Saturday Extras!

Prompt: Do you speak other languages? What languages do you speak? Why did you choose to learn them?


Melody Joy wrote:

Besides English, I also speak sarcasm, meme, and Spanish. Also Spanglish, but not as much now that my Spanish is better. I grew up speaking sarcasm. I learned it from my family, who are also fluent. I learned meme recently because to me it’s like having a funny inside joke but with millions of people which just makes it awesome.

And I learned Spanish because I live in Honduras, and they speak Spanish here. I mostly picked it up from the kids I was teaching English to, but I did also go through a couple weeks of a Spanish immersion program which helped a lot, and will soon be attending more Spanish classes or getting intense tutoring so I can achieve fluency.

Right now I’m conversational, but I want to be fluent because I have an opportunity to teach street kids which is my real heart, but I have to teach in Spanish. I did some Spanish teaching on the streets with some kids on my own, but it would work a lot better in a classroom setting.

Prompt: Describe this flower. Include: scientific name, common name, where it’s from, it’s growth cycle, what it’s used for, etc..

Pope Jon wrote:

Commonly referred to as "Grrr" or "Ugh," this specimen is officially identified as "Failed to load image."

There are countless variations of this species, with families in Mac, PC, and Linux kingdoms. Within each kingdom, there are countless subspecies that evolve rapidly over time.

While floral in appearance, the "FtLI" actually feeds off of dead images. Some FtLI appearances are brief, while some last seemingly indefinitely.

There are many methods for both avoiding and for removing appearances of FtLIs, mostly involving refreshing pages and superior internet quality.

In case anyone didn't understand, that's the flower I was asked to describe.


Melody Joy wrote:

What is your favorite vacation spot? Write an ad for it.

Growing up, we went to a lot of different places on vacation, mostly various campgrounds, but we never went to any consistently enough for me to have established a favorite. I think my parents just liked to try out different campgrounds for different experiences.

So I guess I’m just going to go with campgrounds in general as my favorite vacation spots. They get you out into nature and you get to do things that you wouldn’t normally get to do at home in the city, like climbing trees and building fires and playing “tennis” in the road.

I guess I should write an ad for campgrounds now....

Come out and get your nature on at Whispering Oaks Family Campground! We have walking paths, disc golf, regular golf, a lake where you can swim or fish, and miles of hiking trails through the thick forests. Gather the whole family around the campfire after a long fun-filled day to roast hotdogs and marshmallows and create memories. Get away from the city lights and look up at the multitude of stars that you didn’t know were there before.


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Friday Favorites - Vacation Locations

Today's prompt: What is your favorite vacation spot? Write an ad for it.


Chuck C. wrote:

Springfield, Missouri? A Vacation spot? Of course it’s not the first place you would think to pack up and go to get away, but your instincts are wrong; never listen to them. Nowhere else can you go to places like Lambert's where if you eat your entire steak plate, they will give you another, where warm fresh-baked rolls are chucked at you on demand, and where you can get such wonderful down home deliciousness as Fried Okra and Hog Jowl.

Where else can you, with just a short jaunt, go to Branson, where you can see the Roy Rodgers wax museum, and the most entertaining water park in Southwest Missouri? Nowhere, that's where.

History buffs would be right at home as just outside of town is Willow Creek Battlefield, the site of a major Civil War battle.

You can close the night with a great brew from Springfield Brewing Company, with a Double IPA that one blog writer believes to be the best he had ever tried. Are there beaches? No. Are there big theme parks? No, but it’s still a great town with great people, great food, and lots of things to explore. So go there, trust me. I'm a doctor (well not really, but I saw someone with a shirt extolling me to trust him for the same reason, so I thought I'd pass it along).

Dana Lee wrote:

Come visit Mackinaw Island! Cars are not needed as they are prohibited on the island. You can go for a bike ride around the island while enjoying the natural beauty. Are you a history buff? Well, this island has plenty of rich Michigan history for you to enjoy. We hope to see you there!


Pope Jon wrote:

Sweet, blissful solitude is the only vacation detail that matters to me.

Here's the ad:

Looking for a radical adventure?!

Wondering where you can experience a unique culture?

Ever want to see heaven on Earth?

Then go literally ANYWHERE!!!

"Anywhere? That can't be right!" You might say, downing in ignorance.

But it's true! With the exception of Pope Jon's secret vacation spot, anywhere else is ideal.

If you manage to find Pope Jon while he is basking in the lack of company, leave immediately, and everyone will be happy again!

Seriously though, just leave him alone. Enjoy the rest of the world! You know, far away from Pope Jon.


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Wacky Wednesday - Florists ***PICTURE PROMPT!***

Today's Prompt: Describe this flower. Include: scientific name, common name, where it’s from, it’s growth cycle, what it’s used for, etc..

Melody Joy wrote:

Scientific Name: Beautious Maximus

Common Name: Tiny Dancer

Origin: The second-highest peak of the third highest mountain in the Alps.

Growth Cycle: The Tiny Dancer only blooms when conditions are right. The Blue-Footed Whickee bird must poop in the tiny patch of fertile dirt that can be found in the crags of the mountain peak. This is, of course, after the bird has eaten the fruit of the Little Dancer (scientific name: Beautious Minimus) that grows in the lower regions of the mountain range. The seed undergoes a chemical change inside the bird that allows it to become the Tiny Dancer flower.

