January 1, 2015

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The first day of a new year.
I posted my first blog entry on January 3rd last year. When I first decided to start a blog it was intended to be an off-shoot of my Facebook page that focuses on finding the positive side of life. Conversations Around the Tree, was going to be a place for me to comment on current events, political insanity and reasons why life really is a worthy thing to stick around for.
Instead, I tried a few photo challenges, writing challenges and suddenly my blog became a place for me to express my creative side. A place to learn from others and a place to meet really smart and creative people.
So here I am…ready for a new year. I’ve given some thought to what direction my blog will take in 2015.
First, I need to spruce it up a bit and organize it into categories.
Second, I have not remained as focused on the blog as I had hoped to. However, the fact that I made it through the first year without allowing it to fall away is an accomplishment and I’m going to build from there.
Third, I need to actively engage with other bloggers. I know if I want to extend my reach, I need to reach out to others. I also want to learn from others and to do that I must make contact with those willing to help me learn.
Fourth, I am going to start a daily photo post. Hopefully each photo will in some way relate to what has happened in my day. However, I realize there are really boring days that occur…so on those days I will simply wing it!!
Fifth and final, I plan to post more creative writing. This is something I’ve dreamed of doing…what better place than here!
To those of you that have followed my blog this year “Thank you!”
I look forward to sharing another year with you all out here in the blogging world.
Happy 2015!

Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge – Smiling Orange

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Sometimes “odd ball” photos just walk up and announce themselves. This was one of those times! I was walking around our local recreation center the day after Christmas and found this little guy laying in the grass.

Did a kid get this in his stocking and decide to create a self portrait?

or….

Did this little orange escape from the grocery store only to find himself stuck in a yard edge?

Smiling Orange

Its hard to know his story….but no matter…he is cute (and a bit odd!)

If you are interested in more Odd Ball photos, visit Cee’s Odd Ball Photo Challenge

The Evil Garden Gnome

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“They say if you enter the door at the top of the grassy stairs you will be captured and tortured by evil garden gnomes.”
“Who says?” Johnny couldn’t believe his friend believed such a ridiculous tale.
“Everyone!”
Johnny ran up the stairs, “I’ll show you, that is just a myth.”
“No Johnny, come back.”
The large wood door opened before Johnny could announce his presence.
A small man with a white beard and pointed red hat stood just beyond the threshold.
Johnny turned to run, but quickly learned his t-shirt had been snagged by a garden hoe.
“Welcome young man.”
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright -Björn Rudberg
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright -Björn Rudberg
Friday Fictioneers – The photo is the prompt, write an entire story using 100 words or less is the challenge.

The Spider and The Runner

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The stickiness gripped his face. He pawed at it frantically, attempting to release himself from its entrapment.
“Damn, how did I not see that web?”
He picked the last strands from his face and restarted his run.
The clip of his pace returned to normal.
He exited the woods and followed the path across the field.
He had forgotten all about the hiccup in his morning run when suddenly he felt a sharp sting on his neck.
“Ouch!” He reached to swat his attacker.
As the spider shot to the ground she sighed, “Another unwanted relocation.”
cropped-bugs
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Douglas M. MacIlroy
Friday Fictioneers – The photo is the prompt, write an entire story using 100 words or less is the challenge.

The Deadly Storm – Friday Fictioneers

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The young mother sat in the darkness grasping her baby. She trembled with fear, she prayed and cried.
The mobile home pitched with the winds.
She watched helplessly as her belongings crashed around her.
Hours of continuous rain turned the driveway into a rushing river.
Hail pummeled the aluminum siding.
The tin roof on the back porch ripped from its 2×4 studs. It slapped against the windows, and sprayed shards of glass throughout the room.
The terror of her screams were muted by the claps of lightening.
The following morning, her body lay amongst the garbage downstream. The baby nearby.
 100word challenge
Friday Fictioneers…The photo is the prompt, write an entire story using 100 words or less is the challenge!