Commentary, Music, Quote

The Daily 3/1/26

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”- Brian Tracy

The phrase shrimp on the barbie comes from an Australian tourism ad starring Paul Hogan, the future Crocodile Dundee- and what he actually said was “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for ya,” not “I’ll throw another shrimp on the barbie.”

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

The trait I most deplore in myself is the quiet belief that I must bend to be accepted. It’s the old echo that whispers I’m only worthy if I perform. I’m learning to silence it, to stand in who I am without apology.

Challenges, Poetry, Word of the Day

Almost

Word of the Day Challenge 2/15/26

I tried to hook up
With a moment of calm today—
It flirted, then fled.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/28/26

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.”– Helen Keller

Wendy’s burgers were originally square for marketing purposes. According to Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, wanted customers to be able to see how high-quality the meat looked, so he made sure the patties extended beyond their buns.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?.

My greatest achievement is my ongoing journey to manage my social anxiety and to fully embrace the life I want to live. Tackling social anxiety is not just about overcoming fears; it’s about understanding myself better, recognizing my triggers, and actively working towards building confidence in social situations.

Every small step I take, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger, participating in group activities, or simply allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of others, is a victory. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel discomfort and that growth often happens outside of my comfort zone.

Living my life authentically means prioritizing my mental health while pursuing my passions, interests, and connections with others. I’ve crafted a life that aligns with my values, seeking out supportive communities and relationships that uplift me. This journey has taught me resilience, as I continue to challenge myself and redefine what living fully means to me. Embracing this process has become my greatest achievement, one that I proudly celebrate every day.

Poetry

Inward Compass

Embracing yourself
Guide you through tough times ahead.
You can’t stop yourself.
Step by step, you’ll find your way—
Rooted, steady, moving on.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/27/26

“Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Not only is California the most populous state in the union, according to recent census data, but it is also the state with the largest Asian population, at roughly 6 million. In recognition of that significant demographic. California has made the Lunar New Year an official state holiday.

Which living person do you most despise?

I don’t usually hold strong feelings toward specific people, but I do struggle deeply with the kind of leadership that thrives on division, cruelty, or disregard for others. When someone in power represents those values, it clashes with everything I believe in.

Challenges, Poetry, Three Things Challenge

As I Think and Tinker Away

Three Things Challenge MM336


As I think and tinker away,
I leave a trail of quiet lines behind—
soft echoes of the moments
my mind wandered farther than my hands.

Each thought becomes a footprint,
each idea a small lantern dropped
for whoever might follow
the winding path I made.

And though the work is never finished,
the trail is proof I was here—
thinking, tinkering,
shaping something out of the unseen.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/26/26

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” – Nelson Mandela

Abraham Lincoln kept the first two cats to ever officially occupy the White House. Tabby and Dixie. The two had Lincoln in the palm of their paws. He supposedly described the latter as smarter than the whole cabinet.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

“I’ve spent years picking myself apart, so the thing I dislike most is the habit of judging my appearance instead of appreciating it. I’m working on changing that.”

Art, Poetry

Colour Pallet

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

Many colours wait

Ready for use, on a plate

There is no debate

Wanting to be a showpiece

So, take your time and inspire…

-AAA/MAD

Challenges, Poetry, Word of the Day

Benefit of the Doubt

You had the benefit of the doubt,
a gift I gave without question.
I thought kindness could rewrite you,
thought patience could shift the truth.
But some stories don’t change,
and some hearts don’t open—
no matter how gently they’re held.

Poetry

Tooth

A molar strong, firm
Chewing through tough, fibrous food
Incisor sharp, keen
Biting into life’s delights
Teeth, nature’s tools, serve us well

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/24/26

“Just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done!”- Cinderella

Disney once explored the idea of adapting the medieval European tale of Reynard the Fox into an animated feature. But Reynard’s reputation for mischief and morally questionable tricks was ultimately considered too dark for a family film. Instead, when creating Robin Hood in 1973, the studio simply made their hero a fox.

What is your current state of mind?

Lately, I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions that have left me in a bit of turmoil. I’m unsure about certain aspects of my life, whether it’s decisions I need to make or future plans that seem uncertain. This uncertainty often leads to feelings of worry, as I find myself overthinking possible outcomes and what they might mean for me.

Alongside that worry, there’s an underlying anxiety that I can’t quite shake. It feels like a constant buzz in my mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. I’m anxious about how things will unfold and whether I’ll be able to handle whatever comes my way.

Lastly, there’s also a sense of fear that creeps in, especially when I think about situations that are out of my control. It can be overwhelming at times, feeling that I’m facing the unknown, and that fear can often feel isolating, as if I’m standing afar from the things I want to engage with or achieve. Overall, these feelings are interconnected and create a challenging emotional landscape that I’m trying to navigate.

Commentary, Quote

The Daily 2/23/26

“The man who has confidence in himself gains the confidence of others.” – Hasidic Proverb

Unclaimed Baggage in Alabama, a company that sells the contents of unclaimed luggage, has come across some pretty strange stuff over the years. In 2023, memorable items included two live snakes, prop body parts from Saw 2004 in a Halloween card signed by Richard Nixon.