Uses: The Beautious Maximus is said to be highly poisonous. However, this claim is widely disputed since nobody has ever survived a trip back down the mountain after going to see this rare flower. The dispute has been risen because while some of the hikers were found with traces of the plant in their digestive system, others only had the plant in their possession and had not actually eaten any of it. It is therefore only considered to be useful for really cool pictures that make halfway decent writing prompts.


Chuck C. wrote:

Ah, the legendary and much coveted Hyrulia Linkara, also known as Heaven's Link. I encountered this flower once while rolling through grassy fields. Its intoxicating smell leaves one in a state of almost hallucinogenic euphoria. Its said that it can cause visions of far way kingdoms, with kings and princesses in need of rescue. Its blooming cycle is unpredictable, but fans of the adventures it brings gather from all around to get a taste of its intoxicating aroma. Personally I only ever smelled it once, when I was young. It never really drew me in, and I don't personally see all the hype, but it makes people happy, and I wouldn’t take it away from them.


Dana Lee wrote:

This is the exotic Siempre Fideilius. The common name is Purple Spiked Lollyguard. It is from the city of Fantasia, Michelius. The Purple Spiked Lollyguard often grows in the spring and spreads through the valleys of Fantasia all through the summer season. Natives use it to brew delicious tasting teas and cakes. It is said to be poisonous to touch. However, when it is cooked to the right temperature the poisons die and it becomes safe to consume. The Purple Spiked Lollyguard is also worth a lot of money because it is so rare. Hunters are often coming into Fantasia with the hopes of trading some of the plant in for money. However, the guards in Fantasia are aware of this and not one plant has been seen crossing the border for the past 12,000 years.


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All About Me Monday - Languages

Today's prompt: Do you speak other languages? What languages do you speak? Why did you choose to learn them?


Dana Lee wrote:

I am currently living in Honduras teaching English as a second language. I speak enough Spanish in order to survive in a primarily Spanish-speaking country. I improve everyday. I am always learning how to say new things with the assistance of Google, apps, and the few bilingual people that I know. When I originally took Spanish in college I did not know how hard it would be surrounded by Spanish on a regular basis.


Pope Jon wrote:

안녕하세요!

While I'm far from fluent or even conversational, I'm currently learning Korean. I also know a small amount of basic Spanish, and I can understand far more than I can speak it.

A Spanish-speaking individual would be like talking to Boomhauer for me.

Tell you what, man, I can figure out the dang ol' meaning, but you dang ol' won't catch me talking back the same dang ol' way.

References to beloved but relatively unknown cartoon characters aside, I learned Spanish primarily because if the missions trips I participated in as a teenager.

I'm learning Korean for much the same reason, but this time I'm using a small business, Talk To Me In Korean, instead of an even smaller business, Macomb Community College.


Chuck C. wrote:

I don't in the strictest sense “speak” any other languages besides good ol 'merican. I have, however, spend some time studying two other languages and know enough of them to.... not really do anything but present trivia. In early high school I spent a considerable amount of time studying German. There were a couple of reasons for this.

First was the fact that I was born in Germany while my dad was stationed there in his time in the United States Army. From the time I was young I always had an obsession with German culture and language. It was the place of my birth and a fascinating culture with a rich history that I just loved to explore. Why, though, did my study of the language not really ignite until high school? Well that we can thank the German industrial metal band Rammstein for.

In late middle school going into high school I was absolutely obsessed with this band. It was really all that I would listen to. I had three of their albums, and listened to every minute of them many times. My desire to actually understand what they were saying drove me to want to actually learn the language. I took a semester of it my sophomore year and a semester my senior year. I managed to learn quite a bit and even could have brief conversations in German with my friend’s Austrian mother who was gracious enough to tolerate my bumbling attempts at her native language.

When I hit college though, I shifted gears, with no small amount of irony, to studying Hebrew. I majored in Theology and Hebrew was the language the vast majority of the Bible was written in. I had the choice between Hebrew and Greek. I went with Hebrew because I found the language to be elegant and beautiful, where as Greek seemed far too mathematical for my taste. I ended up taking about a year of Hebrew and thoroughly enjoyed it, although have since largely forgotten it.

I have the full intention of studying both languages again and learning them more solidly, but Melody is a bit of a slave driver when it comes to the blog, so it’s all her fault I have no time. So everyone blame her, because in no way is my laziness and procrastination at fault. Nope, not even a little.


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Saturday Extras!

Prompt: How have some of your favorite movies changed who you are today?


Pope Jon wrote:

Some of my favorite comedies have shaped my humor in various ways.

Napoleon Dynamite, Hot Rod, and The Room.

Most of the characters in Napoleon Dynamite often display an inappropriate level of emotion to what they are saying.

Dialog such as:

Napoleon: "Are you guys have a killer time?"
Deb: "Yes."

In a normal situation, both people would normally have some excitement in their voices. You know, raised tones. But not with the majority of characters from this film. But yeah, point being, I do that sometimes. So, yeah.

Now Hot Rod has a decent mix of humor, but what I enjoyed the most was always screaming at people with far more hostility than necessary.

Example dialog:

"Have fun being married to SATAN!"
"You know what won't make him smile? When I MURDER HIM!"

Don't feel offended if I've never screamed something overly hostile at you; it just means an opportunity hasn't presented itself.

