Monday December 31st, 2018

The exercise:

Let us conclude 2018 by writing about: resolve.

Sunday December 30th, 2018

The exercise:

Let's bring the Random Book prompt back around. I mean, I know it's only been over a year since last time, but I thought maybe we should use it again?

Anyway. Grab a random book off the shelf. Poke around Amazon. However you get your book, use its first line as your own and go from there. Credit where it's due, as always, and feel free to recommend some reading for me in the process.

Saturday December 29th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about something that is: unnoticed.

Friday December 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: idle hands.

Thursday December 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: stuck on repeat.

Wednesday December 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that takes place at: the ski chalet.

Tuesday December 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night with family, friends, good food, and some well deserved presents.

Write two haiku about: Christmas morning.

Monday December 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Let us bring Relatives Week to a close by writing about: the grandmother.

Sunday December 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

The penultimate day of Relatives Week wants you to write about: the grandfather.

Saturday December 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem (or, you know, ignore the traditional Saturday format in favor of connecting your tale this week) about: the nephew.

Friday December 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose (or more, if you're connecting your takes during Relatives Week) about: the niece.

Thursday December 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Day three of our countdown to Christmas says write about: the cousin.

Wednesday December 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Day two of Relatives Week brings with it writings about: the aunt.

Tuesday December 18th, 2018

The exercise:

The countdown to Christmas officially begins today with the arrival of Relatives Week. If you want to connect the prompts into one tale, that's great. Also totally fine? If you take them on as individual or, shall I say, unrelated prompts.

Let's get it started with two haiku about: the uncle.

Monday December 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: sweet.

After yesterday it only seemed fair.

Sunday December 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: salty.

Saturday December 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the day after the office Christmas party.

Friday December 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that takes place at: the office Christmas party.

Thursday December 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a legacy.

Wednesday December 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Use the following words in your poetry or prose: burgundy, pantry, snow, mask.

Tuesday December 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: appreciation.

Monday December 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: on the fritz.

Sunday December 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the gift basket.

Saturday December 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the scorekeeper.

Friday December 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the rocket.

Thursday December 6th, 2018

The exercise:

It's time to bring Empires to its end.

Wednesday December 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the shift.

Tuesday December 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the wolf.

Monday December 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the raffle.

Sunday December 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the siege.

Saturday December 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: a delicacy.

Friday November 30th, 2018

The exercise:

The last day of November already? My goodness.

To celebrate(?), write four lines of prose about: autumn's farewell.

Thursday November 29th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the technician.

Wednesday November 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a calculated risk.

Tuesday November 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: trying something new.

Monday November 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: reassurance.

Sunday November 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Um, apparently it's been a reaaally long time since I made use of the Random CD prompt. Like, I'm almost impressed with how long it's been.

Anyway. Let us make amends. Pick a song as randomly as you like, borrow its first line, and then take it from there. Credit where it's due, but of course.

Saturday November 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: a figure of speech.

Friday November 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about being: in the line of fire.

Thursday November 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something which has: faltered.

Wednesday November 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: safe harbour.

Tuesday November 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about life: in a cubicle.

Monday November 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the shadows of tomorrow.

Sunday November 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: flight.

Saturday November 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about something or someone that is: out of control.

Friday November 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the view from the edge of nowhere.

Thursday November 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the order of succession.

Wednesday November 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: only the lonely.

Tuesday November 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: a safe place.

Monday November 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: seeking truth.

Sunday November 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: bullet holes.

Saturday November 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: party crashers.

Friday November 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: finishing touches.

Thursday November 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Finally got to October's entry. So let us hit up Empires, the November edition.

Just this one and then December to go. Think we can reach some sort of conclusion in that time span?

Wednesday November 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about taking something: to the max.

In somewhat related news, happy 6th birthday Max.

Tuesday November 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: language.

Monday November 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a broken spell.

Sunday November 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: points of entry.

Saturday November 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: keeping secrets.

Friday November 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the scrapyard.

Thursday November 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something or someone that is: spooky.

Since Greg asked, and since I'm behind on scheduling prompts and read his request before writing this, here are the boys costumes from yesterday's festivities:


Max as Harry Potter and...


Miles as a ghost. A ghost named Boo, Max decided.

Wednesday October 31st, 2018

The exercise:

Happy Halloween! To celebrate, your first line in today's writing shall be: The dead came out to play that day.

Tuesday October 30th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the swarm.

