30 day challenge day 27: Letters

Prompt: Letters

I don't write them very much now, but I used to write alot of letters in Middle and High School. They were filled with fun stories, sometimes in Spanish or Japanese. Lots of memos and recordings of stuff that happened through out the day.
Now I write memos, goals, wishes and dreams. In a way, those are letters for the future. Simple yet effective, they change and grow everyday.

30 day challenge day 26: Diamond

Prompt: Diamond

Sometimes in life
You must be a diamond
Unpenetrable and diffcult to change
But still able to sparkle and shine

30 day challenge day 25: Winter

Prompt: Winter

Cold as winter
Painful as frostbite
Silent as a snow fall
Messy as a blizzard
As difficult to deal with as ice
I slip
Fall
Get hurt
Get back up again
Slip
Fall
Get hurt again
Snow falls
The ice is dangerous
The walk is lonely
The weather is bitter
Nothing is warm
Nothing is safe
Nothing is fine

30 day challenge day 24: Outside

Prompt: Outside

I know it all too well
I'm an outsider
I'm an idiot
No one can really understand
Why I'm this way
Why I don't take care of myself
Why I get angry
Why I cry
Isn't it obvious?
I'm on the outside
I always have been
People enjoy life
I observe it
People only worry about themselves
I only do the opposite
So don't be surprised
That I always feel
Left out
Pushed aside
And always on the outside

30 day challenge day 23: Thousand

Prompt: Thousand

Maybe a journey isn't just a big trek to a destination. Maybe it is a thousand small steps. Each step leading you somewhere and directing you on the right path. With each step, you gain the confidence to believe you will reach your goal. Maybe some steps will be more sucessful than others. Some steps could be leaps, or skips. Other steps might lead you back. Perhaps you forgot something or missed someone, so you turn around for a little while.
Where will you be in a thousand steps? Will you have a hill to climb? A river to cross? A tunnel to go through? Will you trip and fall? Will you run on some days and even stop moving on other days?
Regardless of what steps you take, or even how far you have come, this journey will change you. Some people must take more steps than others. But maybe that doesn't matter if they discover where they want to go.
Maybe it is best to ignore how many steps you've taken, as long as you're moving.
A thousand steps or a thousand ideas.

30 day challege day 22: Mad

Prompt: Mad

Its more of a simmer
But it can be an explosion
Its quiet on some days
Unbearably loud on others
The anger I have
At myself
And situations in life
What good does it do?
It won't change
What I'm going through
How to deal with it
What to do with it
Frustration is more accurate
To define when I'm mad
Frustration and sadness
Envy and anger
Build up from years
Of silence
Until once again
I'm glad.

30 day challenge day 21: Sunset

Prompt: Sunset

A sunset can be a complex thing. It is an end and a beginning. The sky becomes colorful and bright. It welcomes the last of day and the start of night. Maybe a star, besides the sun can be seen before day is done. A symbol of hope, the last laugh of a star, is beautiful to see from afar. Brush strokes of light painted on clouds. Shadows and brightness in different shrouds.

30 day challenge day 20: Tremble

Prompt: Tremble

Trees will tremble
in its wake.
Snow will swirl
and branches break.
A howl will sound.
Leaves will fall.
Nothing can stop
its powerful call.

30 day challenge day 19: Transformation

Prompt: Transformation

Caterpillars
will one day be
a butterfly
wild and free.
They may change at one time
But all will discover
who they are in time.

30 day challenge day 18: Summer

Prompt: Summer

Summer is reading Sarah Dessen novels in sunshine. It is watching the summer blockbusters at the movies. It's hiking and canoeing. Hanging out with friends and family. Preparing for the summer rush to the mountains on weekends. Summer sales and crazy weather. Summer is a crazy time of the year. Unpredictable and chaotic. It can rain one moment and be hot enough to bake something outside the next.
It's not my favorite season. I usually do spring cleaning during Summer.

New blog for my upcoming novel

http://asterfaelin.blogspot.com/

30 day challenge day 17: Look

Prompt: Look

Look.
Don't just see.
Don't just ignore.
Maybe listen.
Can you see me?
Can you hear what I'm saying?