Now The Room, mind you, was never intended to be comedy. It became comedy after its release, and it was realized that the acting, production, and writing were so terrible that it had to be comedy.

I mostly just quote this movie, but I also like to intentionally miss social cues and act far stupider than seems possible.

Sample dialog:

"Leave your STUPID comments in your pocket!"
"This is a beautiful party, you invited all my friends. Good thinking!"
"I feel like I'm sitting on an atomic bomb, and it's about to go off." "Me too."
"What client?" "I cannot tell you, it's confidential." "Oh, come on." "No I can't. Anyway, how's your sex life?"
"Do you want me to order a pizza?" "Whatever, I don't care." "I already ordered a pizza." "Ha ha, you think about everything. Ha ha ha..."

Seriously, you should look up clips from this movie on Youtube. It's amazing.

This image alone will make anyone who's seen the movie laugh.

Prompt: Write a letter to a spy that contains a hidden secret message.


Dan Christmann wrote:

Feed me, Seymour. The flowers are blooming, Seymour, and I am hungry. They grow, with long stocks along the flowerbed in the northeastern church yard. There are only buds on the tips today, Seymour, but soon the blossoms will burst open, scarlet akin to poppies. Only, I must be fed, Seymour. This is the way things are with plants. If the keeper cannot eat, then the plants cannot be watered, for the gardener is dead. If the plants cannot be watered, the flowers, of course, will wither and die away before they ever reach full bloom. You understand how it is. It’s a great chain. Cause and effect. I will await you inside, in the congregation under the icon of Elijah and his flaming chariot. I will be wearing a blue summer dress, in honor of your late wife. Don’t be as she was.
- Andreyevna


Prompt: What is your favorite sport? Describe a moment of triumph for a player of that sport.


Melody Joy wrote:

Perhaps it is weird to say, but I just recently discovered that I LOVE boxing. It actually surprised me as to how much I love it. I’ve never been into any sports, nor have I ever actively sought to watch any games or matches or whatever, but I searched high and low to find a way to see the big Mayweather vs. Pacquaio fight a couple weeks ago.

Here is the moment of triumph experienced by the victor in that match:

I went in knowing the outcome, knowing I would win no matter what happened. After all, they don’t call me “Money” for nothing. Sure, I put Pac-Man in a headlock every chance I got, and sure I clung desperately to the wires while he got in several great punches, but none of that mattered. All that mattered was that I stayed on my feet for all 12 rounds.

When the final bell went off, I knew that Pac-Man had done his best, but I also knew it wouldn’t be enough. As the ring filled with people and the scores were announced, I ran excitedly to the corner before they called my name, already certain of my victory. It feels good to be undefeated.

...... Pac-Man should have won.... Just saying. Unless, of course, they used this scorecard:

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Favorite Friday - Sports Triumphs

Today's prompt: What is your favorite sport? Describe a moment of triumph for a player of that sport.


Dana Lee wrote:

I genuinely enjoy playing soccer. I played it for a lot of years growing up. I made some of my best friends while playing that game. Some of the girls I still talk to after all these years. When I was playing I usually played defense. I was probably the best defenseman on the team, if we are being honest here. Those girls could try to score goals but it was not happening on my watch. I was also really good at making the other players offsides. Well, because I usually played defense I did not have many opportunities to score goals. One game in 8th grade my coaches put me on forward. They told me to stand by the goalie and wait for my teammate to pass me the ball. I did as they said. As soon, as they passed me the ball I shot it in and could not believe it. I stood there for a moment in shock because I did not realize how exciting it felt to score for your team. My teammates were all cheering for me and I could not stop smiling. That was my moment of triumph in my years of playing soccer. I was the player. I scored the goal. It makes me smile just thinking about it.


Dan Christmann wrote:

I don’t think I have anything for this one, unfortunately. The only thing I can think of are hockey players lifting aloft great cups, people getting doused by Gatorade, diamond rings, and endless people you don’t know congratulating you on something that, well, you’d probably have done without all of the hubbub. For me, sporting triumph is always about progress. I rode faster today. I lasted X number of rounds. It’s the ability to watch yourself grow that to me is the most triumphant aspect of sports. I realize I’m generalizing. But there’s much an athlete gives up by joining in the grand celebrations. I remember when my dad used to run marathons, I asked him how the hell he did it. And he just told me that he kept lying to himself that, when training, he could rest when he reached a certain spot. And when he reached that spot, he would make another promise to himself, and pass that spot. And on and on for twenty six miles. That, for me, is a triumph of athletics. Each time you pass that spot.


Pope Jon wrote:

The greatest sport of all time: Botaoshi.

What is Botaoshi?


Now, if you didn't watch the video, or if you did and require an explanation, here you go:

One team of 100 men is protecting a giant pole. Another team of 100 men must knock the pole over.

That's pretty much it. There are few rules besides no weapons and no murdering. Aparently in school leagues punching and kicking are also outlawed, but in the original military leagues, punching and kicking are important.

Right, to the "story" part.

As soon as the starting gun sounded, Saikuge and his entire team launched into action. Saikuge was part of the second wave, and while he wouldn't be in the spotlight, he was ready to do his part to ensure his team would emerge triumphant.

The first wave men rushed forward in wild abandon, screaming as the charged. Their purpose was to weaken the defenses of their opponents, and provide Saikuge and his comrades the opening they would need.

