Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

What do you hope for the new year? I meet someone who excites me I travel abroad I continue my weight loss journey  I plan good events for my job I plan fun social events I decorate my place more I keep more plants alive I increase my savings I get something published I make something meaningful to me I learn to cook something new I read something inspiring I find a more effective self-care routine I get a new pen pal My D&D campaigns continue (Prompt by me) "sparkler_and_bokeh" by freestocks.org

Here is a poem I wrote in 2008 (I think it was based on a dream?). Hear My inner scream echoes through the wall, The dead snake hears my call, And slithers through slit and hall. Each scale an eye and soul in mind, Because his has rust filled with the kind, The edge of him strokes to see mysteries to find. A soft, inaudible, yet undeniable lyric is sung, Though all through the dust, no rustle rung.  (Prompt by me but encouraged by Emily Kleeman) "snake skin" by Tom Woodward . Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) .

We're all about sequels these days, right? Titanic 2: Ghost Ship Gone with the Wind 2: He Does Give a Damn! The Sound of Music 2: Singing Defeats the Nazis E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 2: Snapchat Home Ghost 2: Oda Mae and Molly's Love Story The Graduate 2: Just the Bus Ride My Fair Lady 2: Find Your Own Damn Slippers West Side Story 2: Introducing the Shark Jets Up 2: Just More Silent Heart-Wrenching Footage of Ellie and Carl Encanto 2: Musical Family Therapy The Revenant 2: The Bear's Story The Fault in Our Stars 2: This Time, They All Die Lucy 2: Retold with Accurate Science Gone Girl 2: He Really Did it This Time Downton Abbey 2: Class Warfare (Prompt by Pat Walsh) "Around town in Wellsville" by Jenn Coffill-Peters

Here is a story I wrote in 2018. The Lady of the Well The lady of the well had resided in her watery home for as long as any could remember, longer even as those who were there when the well came to be were long in their graves. She sank into its depths when she was alone, enjoying the quiet, surfacing only when called. Some knew she lived there and would call out to her, asking for a favor or a wish to be granted. Some would toss a coin in with a loud PLUNK that would alert her to their presence. Although sometimes she missed the sound and only saw the coin floating down towards her, gleaming in the bits of light that reached so far down. Some didn't know of her home, they only knew it as a holy well and hoped it would give them guidance. They would pray or cry quietly, waiting for a sign. Sometimes they seemed to find it on their own, but sometimes she gave it to them in the form of a calm bubbling, or the water changing temperature, or a coin somehow floating to the surface. Tho...

Now these may be more accurately called specific emotions, but I tried to make them ones that I think I rarely experience. Opia: "This is the name given to the intense feeling of invasive arousal that one feels when engaging in mutual gaze" ( source ) Chrysalism: "a sense of warmth, peace, and tranquility when you are warm and dry inside the house during an intense rainstorm" ( source ) Adronitis: "a sense of frustration experienced when meeting a new and interesting person, but realizing how long it is going to take to develop the relationship fully" ( source ) Enouement: wishing "that you could go back in time and tell your past self about the future" ( source ) Exulansis: "[a] sense of frustration when you realize that you are talking about an important experience, but other people are unable to understand or relate to it, and so you give up talking about it" ( source ) Lachesism: "the desire to be struck by disaster—to survive ...

Here are some poems based on my experience on Tinder in 2018. Tinder Poems Alan, 27 I am a fuckboy, I will see you as a toy, At charm I destroy. Samuel, 29 I am an eccentric as shown by my clothes, I enjoy inflicting pain on my multiple beaus, All of society’s ills, I will expose, My intellect on you will impose, I’m less attractive, I disclose, I struck a pose, So don’t doze, Or oppose, Hoes. Daniel, 25 I dream of being an exec, From you I would like a peck, I tattooed my ex’s name on my neck, Oh heck, I’m a train wreck. Karl, 26 What’s my job, you say? CIA Swipe, do not delay! Ed, 26 I pose with a statue of dick, To suggest my size. I’m really not a prick, I just want you to know, That I’m quite thick. I’m just a real man, Looking for a hot chick I’ll tell you no lies So swipe right and quick! Mason, 25 Wild, Styled, riled, Celebrity’s bastard child.  Ben, 27 Docter’s my job, My typo’s a slob, I’m no snob (nor a blob). For you, my heart (dick) will throb Please polish my knob. Do...

