#5minutefastwrite

How do you laugh?

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8 flower varieties with quote "The Earth laughs in flowers." by Ralph Waldo Emmerson

A famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson is “The Earth laughs in flowers.” When I see a field of daisies or sunflowers, this certainly seems to be the case.

Other flowers seem more stately and elegant rather than playful and laughing. Nevertheless, they make me smile.

But that leads me to our question for the day. How do you laugh? Is it a great big belly-laugh, or more of a gentle, rolling chuckle? Or something else entirely?

Take a few minutes to think about it and then set your timer and Ready … Set … Write!

Coastal Days

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I love visiting the coast! Here in the Pacific Northwest of North America, our beaches may not be warm, but they are beautiful and teaming with wildlife. Today’s wildlife included Harbor Seals, Cormorants and Pelicans, a couple of whale sightings (gray?) and lots of Sea Gulls.

Harbor Seals chillin’ on the rocks.

The coast itself consists of rugged cliffs and rocks separated by stretches of sandy beaches. While the wind made sitting on the beach uncomfortable, overlooks at coves were protected and created great spaces for animal watching.

Now I’m watching the waves from the window of our vacation rental – a totally relaxing experience.

What about you? Where do you like to go to watch wildlife or just relax? Let me know in the comments – but first, set your timers for 5 minutes and ready … set … write!

Life’s Lemons

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Do you know the saying “When life gives you Lemons, make lemonade?”

I have to say that is one saying that I love and hate all at once.

As an optimist, I totally want to make the best of any situation, but as a realist – particularly when I am the one facing some lemons, I just really want to throw them … and maybe stomp on them … and maybe throw a fit like a three year old.

What about you? Do you like orndislike the saying? Do you make lemonade when life gives you lemons?

Let me know in the comments if you’d like to share, then set your timer and ready … set … write!

Writers Write!

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In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about small changes that have a big impact over time. For instance, one day of intense exercise is not going to make you fit, but consistent exercise will.

In fact, he promotes the idea of starting small so that the habit is easier to form.

This idea is why I have chosen 5 minutes for the preferred time to free write from these prompts. But if you need to do less, that’s ok too.

In fact, James Clear also said in a podcast with Brene Brown … “Writing a sentence a day may not finish your novel, but it is casting a vote every day that you are a writer.

What do you think? Are you writing something every day … even if it is just a sentence? Or 5 out of 7?

Today’s prompt is to write about your plan for writing daily – even if it is just a sentence – and giving yourself the “I am a writer vote” every time.

Okay, here we go. Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Pizza!!!

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I love a good veggie pizza, but I do NOT like pineapple (or any fruit for that matter) on it. I love pineapple, just not on my pizza.

My husband on the other hand loves pineapple on his pizza.

So, we typically end up with a half and half pizza which satisfies both of our taste buds.

What about you? Do you like fruit (in this case pineapple) on your pizza? It seems that people either love it or hate it. Does that sound like you?

What else do you like on your pizza? Or is it possible you don’t like pizza?

Write about it for today’s 5 min free write- or anything else you want to write about.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Through the Windshield

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There are times when a view just makes you gasp and want to quickly save the sight for those times when memory fails.

That was the case as I came around a corner and was faced with the view in today’s featured photo.

We travel this road several times a year, but since it is on the west side of the Cascade Mountain Range, it is often shrouded in clouds … but not on this day.

The sight was fleeting and I could not stop to take a proper photo. So … I quickly snapped a shot through the windshield. If you look close enough, you can even see a smudge of dirt.

But it was worth it to be able to save this view of the mountain peeking through the mist. I would definitely take the shot again – though I should try to make sure I have a clean windshield at all times. 😉

What about you? Do you ever find yourself snapping pictures through the windshield because it’s just too beautiful to miss? Or do you ever wish you had?

Today’s 5 min free write is the time for you to write about views caught or missed (or whatever else strikes your fancy).

So set your timer and ready … set … write!

Cinco de Mayo

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On May 5, 1862, an outnumbered and out gunned Mexican Army fought and won a battle against the French invading army.

Though not the end of the war, the Mexican forces fought valiantly to defend their homeland from foreign rule.

Today, many celebrate this day as a time to remember and enjoy Mexican culture and food.

What about you? Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If so, what does it mean to you?

Set your timers and ready … set … write!

Time to Plant Flowers

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It’s spring and time for planting.

I like planting flowers, but unfortunately for me I don’t have a very green thumb, so need very hardy ones.

What types of flowers do you like to plant? Do you have a green thumb? Or are you like me and need help with everything but the weeds?

Feel free to let me know in the comments. Then get ready to write about what you like to plant.

Set you timer and ready … set … write!

April Flowers

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These are flowers from my garden. Some are in full bloom … Rock cress, phlox, lilac and lobelia … while others are budding, preparing for their time of full beauty.

That makes me think of people with potential just waiting to be developed and discovered. Writing practice is one way to develop your writing potential so that when opportunity comes your way, you will be ready to accept it and “burst into full bloom.”

So for today’s writing practice, consider what you are doing to prepare yourself for upcoming opportunities, then write about it.

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

Get Curious!

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Sometimes I just don’t know what to write about. Life is busy and time is short. But then, something catches my attention. It might be a bright, shiny object stealing what free time I have. Or, it might be something signaling an area where I can grow, learn and in turn share.

In order to create something of value, I have to get curious and dig a little deeper to find those things that will bring value to others – because that is what writing, blogging, etc is all about, right? Sharing things that will be valuable to someone else – otherwise why would they spend the time reading your work?

So today, think about something you are curious about. What questions do you have that you would like to answer? Spend some time following your curiosity and see where it takes you.

Now set your timer and ready … set … write!

I’d love to hear what you are curious about. If you are willing, share it in the comments. Happy writing!