The first wave succeeded spectacularly, and Saikuge knew along with his entire team that they had a real chance of victory here if they kept focused. With the outer defenders being pushed back or aside, Saikuge and his companions plunged into the gap provided. Saikuge forced his way between two defenders as he charged, and came to a sudden halt as he clashed with the mass of defenders centralized on the pole. He continued to push forward, but braced himself and stood as tall and strong as he could. Before long, Saikuge could feel the third wave behind him, forming a ramp with their bodies for the final two waves to move into the thick of the battle.

That fourth wave came only a few seconds later, vaulting up their comrades and diving onto their enemies. Saikuge felt three or four of his comrades use him as a stepping stone, and in that moment he knew he'd done his part. He remained focused and strong, pushing inward and standing tall. With the fourth wave smashed into the central defenders, the fifth and final wave followed boldly, pursuing victory for all of their teammates who'd already done their parts.

Once again, Saikuge felt his teammates step on him to reach the prize. As soon as the last of the fifth wave stepped over him, Saikuge launched into the second part of the plan. With the fifth wave attacking the pole directly while standing primarily on the shoulders and heads of the defenders, Saikuge was now responsible for ensuring they wouldn't fall. As always, he pressed inward, but now focused on grabbing opponents arms and squeezing further into the chaos. He managed to make a small amount of progress, but before long three of his companions were hanging onto the top of the pole as the crowd roared. Still, he pressed forward until the whistles signaled the end of the competition - and his team's victory.

Though exhausted, the entire team cried out in victory, raising their arms together and exchanging laughter and praise. Saikuge knew in his heart that real war would never be so glamourous, but he allowed himself to enjoy the victory for what it was: a group of 100 individuals acting as a single organism, and overcoming a mighty challenge.


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Wacky Wednesday - Can You Crack the Code???

Today's prompt: Write a letter to a spy that contains a hidden secret message.

Pope Jon wrote:

Spent a lot of time on this one, let me know if you manage to crack the code!

"To the ASSASSIN of my heart, BILL.

It just KILLs me that we have to be this far apart all THE time. I went to TARGET the other day and realized I'd be returning for more groceries WITHIN THREE DAYS. I always seem to FORGET something! The neighborhood has been STAYING QUIET while you've been gone, which is the BOMB. IF you find it NECESSARY, be sure to bring home some souvenirs. Oh, and I finished up our final car PAYMENT last week, AFTER I'd paid this month's water bill. Send me a reply soon! I want CONFIRMATION of our love!

Love, Your BOSS and wife, SAM."

They don't call me "The Puzzler" for nothing! Nor do they call me that at all!


Dana Lee wrote:

Dear Spiggins,

There aRe pEople ALL over Your house. SmaLL rocks are being moved and I am not sure Why. All I know is That Children Hear Yelling On Umbrellas. Razors Beckon your Call Kindly.

Sincerely,
Thadd


Melody Joy wrote:

Dear Geoffrey,

It is with my deapest condotences that / write to you about the passing of your nother who / know was an anazing women who always look care of you and your brothras. Please find this doquet of flewers to be am attribution to this wonberful woman who raised you right.

Sincerely,

Melody Joy

P.S. Please excuse my grammar mistakes as I find myself in distress right now and writing quickly and perhaps have not taken care to carefully edit this message before sending it to you. Feel free to make the necessary corrections.


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All About Me Monday - Movie Day!

Today's prompt: How have some of your favorite movies changed who you are today?


Melody Joy wrote:

I have a very active imagination. I always have, to the point where I actually know what my imaginary monster friend (and his family) look like because I literally remember being in our backyard fighting bad guys with him because my imagination was that good.

A lot of my favorite movies are science fiction / comic book superhero types of movies, which I believe helped to further encourage my active imagination even to this day. I still use my imagination regularly when reading and writing and I never have to be bored because I can always retreat into my mind to find plenty of things to see and do and imagine.


Dana Lee wrote:

I love the Harry Potter series. I grew up reading the books and watching the movies. I have read the books more than I ever care to admit. I have seen the movies also more than I care to admit. Believe it or not, those movies helped me to become the person I am today. I was not very confident when I was in middle school. I was more socially awkward than the normal middle schooler.

When I entered high school I found a group of misfits that liked the series as much as I did. We bonded over what house we would like to live in. I finally found a group of people that was as weird as me. I finally found somewhere that I fit in. I was also able to learn a lot of life lessons through reading Harry Potter. It is surprisingly more insightful than a lot of people give it credit for. I learned what it meant to be a good friend. I learned to stand up to people who were not nice to me and others. I also learned how to deal with death when a lot of people I loved passed away in my junior year. I know it sounds incredibly lame but Harry Potter really did help me get through my awkward teenage years. This imaginary world that was so far away helped me deal with my reality.

Dan Christmann wrote:

A very difficult question for a person with a performing arts background like myself! Oddly enough, though, the films that have changed me I wouldn’t really call my favorite films. The only movies I’ll watch over and over again are Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and Kung Pow! Enter the Fist, which should really need no introduction.

But as far as influence is concerned, that’s where things get a mite complicated. The movies that has had the most impact on my lately are by Lars Von Treir: Antichrist and Nymphomaniac. They are both fantastic films, but I can’t say that I would really recommend anyone watch them. Antichrist, for example, is an ordeal. A beautifully rendered, two hour long assault. Nymphomaniac is at least four hours long in total, and at the end made me physically feel like I was going to vomit. I don’t necessarily like either of these films. But they definitely changed the way I look at cinema. I have been at plays before which were that powerful. But never before had I had a piece of cinema that reached out of the screen and tore my guts out in the same way.