Tis the season! These are greatly varied. The person to be thanked loves mail You think the person to be thanked would appreciate a physical representation of your thanks You like writing You like making cards You can better express yourself in written words You want to stand out If it's expected for what you're thanking people for It can help you stand out (especially for a job interview, though this should be a digital note) They can make someone's day Expressing gratitude is good for you too  You want to continue contact You have the perfect stationery You want to let the person to be thanked know you received and appreciated their gift You have good penmanship (though don't let poor penmanship stop you--I don't haha) You are truly thankful (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) "Writing Thank You Notes" by Carol VanHook . Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) .

Here is a story I wrote in 2013. The Man at Drombeg The time had come.  Darkness had been stretching longer and longer each day, bitter wind and freezing rain had plagued their community, and, when the light went out tonight, the darkness would stretch on longer than it had in a long time.  That is when he would be at his most powerful, his most dangerous.  If his power was not contained, the light might never return to them, and their way of life would perish. The stone circle was usually enough to contain him, but it was during this time that he need more chains.  Ages ago this man called upon the darkness to ruin their crops, and chase away the animals.  They had gathered together then to bring an end to him.  The holy man at the time had performed the entire ceremony himself, including the swinging of the axe.  Now though, there were none left who had been at the ceremony, none who could directly recount how the man had come to his death, how grues...

Tis the season! You're reading this list You find yourself fantasizing about being just a little bit sick so you don't have to work You get annoyed at everything  You can't remember the last time you had a vacation You spend your time researching vacations instead of working You have a massive "to visit" list You miss somewhere You haven't gotten a good night's sleep in a while You find yourself dreading the weather You have a hobby that demands travel and/or time away from work You find yourself avoiding all responsibilities, even ones you usually enjoy You have PTO that will expire You can't remember not being stressed You just feel like it You just can (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Young woman with fresh organic coconut on a waterfall background in the jungle of Bali island." by Artem Beliaikin

 Time for an explanation of the black eye! Wait does Heather really not know what happened? Please do say a spdier laid poisonous eggs in Heather's eye Then say you're sick, Heather Whitney...I feel like Heather thinks you did it Also, don't the producers know what happened? This can't be safe No, roller blades and roller skates are different Wait so do you know or do you have theories, Heather? Oop we're talking about Lisa's money Okay let's not disparage mental health medications Angie...you brought it up this time Meredith, you are counting Lisa's money Lisa, your outfit is not Helen of Troy That feather metaphor (or whatever it was) was pretty funny Heather's eye patch is hilarious These poor models who have to carry in Angie Oh Angie is Greek So Lisa, yeah you do talk trash, but Meredith, own that you do too I would call it a tirade Although, Heather makes a good point that it doesn't really matter Do we all love each other? Heather, you...

Just my opinion! Figure skating Ski jumping Dog sled racing Skijoring Speed skating Mogul skiing Snowboarding Ski archery Acroski Kite skiing Snow snake Ice canoeing Ice climbing Bobsleigh Skibob (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) "Image from page 126 of "Skating with Bror Meyer" (1921)" posted by Internet Archive Book Images

Here is a fairy tale retelling I wrote in 2018. The Maiden, Snow White Snow White lay on her deathbed, enshrouded by the delicate daffodils she had once frolicked in. Her friends had taken a moment away from their heartbreaking vigil, they were mortals after all and needed rest. The friends promised each other that it would be only a short while and then they would return, refreshed and able to stay by her side. Surely, they said to one another, there would be a way to end this horrid spell. And, if not, they would take turns sitting with her until she passed. They vowed to her, and to each other, that she would not pass into the underworld alone. Yet alone is how the Prince came upon her in the woods. He gently dismounted from his black horse and approached the young beauty. Although he had seen her before, he was nonetheless stunned at how lovely she was even in such stillness. He had known for some time that he wanted her as his bride, having witnessed her kindness and gentleness, a...

