Iconic Paris

Ahhh Paris … the city of love, art and architecture.

A beautiful city to wander in, exploring cobblestone streets and centuries old buildings. A place where old and new stand side by side.

What do you think of in relation to Paris? The Eiffel Tower? The Louvre? A big crowded city?

Take 5 minutes to write about what you would like to do in Paris, or why you never want to go.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Where would you go?

Is there a place you’ve dreamed of? A place you would love to go but have never been able to for one reason or another?

If money (and the pandemic, war, etc.) were no object, where would you go?

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

If you want to share in the comments, I’d love to hear about your dream location.

Happy writing!

Whimsy, Fantasy, or Real Life?

The simple toad stool. You see it in garden art, fairy gardens, and sometimes real life. I was surprised to find this one, that is so close to the whimsical version, just waiting for me in the woods.

For today’s 5 minute free write, create a story that includes a toad stool.

Set your timer. Ready … set … write!

Magazines?

I love going to the local grocery store and looking at all of the magazines they have for sale. There’s just something about the glossy pictures, short but relevant articles and physical page turning that you just don’t get online.

In fact, I still subscribe to a couple of physical magazines – and though I may switch up which I subscribe to, I think I will always have one or two come in the mail – for nostalgia if nothing else.

What about you? Do you enjoy the feel of a magazine in your hand? Do you like flipping through the pages? Or is an online magazine more your style?

Set your timer for 5 min and write about what you like or don’t like about magazines. Or start with that and go wherever your mind takes you.

If you’d like to share, put it in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Here we go. Ready … set … write!

Nutrition Month

As we near the end of March (which is also Nutrition Month here in the US), I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what changes you would like to make in what or how much you eat.

For me, though I eat a pretty healthy diet, eating at healthier times and limiting sugar is a constant issue and one I am focusing on right now.

What about you? Are there changes you would like to make in your nutrition? Take a few minutes to write about them.

Set your timer for 5 minutes and ready … set … write!

Courage = Vulnerability???

Vulnerability is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage. - Brene Brown

I don’t know about you, but I hate feeling vulnerable. It just stinks!

Yet, after hearing this quote while listening to Brené Brown’s new book Atlas of the Heart, I just couldn’t quit thinking about it. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true it is.

Courage is the act of putting ourselves in a vulnerable situation – despite the vulnerability – to achieve some desired outcome. I like to think it is for the greater good, but that probably doesn’t have to be a part of courage. Merriam-Webster defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” – definitely a vulnerable state in my mind.

What do you think? Do courage and vulnerability go hand in hand?

Take a few minutes to write about it. Set your timers and ready … set … write!

World Water Day

I walk over to my sink and get a glass of water. I don’t even think about it or worry about whether it is safe – unless it smells or tastes too much like chlorine. Then I am likely to complain or grab the filter to get rid of the bad flavor … but I know it is safe. The likelihood of having contaminated water here in the states is very low and if it happens, a bulletin goes out from the local health department to let everyone know to boil before drinking.

Unfortunately, safe water is not available to everyone. The CDC estimates that 2 BILLION people are without access to safe water. That’s billion – with a B. World Water Day is to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and how access to it can improve the lives of those currently living without it.

So for today’s writing session, write about all of the ways water impacts your life. Do you have access to clean water? It’s definitely something to be thankful for. Then, if time allows, write about how access to fresh water could change the life of someone who currently lacks access.

Are you ready? Set your timer and ready … set … write!

For more information visit the CDC website here, or the WHO website here.

Happy writing!