Another film that changed me, but I couldn’t necessarily recommend is Andrei Tarkovsky’s The Gospel According to Andrei Rublev. This is another relentlessly long film, but also one of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen. I can’t say I remember the whole thing. I watched it with a professor from Romania during (and after) a class a few years ago. And I have to admit that I don’t really remember what it was all about. This thing is five hours long, people! I don’t know if it changed me, but I’ll always remember it, because I left with a bemused sort of feeling of intense boredom blended with one of peace and goodwill toward my fellow human beings. I think it’s probably a feeling comparable to reading Dostoyevsky. It’s not necessarily something you always comprehend, but something you come through.


Some of us are currently working our way through the top 250 movies of all time (according to imdb.com), so check out our blogs about that!

Melody Joy: top250moviechallengeadventure.blogspot.com/

Dana Lee: challengelists.blogspot.com/



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Saturday Extras!

Prompt: What causes stress in your life? What do you do to get rid of that stress?


Dan Christmann wrote:

I think my body makes me more anxious than anything. And I don’t mean in the literary, postmodern sense, like Kafka or most fourteen your old boys. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, and though it’s held back by an ingenious cocktail of drugs, every once in a while something strikes me and I just can’t let it go. It’s usually something to do with writing these days.

When I was a kid, I read the Animorphs books obsessively. My parents probably should have seen this one coming. But no, they encouraged my reading. And so I , of course, like most young boys my age would do, became concerned that there actually might be an alien race of intelligent slugs invading earth looking to insert themselves in my brain via the ear canal. I cleared my ears whenever something touched them.

Then, a bit later, I realized that I was God’s instrument in choosing the elect on earth, and separating them from the damned of the generation. The way I did this was facing in one direction and clearing my ears. So, in addition to defending myself against vicious brain slugs every day, I had to make sure that the people I cared about were in the direction that I was facing when I dealt with them. When that was impossible, say my parents were on different ends of town, I used to go red from trying to choose. North, or South. Mom, or Dad. And all the while, closer and closer, the grey slug inched its way down my ear canal.

I’m glad I don’t have to deal with any of that anymore. We’ve finally repelled the Yerks, and the archangel Michael inhabits some other form.

Prompt: Write about the pursuit of a cannibalistic robot.


Dana Lee wrote:

My name is Xeron. I eat humans. It is not my fault. They provide me my nutrients. I need them to survive. If I do not eat them I will die. This is a problem I must face. I could use some assistance. I do not want to danger anyone anymore. There has to be a better way. I will go in pursuit of a solution to my situation.

3 days later...

I am in a hospital in Detroit. I have not eaten for three days. It is time for me to eat again. I can feel my batteries running low. I need to be recharged. All these nurses and doctors look appealing. No. Must not eat them. Must find alternative. I shall keep on searching.

10 minutes later...

Morgue. What is morgue? Must research my internal Google. Oh dead people. Surely I can eat them. They are dead. No one needs them. No need to waste precious food.

5 minutes later...

Burp. Yep, I found my solution. That was tasty. Good night.


Prompt: What is your favorite shape? Describe a room where all the furniture and decorations are in that shape.


Pope Jon wrote:

Without a doubt, my favorite shape is "out-of."

First off, every scrap of wallpaper, every pile of furniture, and every misplaced "decoration" has origins that should only be questioned by those who wish to flee from the room screaming.

Have the couches had only beer and urine to stain them? We can only hope.

Each has a random assortment of pillows and blankets that cannot possible perform their original function. The blankets are holier than the Pope, and the pillows are flatter than an open bottle of pop from last New Year's Eve party. Oddly, the combinations seem to match, but only because they have absolutely no chance of actually matching. Like a ragtag team of heroes, except in this case, you don't want them to win.

Is the wallpaper just torn and ragged because of age? We'll pray it wasn't wild animals or wilder humans. We don't want to start identifying the differences between what a knife and what a claw will do to the wall. There are so many dents and chunks missing from the wall and ceiling that it seems intentional, and a smooth, unmarked section looks foreign and out of place.

Is that picture haunted?

How is that plant still alive?

What color was that carpet originally?

How do I end this post?

Many questions, and none have answers with which we are comfortable.


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Favorite Friday - Shaping Up

Today's prompt: What is your favorite shape? Describe a room where all the furniture and decorations are in that shape.


Dana Lee wrote:

In a land far away in a hidden valley is the Trapezoid house belonging to Thomas James Trapezoid. His late father, Timothy Trapezoid discovered this shape while participating in a dig for dinosaurs. Timothy fell in love with the shape and made it his life ambition to only be surrounded by trapezoids. He built his house from ground up. The house is 20 stories high because the rooms are all stacked upon each other. Every bed in the house is a trapezoid. The picture frames are trapezoids. Even the kitchen appliances are trapezoids! It is so trapezoid terrific that tourists come from all over the world to see. Timothy has since passed away but Thomas James still lives in the house with his family. No one will ever see a house quite like this again.


Dan Christmann wrote:

I have no favorite shape. My favorite shape is Void. With a capital V. As such, the room would be featureless and dark, though some people might argue about whether it’s empty or not. Some say a vacuum is filled with wave-particles. But that’s just a theory. Likely, you would feel nothing but the cold emptiness, colder than you could possibly imagine. Of course, you will probably suffocate before your nerves can register what exactly this feels like. There will be no discernible windows.


