nature

Who’s Your Neighbor?

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I’m on vacation in Baja California right now and am loving the desert flora and fauna. The tropical plants are so different from what we have in the Pacific Northwest, U.S. and the cohabitation of desert and tropical plants is amazing to me.

One of the plants I am enjoying is the saguaro cactus. They are everywhere here. When we drive down the road, it is as if we are driving through a forest of them. There are vines with bright pink or magenta flowers climbing the saguaro … it’s truly beautiful.

One of the saguaro near the house we are staying at is the home of an iguana. Mr. Iguana loves to sit in his doorway and watch everyone go by. It has been fun to get to know this little neighbor and the other animal neighbors near this home.

What about the neighbors near you? Are there chipmunks, or rabbits or other animal neighbors? For today’s free writing, think about your animal neighbors and include them in what you write.

Let your creativity flow and have fun! 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!

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!

World Water Day

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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!

Your Most Beautiful Sunset

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This was the view out my window yesterday. I could not believe the colors … or that I was able to capture them fairly accurately.

It was gorgeous. I wonder if I will remember this sunset in years to come? Possibly…but memories hat last and stand out are often related to strong emotions.

Time may be the only test for whether this sunset will be remembered – though this picture will help. 😉

What about you? Do you have a sunset memory? What was going on at the time? Were there strong emotions involved?

Set your timer and write about it.

Ready … set … write!

Signs of Spring

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Today I found violetss blooming in my flowerbed. You have to understand … just yesterday there was still snow in my yard. But now I have flowers!!!

I am so happy to see signs of spring!!!

What about you? Are you seeing signs of spring where you live? Or is it not spring at all where you live?

Let me know about it.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!