Tag: random

Wildlife Ramblings

July 7th, 2023

I live in the suburbs of a city (not a great part to say the least), but in the almost two years I’ve lived in this house, I’ve been fascinated by the amount of wildlife we have in the backyard.

There’s lots of street noise and neighbors, but the backyard is surprisingly secluded. There’s tons of fruit trees and nearly untouched ground where animals seem to find a comfortable home in to escape the city.

My husband and I have seen multiple stray cats who seem to hang around our yard, opossums, many species of bird, and wild bunnies. One of my favorite animal guests, who recently reappeared, is a lone chubby groundhog. I don’t know where he lives otherwise, but he seems to like our yard fairly well; though I only see him occasionally and during warm weather.

Despite how much I dislike the area I live in, my backyard is full of life and beauty. Sometimes you have to appreciate the small things, like seeing a cardinal and a bluejay flying together, to get you through until somewhere better comes along.

– A.B.
Worry Not

July 4th, 2023

What are you most worried about for the future?

I try not to worry about the things I have little control over. I know with certainty that my life will play out exactly as it is supposed to, so I try to appreciate each day I’m given.

But I’d be lying if I said thinking of the future isn’t scary at times. The unknown is something that instills anxiety into many people. More than anything, I worry I will not leave a legacy that will be remembered. I want my future accomplishments to be known for years after I have gone.

Of course, there’s little things that also cross my mind and make me worry when thinking about the future. Like finding a forever home, being able to bear children with pre-existing reproductive system issues, and other things.

But at the end of the day, I can push these fears from my mind and remind myself that everything happens for a reason exactly when it’s supposed to. Worrying changes nothing and only puts me in a negative state of mind.

I decide to live in the present and look forward to the future rather than fearing it.

– A.B.
Optimistic Hope: A Poem

July 2nd, 2023

The world is full of darkness

But I hope you see things from an optimist’s view

The negativity of society has nothing on the good we as humans can do

The more you focus on the positive, the more positives you’ll see

To live I happy life, I think, having hope is the key.

– A.B.
Hello, July

July 2nd, 2023

It’s hard to believe half of the year is already gone. The last six months have been pretty rough, confusing, and trying. Part of me feels as though I could have done more so far this year, while another part of me knows a time of rest is much needed.

I’ve been doing yoga pretty consistently for a few months now, though. It’s something I greatly enjoy that not only keeps me active, but also is beneficial for my mental health.

I’ve also been doing the most I can to become my best self, which includes nourishing my body with good food, drinking more water, setting and achieving small goals I set for myself, and more.

Part of the self-discipline I’ve started doing also includes my writing. If I want to make writing my career, I have to treat it like one even in the early stages. For me, this means taking time to write every single day – whether that’s working on my fiction stories or posting to this blog. I’ve done well so far, and am proud of the personal progress I’m seeing.

Whatever this year has been like to you thus far, I hope that from here on out it only gets better. Things that are out of our control always happen, but the best thing to do is work through them and look forward to better days ahead.

– A.B,
Habits

July 1st, 2023

What are your daily habits?

I am very much a creature of habit. I love routine and I have more habits than I could probably name. One of the first that comes to mind is that every night before I go to sleep, I walk to the kitchen to make sure the door is locked and the oven is off. I’m fortunate enough to have never been the victim of a robbery or house fire, but for some reason this has become something I do nightly. I suppose you can never be too safe.

I’ve also had a habit since childhood of making my bed as soon as I get up in the morning. I honestly can’t remember the last time I left my bed unmade.

This list could go on for a while, but I’ll finish up with one more daily habit, which is one I’ve started recently. I took French classes throughout all four years of college, so lately I’ve been refreshing my memory of the language everyday since I’m no longer a student; that way I don’t lose what I learned.

– A.B.
Unforgettable Food

June 29th, 2023

What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

Food has always been one of my love languages, so I’ve eaten many amazing things in my life. Truffle butter from a high-end local restaurant, my husband’s incredible homemade loaded potato soup, and so much more.

But the best meal I recall having was in Charleston, South Carolina in 2017. I went to a famous restaurant there that is known to be haunted, but instead of ghosts, I actually found the best plate of shrimp & grits I’ve ever had.

The grits were seasoned perfectly and buttery, the shrimp and sausage were perfectly cooked, and the toppings of peppers, onions, and gravy made it incredible.

I’ve always been a huge fan of yummy southern cuisine (it’s in my genes to know how to cook it anyway), but this meal currently holds the top place for me.

– A.B.
Forever Outfit

June 28th, 2023

If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?

I suppose it would depend on the season, but I don’t think one can go wrong starting off with a basic pair of denim jeans. I tend to wear a lot of t-shirts unintentionally, but if I had to wear the same outfit a lot I think I’d opt for a cute blouse and maybe a cardigan over it. And for shoes, a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse would finish it off perfectly.

– A.B.
Self-Care

June 26th, 2023

Daily writing prompt
How do you practice self-care?
View all responses

I find self-care to be one of the most important things when it comes to living a happy life. After all, you have to feel your best to do your best! And self-care doesn’t have to be a day at the spa or anything expensive. It can be as simple as taking a nice bubble bath or setting time aside to meditate.

One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is to disconnect from the world and spend time by myself. As an introvert, taking care of my mental health means recharging my social battery, which is crucial for me. I also enjoy, if possible, spending a day in my pajamas doing nothing but what I want to do (like nap or read). Lighting a nice-smelling candle, watching a comfort TV show, or journaling are also some of my favorite ways that I care for myself.

Self-care looks different for everyone, but its importance does not waver from person-to-person. Some do it by going on a nature walk, others by going out for a seven-dollar cup of coffee. Whatever you do to care for your mind and body, keep doing it. And always take care of yourself.

– A.B.
Chips & Salsa

June 24th, 2023

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

Growing up, it was mandatory that we had tortilla chips and jar salsa in the panty at all times. Not only was it a great snack, but a comfort food of my mom’s from her youth spent in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at a restaurant called Carlos & Pepe’s.

I’ve never been to that restaurant in my life, but due to my mom’s tradition, it also became a comfort food for me. I remember every afternoon for a snack I’d either eat pretzels or chips and salsa in little plastic bowls that are now cherished relics of the early 2000s.

I would sit on the living room floor, eat the snack, and watch whatever shows were playing on PBS Kids; though usually it was Arthur or Cyberchase.

As an adult, I also keep tortilla chips and salsa in my house at all times. It’s a tradition I hope will live on through future generations as well, despite it being something so random and seemingly unimportant. But the snack reminds me of my mom, of my childhood home, and brings comfort to me like it does for her.

– A.B.
Advice for the Heart

June 23rd, 2023

You are not meant to be someone’s infinite source of happiness

Nor should you seek happiness in others

You cannot truly love others until you love yourself

You cannot truly be happy unless you find that happiness for yourself

In the world, it becomes easy to find our happiness in others as a way to fill a void we may feel

To be influenced by feelings that come and go like the ocean tides

But true growth and strength are developed in times of solidarity

Disappointment will come if we use other people to fill the empty spaces within ourselves

You don’t have to be whole to find someone to love; most people are broken

You just have to be working toward a better version of you

Someone who finds fulfillment within themselves and is seeking someone else to join their journey on the same path

There are no perfect people; only those striving to do better everyday

Surround yourself with those people

And, if you can, be one of them.

– A.B.