The Inkwell

"A poem celebrating the strength of true friendship that stands the test of time." The Challenge from dVerse  - "So for today’s poetics challenge, which is very simple, I would like you to pick an opening line from a blogger friend’s poem (with due permission/acknowledgement) and use it in your poem on friendship. Please use the line as it is anywhere in your verse. The form/style/length is up to you." Photo by THIS IS ZUN For this challenge, I have picked an opening line "I never drowned" from a poem by Paula Light . I never drowned in the sea of loneliness, For I had friends who were my fortress. They stood by me in moments of distress, And helped me rise above life's mess. In laughter and tears, they were always there, To share my joys and wipe away my despair. Their love and care were beyond compare, A bond so strong, it was truly rare. Friendship is a precious gift, I know, One that blossoms and continues to grow. It's a treasure that's

"A tale of love, loss, and second chances inspired by a seemingly ordinary scene." Inspired by Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge #208 Image from ADDITUDE Lila walked into the room, her eyes scanning the space before coming to rest on the open appointment book. It lay there, innocuous enough, but it sent a shiver down her spine. She had been avoiding this room for weeks, but now there was no turning back. The pink flowers in the vase caught her eye, a small bit of beauty in the otherwise dull space. She moved closer, noting the delicate petals and the sweet fragrance. It was then that she saw the glass candy jar, filled with sweets of all shapes and colors. As she reached for a candy, she saw the dates in the appointment book. They were all marked with a red pen, and each one seemed to scream at her, reminding her of what was to come. She tried to ignore the fear that was building inside her, but it was like a weight on her chest. She knew that she had to face it eventually,

"A poem on International Polar Bear Day (February 27)" MLMM Wordle #311 Image from  Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie Words to include - conversation, inadequate, restrain, encounter, chain, temporary, warm/th, marine, arrow, pressure, slipper/s, postcard. On International Polar Bear Day, Let's have a conversation, About the inadequate life, That they're forced to restrain in. Encounters with humans, Are often like chains, Leaving the bears in temporary cages, Where warmth is hard to maintain. In the marine world they thrive, Like an arrow in the sky, But human pressures threaten their lives, And we must not let them slip by. Let's send a postcard to those in charge, Urging them to protect the polar bear, And with warm slippers on our feet, Let's take action without despair.

"How I turned my disqualified experience into a learning opportunity and grew from it." Disqualified - Word of the Day Challenge This is a challenge from  Cyranny Image from  American IRA I remember the day I got disqualified from a school debate competition. It was my senior year, and I had spent weeks preparing for the event. I was confident that I would win, and my parents and teachers were counting on me to bring home the trophy. The day of the competition arrived, and I was excited and nervous at the same time. I had practiced my speech countless times, and I knew it like the back of my hand. When it was my turn to speak, I stepped up to the podium, took a deep breath, and began my speech. About halfway through my speech, I noticed a judge whispering something to another judge. I tried to ignore it and continued with my speech, but it was distracting. I finished my speech and returned to my seat, feeling confident that I had done well. But as the results were announced,

"Building a custom gaming PC was the most ambitious DIY project I've ever undertaken, but the end result was worth it." dailyprompt-1860 Inspired by - Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on . Image from - PCGamesN Undertaking a DIY project can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. It allows you to flex your creative muscles and put your problem-solving skills to the test. However, not all DIY projects are created equal. Some are more challenging and ambitious than others. In my case, I can say with confidence that the most ambitious DIY project I have ever taken on was building my own custom gaming PC. As someone who has always been passionate about video games and technology, I had long dreamed of building my own PC. I had done some basic upgrades to pre-built systems in the past, but I wanted to take things to the next level. So, armed with countless YouTube tutorials and a mountain of research, I set out to build my dream machine. The process w

"The half-moon casts a tranquil glow over the still waters of the lake, bringing a sense of balance and peace to the moment." Haibun Monday 2-27-23: Mezza Luna Photo by Janko Ferlic The Mezza Luna casts a gentle light across the still waters of the lake. The tranquility of the night is palpable as I sit by the shore, breathing in the fresh scent of the earth. The half-moon hangs low in the sky, a silver crescent that seems to smile down upon me. I feel a sense of peace wash over me as if the moon's serene beauty has the power to calm the chaos within me. At this moment, I am reminded of the cycles of life. The Mezza Luna represents a midpoint, a place where light and dark meet. It reminds me that there is always a balance and that even in the darkest moments, there is a glimmer of hope. As I watch the Mezza Luna in its silent ascent, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the simple beauty of nature. I feel humbled by the vastness of the universe and the intricate danc