This isn't to say Halloween is necessarily the better holiday, just perks Halloween has over Christmas. Greater variety of costumes More candy Better aesthetic (arguably) Warmer (generally) No mandatory work parties (generally) No pressure to give gifts No travel expected (generally) More community interaction (generally) Celebrated across religions in the US (generally) Less commercialized (arguably) No expectations of having to cook a grand meal (generally) No expectations of socializing with people you'd rather not (not to say this is everyone's Christmas experience as it's definitely not mine, but I know this is a thing for some people) Preparations don't have to begin months in advance (generally) Storytelling is more of a tradition (arguably) Non-Hallmark-style movies (Prompt by Pat Walsh) "Halloween hijacked by Jack" by Four Bricks Tall . Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) .

  For the record, I won't be typing about Big Ed (you can ask me why if you're curious).  Does Mahadi have any idea what's going on? Of course we have to discuss it with Usman's mom Yes Libby and co. therapy session Yes, those shirts were planned Oop the kids were split? Oop Charlie definitely has a drinking problem Oh is Jovi admitting he could've been wrong? Oop seems like Michael is cheating "He's not a terrible guy,"--Jamal's endorsement of Usman Wasn't Kim wearing this shirt but in red earlier? Oh gosh Bilal and Shaeeda are in this too Gross pretzel Shaeeda's phone has a good camera Bilal...she doesn't have a lot of time You are not going above and beyond, Bilal Wait I missed it, did Usman say Kim needed a tummy tuck? I don't think they're that close to the war zone, Jovi (but maybe my geography sucks) Okay, Yara, it's a little nuts that you can't even give an estimate Oop Yara is having some serious doubts "Ch...

Now these are meant to represent a wide variety of budgets.  Giftcard to a restaurant or coffee shop near the office Bluetooth earbud headband Coffee mug warmer Touchscreen gloves Electric blanket A nice wool scarf Yeti coffee mug Popcorn maker Succulent Back massager Hot chocolate bombs Tabletop mini bowling game set Bluetooth karaoke microphone Fruit infusion water bottle Polaroid camera (Prompt by Caroline Kleeman) "White Elephant Sculpture" by Thad Zajdowicz

 Time to be Marilyn Monroe! But, Whitney, you were the one there with that Angie Heather, I don't think you really get to have free passes That said, friend ultimatums are rough Jen does seem toxic right now (maybe always) Turks and Queso Hey, beach games sound fun! Yeah, Jen did cheat at that game... Have you never had fun on these trips, Whitney? Like I get that there is always drama, but isn't there also usually some fun? I love how editors show immediately how people are lying Oof I didn't realize that it had gotten so serious for Jen Why are we bringing up Bob the Builder? Do not make coffee with wine So, I hate to be so doubtful, but how much do you actually know about Marilyn Monroe beyond her aesthetics, Whitney? Would Marilyn Monroe expect you to rally? Okay, when did "look Gucci" become a thing? I would totally eat only charcuterie for dinner Oof Okay, now you're just stirring the pot, Jen Oop things are getting awkward between Heather and Whitney He...

Sometimes, this is the best way to show love. Babysitting A massage you perform Cooking a meal Baking a treat Petsitting Housework A craft or piece of original artwork A photoshoot to get them nice photos of themselves and/or loved ones that you perform A makeover  A planned movie night in A planned game night in A skillshare Helping decorate (or undecorate) for the holidays Helping set up a dating profile (trust me, help is often appreciated and/or needed) Helping organize/sort out stuff to give away (Prompt inspired by Emily Kleeman) "Holiday Baking" by Deborah Lee Soltesz

Here is a short story I wrote in 2018. TW/CW: Eating disorder. Siren's Song I hear the siren’s call as I pat my bloated stomach, full to bursting with all of the salty bites and chocolate-crammed morsels I could down in one evening. As full as I was, I knew I could eat more. Each taste granted me one more moment of solace, one more moment without dark thoughts, one more moment of peace. But as soon as I finished, I was left with the same sinking feelings, redoubled along with the size of my belly. And yet, I hear her.  She calls to me, her voice is soothing, telling me it will all be all right, I don’t have to live with what I’ve done. If I come to see her, she will take it all away, will heal my gluttonous mistakes. But even in her soft voice, I know there is an edge. It can be hard for my saddened mind, wanting to see only the brightest bits of her call, to make it out, but I know she asks for a price to be paid. If I go to her, if I pay her price, I fear others will know and if ...