Monday October 29th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the horde.

Sunday October 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: swift.

Saturday October 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the gift.

Friday October 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Your four lines of prose this week must include the words: four and zero.

Put 'em together and what do you get?!?!?

As of today, my age.

It's okay though. I hear 40 is the new 20.

Or something.

Thursday October 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: impending.

Wednesday October 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the passage.

Tuesday October 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the election.

Monday October 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something or someone that is: unstoppable.

Sunday October 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: Mrs. Indestructible.

Saturday October 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: Mr. Invisible.

Friday October 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the source.

Thursday October 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: delusions of grandeur.

Wednesday October 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about a: party of four.

Tuesday October 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the lunatic fringe.

Monday October 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: inching closer.

Sunday October 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the enclave.

Saturday October 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the witch's brew.

Friday October 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about a: cornucopia.

Thursday October 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: setting sail.

Wednesday October 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: stuffing.

Tuesday October 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the pilgrim.

Monday October 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the feast.

Sunday October 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Since I finally managed to add to September's entry, let us move on to October's edition of Empires.

Saturday October 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: tidbits.

Friday October 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: when dark meets light.

Thursday October 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: little helpers.

Wednesday October 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: disbelief.

Tuesday October 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: tipping the scales.

Monday October 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about being: overindulgent.

Sunday September 30th, 2018

The exercise:

The week of -ists concludes with a request to write about: the numerologist.

Saturday September 29th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the physicist.

Friday September 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the psychologist.

Thursday September 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the meteorologist.

Wednesday September 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the biologist.

Tuesday September 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku (or not, if you're going to try to tie this week's prompts into a story) about: the chemist.

Monday September 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the machinist.

Not sure how tie it all together-able this week will be. But we shall see.

Sunday September 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: coming soon.

In my case, consider this a heads up that a theme week begins Monday.

Saturday September 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the talent agency.

Friday September 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: crowd control.

Thursday September 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: wild dogs.

Wednesday September 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a sketch artist.

Tuesday September 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: first-timers.

Monday September 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the coach.

Sunday September 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something which is: brazen.

Saturday September 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the tree house.

Friday September 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: turbulence.

Had a bit of a bouncy flight to Calgary. The return was much smoother, despite dire warnings on the ground from the pilot about weather conditions in Calgary and a jet stream that had caused some bumpy flights already that day.

Thursday September 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about a: predicament.

Wednesday September 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: too fancy.

That was the general consensus on our rental minivan in Calgary. Keyless ignition (which was quite nice once I had it figured out, but I would've gotten us out of the airport much quicker if I'd simply had a dang key), automatic shutoff at red lights, automatic sliding doors, a knob on the dash for gear changes instead of a stick (that took a while to get used to), a monitor on the dash that showed what was going on behind me whenever I was in reverse (I still prefer actually turning my head and seeing for myself, though it was nice to see how close I was getting to other vehicles getting out of parking spots), and on and on.

It was kinda nice to drive home from the Penticton airport in our regular, boring old minivan. Though Max has decided he prefers the 'Calgary van'.

Tuesday September 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: climbing.

Monday September 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: witnesses.

Sunday September 9th, 2018

The exercise:

It's time for September's entry into the Empires saga.

Saturday September 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about being: on auto pilot.

Friday September 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: connecting the dots.

We're flying off to Calgary to visit my sister Sue, brother-in-law Jake, and friends until Monday. See you when we get back!

Thursday September 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the sales pitch.

Wednesday September 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the learning plan.

Back to home schooling time for Max, officially. I think grade one is going to be a pretty fun year for him.

Tuesday September 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the rental.

Monday September 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the brood.

Sunday September 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a breath of fresh air.

Saturday September 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem that has something to do with being: misinformed.

Friday August 31st, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: a new venue.

Thursday August 30th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: something in the water.

Wednesday August 29th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that has been: bent out of shape.

Tuesday August 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the complaint department.

Monday August 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the right tool for the job.

Sunday August 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write something about: the miracle of the blue sky.

That's what I'm calling it anyway.

This was taken August 18th, around 5pm, on probably the worst day for smoke around here:


This was taken around the same spot (next to our house, facing east), August 25th, about 6pm:


Also yesterday (in the garden, facing west):


Honestly can't remember the last time I saw blue sky here.

Saturday August 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: endless night.

Friday August 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that is or was: lost in the grey.

