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. |
Jalál (Glory), 19 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Saturday, April 27, 2019 The Seventh Day of Ridvan1 Take the Golden Rule to heart. Obey it! As if it were a law of nature: Love your neighbor as yourself. Every human being is your neighbor, Regardless of religion or national origin. Arise! Let your actions express the Golden Rule. Notice the similarities in phrasing of the rule across religions. Consider the meaning: the common foundation of all religions, Each one sent by the same Divine Creator. Jamál (Beauty), 1 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 28, 2019 Feast of Beauty Facebook Status Update New coffeemaker Brews my coffee fresh and strong Beautiful Sunday The Eight Day of Ridvan2 Love is the secret Without love there is no peace No life in the universe Kamál (Perfection), 2 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 29, 2019 The Ninth Day of Ridvan3 It is the Ninth Day of Ridvan, a day for family and happiness. I weep for my Baha'i brothers and sisters who are facing execution because of their acceptance of Baha'u'llah. I weep and I pray to the All-Glorious Lord to soften the hearts of those who hate other human beings because they profess a different faith. Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 30, 2019 Facebook Status Update Yesterday it rained Today the sun is shining Spring in Nevada The Tenth Day of Ridvan4 Beautiful Tuesday Sunshine, partly cloudy sky, Wind in the palm trees ‘Idál (Justice), 4 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, May 1, 2019 The Eleventh Day of Ridvan5 As the King of Festivals draws to an end I contemplate the coming Holy Days, and the poems I will write. Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Thursday, May 2, 2019 The Twelfth Day of Ridvan6 Raise your voices in praise, the day of peace has come, and the Prince of Peace arrived. Istiqlál (Independence), 6 Jamál (Beauty) 176 B.E. - Friday, May 3, 2019 Healer and Protector7 God is the healer Of all of our afflictions: He is the generous, the All-Knowing. God is the protector He holds the universe: He is the generous, the All-Merciful. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 12 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Saturday, April 20, 2019 Morning sparrows sing Serenade cooing pigeons Saturday drivers neighborhood children Shouts and laughter echoing Play in the courtyard Jamál (Beauty), 13 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 21, 2019 The First Day of Ridvan 9 The Festival of Paradise has begun, Nightingales of the All-Glorious, raise your songs in the rose garden of the love of God. Kamál (Perfection), 14 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 22, 2019 The Second Day of Ridvan10 The wind intones the joyful news proclaiming the Glory of God. In the Garden of Paradise, Baha'u'llah proclaimed His mission now we all give thanks. Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 23, 2019 The Third Day of Ridvan11 Raise your voices, intone the Ridvan Table, and celebrate the King of Festivals Facebook Status Update I hear a sparrow singing its gratitude for this beautiful spring morning. ‘Idál (Justice), 16 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 24, 2019 The Fourth Day of Ridvan12 When does faith begin? The first step is detachment. Where is faith found? Trust in the Glory of God. How is faith practiced? Prayer and action removes all barriers. Giving assistance to humanity. Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 25, 2019 The Fifth Day of Ridvan13 Enter the Garden of Paradise, proclaim the Divine Springtime, and the arrival of the Lord of Hosts. Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Friday, April 26, 2019 The Sixth Day of Ridvan14 Inhale the perfume of divine unity from the roses of paradise. Facebook Status Update I am awake. I am just resting my eyes. I will not admit that I fell asleep on my keyboard. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 5 Jalál (Glory) 156 B.E. - Saturday, Ajpril 13, 2019 Neighborhood Noises on Saturday15 Song of a buzz saw Reverberates through the neighborhood Apartment remodeling Jamál (Beauty), 6 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 14, 2019 Miracles16 Miracles are everywhere just open your eyes and you will see them. Miracles are in the shadow of a palm tree, in the dance of plasma circling a black hole, or in the song of a nightingale. Kamál (Perfection), 7 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 15, 2019 Motivational Monday: A Poem17 I awake, stretch, open the prayer app on my smartphone, and intone a morning prayer. The words, "I have awakened in Thy shelter," reverberate through my mind motivating me to begin a new poem, that will proclaim Baha'u'llah. Fiḍál (Grace), 8 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Robins Sing18 Listen to the Robins sing, In the garden in the spring, Listen to this beautiful sound, As it echoes all around. ‘Idál (Justice), 9 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Evening Noises19 Spring break and shouts of happiness echo through the neighborhood: No school until next Monday. Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 18, 2019 Thankful Thursday: A Prayer20 Dear Lord, I thank you for this day and for revealing to me The Bab and Baha'u'llah. Footnotes |
Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Friday, April 12, 2019 Gratitude List for 4 Jalál Today I am thankful... ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn. ...for the cookies I have to go with my morning coffee. ...that I have 428 points in my Survey Junkie account. |
Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 11, 2019 Beautiful Spring21 Beautiful spring, listen to the joyful sparrows sing welcoming April wind and showers proclaiming to all the their happiness. Gratitude List for 3 Jalál Today I am thankful... ...that I have $2.79 in my Vindale Research account. ...for the cookies I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 324 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the fresh brewed tea I had with my supper. ...that I have 626,309 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that it was a pleasant day and we could keep the front door open. ...that the sparrows are singing. ...that my Bank of America Checking account is not overdrawn today. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 2 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Windy Wednesday22 It's a windy Wednesday here in Las Vegas, with palm fronds waving and clouds dancing across the sky. Gratitude List for 2 Jalál Today I am thankful .. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn. ...for the banana I had to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 227 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the home brewed ice tea I had with my lunch. ...that I received feedback from this week's edition of the spiritual newsletter. ...that I have 621,959 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Jalál (Glory) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 9, 2019 Feast of Glory Life in the Universe23 The universe blooms with life, Each star has its planets And each planet it life form Plants and animals flourishing In countless numbers. Gratitude List for 1 Jalál Today I am thankful .. ...that I have 196 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the spice cake/bread that I had with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account isn't overdrawn today. ...for the soft tacos I had today for lunch. ...that I was able to finish My Husband’s Death and the Flight of His Soul by Cindy Catches. ...for the banana I have for my afternoon snack. ...that "Feed Me: To Garfield" was one of the winner in "The Daily Poem" for April 7. ...that it's nice enough and cool enough today to keep the door open. ...that I unsubscribed to both Survey Spot and Opinion Square. ...for the fresh brewed ice tea I had with my supper tonight. ...that I have 5 items for the Editor's Picks of my next edition of the fantasy newsletter. Footnotes |
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Monday, April 8, 2019 Spring Cleaning24 Every year, when spring arrived Grandma cleaned house. She went about it methodically, room by room removing the dust of winter (not that there was much dust to remove). She opened the windows to let in the fresh air or, perhaps, letting out the closed up feeling that settles in a house in winter. Gratitude List for 18 Bahá Today I am thankful .. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for hot coffee on this beautiful April morning. ...that the money from PayPal hit my checking account this morning. ...that I have 86 points in my Survey Junkies account. ...that I sent my ballot for the LSA election today. ...that it is nice enough to leave the front door open. ...that I have 3 editors Picks for my next edition of the fantasy newsletter. Footnotes |
Jalál (Glory), 17 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Saturday, April 6, 2019 Gratitude List for 17 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate doughnuts I have to go with my coffee this morning. Jamál (Beauty), 18 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Sunday, April 7, 2019 A Poem A Day25 A poem a day chases writers' block away, and scatters the clouds of boredom. Gratitude List for 18 Bahá Today I am thankful .. ...that my Bank of America checking account is no overdrawn today. ...for hot back coffee on this chilly April morning. ...that the $10.00 from Survey Spot hit my PayPal account yesterday. ...for the April poetry prompts that bring back pleasant memories from my childhood. ...that I was able to transfer $20.46 from my PayPal account to my checking account. ...that I submitted "You Have Enemies" and "Death" to for review in the upcoming Super Power Reviewers Raid. ...that 58 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...that I received a merit badge today. Footnotes |
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Thursday, April 4, 2019 Gratitude List for 15 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the chocolate doughnuts I had with my coffee this morning. Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Friday, April 5, 2019 Will I Be Able to Sleep Tonight26 Last night was a sleepless night. As the sun sets, I wonder if I can sleep tonight. If I can't sleep, the next question is "Do I read or write poetry?" Gratitude List for 16 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I have 1,015 points in my Survey Spot account. ...for chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee this morning. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the vanilla yogurt I had with my breakfast. ...that I have 46,200 points in my YouGove account. ...for the the banana I had for my morning snack. ...that my SNAP benefits have been approved for another year. ...for the leftover T-bone and vegetables I had for lunch ...that I could request $10.00 sent to my PayPal account from my Survey Spot account. I have 15 points left in my Survey Spot account. ...for the Country Time lemon aid packets for individual bottles of water. ...that I have 44 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had for supper. Footnotes |
‘Idál (Justice), 14 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Prayer of Thanks27 Oh, Lord, I give you thanks for guiding me through the tests and difficulties of life. Gratitude List for 14 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn today. ...for the fresh boiled coffee I had to go with my chocolate doughnuts. ...that I was able to pay the rent today. ...that I have $1.39 in my Vindale Research account. ...that I could redeem 1,046 points in my survey junkie account for $10.46 in to my PayPal account. ...for the chocolate cake and tamales I had for lunch. ...that I have 582,473 GPs in my Gift Points account. Footnotes |
Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Bahá (Splendor) 176 B.E. - Tuesday, April 2, 2019 April Winds28 March is supposed to come in like a lion, not April. This year, Mother Nature seems confused. Today the wind is harassing the palm fronds, and the clouds-- which are supposed to bring April showers-- float across a blue porcelain sky without threatening rain. Gratitude List for 13 Bahá Today I am thankful ... ...that I received an awardicon for "I Blog Poetry and Prose" . ...for the chocolate doughnuts to go with my coffee this morning. ...that I have 825 points in my Survey Junkie account. ...for the BBQ sandwich and lemon yogurt I had for my lunch. ...that I have $0.64 left in my Vindale Research account after requesting payment yesterday. ...for the Arizona sweet ice tea I have for my afternoon snack. ...that I have 581,873 GPs in my Gift Points account. ...that I received a merit badge. Footnotes |