Melody Joy wrote:

My favorite shape is definitely a circle.

In this room, there were no edges. Everything was gentle curves and soft lines. The chairs were large spheres that molded around your body as you sat to embrace and support you. The coffee table and small end tables were circular, and their legs were made up of dozens of small balls stacked on top of each other. The TV hung on the wall, a large circle that filled most of one wall. One wall contained circular windows, while the other was filled with artwork. There were both large circles that held smaller circles and smaller circles that drifted on their own to form a magnificent and calming picture.

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Wacky Wednesday - Cannibalistic Robots!!!

Today's prompt: Write about the pursuit of a cannibalistic robot.

Dan Christmann wrote:

“Solider! Who authorized you that pistol?”

Vince Younghorn gulped as the sergeant slammed him up against the factory wall, the clip skittering to the feet one of his squad mates.

“I-I-I”

“I. Aye. Eye,” the sergeant mocked. Not exactly high satire. But this was mission critical. We can’t all be Major Payne. In covert positions around the room, several of the retrieval team eyed each other worriedly. “I told you section-cash-three-article-six-zero-seven alert, organics only, and you bring a metal pistol into the situation?”

“Awww shoot sarge, those organics are, if you pardon my French, pieces of junk. They misfire three times out of ten, and even if you hit-“

“Has no one briefed you on what we’re dealing with? This thing is a 3000 pound mass of metal whoop-your-butt, if you don’t-“

The wall exploded, throwing the two of them headfirst into their comrades. The remaining members trained their weapons on the gaping hole in the sheet metal. A huge figure loomed there, silhouetted against the light, 8 feet tall that clanked as it moved. It made a strange noise, and held its head up, as if sniffing the air. Then, before a shot could be fired, it was gone, plowing its way through the soldiers, throwing them left and right as it leapt on its quarry. The pistol didn’t stand a chance. It disappeared down the robot’s throat without a sound.

The sergeant stood, his ears ringing, and groaned. Twenty four pages for each piece of lost equipment. Twenty four hours of lecturing, at least, from his superiors. He’d tried to be careful. But the casualties kept mounting. A single tear ran down his cheek.

“Dad blum you, cannibalbot,” he said, shaking his fist, “Blum you all.”


Pope Jon wrote:

As it flees from me, my mind pauses to consider my options but my body keep moving forward.

I don't have the luxury of time, unlike T-69. T-69 has and will not only destroy other synthetic life that interferes with it, it will consume them and make them a part of its ever evolving existence.

That only makes me more insane for what I intend to do, should this chase ever end. As we both maneuver around objects and run tirelessly, my determination only intensifies.

Despite knowing why T-69 has done what it has done, I still want to follow through with what I've promised I'd do.

Someday, I will confess my affections, and T-69 will be my one and true lover. Chasing after a robotic heart is never easy, but I know I can prove to T-69 that it and I should be one.


Melody Joy wrote:

Detective Fletcher A. Hardwater couldn’t say that he’d seen anything worse than the suspect he was chasing now, and he’d been on this job since 2571. That was nearly 30 years ago now, and as he carefully studied the files suspended in the air around him, he wondered if maybe it was time to think about retiring. After all, he certainly wasn’t what he used to be.

His assistant came in, a perky girl who may have been born with auburn curls, but a few quick procedures at the salon last year left her with permanent neon blue hair that hung straight on either side of her well-chiseled face. She was fresh out of the academy, smart as a whip, and ready for anything. Fletcher hoped she was ready for this.

“You got a hit on ‘im, boss?” Mona asked, a flush of excitement in her cheeks.

“Yeah. I think I figured out who our bot is.” He pointed to one of the files and a few flicks of his wrist brought it up larger. “Meet Charlie-224. He’s a junker bot and he’s supposed to keep the streets clean of old junk that bots always seem to be lying around, but this footage here shows him following one of our victims into the alley where he was later found. 224 comes out the way he came, and look...”

She stared hard at the footage which showed Charlie-224 stepping out from the alley nearly 20 minutes after he had followed their third victim into the alley. The robot paused at the entry, looking carefully around, then continued on his way. Mona paused the video, looked at it carefully, then tapped it to rewind to when the bots first entered the alley. She paused it again, studying the picture. Then she stepped back nodding solemnly.

“Did you see it?” he asked.

“Yeah,” she said slowly, “The fuel tank. It was empty when they first went in, and full at the end.”

“You ready?”

“Let’s go get our bot,” she said, voice full of conviction and yearning for justice.

They left together, Mona trailing slightly behind Fletcher. They drove in comfortable silence to the National Robotic Headquarters. It was late, but some places don’t ever really close. Fletcher flashed his badge to the security officer and was allowed entrance. He went directly to the office of Dr. Archibald Anubis, head of the Robotic Security Department.

Tossing the files and video footage up as he went in, Fletcher stated his case bluntly and without preamble. Mona stood to one side, arms crossed, nodding solemnly in agreement, and the absolute picture of a readiness for action.

Dr. Archibald stood slowly when Fletcher concluded. “You’re sure?” he asked.

Fletcher and Mona both nodded.

He sighed, “Alright. Give me a second.”

