Fragments

These fragments are six-word stories or poems. Often working in such a limited form can rouse the imagination and spark creativity. Any of these three ideas could become a story or even a book.

The watch stopped; no one moved.

Two dogs, too many, to master.

Now, no one answers the phone.

As a prompt, try six-word stories. You may find you have a way out of the doldrums. Forms can be a creative vehicle of great power.

As I play with fragments, there are always haiku. So here is one.

We can fall over
Ourselves trying to behave
Outside who we are.

Things Work Together

There was a time, many years ago, when I did not have a dog and was in a bad state because of my Schizo-Affective Disorder.

My weight had been a battle all my life, and at this juncture, I chose to begin walking daily. To my great surprise, when I came out the first time to walk, a lovely Weimaraner was waiting right outside the door. This angel dog accompanied me on my walks, probably over a year.

It was there every day, no matter what time I chose to go for my walk. Seeing this beautiful animal and basking in its love helped me continue in the exercise even though, typically, I’m not too fond of exercise.

Today, as I dive into another challenge, I remember I am supported in many ways when I attempt to improve.

The dog was real, it went home down another street every day, but it was faithful to walk with me. It chose to be my friend.

Haiku In My Quiver

This ocean into
Which I wade slowly, swallows
My fear, in its love.

I accept I am
Written differently than
Those average most.

Death, we avoid it,
But in the air, food, water,
We taste it, consume.

The calendar turns
Another time dated, gone,
Life passing – away.

The light rises bright
But only a thimbleful
Against Autumn night.

I will believe these challenges are only a small inconvenience given to produce determination and strength. Will you believe you are destined to succeed in abundance? I can only do so, else hope evaporates.

For Joy’s Sake

When things are dogging us, and things seem to go wrong, sometimes a Gratitude List can give clarity.

I highly recommend the practice.

I have a journal, specially designated for gratitude. Sometimes I make entries less often than I ought, but I return to it.

The Journal Writing group I have been in for almost two decades does Thankful Thursday.

If you give it a try, I expect you will find a greater sense of peace.

Allowances

On days like this, it is hard to put my stuff out. I have the vow to trip over. The one that says I will post every day this year, and yeah, it is looking like that may become my permanency. It gives me the incentive to work when I might be tempted to go idle. What do you do to motivate yourself, or if you are not producing as you like, how can you make a change?

I have written four pages in the journal today, but I could so not post. Just go on reading the novel I want to complete, and wanting the chocolate I will not bring home. If I go to Aldi and get it, I will binge, to the degree I will eat almost nothing else until it is gone. Nope. I went to Sam’s Club the other day and am proud to say neither Nutella nor Airheads jumped in my cart. These sorts of things I battle regularly. What do you fight with every ounce of self you can muster? Is it food, television, books, shopping, negativity? You can win, at least sometimes. The more you win, the easier the next scrimmage will become.

I have played no music today, which is an anomaly. It has been me and my brain. Always a bit of a stretch, kind of like I imagine bungee jumping in the Grand Canyon, terrifying and exhilarating at once. What happens when you step out of your routine? Can you stick to it as you would like?

Anyway, I hope you have a rewarding evening and accomplish something that makes you smile.