Now these are going to be biased towards me but c'est la vie. Also, you can find ones of these that are more than $15, but the idea is to get ones that are less than or equal to $15. A $15 gift card (see gift card ideas here ) Animal earrings from Etsy Scented candle Nice soap Hot chocolate/coffee/tea Ornaments A menorah and/or menorah candles Pop Vinyl figurine from their favorite fandom Stationery and/or stamps Vinyl pins Hair care products Cards Against Humanity pack A stuffed animal Cookies Beer/cider (Prompt inspired by Emily Kleeman) "Project 365 #263: 200911 Kept Under Wraps..." by Pete

  For the record, I won't be typing about Big Ed (you can ask me why if you're curious).  Sumit and Jenny...you two need to talk I love how Michael's friends knew Angela was in town This is a beautiful German town Yara, Jovi, etc. are in Jovi, it's on you that you can't speak Yara's language You mean where you're trying to make decisions for her, Yara I've said it before, but I'll say it again, shut up, Talmadge Chuck has met somebody online...this'll go well Yes, double date! This is a wild idea, Usman Well that went better than I thought Omg please say "Islam" Well Angela is the boss I guess Ah now Jovi is now expressing his actual concerns Man it's almost like talking about having kids behind her back or something, Sumit Welp Sumit is talking about having kids in front of her now Jen looks great Is Chuck getting catfished? Oop that fire was too close for my comfort This counseling session feels like such a tease Gah we're her...

Yes, I know I did a post about shopping from not Amazon , but you will find it on here. I will also list some generic local ideas. Amazon Local restaurant Local coffee shop Starbucks Target Local bookstore Etsy A streaming service like Netflix Local brewery/cider house/distillery  A news source like The New York Times Chewy Blick   Ikea Instacart Local plant shop (Prompt inspired by Emily Kleeman) "Starbucks Gift Card" by Darren Barefoot . Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) .

Here is a poem I wrote for a contest around The Book of Kells . Luke the Ox The whole sea rushes through my body,  filling me from my legs, to my torso, to my neck.  My head is filled with fluffed, but foggy, clouds.  They make me want to sleep, but I force my eye open,  lest I lose sight of the ring of holy fire about me.  My four wings entangle themselves,  grounding me to this earth, this world, this pose.  The elements that make my being also bind it  to this image, this page, this realm. (Prompt by a Book of Kells  contest but encouraged by Emily Kleeman) The four evangelists (detail, St. Luke as the ox). The Book of Kells . Trinity College, Dublin. ca. 800 AD. Image sourced here .

If you can answer at least one of these, then you can find something to give. Do they have a fandom? Do they have a hobby? Do they have a pet? Do they wear jewelry? Do they need anything for their home? What's their favorite restaurant? What's their favorite coffee shop? What's their favorite color? What's their favorite clothing store? What's their favorite animal? Who's their favorite visual artist (or at least one they like a lot)? Who's their favorite musical artist (or at least one they like a lot)? Who's their favorite author (or at least one they like a lot)? Who's their favorite actor (or at least one they like a lot)? Who's their favorite comedian (or at least one they like a lot)? (Prompt inspired by Emily Kleeman) "DSC04797-02" by Suzy Hazelwood

 Time for shoes to go overboard! Heather, you are not helping Man, there are so many extras this season This dance party is so awkward I guess we're contractually obligated to show the DJ Well this escalated uickly This is a hilarious juxtaposition Heather, I love ya, but you have kinda kicked Whitney when she's down Jen...you're so immature JEN This poor driver Both Angies have drama, Heather I think I'd be so nervous to see fire dancers live Wait how do the strippers fit into the night's theme? Yeah do they have money to tip these dancers? Huh so Heather did know For not wanting an association with Jen, they sure did set up a fake account about her Heather...have you given everyone grace? Jen...you did come at Lisa today Lisa...you are mean What happened to Jen's hair? Wasn't it Angie H.'s husband who did the account, not Angie H. herself? Jen...you did just give an ultimatum Next time we play a bubble sport Next time we use the words "terrifying ...

