Challenges, Poetry

Resilience in the Shadows

In shadows cast, whispers pass,
A heart in turmoil, the weight of harass.
Silent cries in the still of the night,
Hope flickers softly, a brave little light.

Each word a pebble, tossed in a stream,
Rippling fears that disrupt the dream.
But strength hides beneath the weight of the pain,
A spirit unyielding, rising again.

For every harsh word, a kindness to find,
In the depths of the struggle, hope intertwined.
With courage as armor, through storms we will clash,
Together we stand, no longer to harass.

Poetry

Tropical Treat

Special thanks to my collaborator on this Rengay, Anthony mylovexpressionsblog.wordpress.com

Golden paradise

Swaying palm trees, quiet ocean

Relaxation from stress

Greeted with salty breezes

And scented sun tan lotion…

-MAD/AAA 07/15/2024

Commentary

The Daily Extra #88

Fiat once sold a car with an espresso machine

The Italian automaker Fiat installed a Lavazza built-in espresso maker in its 2012 500L model. The car was only available in Europe, and you could only brew coffee when the car was parked. It was a short-lived idea that never really took off, and Fiat reportedly ceased production a year later.

Poetry

Fraud

I feel like a fraud,
In shadows of doubt, I tread.
What’s real, what’s illusion,
In this maze inside my head.

Am I the only one to wear
This mask of silent dread?
Please share this heavy burden,
Together, we’ll forge ahead.

We are not alone, it’s true,
In this echo of our plight.
Hand in hand, we’ll seek the light,
Finding solace in the night. not alone in this…

Challenges, Missy's MAD Challenge

Missy’s MAD Challenge # 060

Every week, a creative prompt will be offered for you to unleash your imagination and artistic skills. 

You can share your response in the form of art or any creative expression that the prompt inspires.

There are no restrictions and no deadlines, so feel free to take your time and enjoy the creative process.

Remember to label your response with #missysmadchallenge.

Your challenge for this week

  • The Forest was a portal to the Otherworld?
Commentary

The Daily Extra # 87

By the Number

50 million

Estimated worldwide sales of Margaret Wise Brown’s Goodnight Moon in various formats since it was first published in 1947.

Poetry

Quote for September 22, 2025

“Our lives are stories in which we write, direct, and star in the leading role. Some chapters are happy while others bring lessons to learn, but we always have the power to be the heroes of our own adventures.” — Joelle Speranza

Commentary

Lesson Learned

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

A lesson I wish I had learned earlier in life is that I can’t please everyone. It took me a while to realize that no matter what I do, there will always be people who are unsatisfied or disagree with me. I have gotten better at this, but it’s something that I still am working on. I must focus on being true to myself and my values rather than seeking validation from others.

Art, Poetry

Flying Free

In the open sky,
A kite flying free and high,
Dancing with the wind.

Graceful and serene,
It soars above the treetops,
A colorful dream.

Tugging at the string,
I feel its energy,
Connecting us both.

The sun shining bright,
I watch as it dips and dives,
In joyful delight.

A symbol of peace,
Floating on the breeze so light,
Bringing me release.

In this moment, I,
Am one with nature’s beauty,
And the kite up high.

With each gentle tug,
I guide it through the sky blue,
A dance of pure love.

The world fades away,
As I lose myself in flight,
Soaring high today.

Oh, kite flying free,
You bring me such joy and peace,
My heart dances with glee.

Embracing the sky,
In unity with all things,
A kite flying high.

M.A.D.

Challenges, Poetry

The Cost of Vanity

Try not to be vain,
It will get you nowhere,
A heart wrapped in mirrors,
Reflecting only despair.

In the glow of false beauty,
You may dance, you may shine,
But in the silence of shadows,
You’ll find no hand to entwine.

With each boastful echo,
You build walls made of pride,
Cutting ties with the true ones,
Leaving love cast aside.

So cherish the simple,
Valleys deep and wide,
For in humility’s embrace,
True joy cannot hide.

Seek not the fleeting glory,
Let kindness be your guide,
In a world that’s ever-changing,
It’s love that will abide.

Challenges, Poetry

The Itch That Wouldn’t Quit

Your three words today are:

HAIRLINE
ITCH
SPOT

In a hairline so fine, what a sight,
An itch made me squirm day and night.
On a spot that I found,
It danced all around,
Now I’m scratching with all of my might!