List for 1 Ayyám-i-Há Today I am thankful ... ...that it is a nice enough day for me to keep the front door open. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have an internet connection that is somewhat dependable. ...for the check which arrived in the mail today. ...that my Bank of America checking account is no longer overdrawn. ...for the double cheese burger I had for lunch. ...that I finished The Inner Meanings of the Baha’i Intercalary Days Part two of the series "Days Out of Time" on BahaiTeachings.com. ...for the chocolate Twinkies I have for my afternoon or evening snack. ...that I have 387,905 GPs in my Gift Points account. Worship of God4 Praise be Thine, O Lord! In this new day, Worship embraces all art forms. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 18 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 24, 2019 The Grace of God5 When the sun clears the horizon, We get a second chance, Through the grace of God. Gratitude List For 18 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for the banana I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that it is warm enough today to keep the front door open. ...for the spegitti I had for supper today. Kamál (Perfection), 19 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 25, 2019 Gratitude List For 19 Mulk Writer's Block6 Fields of virgin snow Imprisoned between bared-wire Empty of footprints Today I am thankful... ...that I was able to make an appoint with my doctor for Thursday, February 28. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to make an appointment with Nationalmettran to take me to the doctor and bring me back home on Thursday. ...for the small peppermint candy cane I had for my morning snack. ...that pest control came today and sprayed the apartment. ...for the spaghetti I had for my lunch today. ...that I have 715 points in my Survey Spot account. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 17 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 23, 2019 Meditation On The Writings of Baha'u'llah7 I see vision of a greater glory when I swim in the ocean of His words. I hear the music of the spheres when I intone His verses. Gratitude List For 17 Mulk Today I am thankful ... ...for the banana I had with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 705 point in my Survey Spot account. ...for the postcard I received from Krista today. ...that I have 378,805 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the grapefruit I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I rewrote " Say: "Thank You!"" to rhyme. ...for the chicken soup I had for supper. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 22, 2019 From dendrite to axon thought moves at a turtle's pace. Thought moves from section to section doing the snail crawl to its destination. At 2 1/2 inches in 900 milliseconds (the time it takes to move a finger) thought moves from hemisphere to hemisphere, carrying with it the electricity of our souls. Gratitude List For 16 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have 695 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the fresh brewed hot coffee I had this morning. ...that I was able to sweep the glue trap with the two mice in it into the dustpan and get them outside to the curb. ...for the soup I had for supper. ...that I have 378, 505 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 21, 2019 The aroma of the deep forest awakens nature's child, rousing the ecologist hibernating under layers of materialism. The taste of autumn's bounty caresses my tongue, flows down my throat, warming each passing blood vessel, and spills into my body's furnace to ignite the day's activity. Poet's Note: ▼ Gratitude List For 15 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have 370,445 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the breakfast pastry I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that it snowed in our part of the valley last night. There was snow on top of several of the cars this morning. ...for the chilly and garlic toast I had for lunch today. ...that I have 685 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the banana I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I receive a merit badge for being #22 in reviewing in January. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 14 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Angels Beckon10 White wings against an azure sky! Are the cumulonimbi, Or God's messengers beckoning? God messengers beckoning, To the believers of every race and nation, To the righteous of every sect and religion. Distant thunder reverberates! Is it the warning of a storm, Or angelic trumpets? Angelic trumpets calling, To the scattered remnants of humanity, To assemble in peace and unity. Poet's Note: ▼ Gratitude List for 14 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have $31.55 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for being put on hold when I called Cox Communications about my internet bill, because I was able to read How My Conversation with a Homeless Woman Changed My Life by Mantine Khalighi. ...that I have 645 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for hot back coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I have a working internet connection. ...for the carrot soup I had for lunch. ...that I have $14.78 in my Send Earnings account. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 12 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 18, 2019 Gratitude List For 12 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for hot coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I have 635 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the chili and toast I had for lunch today. ...that I have $38.11 in my Vindale Research account. Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Facebook Status Update Snow in Las Vegas We made the national news It is cold outside Gratitude List For 13 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have 365,705 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for fresh brewed hot coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that won the 50/50 "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" today. ...for the blackberry yogurt I had with my breakfast this morning. ...that I have $38.86 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the homemade fish tacos I had for lunch today. ...that I have 47,000 points in my YouGov account. ...for the snow we got in Las Vegas today. ...that I was able to begin the series Who--or What --is God? today. Night Dreams11 Some dreams remain with you all your life. Staying with you through difficulties and strife. Other dreams disappear as mist in the morning sun unremembered and unsung. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 17, 2019 Contemplating Procrastination12 Procrastination: Tension rises so I pause And ask the questions, "Why do I want to procrastinate?" "What do I want to put off?" Gratitude List For 11 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I have my edition of February's fantasy newsletter submitted. ...for the black cherry yogurt I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 615 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Starbucks Chicken & Double-smoked Bacon sandwich I had for supper. ...that I have 328,191 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 10 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 16, 2019 I didn't get a poem written or transposed to put in my Poet 999 blog. I was lucky to get anything accomplished today because my internet way yoyoing most of the day. I finished the my February edition of the fantasy newsletter. I need to find one more editor's picks because one of those I chose is no longer available. I reviewed two articles for my March edition of the spiritual newsletter. I finished the "Invalid Item" topic of the week for this week. If I get a chance before the end of the month I will do the "Invalid Item" week two items I missed last week. Gratitude List for 10 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that I was able to finish editing my edition of February's fantasy newsletter. ...that I have two editor's picks for my edition of the March spiritual newsletter. ...that I responded to "Invalid Item" topic of the week in "Welcome to My Life" "TotW: Mental Health and Music" . ...that I received an awardicon for my portfolio today. ...that I have 327,291 GPs in my Gift Points account. |
