Tag Archives: dailyprompt

Yawn.

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Daily writing prompt
What’s a show that had the perfect series finale?
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I guess to me, a series is more than just a television show.

I would have to include things like Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Tex Avery, or Johnny Quest cartoons. Add in the Stooges. Svengoolie then on into actual series, like MASH, ER, All in the Family, Cheers, The Bob Newhart Show, Home Improvement, Seiinfeld, NYPD Blues, and the like. (there are WAY more.)

Back in the day? The Johnny Carson Show, the Carol Burnett Show, the Dean Martin Show, the Dick Cavett Show, and others. Off shore? Monty Python, Dave Allen, Bernard Hill, Bean. Movies? Star Wars, LOTR, Indiana Jones.

I cannot say I ever sat through an entire series via the boob tube. Star Wars and LOTR yes. But shows, nope. I think what tends to happen over time, is that things change. Maybe writers, artists, producers, characters and perhaps just the creativity are elements that are very challenging to maintain. Sprinkle in ego, and voila, you may end up with something never intended.

So like my cartoons?

They just lost me. Generational most likely. Too generic and not violent and sarcastic enough any more. So if an old school one is on, I will hunker down to chuckle.

But new ones? Nope.

Curly, Larry and Moe?

24/7. Later Shemps, Joe and Curly Joe? Uh, uh,

TV shows?

Trapper went home and Henry perished in a plane crash. I left too. Archie was less obnoxious when Meathead left and Edith passed. Diane left the bar, new romances began, and Woody took center stage. Michael left the office. Why would they want someone else to be Frank Drebbin? Something else shinier always catches my attention. Figures. Attention span of a gnat.

These days?

The Pitt led to a return to Madmen, and Ray and the Barones are always in the background. Bla, bla, bla.

But other than LOTR and StarWars, I have never watched an entire series. With regard to Star Wars, 4, 5 and 6 were way better than 1, 2 and 3. What were they even thinking. Obviously in a galaxy far, far away.

But I digress.

Yawn.

Dad.

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Daily writing prompt
If you could have dinner with any philosopher, who would it be?
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At first, my mind went one way. Then, shifted in reverse and took a few turns around the subject so I could better see where this was ultimately taking me. I think I have it now.

So for much of my life, there was a philosopher in my midst. Until this morning, unfortunately, I never considered him as such. A very stoic, quiet, keep to himself kind of man. Well learned academically and in all aspects of life. Adverse to accolades, attention and honors. A very dry, but profound, deep sense of humor.

He had a way with words.

You wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of his semantical offerings. for those quips tended to be laden with genius level, forever lasting barbs. But when he shared some wisdom, like his thoughts upon looking at the yard – “you can’t grow kids and grass at the same time” – t went to the core and remained within you.

Nothing that he did, but our times together were not so conducive to much conversation. Too many distractions were brought to the huddle. More so baggage. Things that didn’t need to be with us two. My doing. A regret of mine to this day.

Then, the true philosopher came to light at his funeral. People I never knew, approaching me to share how he had changed their life. How he went beyond to help them to grow and become what they were meant to be. The moral, financial, experiential, spiritual and fatherly love he spread about to anyone and everyone.

His philosophy.

Put him in a totally different light.

One that remains shining in my life.

He passed many years ago. A date that still is unsettling to me.

And I would give anything for dinner with this philosopher one more time.

Dad.

At least I tried.

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Daily writing prompt
How do you handle fear and self-doubt?
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Huh.

Back in the day when I shared motivational thoughts with student-athletes, the topic of fear and self-doubt came up quite often.

Fear and doubt can be a sensation just as overwhelming alone as it is on a field surround by teammates, opponents and hundreds of spectators. It can be perceived as an inherently dual natured calamity; failing not just yourself, but all those around you. If there is a more potentially lethal double edged sword, I cannot offer one. A predicament that often leads to absolute failure.

Not trying.

This is cloaked by “self-assuring” monologue of sorts, one that is determined to convince you that you would have blown it anyways, so why even try? It wasn’t for you, nothing would come of it and hearing the chorus of “I told you so” externally and internally would make things even worse.

Mr. Shakespeare addressed this conundrum in a most succinct fashion.

“Our doubts are traitors,
and make us lose the good we oft might win,
by fearing to attempt.”

Essentially, self betrayal lay in the decison to avoid the attempt altogether. Losing in it the good to come for all, us included.

As a result, self treason doth never prosper.

Sorry for making it one of my coachisms, Mr. Harington.

At least I tried.

The question of our will.

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Daily writing prompt
What’s a moment that made you question reality?
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Interesting.

Reality is just what the name or word implies.

What is real.

Through the gift of grace, we are all afforded the choices inherent in free will. So despite circumstances being what they are, we are able to choose how we respond to them.

If our present state of being is abundant with adversity, we can choose to remain in the moment, discern the opportunity within and embark in that direction. Should we happen to find ourselves in the midst of accomplishment, success and the reward they bring, we can choose to remain in that fleeting moment, discern the potential for adversity in the form of poor choices and pursue an opposite and more sustainable tack. How about being plunked somewhere in the middle? Remain present and choose wisely.

Poorly executed free will in a garden led us all down a path of loneliness, angst and seperation. Years and years later, we made the very same mistake twice. No matter. The gift yet remains. In the form of unconditional, unremitting and unending love. No matter what.

NO MATTER WHAT.

A gift which is meant bring to life a heavenly reality.

Yet, what we choose to make real, is totally up to us.

The question of our will.

If you choose to live it.

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Daily writing prompt
What is the meaning of life?
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Well, for one thing, it is not a noun.

Life is a verb.

Forever in action. Many times traveling a multitude of paths, multiple directions or suddenly, seeming to come to rest. Every nuance, alteration, and conception isn’t random. They are meant for a reason. Though not always understood at the time.

And nothing is ever wasted.

You may elect to throw experiences into some heap labeled misgivings, misfortunes or mistakes. You may try to disguise them, disregard them or disrespect them. And yet, it was part of the curriculum. Its existence is essential. Textbook. And a part of the finishing.

Travelling back to reminisce and be reminded is prudent. But do not overbook your stay. Venturing ahead between your ears tends to distract from what is already right there in your midst. To be honest, how can you be where you aren’t already now?

Treat it as it is meant to be.

Lived fully right here and right now.

Yesterday is already a rerun. And tomorrow?

Well, it isn’t here yet.

We only have the here and the now.

And that should bring one plenty of life.

If you choose to live it.