"Two young children sit together by the water's edge, lost in their own world of joy and wonder." What do you see # 175 A challenge from Sadje Image from Joshua Clay @ Unsplash As I was strolling by the water's edge, I caught a heartwarming sight that melted my heart. Two young children, a big sister, and her little brother sat together by the water's edge. The older sister had her arm wrapped tightly around her younger brother's shoulders as if to protect him from the world. As I approached them, I noticed the joy on their faces as they gazed out at the tranquil water. The older sister was telling stories, pointing out the different boats passing by, and making silly faces to make her little brother laugh. It was beautiful to see the bond between these siblings. Despite the world's chaos and uncertainty, they sat together in perfect harmony, lost in their own little world. Their innocence and genuine affection towards each other brought a smile to my face

"Taking a step back to look at the situation from another angle can open up a world of understanding." RIGMAROLE — Word of the Day Challenge This is a challenge from  Cyranny Image from  Craig Chuhran

Love Is In Da Blog Bee is the host:  https://the-bee-writes.com/2023/02/26/son-of-the-preacher-man-dusty-springfield-prompt-for-february-twenty-seven-23-love-is-in-da-blog-2023-bi-lingual-this-time-english-german/ The prompt for today (February 27)  "An Alternative Love Song from your 50’s (if you are younger, choose your own)" As I'm younger, I picked up  "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Here is an in-depth analysis of the musical and lyrical elements that make "Endless Love" a classic love song by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Video from  Diana Ross on YouTube "Endless Love" is a timeless classic love song by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. This song holds a special place in the hearts of many who have experienced the magic of love. As I listen to this beautiful song, I am reminded of the power of love and the impact it has on our lives. The lyrics of "Endless Love" are simple, yet profound. They capture the essence

Finding Healing Through Enacting and Screaming A self-reflective story on the power of expressing emotions in relationships Three Things Challenge #M252 Words to include - ENACT, RELATION, SCREAM Image source:  pensitivity101 on WordPress.com I had always been shy and introverted, preferring to keep to myself rather than engage in social activities. But when I landed a lead role in a school play, I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone and enact my character to the best of my abilities. As the rehearsals began, I found myself building a relationship with my co-stars, becoming more comfortable with each passing day. However, there was one scene in which my character had to scream at the top of her lungs, expressing her frustration and anger toward the other characters. The thought of screaming in front of others terrified me. I had always been self-conscious about my voice and worried about what others would think of me. But the director pushed me to give it my all, to let go of my

"A poem about unwanted opinions and advice" Unsolicited - Word of the Day This is a challenge from  Cyranny Image from Different Truths Unsolicited advice, From strangers, friends, and foes alike, They pour their thoughts like rolling dice, Expecting us to heed and spike. But we are not a blank slate, Nor their words hold absolute fate, We have our minds, our own plate, We choose the course of our own gait. So let the unsolicited fade, Like a fleeting, transient parade, For we are the ones who make the grade, In the paths of our own crusade.

The Joyous Garden A poem about the freedom found in a garden Sunday Whirl Wordle #594 Words to include - garden, locks, creeping, steal, feet, seems, steam, stars, free, fall, joyous, space Images from  The Sunday Whirl In my garden , locks secure,  Creeping vines, a sweet allure.  But what seems safe, can steal away,  So I walk softly, with feet astray. As I stroll, I see the stars ,  A joyous feeling, like no bars.  The steam rises from my tea,  A moment of peace, just for me. I feel free, in this space ,  A smile upon my face.  And as I fall into this calm,  I know I can always find my balm.

