Poetry

Quote for September 20, 2025

” Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

– Robert Louis Stevenson

Art, Poetry

Watching Eyes

Eyes are watching
Every move that you make
Or are they

Or is it
Your imagination playing tricks again
To scare you

Making you believe
That you are being judged constantly
What’s the truth?

7/7/24

Poetry

Bold Signature

There once was a man named John Hancock,
Whose signature made quite a shock.
With a flourish so wide,
In history, he’d bide,
A bold patriot on the clock!

Poetry

Between Heart and Mind

The therapist says to mingle and make friends,
Your heart knows that’s true, but your mind just pretends.
It whispers of judgment, the fears that it sends,
A battle within as your spirit contends.

Each laugh feels like armor, but doubt weighs you down,
In a room full of faces, you wear a frown crown.
What if they see you, the cracks and the flaws?
What if connection is lost in the pause?

But deep in your heart, there’s a spark seeking light,
A yearning for warmth in the coldness of night.
With courage, step forward, let go of the chains,
Embrace the uncertain; it’s where freedom gains.

For friendship’s a garden that flourishes slow,
With patience and kindness, its beauty will grow.
So heed the soft whisper that pushes you near,
For the joy of connection can banish all fear.

Commentary

The Daily Extra # 85

A game show dare inspired a town to change its name

Hot Springs, N.M. was renamed Truth or Consequences in 1950 after the popular NBC radio game show hatched a publicity scheme. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show, host Ralph Edwards wondered if there might be a town in the U.S. who “liked and respected” the show so much they’d change the name to Truth or Consequences. Hot Springs answered the call and via a special election, the town officially voted to have a new name. – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know

Poetry

Quote for September 19,2025

 Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined. –Henry David Thoreau

Poetry

Cleansing

Raindrops dance and fall,
Cleansing the earth with each drop,
Life reborn anew.
Whispers of the storm outside,
Nature’s lullaby begins.

Challenges, Poetry, Three Things Challenge

Whispers of Truth

Your three words today are:
PROVE
FALSEHOOD
BLATANT

In a world where truth can often move,
Amidst the shadows, we strive to prove,
That what is real shines bright and clear,
While falsehood lurks, a whispering fear.

With blatant lies that weave and spin,
They cloak the light, inviting sin,
Yet through the darkness, hope takes flight,
For hearts united can restore the light.

So stand we strong against the tide,
With courage bold, we won’t divide,
For in our quest, we’ll always find,
A truth that echoes in the mind.

Commentary

The Daily Extra # 84

The oldest piece of cake is nearly 4,000 years old

Go to the Alimentarium food museum in Vevey, Switzerland, and you’ll be able to see the world’s oldest slice of cake, according to Guinness World Records. Discovered in an ancient Egyptian tomb in 1913, the cake consists of two slices of wheat flatbread with a milk and honey filling. Estimated to date back to the reign of Pepi II (2251 to 2157 BCE), it’s the cake’s two copper molds that served as a vacuum, resulting in its preservation. – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know

Poetry

Pit of Lost Dreams

My heart drops to the pit of my stomach,
With those words you whispered, hope took flight,
All my dreams now feel so platonic,
Fading away into the night.

Poetry

Nature’s Touch

Nature’s gentle touch
Whispers through the swaying trees,
Sunlight filters down,
Peaceful, tranquil moments pause,
In the breeze, our worries fade.

Commentary

The Daily Extra # 83

A flamingo’s pink color comes from its food

“These long-legged birds are actually born gray and turn pink as a result of what they eat. Flamingos dine on algae and brine shrimp, which contain natural red, yellow, or orange pigments, or carotenoids, the same ones responsible for color of carrots and tomatoes. As their bodies metabolize the carotenoids, their feathers turn pink.” – 50 Weird Facts That Most People Don’t Know

Art, Commentary

Embracing Uncomfortable Moments

As I have stated before, I struggle with social anxiety, a challenge that often makes social interactions feel overwhelming. However, I am determined to confront these feelings, and with the help of my therapist, I’m working on going out and being around people without the constant fear of being judged. For my latest homework assignment, I was tasked with finding something that would help me get comfortable with being uncomfortable—if that makes sense.

After much contemplation, I decided to focus on art as a way to channel my creativity and face my fears. Art has always been a passion of mine, and I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone while still engaging in something I love. I began searching for local paint activities that were close to my home. Previously, I’d attended similar events with a close friend, which made the experience more manageable. Driving long distances alone felt daunting, so I was relieved to find venues nearby.

On the night of the event, I was a bundle of nerves. The anticipation of being in a room full of strangers was intimidating. However, I reminded myself of my goal: to embrace these feelings rather than let them dictate my actions. As I mingled with fellow participants and picked up my paintbrush, something wonderful happened—my anxiety began to fade. Instead of focusing on what others might think, I immersed myself in the experience, allowing my creativity to flow.

By the end of the night, I had an absolute blast. Not only did I create a piece of art that I was proud of, but I also connected with others in ways I never thought possible. This experience reaffirmed my belief that stepping out of my comfort zone, even in small ways, can lead to incredible moments of joy and growth. I left the event feeling empowered and excited for the next challenge on my journey to managing social anxiety.