What are you looking at?
Is it me?
Or someone you want me to be?
Have you looked recently?
Are you aware of what I do? Say?
Do I scream? Do I cry?
Do I laugh?
Do I run away?
Do I understand?
Do I try?
Am I there?
Where am I?

I am seperate.
I am me.
I am not the person
you want to see.
I'm someone else.
Not someone
who looks like me.
So have you looked at me recently?
Do you know who I am?
What I can do?
Who I can be?
What are you looking at?
Do you even recognise me?

30 day challenge day 16: Thanks

I don't use this word enough. It is always better to be grateful for what you have than be angry or envious of what you don't have. People, places and memories are always things in life that matter most. People who know you. Places to go when you're lonely or frustrated. Lessons you have learned or have yet to learn.
Being grateful for what you have is part of growing up, and living a happier life. Would you be where you are now if you always got what you wanted? Would you know the same people? Would you be the same person?
(This was addressed  beautifully in the latest episode of KBS Big)

30 day challenge day 15: Order

Prompt:

Everything has to be in order
If not, everything is chaos
Unpredictable and Uncontrollable
Everything must be logical
Reasonable and Just.
I must be in control
And understand the reason things happen
Always
Not sometimes

Even my emotions must be organized
Reasonable
Rational
Logical
Perfect
If not
I fail
And failure isn't order
It's chaos
And confusion
Threatening my armor
My strength
My self
I must keep it in order
I must gain control of myself
And understand my surroundings
If not, confusion, weakness and
Failure haunts me
Until things go back in order
My emotions
My actions
My reactions
And my self

30 day challenge day 14: Wind

Prompt: Wind

The wind is a powerful thing
It wipes the air clean
Pushes leaves and flower seeds
Around the world
Races through trees
Redirects rain and snow

It can go against you
Or it can help you along
A breeze can comfort you
A tornado can destroy you

The wind can shape clouds
Disguise the moon and stars
Rip things apart
Make things dance

Sometimes it is unpredictable
A fierce element
Or a gentle detail

The wind is the wind
Air that moves
Going where it will

Sometimes it's okay
To be a leaf in the wind.
Other times you have to be a tree
Acceping that the wind is there
But not allowing it to control
Where you end up

The wind can be a kind friend
Or a threatening enemy
It is a presence
Often unpredictable
Chaotic or calm
Music or noise

30 day challenge day 13: Denial

Prompt: Denial

Denial can be a dangerous thing. It clouds your brain and distracts you from the truth. There are many reasons that a person decides to deny something. Characters often go through denial and doubt on the road to self discovery.
Denial is an obstacle in growing. This is true in stories and in real life. The more you deny something, the more you will eventually have to face it. Denying a fear or bad habit doesn't make it go away. Denying an important lesson or a truth about yourself will only make things worse. It is better to accept something about youtself than live in denial about it.

30 day challenge day 12: Knowledge

Prompt: Knowledge

"Knowledge is power"- Sir Francis Bacon

Some people would say that knowledge conquers fear. The more you know about the world, the less you fear it. The most common fear is the unknown.
Knowlegde of something makes it easier to accept. There are many different types of knowledge. Internal and external knowledge helps a person grow and percieve the world around them. When they know how things work, change and function, people are able to understand the world around them.

30 day challenge day 11: Prepared

It's important to be prepared for the worst in any given situation. You should always carry an umbrella. Have Band Aids available. Carry water bottles to prevent yourself from dehydrating. But how do you prepare for other things. I know there are some events that you are never ready for. Other events seem simple to anticipate, but unplanned events aleays manage to throw me off guard. I try to be prepared for what I can. But I wasn't prepared for a computer crash. Luckily some of my writing was sent to people through email, and my stories were saved on a flash drive, but everything else was wiped clean.
I guess when you aren't prepared for something, it can throw you off guard, but it can also be an opportunity to learn, and start over.
I know one thing, I will be prepared for a computer crash in the future, and prevent it from happening again. Because it is always a good thing to be prepared.