"Discovering the dragon within and overcoming fear and self-doubt" Inspired by -  Story Prompt Sunday #4: D is for Dragon Photo by Axel Sandoval As a child, I was always fascinated by stories of dragons. I would read books, watch movies, and even draw my own versions of mythical creatures. To me, dragons represented power, strength, and adventure. But as I grew older, my fascination turned into something more meaningful. I realized that dragons were not just fictional beasts, but symbolized something deeper. Dragons represented the challenges and obstacles we face in life. Just like how knights had to slay the dragon to save the princess, we too had to overcome our fears and obstacles to achieve our goals. My personal dragon was my fear of failure. I was always afraid of trying new things or taking risks because I feared failure. But one day, I decided to face my dragon head-on. I took a chance and applied for a job that I thought was beyond my capabilities. To my surprise, I

"Examining the Meaning and Relevance of "Keep on Chooglin'" in Today's World" Song Lyric Sunday - Keep on Chooglin' by Creedence Clearwater Revival Upon seeing that the genre for this week is Swamp Rock, I immediately knew which song to pick. For further information about this week's SLS ( Song Lyric Sunday ) topic, please refer to Jim's post . Keep on Chooglin' by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a song that has always resonated with me on a personal level. It's a classic example of swamp rock, a genre that is characterized by its rootsy, bluesy sound and gritty, raw lyrics. But beyond its musical qualities, the song has always struck a chord with me because of the message that it conveys. At its core, Keep on Chooglin' is a song about perseverance and determination. It's about facing life's obstacles head-on and pushing through them, no matter how difficult or challenging they may seem. The lyrics encourage the listener to

"Let us discover where the questions will lead us today." Photo source: Adam Eason As Rory @ Earthly Comforts continues his Morning Dawdler series, I am prepared to tackle those three questions that come my way. 1. Which behavioural trait describes you more – introvert, ambivert or extrovert? As an introvert, I've always been drawn to the solace of my own company. The idea of being surrounded by a sea of people at a social gathering often fills me with dread, and I find myself yearning for the comfort of my own space. In a world that often celebrates the extroverted and outgoing, it can be easy to feel like there's something wrong with being an introvert. I've often been told that I need to "come out of my shell" or "be more social," as if being introverted is some kind of flaw that needs to be fixed. But over time, I've learned to embrace my introverted nature. I've realized that my need for solitude is not a weakness, but a strength

The Length of Our Dreams: A Journey Beyond the Horizon  Exploring the Depths of Our Starstruck Aspirations Three Things Challenge #M251 Words to include -  LENGTH, HORIZON, STARSTRUCK Image source:  pensitivity101 on WordPress.com As I stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe wash over me. The horizon seemed endless, stretching out as far as the eye could see. It was as if the ocean and the sky were merging into one, creating a breathtakingly beautiful canvas. I had always been drawn to the sea. There was something about its power and unpredictability that fascinated me. And yet, as I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of insignificance. The length of the horizon seemed to put everything into perspective. My problems and worries felt small and trivial compared to the vastness of the world around me. It was in moments like this that I found myself starstruck by the beauty of the worl

Love Is In Da Blog Bee is the host:  https://the-bee-writes.com/2023/02/21/zuchu-sukari-prompt-22-love-is-in-da-blog-2023-this-year-bi-lingual-english-deutsch/ The prompt for today (February 26)  "Choose your own" I have picked up "Love on Top" by Beyoncé Here is an in-depth analysis of the musical and lyrical elements that make "Love on Top" a classic love song by Beyoncé. Beyoncé's "Love on Top" is an energetic and upbeat song about the power of love. It was released in 2011 as part of her fourth studio album, 4, and quickly became a chart-topping hit. In this article, we will analyze the lyrics and explore the song's themes and musical elements. Lyrically, "Love on Top" is a celebration of the joy and happiness that comes from being in love. The opening lines set the tone: "Bring the beat in! / Honey, honey / I can see the stars all the way from here." From the very beginning, Beyoncé is inviting us to join her on a

"A poem about a cannon looking out from a battlement, standing steadfast and strong as a symbol of power and might." #WRITEPHOTO – Cannon Image source:  New2Writing From the battlements high up above The cannon stood steadfast and strong, Looking out with a watchful eye At the world that lay beyond. Its metal skin was cold and hard, Its purpose was clear and true, To protect the castle walls And all that lay within its view. The cannon's gaze was fierce and bold, Its presence is a warning to all, That those who dared to cross its path Would face a mighty, thunderous call. The cannon stood there day and night, Through rain, wind, and snow, A symbol of power and might, A guardian of the castle below. And though it may seem fearsome and cold, The cannon served with honor and pride, A defender of the battlements, A protector of all that lay inside.

