I Googled daily writing prompts and came across the list below. Rather than pick one, I’m going to answer each one.
1 Write about a song and a feeling it invoked in you.
As much as their entire catalog breaks the walls of my emotional reservoir, U2’s live version of One from 1998 is at the top. The emotions get kicked into high gear with the added lyrics:
hear me coming, Lord/hear me call/hear me knocking, knocking at your door/…will you make me crawl
These lyrics, along with a powerful performance by Bono, bring tears every time.
2 Recall an important memory from your childhood and tell it from the perspective of someone else who was present.
I won’t do the latter, and I have so many childhood memories I don’t know where to begin. Our treehouse and going to the Phillies as a family (back when it was affordable and you could bring your own food) are two of them.
3 Write about an item you have that isn’t expensive but means a lot to you.
I have a framed photograph on my shelf of me and my brothers with my dad and grandpa. We are in the kitchen on Shady Hill with the family room in the background. I wish there were more pictures of all of us.
4 What color do you feel like today and why?
It’s a rainy, dreary day (I hope my zinnia seeds will be okay). I have one of my favorite gray shirts on to match the weather – and for optimal comfort.
5 Describe your favorite room in your home or apartment.
My office. It has so many fun knick-knacks from my life; airplanes, baseball cards, Star Wars, photographs, books and lots of collectibles.
6 What is the most adventurous thing you’ve eaten?
A jelly bean I found while dusting my office. Other than that, I’m not very adventorous when it comes to eating. I really need to get out more.
7 Write a review of the last movie you saw.
Last night, I watched Mending the Line. It’s a story with multiple characters, each struggling with a loss and their attempt at healing. Artistically, it’s not the most outstanding drama but it scores high on the emotional impact level. It got its point across. There were also some inspiring and beautiful scenes of fly-fishing.
8 Write about an imagined ideal day walking around a city of your choosing.
Boston. I have always wanted to visit and watch a game at Fenway, and I would love to sit at the bench Robin Williams sat on in Good Will Hunting. “You don’t know about real loss. Because that only occurs when you’ve loved somebody more than yourself.”
9 If you could live inside one of your favorite stories, what would you change about it?
Nothing. They’re my favorite for a reason.
10 Write about why you want to write.
I want to inspire people. I want to launch conversations that evoke deep reflection through themes of grace and forgiveness.
11 Write about something nice a stranger did for you.
Well, it wasn’t a stranger, but several years ago, we couldn’t pay our mortgage and Monica R. from our church made sure we could.
12 Describe your favorite piece of furniture in your childhood home.
One year, we got our dad a new recliner for Father's Day (or maybe his birthday). Man, was that comfortable! I fell asleep on that blue chair so many times.
13 What was the last piece of media you read, heard, or saw that inspired you?
If I’m going to be technical, it’s U2’s One and the Good Will Hunting clip I watched during this post. But I saw a Facebook post today about how someone who usually doesn’t walk into Starbucks decided to this particular morning. A stranger noticed the stress and/or anxiety on her face and said, with a hand on her shoulder, “Honey, whatever it is, it will pass…your sunshine will come through. Don’t lose hope.”
14 What is a dream you’ve had that you want to live in forever?
My dad shows up in my dreams a lot. And I know I will spend eternity with him because I have the courage to believe in something bigger and greater than myself.
15 Write about what you think the world will look like in 10 years.
Boy, I want to break my “no-politics” rule. All I’ll say is this: By 2034, I’ll be retired and a published author. And still going to Brother’s Weekend – unless they talk politics, then I’m out - or go for a really long walk.
16 Describe what you imagine to be happening in a historical photograph.
I have some baseball cards hanging on my wall, and since Topps was so uncreative with their pictures of players, many have a look that says, “This is such a waste of my time. I don’t get paid enough for this.” Dude, you do get paid enough for that. Now, hold your bat and smile.
17 Write about a time you witnessed community solidarity.
My family and I have helped with Rise Against Hunger multiple times. It is a powerful community event that recognizes a tremendous need in our world.
18 Read the last postcard, letter, or personal email you received, and start a story with the first sentence.
My cousin and I email each other every year on our birthdays. Hers is in October, and mine is in November. It’s something I look forward to. Memories of her remind me of going to my grandparents’ house. We used to play Frankenstein in the basement, and TV Show tag out in the yard. There’s a picture of us roasting marshmallows with lawn chairs in the background. There are probably empty sparkler boxes on the ground, a Whiffle ball/bat, and a Frisbee. Whatever the story, it’d be about growing up in the 80s.
19 Who is the most interesting person you can think of? Create a list of questions you would ask them in an interview.
I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs lately. I enjoy hearing about the adversity people face and overcome. I also like how their thoughts, motives and actions reflect their past. I don’t have any specific questions or a specific person in mind. Just start from the beginning. Tell me how you got right here, right now.
20 Recall an object you found on the sidewalk/side of the road. Why did someone give it away? Why did they have it to begin with?
I recently found a $50 bill. End of story.
Dream Out Loud,
rg