30 day challenge day 10: Silver

Prompt: Silver

A flash of silver caught my eye. The wolf was getting closer. I decided that running was useless and looked for a place to hide. Some howls were coming from the distance, and all I could do was hope they wouldn't find me.
I heard the stream before I found it. The stream was also silver, but instead of being frightened, I found it comforting. The clouds reflected in the water made the river seem smooth, even though the water was constantly moving. It whispered and chattered. The breeze teased the water by my feet.
These wolves could not go near water. The stream would be a safe place. I moved forward and the howls faded into nothing. A raven watched me from a fallen tree. A path?
As I walked toward the tree, I could hear my grandmother.
"Lani! Lani, where are you?"
I followed her voice and found that I was in trouble. Her scowl was enough of a warning.
"I have told you never to follow silver when you are in the forest."
I knew that she was right. After all, my older sister disappeared that way. But the silver drew me, and almost sang when I saw it. Not all silver was bad. It lead me to the river for a reason.

30 day challenge day 9: Move

Prompt: Move

Take a step
Run a mile
Start a project
Write a book
Go somewhere
Make a plan
Clear your mind
Ride a bike
Invent a dance
Sew an outfit
Hike up a hill
Arrange a trip
Act in a play
Hang out with friends
Go sightseeing
Try a new food
Laugh at a joke
Jog in a park
Just keep moving
While you can.

30 day challenge day 8: Companion

Prompt: Companion

Companion is not a word I use often. In fact, I only relate this word to characters in books, movies, and TV shows.
A dog can be a wonderful companion. Able to know when you're sad or lonely. My dogs are there for me whenever I have a rough day.
I've heard the phrase "Constant companion."
I relate this word to someone you can rely on, trust, understand. Friends can be companions. Family can be companions.
I think that during really tough times, it's important be your own companion. Able to trust yourself, rely on yourself and understand what's going on with yourself.
Companions can be your other half, your best friend, or a relative. In stories the companion is the side kick or mentor, offering advice, support and a shoulder to cry on. The companion is an important character on a hero's journey. They put the hero back on th ground if they look too far in the sky. They give the hero a kick in the pants if they lose who they are.
In Fruits Basket, Tohru Honda is the Sohma family's companion

30 day challenge day 7: Formal

Prompt: Formal

It was a formal ocassion. Sharp suits and fancy dresses surrounded me as I entered the ballroom. The first step I took in this place, I would be at the mercy of the guests. I checked my hair and took a deep breath. This was my first royal ball, and I had not worn a fancy dress since my mother and father were alive.
The announcer stood in front of me, looking confused. He had just introduced a princess from the neighoring kingdom, and motioned for an escort to lead her to the long line of women, waiting to dance with the prince. A giant clock towered above the King and Queen and chimed eleven o clock. I had an hour. Even with the fancy dress, I didn't feel like I belonged. If anyone recognized me, I would be locked away for the rest of my life.
"Young lady." The announcer said as he offered his hand. "May I announce you?"
I had to think, and fast. My real name was not an option. I tried a different approach.
"That isn't necessary." I said with my best smile. "I'm not accustomed to being announced."
It wasn't a lie. If he knew who I was I would be dragged away.
"Very well then, I wouldn't want to trouble you."
An escort walked up and took my hand.
"This way please."
I was headed directly for the line! I couldn't go there. My sisters were only two people in front of me.
"Please sir. May I have some water?" I asked before we got closer.
"Water?" He asked with a laugh. "My lady, only the finest refreshments in the kingdom are offered tonight. And you want water?"
"Refreshments then, may I?" I looked around.
"Of course. The prince is not ready to dance at the moment, so there is no hurry."
I curstied and made my way to the table. A tall, well dressed gentleman was standing by the punch bowl and scowling. As I poured a glass of punch he spoke to me.
"Disgusting isn't it?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
I looked around expecting bugs or mice. My sisters always screamed at the sight of them.
"This so called royal ball." he answered. "It's all a ploy to make the prince wed."
"I didn't know that." I said.
"You should." he answered, "It was on the invitation."
"I wasn't allowed to read it." I said.
"Truthfully?" he asked.
"Truthfully." I answered.
"That is strange." The gentleman took a sip and looked around. "Then why did you come here?"
"To be free." I smiled. "Even if it's just for one night."
"You have an interesting view of freedom. I wonder if you have an intetesting name."
I panicked. I only had until midnight, I couldn't reveal who I was to anyone.
"I'm afraid not." I laughed, "My name is probably the most dull and uninteresting name in the world.
"Well then" He bowed. "I'm going to ask you a question that I've asked many ladies tonight that I previously dreaded. Would you care to dance?"