Don't want to feed the beast (don't get me wrong, I definitely do from time to time)? Here are some alternatives. As always though, you can also go to websites for local businesses. Etsy . Want to gift something from a fandom or for a hobby? Etsy has got you Libro.fm . Want to gift a digital audiobook but support a local bookstore? Libro.fm has got you Bookshop.org . Want to gift a physical book but don't have time for your bookstore to get it in? Bookshop.org has got you Cameo . Want to gift an encouraging message from a celebrity? Cameo has got you Cratejoy . Want to gift a monthly subscription box but not sure where to look? Cratejoy has got all the possibilities for you Masterclass . Want to gift interactive knowledge? Masterclass has got you Shutterfly . Want to gift a photo-based item? Shutterfly has got options upon options for you Turtle Tee . Want to gift a cute and/or nerdy shirt? Turtle Tee has got you (they also have some other items) Miniature Market . Want to ...

Here is a story I wrote in 2018. Harbingers The harbingers knew it was time to fly. In their earthly form of black birds, they flocked in an ever-twisting cluster to the craggy rocks, scrabbling for purchase. Once they found spots that they could clasp with their small, razor sharp talons, they froze. They were harbingers and they had to be sure their message was seen. The harbingers knew to keep waiting. The black birds didn't know if anyone still understood their omens, but they hoped they did. The greater their number, the greater the obstacle that was on its way.  One harbinger meant an individual misfortune, often an untimely death. When a harbinger had that message, they perched for a lengthy time, because they had to be sure the ill-fated person, or one of their closest loved ones, saw them. Two harbingers meant a household of misfortune. Harm would befall them all directly and its painful tendrils would snake out into the community. While the omen was darker, the harbingers...

No disrespect intended! Biscayne Carlsbad Caverns Death Valley Dry Tortugas Gates of the Arctic Grand Teton Great Smokey Mountains Guadalupe Mountains Haleakalā Hot Springs Isle Royale Lake Clark Mammoth Cave New River Gorge Theodore Roosevelt (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "carlsbad caverns national park - chilli-milli" by tofoli.douglas

  For the record, I won't be typing about Big Ed (you can ask me why if you're curious).  Kim, you're so open to this idea of just adopting Saying it again, Jamal is a cutie Kim has pretty eyes Angela...you've flirted a lot I would hate a helicopter ride, but more power to ya Shaeeda Kids are a dealbreaker for a lot of people, Bilal Jovi, you're an idiot Yara buying an apartment is one thing, but Yara staying with like her mom or friend is another Yara has figured Jovi out Ah Jen is Jenny's daughter-in-law's name! Christina makes a good point...it's been 10 freakin' years Jenny just drops the USA thing Oop Jenny, you are planning for it...not Sumit Jamal is here too... We're blindfolding Jamal? And here I thought it was going to be something from Nigeria And how you are is toxic, Angela Ah so we're not going to Canada We're still here... Ah the goofballs Being in a hot tub while it's snowing is pretty fun...enjoy, Yara! Jovi...Yara sa...

I got to see this fabulous musical with a dear friend and his dad this week! The set was incredible (see the dragon) I ship G[a]linda and Elphaba I went in not having heard all of the songs or knowing the full plot It was more political and funnier than I thought it'd be I didn't expect it to go all the way through the plot of The Wizard of Oz The ending coup was a little rushed I successfully predicted who would be the Scarecrow I loved how green everything was The ensemble really wore a lot of hats--I thought the cast would be much larger I like that the cast tried to get people to give to charity at the end I want to see more fan videos using the soundtrack (here is a Serenity one for "Defying Gravity" ) I wonder why we didn't see Dorothy except in shadow (perhaps because the focus is on the witches?) Did Boq ever tell G[a]linda how he felt? My favorite song is "For Good" I happily gave a standing ovation (Prompt by me)

 Time for San Diego? I'm here for the anti-depressant representation Why would you want to be the guest of a guest on a trip you're not welcome on? There are so many tag-alongs this season I do wonder who the richest one is  "What do you think you're gonna get out of this trip?" "A migraine" Yeah...it's weird to be a guest of a guest...maybe you should've said no, Danna Why did they let Jen get on the mic? I've never been on a girls' trip either There are only 6 bedrooms in this huge house? Like...how much does it matter who is hosting the trip? Oop, Whitney, spilling truths Well that was mature, Jen Jen, you were not trying to be fun Wow why would you spend that much on a party...you said you planned it Jen, it's so hard to believe you If you can spend $15k on a party, you can afford to hire someone to clean up after it Next time we chuck shoes overboard Next time Lisa loses it Next time Jen and Heather break up? Can't wait! (Pro...