#FavoriteThings

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!

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!

New Flavors

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Tonight we decided to try a restaurant we have never been to before. It serves authentic Thai food and was delicious.

For our appetizer and entrees, we had our tried and true favorites, but when it came to dessert we decided to be adventurous and try something new.

We ordered Mango Sticky Rice. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my hopes were not high. Oh boy was I surprised. It was AMAZING! The flavor was faintly sweet with a light coconut flavor from the coconut milk sauce. The fresh mango was the highlight and the sesame seeds balanced out the flavor combination and added interest to the mix.

The requirement of fresh mango means it is only available for a short time each year, especially here in the Pacific Northwest where we struggle to get good mangoes even in the best of times. So we were lucky to have the opportunity to try it and very glad we took that opportunity.

What about you? When was the last time you tried something new? A new food or flavor or something else entirely?

Want to write about it? Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Every Picture Has a Story

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This picture is of one of my favorite places, but the swamped rowboat made me wonder about what happened and how it made it to this hike-in lake in the mountains.

What does this picture make you think of? Make up a story that includes this scene.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Do you cook?

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I like to cook, and have a lot of gadgets to help with the process. However, I often find myself using my good old chef’s knife rather than my food processor. Maybe it’s the fact that it isn’t that much easier with a food processor if I’m only chopping a small amount, or maybe I like the feel of chopping the strips of veggies by hand … or maybe a bit of both.

What about you? Do you prefer using a food processor or a knife? Or would you rather not cook at all? Write about how you like to cook for today’s writing prompt.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Fitness Favorites

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It’s February and people are struggling to maintain their fitness goals. So for today’s writing prompt, let’s explore your favorite way to get exercise.

I love dancing (in private), hiking, and snowshoeing … and basically anything that doesn’t feel like I’m exercising.

What about you? Do you love going to the gym or doing a structured workout? Or are you more like me and prefer your exercise to sneak up on you while you’re having fun?

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

Do you ride?

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I think I was 6 when I learned to ride a bike. After many wobbly rides, bloody knees, and soothed tears I finally learned. Though I’ve never become the fanatic that some of my friends are, I have done the occasional 50 mile ride…okay, that was long ago.

What about you? When did you learn? Did you take to it like a fish to water? Do you still bike?

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Nothing to Say???

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Person sitting with laptop, but not writing. Text says "Write about not knowing what to write."

I was sitting at my desk trying to figure out what to write about. What on earth did I have to say that anyone would want to read? Has that ever happened to you?

Then, in my head, the 1980s Chicago song started playing 25 or 6 to 4, and all of a sudden, I knew I just needed to start writing about not knowing what to write and I would figure it out eventually.

See, the thing is that as you start to write, even if you have no idea what you are going to write about, the ideas start to flow, and the words flow as well, better and better as you keep going.

That’s not to say your first draft will be perfect – or even 25% of what you’ll end up with, but it is a start, and sometimes a start is all you need to open the floodgate of words locked in your head.

So today, write about a time when you had nothing to say, or about not having anything to say now.

If you need some inspiration about writing about not knowing what to say, listen to the YouTube on Chicago’s channel here.

Okay, now set your timer and ready … set … write!

Home Sweet Home

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Sunset over the mountains faded into the background with garage lights from home in the foreground. Text says "No place like home"

Home – Is it a place or a feeling? Sometimes I feel at home even when I am far from home if I am comfortable and with the ones I love. Home can also be a place where I grew up, but exists only in my memories because the structure is no longer standing. And sometimes, home is where I live, watching the sunset with my husband (as in this picture).

What about you? What does home mean to you? Take a few minutes to write about it and see where it leads you. You may be surprised. 🙂

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