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 15, 2019 In The Midst Of All The Recklessness13 Once, in the midst of all the recklessness of daily living I questioned reality. I took out a microscope and examined my concept of divinity, my concept of humanity, and my concept of myself. I ask my soul the hard questions: Can I love God, if I don't love myself? Am I investigating truth for myself? What is family? Once, in the midst of all the recklessness of daily living I questioned reality, and I haven't been the same since. Gratitude List For 9 Mulk Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 857 points in My Survey account. ...for hot black coffee on this chilly late winter morning. ...that I have enough in my Bank of America savings account to cover the check that hit my checking account today. ...for the Starbucks turkey & basil pesto sandwich I had for breakfast, with the lemon crunch parfait I had for breakfast. ...that I have $37.36 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the Starbucks Smoked Turkey and Swiss, with the assorted vegetables and fruit I had for lunch today. ...that I have 595 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Brita pitcher and filter we have in the refrigerator because I can have cold filtered water to drink when we run out of bottled water. ...that I found my copy of The Book of Certitude14 because it is easier to read a book I can hold in my hands over reading it on my smartphone. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 14, 2019 Valentine's Day Goal of the Mystic15 Is to see God Even in the contemplation Of a computer program Gratitude List for 8 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the Valentine's C-note that someone sent me today. ...that I received two merit badges today. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 224,612 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that it rained in Las Vegas today. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Today I Am Grateful For16 Today I am grateful for morning, for the memory of pleasant dreams, and the chill of a winter's dawn breeze. Today I am grateful for laughter, the warmth of a joyous awakening to the beauty of another day. Today I am grateful for prayers that ascend to the throne of God and bring down the blessings of faith, which scatters the uncertainties of doubt. Gratitude List For 7 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of American checking account is not overdrawn this today. ...that I have 46,500 in my YouGov account. ...that I have 535 points in my Survey Spot account. ...that I have one response from "Spiritual Newsletter (February 13, 2019)" for my edition of the March Spiritual newsletter. ...that I have 3 editor's picks for the my February edition of the fantasy newsletter. ...that I have 732 points in My Survey account. ...that I have $37.05 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the fresh brewed coffee I had this morning. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea had this evening. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Memories Underfoot17 These are the memories that lay underfoot, the memories I stumble over when waking up. A black and white long haired cat, whose purr vibrated the house when he wanted to to toss him a furry toy mouse. These are the memories that lay underfoot, the memories I scramble when waking up. Taking eggs from beneath a hen she set there glaring at me she wanted to hat the eggs I know, that that was never to be. Gratitude List For 6 Mulk Today I am grateful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for hot coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that I received refills for both my restasis and latanoprost eye drops today. ...for the ginger ale I had for with my lunch today. ...that I have 632 points in My survey account. ...that I had fish for my supper. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 5 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Monday, February 11, 2019 Facebook Status Update Today I am thankful for Baha'u'llah, the Glory of God. I am also thankful to Baha'u'llah for another day of life. Gratitude List for 5 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for fresh brewed hot black coffee on this chilly winter morning. ...that I have 582 point in My Survey account. ...for the candy cane I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have $31.26 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the chili relleno I had for my evening meal. Zones of Transition18 Growth occurs in zones of transition where the upwardly mobile and the downwardly mobile meet. Confronted by the prejudices and misunderstandings occurring when cultures collide we must either evolve or perish. Footnotes |
Jamál (Beauty), 4 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Sunday, February 10, 2019 Facebook Status Update Sunday morning serenade pigeon outside my door is singing the blues Gratitude List For 4 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for the 3,000 GPs I received from the "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS" 50/50 drawing yesterday. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the black licorice candy I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that Rocky is here for a visit today. ...for the peppermint candy cane I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have $37.05 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I received a merit badge today. ...that I have 183,137 GPs in my Gift Points account. Las Vegas Dawn19 Bright rays ignite the blue sky, transforming black velvet night: stretching and yawning the city's day shift wakes up. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 3 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Saturday, February 9, 2019 Love20 Love is the dawn of a new day, Rising rosy over hills of gray. God's eternal light, Giving hope through the darkest night. The generating impulse that began creation, And set the universe in motion. Gratitude List For 3 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the hot, black coffee I had this morning. ...that I have 515 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I had with my lunch. ...that I received a c-note today. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Friday, February 8, 2019 Friday Afternoon Thoughts21 Weariness sets in and the weekend approaches inhale, exhale, laugh Gratitude List For 2 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...for the pound cake I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich I had for lunch. ...that I have $30.92 in my Inbox Dollars account. ...for the yogurt with honey I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I got my upcoming edition of the spiritual newsletter finished and submitted today. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Mulk (Dominion) 175 B.E. - Thursday, February 7, 2019 Feast of Mulk This Much I Know22 This much I know! Lowe is the only true magic there is. This much I know! Faith is breathing without air. This much I know! Without love and faith this life is merely existing. This much I know! Each individual has their own secret knowledge gained from experience. This much I know! Each individual is put on earth for a purpose. This much I know! When I read the Holy Scriptures of each religion, I feel the Holy Spirit echoing. This much I know! The known to one individual can be speculation to another. This much I know! There is one God with many names. This much I know! Each star has its planets and each planet its own life forms. This much I know! A woman's intuition is important to a woman's survival. This much I know! Some people believe faith and speculation are the same thing. This much I know! Intuition allows the individual to know many things, but you must accept intuition as a fact. Gratitude List For 1 Mulk Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the Ding Dong I have to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 1,79,987 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...for the Arizona sweet Iced tea I had for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 495 points in my Survey Spot account. Footnotes |