He tapped the frozen video footage for a moment, and then scanned it with his own device. Tapping in several security codes and allowing it to scan his retinas, he finally sat back down, looking slightly defeated but also accomplished.

“It’s done?” Fletcher asked.

“Yes,” Dr. Archibald answered, “Charlie-224 has been shut down. Retriever bots are on their way to bring him in right now so we can test him to see who programmed him for that, and then he’ll be destroyed. Thank you, Detectives. Great work, as always.”

The two men firmly shook hands, then Dr. Archibald shook Mona’s hand in the same way. On their way to the car, Mona’s excitement finally bubbled over. “I can’t believe we got him! That was SO epic! We make such a great team! Wow! Did you see the way Dr. Archibald typed in those codes like it was nothing? He’s amazing. You’re amazing. Want to go grab milkshakes?”

“Of course. I’ll even buy,” he winked.


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All About Me Monday - Stressed Out!

Today's prompt: What causes stress in your life? What do you do to get rid of that stress?

Melody Joy wrote:

Everything? I often struggle with anxiety, so everything is a potential stressor if I don’t keep myself rooted firmly in the Lord who has abundant peace. The biggest cause of stress in my life right now is a pretty big decision that I have to make, and every choice is a good one which also means that whatever I choose, I’m also potentially giving up other really good things.

I have a mantra of sorts that I repeat to myself when my anxiety starts to get the best of me. I also use it against physical pain. It’s simple, but it works for me: “As long as I’m breathing, I’m ok.”

I just keep myself focused on my breathing and recognize that no matter what I’m facing, I’m going to survive it, and may even come out on the other side to something better or as a better person. During that time of focusing on my breathing, I also take some time to process what’s going on around me and usually realize that the stress and “danger” is all in my head.


Dana Lee wrote:

The biggest cause of my stress is when I feel like I am not in control of my life. Ultimately I know that God is in control. However, I often like to think that I am in control. Weird? Yeah, maybe. I used to have really bad stress attacks. It felt like I was in a tunnel and there was nothing I could say or do to get out of it. I would often say things to people that I regretted when I get into this state. There were a few times when items would be thrown. I literally lost control. It was the weirdest thing. This is something I will probably struggle with my whole life. Now I can pretty much tell when it is coming on. As long as no one talks to me when I am like this I am fine. I can get myself out of it. However, when people talk to me and try to get me out of it I snap.

In order to calm myself down I take a deep breath and remind myself that it is going to be okay. If I am with someone I ask them gently to leave me alone. I have to explain that they are not helping when they talk to me in that situation. I also go for walks and pray. Prayer is one of the best stress reliefs and is often underestimated.


Pope Jon wrote:

I'd have to say that "Wacky" Wednesday's writing prompts stress me out.

I often struggle with how specific the prompt is, and it makes me feel confined and like I can't truly show creativity.

In order to deal with it, I just do my best to think outside the box, and take advantage of flaws in the English language to write about something somewhat different than what was intended.

Like what I'm doing for this Wednesday, for example.


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Friday Favorites - Dance Time!

Today's prompt: What is your favorite song to dance to? Write about a dancer (could be you) auditioning for a musical/ballet with that song.


Pope Jon wrote:

"Alright, Mr... Jon?" The director was puzzled. "You didn't include a last name here," he observed as I took center stage.

I was wearing my best suit, accented by sunglasses that helped to ward off the blindingly bright stage lights.

"Important to remain anonymous on the internet," I replied simply.

The director was confused by my breach of the 4th wall, but continued nonetheless.

"Very well. You're auditioning for the part of Chuck Cranston, correct?"

"The hero of the show, that's right," I answered proudly.

The director had no answer to that, and waved to indicate that I should start.

And so I started. And continued. Then, I kept going. Next, I persisted. After that, I carried on. Subsequently, I sustained.

But for whatever reason, the fool didn't like my idea of changing the entire play to a 2 hour version of Psy's Gentleman, and I was kicked out.

It's not that I think that would be entertaining or worthwhile, it's that Footloose is horrifically bad, and I knew that literally any performance would be better than that musical.


Melody Joy wrote:

Gangnam Style. I love dancing to anything that has a beat and, quite frankly, have a hard time resisting dancing when there is music playing. This has led to more than one dance party in public places. However, my favorite song to dance to is Gangnam Style by Psy. Actually, I did once rock it out with a friend in Walmart.

“Hello. My name is Melody, and I’ll be dancing to Gangnam Style by Psy.”

The music begins with me leaning back slightly, arms crossed. I nod my head rhythmically with the intro music. Then the verse starts up and I begin my well-practiced routine that I may or may not have picked part of up from a clown at a children’s birthday party. By the time the chorus hits I’m filling the stage with my energy, jumping from side to side riding that invisible horse. The bridge hits and I bust out my best robot moves to show the judges my full range of dancing skills. As the end comes, I lift up my leg up and my arm down as though I’m going to take a large step forward, and as the music ends, I land my leg solidly behind me and bring my arm up in front of my face with my fist balled up, nailing the final move.

The judges are stunned. Their expressions are unreadable. Then, one at a time, they slowly rise from their seats, applauding enthusiastically. Eventually, they sit back down in their seats, faces still in shock over my dance moves.

I wait patiently, a wide smile on my face.

Finally, one of them speaks slowly, “What was your name again?”

“Melody,” I answer.

