The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 20

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 172 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Grief Let’s Eat – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 9 Comments
m-half-puerto-rican-and-every-friday-we-have-rice-and-beans-and-chicken-in-my-house-so-thats-like-a-very-latin-staple.-its-just-so-comforting.-i-look-forward-to-every-single-friday-beca

Friday arrives with the promise of another iconic date night. Pre-COVID, that meant gathering with friends at local restaurants to catch up on the week’s happenings, have a drink or two and dive into shared plates of delicious food. I am an adventurous eater, so my responsibility was to order the unknown dish on the menu and try to coax the peanut butter and jelly group to try it. We are fortunate to have a vast array of authentic family-run Chinese, Mexican, Korean, Indian, Polish, Greek, Bulgarian, German, Afghani, and Ethiopian restaurants. With such great options, I see no reason for boring food.

That’s not to say I don’t have my favorites. When I was little, we had a Tamale Lady. She ran a roadside stand and my mother often loaded us in the stroller for a tasty afternoon excursion. I have fond memories of homemade enchiladas, burritos, and chili con carne. There are lovely comfort-food worthy Chinese dishes.  Douban Yu and hotpot top my list. Saag paneer, Spanakopita, Fasolka po Bretonsku, Fasolakia Lathera, Moussaka also find a place at my table.

Lately, date night has been a challenge. While I cook more, we are lucky that our favorite haunts offer carry out, and I am happy to do my part to ensure their survival. As restrictions ease, tents cover their parking lots, and alfresco dining is in vogue. A light summer breeze, excellent food, and a chance to safely connect face to face with friends is an excellent reason for a celebration.  

Do you have dinner plans?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 19

/ JoHawkTheWriter

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 171 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Discovering Everyday Angels – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 23 Comments
no-i-never-saw-an-angel-but-it-is-irrelevant-whether-i-saw-one-or-not.-i-feel-their-presence-around-me.-paulo-coelho

Have you ever wished you could see angels? Sometimes we wish for a sign, a clue to show you the right direction, the best choice, the correct path, anything to help you develop into a smarter, wiser, or an all-around better human. I have searched billboards, fortune cookie slogans, horoscopes, and messages in discarded bottles. They always disappoint me.

When the world seems full of hate, division, and animosity, I meet everyday angels. No, they don’t sport massive wings, wear shiny halos and flowing gowns, and choirs don’t burst into song when they arrive. They manifest as a call from a distant friend who knows the exact words to ease a worried mind. It is the friendly wave from the stranger you encounter on your daily walk.

Compassion manifests when a person materializes to open a door when you carry a heavy burden. Insight forms when a cashier offers a random comment that answers your most worrisome question, and the barista who recommends a life-changing book. Many dismiss these instances as coincidence, a fluke, or serendipity. I like to use them as inspiration.

Fairytales, fiction, and flights of fantasy with wizards and magic reflect these real-life happenings. Those moments of kindness and goodwill confirms my belief in the improbable, divine intervention, and the underlying generosity inherent in every living being. I embrace optimism and trust we will forge a remarkable future.

Will you become an everyday angel?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 18

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 170 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Lofty Undertaking – Flash Fiction Challenge

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 9 Comments

Title: Lofty Undertaking
Source:  Flash Fiction Challenge
Prompt: Write a story about justice for all.
Word count:  99 words

orange canoe on lake surrounding with mountain at daytime Steep valley sides and moody clouds made this paddle an overwhelming experience. Gudvangen is one of the most beautiful places in Norway!

Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash

Skyscrapers defined the canyon walls of Anders’ world. Imposing shadows modulated light and dark and framed his existence. He marched predictable paths that left him stuck in mechanized monotony.

Searching for more, his friends convinced him to kayak a Norwegian fjord. Landmasses dwarfed anything he had ever seen. The guides told stories of massive sperm whales, sixty feet long and weighing eighty tons, that ate giant squid who swam four thousand feet below his kayak’s thin fiberglass shell.

Anders imagined he was the whale, diving deep, he hunted dark waters. He breached the surface, reborn, and ready to soar.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Here’s Why I Won’t Stop Singing – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 5 Comments
theres-an-old-hymn-called-how-can-i-keep-from-singing_-thats-what-writing-feels-like-to-me.-i-have-to-write.-its-intrinsic-to-who-i-am.-so-it-was-a-natural-choice-for-me-to-try-to-pursue.

Trust me, you never want to hear me singing. The phrase ‘can’t carry a tune in a bucket applies.’ While I love music, the only time I allow myself to sing and dance is while I do my chores. I have a strict prerequisite of an empty house, and the volume cranked to ear-splitting decibels. I accomplish my work at a breakneck pace, and creativity spurs me to return to my desk. 

My real joy is composing as I listen to my favorite tunes. The rhythms keep words flowing, and my fingers typing. It is very productive and dreamy. Though in my daydreams, instead of riding on a garbage truck, I prefer flying through town on a fire engine destined to save a cat from a tree.

Does your writing let your voice sing?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 17

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 169 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Remembering the Joy of Creation – Daily Quote

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 14 Comments
creativity-takes-courage.-henri-matisse

Do you remember when crayons, paint, paper, glitter, and glue were your friends? I know you made masterpieces worthy of museum display. You know the famous wall that doubled as a refrigerator door? With fingers full of magic and traces of dazzling brilliance in our hair, we let our imaginations run wild. We created fantastical worlds and wonderful stories set beneath lemon-yellow suns smiling on stick-figure heroes, and lollipop trees.

Somewhere, somehow, something changed. As self-awareness developed, our joy dissolved. We compared our results with others, teachers assigned grades, and we hid our artistic efforts and denied our creativity. But talent lives inside every human being. We should not limit the field to painting, drawing, singing, or playing an instrument.

When you solve a math problem or design seating chart, you are tapping into your creativity. Anytime you allow yourself to daydream, plan a vacation, or cook a meal you are creating. Generating multiple ideas, considering different points of view, and helping another in need, means you are tapping your creative core. Finding novel connections between disparate things, so-called thinking outside the box also qualifies. Genius, imagination, and original thoughts emanate from every one of us.

Will you find the courage to create beauty today?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The 2020 Daily Writing Challenge – June 16

/ JoHawkTheWriter / 3 Comments

2020 Daily Writing Challenge

Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
– E. L. Doctorow

Today is Day 168 of the 2020 Daily Writing Challenge.

Did you write yesterday?  We get knocked down sometimes. Current events have done an excellent job of destroying normal. There is a silver lining. These times have granted us an opportunity to reexamine life, priorities, and what happiness really means.  I am determined, and I refuse to stay stuck in a mess. Today, I stand up, regroup, reset my intentions, and recommit to attaining my dreams.

An ongoing topic of exploration is Cal Newport’s concept of deep work, “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” Newport advocates approaching and completing challenging tasks by eliminating distractions, committing to block scheduling, and adhering to your intentions.

What are your intentions? Unlike goals that concentrate on achievement, intentions emphasize awareness. They are essential elements necessary to effect lasting change and establishing meaningful habits. Acting intentionally probes the root of your “why.” Examples of an intention may include creating space for writing and creativity. Do you hope to bring light to others, develop your skills, or gain strength? Perhaps your aim is to commit yourself to hard work and following through, regardless of the outcome. Does your purpose require you to face your fear and resolve to move forward, anyway?

Will identifying your intentions and reviewing them daily help you find your voice? Does it compel you to open your laptop or a notebook, grab a pen, and record the words and stories that are begging to be told?

Try it and let us know how you did in the comments below.

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer