Now that is needed.

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Daily writing prompt
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?
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Over the years, a way sort of presented itself to me.

So I just went with it.

Of late, after I am sure I am breathing, I then have to ensure limbs function. Shuffle off to Buffalo, start coffee, concoct a liquid IV for my best friend and gather her backpack and thermos together. I like to pack her car early so she can just focus on getting ready for a day of teaching. That is plenty to think about.

If it is garbage day, they get rolled out. Make the bed. Make sure sink is empty. Then if I need to start fast, off to communion service by seven. If there is room, then off to morning mass a quarter after eight. In between, if time allows, then daily prompt. If not, then onto the day.

I once read that if at minimum you make your bed, then despite how the rest of the day pans out, you have accomplished one thing.

Bet you never guessed I make hospital corners.

So many things I attend to take time and investment to blossom. Sort of the path I have chosen to travel. So I will gladly accept healthy modes of instant gratification whenever possible. Like weeding. In thirty minutes, you can change the appearance of a flower bed. In three minutes, the appearance of your bedroom. In one, the kitchen.

Nothing nit picky about these whatsoever. The tone is set, the momentum gathers and you can ride that wave for the rest of the day. Same with ending it. Closing ceremony routine there. Maybe that is the next prompt?

Maybe it has been termed “routine” because it is something needed. But it doesn’t feel as such.

It’s just life.

And its simple joys.

Now that is needed.

“Anything can be.”

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“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
― Shel Silverstein

When my kids became the focal point of a prompt a day or so ago, memories of books we read together returned. Some I recall were authored by Shel Silverstein, favorites because the poetically humorous poems and stories. I ventured around a little to stir up some smiles and happened upon what he said above.

Part of it reminded me of how I described independence as they grew up. I had them envision being on this great open field, with a fence line way off in the distance. The boundary was there solely for their protection. Provided they thought, spoke and acted according to the rules they were raised under, they could run that field all over. They were entrusted with that level of independence.

The fence, as I said, was for their protection. If I sensed they are getting close, we might have a chat to discuss the need to respect that boundary. Did not want any harm to come their way. Once they were of a certain age, then they could leave it or move it. That was their responsibility then. It seemed to work. They all have their lives, their loves and are thriving.

And then, when I read this, the mention of the “impossibles, the wont’s and the never haves” struck another chord. The one orchestrated to sing the praises about being what you were meant to be, embracing the mission of life and finding your purpose. Never to set them on top of others. Just apart, and only in the sense that they were free to find themselves. That there was no boundary to their exploration.

That the fence had been taken down.

Mr Silverstein was spot on.

“Anything can happen, child.”

“Anything can be.”

Just to stand up.

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Daily writing prompt
Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?
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I cannot say that it is an aspect per se.

I think it is more so about that individual’s willingness to totally embrace themselves in all aspects.

To relish accomplishment, integrity, character and intention without tooting a horn or demanding a day named after them. And declining to become subordinate to some form of shame, whether self induced or betrothed by others.

We are all meant for a higher calling. Not in terms of rank, position, title, compensation, standing, you get the point. To fully be as we were made to be. Allowing the mission to unfold. Embracing the true purpose. And just being that.

Making that one’s quest would make them truly unique in my eyes, heart and soul.

Whatever they become.

However they get there.

Whoever they are.

Just honestly being will set one apart from all else.

Uniqueness not to stand out.

Just to stand up.

It may appear otherwise, but I do like to laugh.

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Daily writing prompt
What makes you laugh?
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Well. Let me see.

I was pondering this one on the way to mass this morning. Strange I know. But that is just how the noggin on this ’59 Rambler works. Huh. Just came up with that one. Now I have a pretty decent nickname. Maybe a new email address? Passwords? The possibilities are endless. Thank goodness for all of you, there will be a conclusion to this one. Eventually. Guess what is next…

So humor to me has to work on several levels to make me laugh.

Surprise!

Things composed primarily of profanity, innuendo, insult and the like just really do nothing for me. Sam Kinnison had some moments, but that grew old fast. It was like there was no craft to it. No beginning, middle road and destination. Just shock. Maybe laughed ’cause of the state we were all in. And I don’t mean Illinois.

To elicit laughter, the transmitter somehow has to connect with the receiver in such a way as to be as one with them. Bring to mind a similar moment. Common thread. Shared experience. Perhaps the circumstance is not precisely the same, the individuals involved or what was said, how things were responded to and what happened next. Maybe it is just a “been there” moment. Something relatable. I am struggling for the right nomenclature.

I have never been a cat (been called something like it) or a mouse but Tom and Jerry crack me up to this day. The facial expressions, the yowls, smacks, situations just bring me to tears. Golfing. On the beach. Tom in the cradle saying, “Ah, goo” Out west, Texas Tom rolls a cig, Jerry licks it closed, he inhales the whole thing to exhale “Howdy” to the cowgirl next to him. Crambone.

I could go on and on. But to save on a gig or two, and stay true to my word on their being a conclusion. I will just list some others that make me laugh over and over.

Though my appearance says otherwise, I have no real connection to the brothers Jerome, Moe and Shemp, or their fellow stooge Lawrence.

To see me get up and walk in the morning, you would think I belong to the Ministry of Sillywalks. Same gait after I’ve been shopping.

Mr. Bean? Some quiet reflection is called for regarding that matter. I will get back to you on that.

Frank Drebbin taught me to mute when using the washroom.

The Barones, Michael Scott, Dwight Schrutt, Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson, “Jerry”.

Rob and Laura, Buddy and Sally, Mel, Allan.

Carol Burnett, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman.

Benny.

Muppets.

Tex Avery

AFV

All make me laugh over and over. So maybe its I see myself in a lot of these characters and the situations both they and I find myself in. When I recognize one, I may just smile and chuckle to myself. Or, if the mood is right, I will try to recreate the scene some how. Slap stick sound effects. Accents when called for. At the ready for a pun or three. Dad jokes? Guaranteed.

It may appear otherwise, but I do like to laugh.