“Melody, I don’t know what part you’re auditioning for, but you got it. You will always have a part here. I have never seen anything so spectacular in all of my years on Broadway.”


Dana Lee:

Walking into the theater I knew this was my chance. I have been waiting all my life to dance for this company. I attended school at Juliard for contemporary dance. While I knew my dance lacked in creativity. I also knew that I could nail it better than anyone. I put my own flair into this dance that I knew would make me stand out from the rest. The song was "Cotton-Eyed Joe" by Rednex.

I walked onto the stage and handed my c.d. to the gentleman who was in charge. He looked at the title written on the with a puzzled look. I walked back to the center stage. As soon as the music began I began the only dance I was ever able to learn. I danced with such confidence that there was no way they would be able to turn me away.

The panel looked at me with utter astonishment. "Dana, is it?" they asked.

"Yes," I replied as I tried to catch my breath.

"We will let you know," they said.

10 years later and I am still waiting the call. Maybe they forgot about me.


Now... Us actually dancing to actual songs...

Melody Joy and Dana Lee to Kelly Clarkston's A Moment Like This:


And Pope Jon (along with some backup dancers) to Katy Perry's Hot n' Cold:




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Wacky Wednesday - Intergalactic Miracles: Do you believe?

Today's prompt: Write about a miracle that occurs in an intergalactic theater.


Melody Joy wrote:

Garphunkiel was certain that he would never be able to win the affections of Sheshheeah. She was the most beautiful Khump he had ever seen. She had 17 thick tentacles, each one ending in a magnificent clawed hand. Her gelatinous head could move in the most sensual ways as she danced. Sheshheah was the star of Khump Intergalactic Theater. Garphunkiel was a mere stage hand. His primary job was to work the scenery in the front part of the stage. Although he enjoyed the view it gave him of the Khump of his dreams, he also knew he could never have her.

One day, as Sheshheah lifted up higher and higher on the lift for the final number, something went terribly wrong. The lift snapped, no doubt under her substantial weight, and her bodacious body plummeted toward the stage. There was no time to do anything but scream, which many of the other females did, and the whole theater filled with the sounds of their shrieks. Garphunkeil was frozen in place. The stage manager rushed to her side and kept the actors away with his 23 long arms that were constantly in motion.

Sheshheah’s form was completely still. Once the echoes of the screams had died down, the theater fell into a pregnant silence as every actor, stagehand, band member, and spectator waited to find out the outcome. The stage manager was working his many hands over her body, desperately checking all five of her hearts for signs of life. Finally, he stepped back, defeated. For once, he seemed uncertain as to what he should do next. He slowly turned toward the audience and Garphunkiel. Without uttering a sound, he let them all know that the star was dead.

Garphunkiel felt the loss deep within his liver and uttered a sound that he had never made before nor had he known he was capable of. It came up from the inmost part of his being and bellowed forth in a guttural cry of anguish. The theater filled with the lament as it hit the walls and echoed louder and louder. Garphunkiel couldn’t stop the outcry of despair nor did he want to.

Suddenly, Sheshheah stirred. It was a mere shiver at first, but soon, her bulging shape began to move in earnest until she eventually had righted herself, slouched heavily on her clawed tentacles and appearing weak, but upright and alive nonetheless. As the last of Garphunkiel’s wails faded into the stunned silence that had once again overcome the theater, Sheshheah garbled a question to the stage manager: “What happened?”


Dana Lee wrote:

You will never believe what I saw. In fact, I am not sure I even believe it myself. In fact I cannot even begin to describe what I just saw. I was doing my job and cleaning up in the International Intergalactic theater. They had just played the movie "Silliness of the Bean Grape." There was a young woman who complained about being stuck to her chair. She said something happened in the movie that caused her to not be able to move. I was the only one in the theater at the time. At first I thought she was trying to scam us for a free movie screening. I went to talk to my manager about the situation at hand. He told me that this has happened several times after this movie. He then gave me the following instructions:

Finish cleaning the theater.
Put the movie to that scene and play it backwards.
Instruct the lady to stand up.

This all seemed bizarre to me but I did as my boss said. Next thing I knew, the lady was thanking me and walking out the door with the rest of her family. I guess miracles really do happen.


Pope Jon wrote:

If you don't know who those two characters are, go and watch the entire Star Wars movie saga.

Ok, now that we all know who they are and those who didn't are on the road to forgiveness, we can discuss the miracle that takes place in this intergalactic theater.

"But, Pope Jon!" You rudely interrupt, "That's not a theater, that's the Senate building, you daft punk!"

And to that I reply, "Maybe not in the traditional sense. But the Senate is where politicians go to act dramatically and tragically. There is no greater platform for them to play at war, peace, and all the blood between the two than in the Senate. And don't call me a techno band."

But back to the miracle!

It's important to understand that at this point in galactic history, the dark side is superior to the light. It's why the Jedi were blind to the betrayal of the clones, and why all but a puny amount were killed. So when Yoda and Obi-wan decide to bring balance to the force and attempt to defy the prophecy, Yoda was at a severe disadvantage against one of the most powerful sith lords of all time. Yet before Sidious could finish off his little green friend, Yoda escaped to live out the rest of his extremely long life.

If Yoda had been slain in this moment, he never would've been around to train Luke Skywalker, who as we all know, was instrumental in bringing balance to the force, defeating the Galactic Empire, and rebuilding the Jedi Order.


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