30 day challenge day 6: Flame

Prompt: Flame

Anger is a flame. Dangerous and out of control, or quelled by calm and grace. It needs constant supervision, and a barrier to keep the fire from growing. Flames can be scary. They destroy and burn things around them. They can be unpredictable, and threating. A flame is not comforting if it is not under control.

30 day challenge: day 5 Haze

Prompt: Haze

Life is hazy when you're a dreamer. Events blur and become inventions of a creative mind. The air gets thick with people, situations, problems and solutions. Voices can sound rough. The past is a mist you can only walk through so much.
Emotions mold a cloud that you can't identify. Fog is hazy. Smoke is hazy. It can be a mess if you can't identify or clarify anything in front of you.
It's tough when you are in a haze. No roots or wings. That's why you dream. To make sense of it all.

30 day challenge day 4: Snow Flake

Prompt: Snow Flake

Always different
Never identical
Yet from a distance
They all look the same
Each falling
Or floating
To create a blanket of white
Or a shadow of grey

Maybe they're dancing
Each going their own pace
Through their own journey
Creating beauty in their fall

A soft quiet sound
Muffled in the masses
Some hit the ground
Others land on a tree branch
Some evaporate
Others melt
Yet none are the same

Different shapes
Patterns
And yet
Every snow flake
Must fall

30 day challenge day 3: Restless

Prompt: Restless

I'm always restless these days. I don't like waiting, but when I know it is required, I'm patient.
My goals are quiet some days, but they taunt me on others. When they taunt me, I can't sit still. I have to progress in reading, writing and living. If I don't make that progress fast enough, I feel lazy or like a failure. I watch people pass me by. I feel strapped in a chair during the middle of a race. Watching the clock during a test. Frustrated and angry with myself for not moving fast enough. So many obstacles block my path, and I want them to fall like dominos. But they aren't falling that way. Some collapse while others build from a bump in the road to a mountain made of stone.
I'm not good at rock climbing, and these mountains are not soft like dirt, or smooth like grass.
Any path I make must be through solid rock, and if that doesn't work, I must find a way to climb. Whether the steps are big or small, I have to take them and get past these problems. I have to reach my goal, and progress no matter how difficult it is. If I want to live my life, I have to find a way. This restlessness won't stop until I do.

30 day challenge day 2: Accusation

Prompt: Accusation

I'm really good at this one. I accuse others and myself all the time. I accuse others who accuse me. I accuse myself of things I'm not even involved in. I have a constant view of justice, and whoever breaks that scale is automatically accused of their actions.
So I accuse myself of being judgemental and putting blame on others for my own refusal to accept certain aspects of life.
Accusing others is easier than dealing with yourself. But that doesn't justify it. Accusation can become a nasty habit that reflects the faults within yourself.

30 days of writing

A challenge posted on tumblr inspired me to do all these prompts as blogs.

Prompt 1: Beginning

Some say that the end is a new beginning. Whenever something changes, it is an opportunity to start anew. Try something different, and take another step on the road of life.
Beginnings can be many different things. A new location, a new attitude and a new look can be such a change that you feel you are beginning a nee life. These beginnings help is grow. Some are choices: a new job, relationship or project teaches you more about yourself.
First impressions, the first bike ride, the first steps and the first notes of a song are memorable. The first sentence or paragraph of a story is the most important part and the most difficult to write, aside from the end.
Beginning something involves a change to normal every day routine.
Beginning is an act of accepting change, and introducing yourself ti a new chapter or story in your life.

One percent

I learned a very important lesson this week.
I've spent most of my life reaching for something but not truly beliving in it. This particular thing is a positive outcome. I'm sure many people have gone through this. In order to protect yourself from disappointment, you decide to only expect the negative outcome of a situation. But the funny thing about life, is that it is unpredictable. That one percent chance isn't nonexistant. It's just more rare of a happening. But when you convince yourself that one percent doesn't exist, you can hurt the people you are close to. Just that alone can be the worst outcome out of all the negative possibilities you can think of.
So I learned this week, that sometimes growing up is believing in that one percent, and doing your best to help it happen. This can mean taking a risk, and rising to a challenge, but good things don't always happen on their own. Some good things must be earned through hard work and an open mind.