Thursday August 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about an: index.

Wednesday August 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: limited.

Tuesday August 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: smoke.

Monday August 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: burning.

Sunday August 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a change of plans.

Saturday August 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: if at first you don't succeed...

Friday August 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the new normal.

Thursday August 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: comings and goings.

Wednesday August 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the murk.

Tuesday August 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the replacement.

Monday August 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the broken lock.

Sunday August 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Let us return to Empires.

Saturday August 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: back where it all began.

Friday August 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the homecoming.

Thursday August 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: walking out the door.

New job begins... tomorrow night!

Wednesday August 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the send off.

One more day to go...

Tuesday August 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: final days.

Monday August 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: making the switch.

I've scheduled Empires for this coming Sunday, by the way. So maybe we should get to July's entry before then?

Sunday August 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: going out with a bang.

Saturday August 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: no rest for the wicked.

Friday August 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose that have something to do with: camping.

Thursday August 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: daybreak.

Wednesday August 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a moral quandary.

Day five is now complete.

Four days off, then the final stretch of four begins on Monday.

Tuesday July 31st, 2018

The exercise:

Today is the 8th anniversary of our wedding. Of course I'm working, but Kat and I will be going out to dinner (without the kids) as soon as we can manage it.

Anyway, write two haiku that have something to do with: eight.

Monday July 30th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the loophole.

Sunday July 29th, 2018

The exercise:

As promised yesterday, today we write about: pros and cons.

Probably my last in-post contribution for the foreseeable future. I'll try not to disappoint.

Mine:

So I've got a new job, just not the one I was initially hoping/aiming for. Let's have a little look at how things ended up, from my point of view.

Pro: I've got a job! A permanent, year round job!

Con: Unlike the utility worker position, it's not full time. That means no benefits.

Con: I'm missing out on the final two months of my cleaning position contract, which is a higher paying, more hours per pay period job.

Pro: No more ten hour days. No more four on, four off. In a typical week I'll work two six hour days, two four hour days, and one eight hour day.

Con: Again, that means fewer hours per paycheque.

Con: At a lower pay rate than what I'm making at Public Works. Can you see where my hesitation was in applying for this job yet?

Pro: The new job has a pay range and they're starting me at the top of it, so the pay cut is actually fairly minimal. I didn't find this out for sure though until they offered me the job.

Pro: With me working fewer hours, and on a consistent schedule, that means spending less money on babysitters and more time for Kat to book clients and promote her counselling business.

Con: It's a desk job for the most part, so I'll be fairly stationary (other than when I'm running programs with the kids, like floor hockey and basketball and whatever else they want me to do). No more walking around outside on nice days, working on my ta-aahhh, my um... fitness. Bicep curling garbage bags and stuff.

Pro: The weight room and gymnasium will be nearby on the five days a week I'll be working at the community centre. That means no excuses not to make use of them. I might even end up in better shape compared to working the cleaning job. Speaking of which...

Pro: No more cleaning public washrooms.

And... game over. But also...

Pro: The community centre has always felt the most like home to me out of the four locations within town I've worked. I like the people there a lot. This is where I'd rather be working, and I'll be doing what I'd rather be doing. That, really, was what settled things in the end for me.

Today was day eight. Only seven more work days to go before the switch.

Saturday July 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: tying it all together.

Hmm? What's going on down there? Certainly not a four line poem of any sort.

Well, haven't seen that around these parts in a while. Let's gather round and watch Marc finally explain himself...

Mine:

I have referenced what I'm about to explain in so many prompts that I could probably spend the whole night tracking them down in order to shed light on them. Instead I'll just try to hit on the major points from the past three months or so, and the past week in particular.

So let us begin with a welcome surprise. I was working at the community centre when a couple came in to use the weight room. The husband had recently retired from Public Works, the wife had retired from Town Hall but is still covering shifts through the relief pool. She'd worked that week and mentioned that she saw that I was on the newest seniority list that had just come out.

I said "You what now?"

Because I'd been told that the cleaning job would not gain me seniority. But, because I was already employed by the town before I began, it did. Wish I'd known that was the case while I was doing it, but still happy news.

Great, I can now apply for internal postings. I'm near the bottom of the list but I'm still there, waiting for a job opening.

Except I'm not just waiting. Because I spoke with the director of Public Works while covering the clerk job there and he mentioned he's got a full time, year round, permanent job awaiting budget approval. It's a utility person position and he tells me they'd like someone with plumbing and/or carpentry experience to add to the crew.