"A story of one person's journey to self-discovery through a bottle of Musk Liqueur." Photo Challenge #454 Image source:  Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie Photo credit: Sarah Whiley I had never been one to drink much, but on this particular night, I found myself staring at the bottle of Musk Liqueur in front of me. It had been a gift from a friend, and I had never tried it before. As I poured myself a small glass, I couldn't help but think about the power that this little bottle held. It had the ability to change my state of mind, to alter my perception of the world around me. And yet, I knew that it was just a temporary escape from reality. As I took my first sip, I was hit with a wave of sweetness, followed by a sharp tang that lingered on my tongue. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I found myself taking another sip, and then another. Before I knew it, the bottle was half empty, and I was feeling the effects of the alcohol. My thoughts began to drift,

"Follow the story of a woman who dared to venture into the unknown, and emerged on the other side to a world of beauty and wonder." Story Starter – Saturday Mix, 25 February 2023 As per our host Sarah - Your sentence starter this week is: Motionless, she stood gazing down the tunnel. The path extended as far as the eye could see, encased by walls of grimy bricks. Image source:  Mindlovemisery's Menagerie Motionless, she stood gazing down the tunnel. The path extended as far as the eye could see, encased by walls of grimy bricks. The only light came from a small opening at the far end of the tunnel, where a faint glow filtered through. It was silent, save for the sound of her own breathing. As she stood there, a feeling of unease began to creep over her. She knew that she should turn back, that it was dangerous to venture into the unknown. But something within her urged her forward, a curiosity that she couldn't ignore. And so, with a deep breath, she took the first st

"Reflecting on the Meaning of "Prize" Through Stream of Consciousness Saturday" The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 25, 2023 Image courtesy: Linda G. Hill As I sit down to write for the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt of "prize," my mind immediately jumps to the idea of competition and winning. I've always been someone who enjoys a good challenge and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with succeeding. However, as I reflect on this prompt a bit more deeply, I realize that "prize" can have much broader implications. Perhaps the greatest prize we can attain in life is a sense of inner peace and contentment. It's all too easy to get caught up in the rat race of chasing external achievements and validation, but true fulfillment comes from within. For me, this means prioritizing self-care practices like meditation and yoga, as well as cultivating gratitude and mindfulness in my daily life. Another prize that I hold dear

"Walking is not just a physical activity, it is an opportunity for self-reflection and rejuvenation." Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge WALKING Photo by Tobi Walking is an activity that I have always enjoyed. It is an excellent way to clear my head and get some exercise at the same time. But it wasn't until recently that I realized how much walking can also be a spiritual experience. For me, walking is not just about the physical benefits. It's about the mental and emotional benefits as well. When I walk, I am able to clear my mind of all the clutter and noise that can sometimes overwhelm me. I can focus on my breathing and the rhythm of my steps, and I feel a sense of peace and calm. I also find that walking is a great way to connect with nature. Whether I'm walking in the woods, along a beach, or through a park, I am always struck by the beauty of the natural world around me. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the world we live in, and for the opportunity to ex

The Power of Being Present: My Journey Towards Authenticity "Exploring the importance of being present and authentic, and the journey towards shedding pretense and cultivating a positive attitude." Three Things Challenge #M250 Words to include - PRETEND, PRESENCE, ATTITUDE Image source:  pensitivity101 on WordPress.com Throughout my life, I've realized that there are certain words that hold a lot of meaning and significance. Three of these words that have impacted my journey are "pretend," "presence," and "attitude." I've often found myself pretending to be someone I'm not, whether it's to impress others or to fit into a certain group. However, as I've grown older, I've realized that pretending only leads to a lack of authenticity and a sense of disconnection from my true self. It's important to embrace who I am and let go of the need to pretend. On the other hand, being present has been a key factor in my personal gro

"In a world of seismic upheaval and insipid existence, one valiant warrior dared to dream of a better future. Follow his journey as he sets out to bring hope back to his people, and to restore the beauty that once surrounded them." Five Word Weekly Challenge (2308) Words to use -  valiant, born, seismic, insipid, beautiful Images courtesy:  Greg’s Blog Born into a world plagued by seismic upheaval, the people of the kingdom had long since forgotten the beauty that once surrounded them. Their daily lives were consumed by the struggle to survive in a land that was constantly in flux. But there was one who refused to succumb to the insipid existence that so many had resigned themselves to. A valiant warrior, known throughout the land for his bravery and determination, he dared to dream of a better future. With every step he took, he saw the potential for greatness in the world around him. He saw the way the sun shone through the clouds, casting a beautiful light on the land