So I found an online plumbing course and finished it. Then, because the job still hasn't been posted, I do a carpentry course. And I wait. Because they've updated the job description and need union sign off on it, but the town is flooding and nobody is available to meet. So much red tape.

At long last the job is posted. I get an interview. I wait for their decision. I do not enjoy said wait. And... I don't get the job. It came down to me and one other guy, and he had more seniority.

Disappointing.

Except that guy worked at the community centre. And now his job needs to be filled. So here we go again. At least this time it's a quick turn around, as they need to replace him as fast as possible. And, surprise, the initial posting is internal only.

So I apply, expecting to get another interview. "You again" is what I figure they'll say when I walk in to the room for my second interview in as many weeks. But I'm also fairly certain that I'll be the only person with seniority to apply for the position, so it feels like the writing is on the wall. Which also makes it a little difficult to continue doing my current job. I figure the interview will be a mere formality, but I'm trying not to get overconfident.

Turns out? My interview was a phone call that mostly involved offering me the job.

I begin August 11th.

I'll get into the pros and cons tomorrow but for now... I hope it was worth the wait.

Friday July 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that is: worth the wait.

Thursday July 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a formality.

Wednesday July 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: dragging your feet.

Tuesday July 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the writing on the wall.

Monday July 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: you again?

Sunday July 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Let's complete Miles week by writing about: the mud pit.

Saturday July 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the youngest.

Friday July 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose that have something to do with: water.

Thursday July 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: honey.

This week's prompts are inspired by Miles, by the way.

The last two days? Well, he's decided that he's the only sweetie in our house. So when Kat calls me or Max sweetie he declares, quite seriously, "You not sweetie, I'm sweetie." And sometimes he adds, 'You not sweetie, you honey."

Yup.

Wednesday July 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about a: sweetie.

Tuesday July 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about something that is: mischievous.

Monday July 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the runaway.

Sunday July 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: breaking the code.

Saturday July 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: a pressure point.

Friday July 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that is: intolerable.

Thursday July 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Before July gets away from us, let us return to Empires.

Edit: Sorry this went up earlier, I guess I messed up the time. Anyway, I finally got around to adding to last month's entry.

Wednesday July 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: counting.

Tuesday July 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: falling down.

Monday July 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the magic hour.

Sunday July 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write something which takes place: in the slums.

Saturday July 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: decision day.

Friday July 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: while we wait.

Thursday July 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the room where it happens.

Also a Hamilton song.

Wednesday July 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the stranglehold.

Tuesday July 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: red tape.

Monday July 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: everything in its right place.

Also a Radiohead song.

Sunday July 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about being: taken for a ride.

Saturday June 30th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the best case scenario.

Friday June 29th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about being: within striking distance.

Thursday June 28th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about being: a man down.

Wednesday June 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the rollover.

Tuesday June 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the worst case scenario.

Monday June 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: neither here nor there.

Sunday June 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: keeping your head down.

Saturday June 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: Moscow.

Friday June 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: a lost tourist.

Thursday June 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: taking it day by day.

Wednesday June 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something or someone that is: genuine.

Tuesday June 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: a golf caddy.

Monday June 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: boundless.

Sunday June 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Let us finish the week by writing about: breaking the mold.

Saturday June 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: tampering.

Friday June 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that is: old-fashioned.

Thursday June 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that happens: in a New York minute.

Wednesday June 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: one last time.

Tuesday June 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: the last of a dying breed.

Monday June 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: dignity.

Sunday June 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the perfect illusion.

So concludes a week of (almost entirely) Lady Gaga inspired prompts. Greg, I hope you enjoyed yourself with them, or that they at least served as a bit of a distraction while you're out there growing a new tooth.

Saturday June 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: applause.

Oh, and happy 10 year anniversary to Daily Writing Practice. The, uh, prompt was honestly not connected with this at all. I just remembered after scheduling the entire week that the blog started sometime in early June, so I looked up the actual date and then edited this post.

I feel like I'm over explaining this.

So I shall just say: thanks for being an integral part of this writing practice site. Reading your responses to my prompts is what keeps me committed to continuing on with this blog.

Friday June 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that was: born this way.

Thursday June 7th, 2018

The exercise:

We interrupt this, um, totally not a theme week, in order to return to: Empires.

Wednesday June 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a bad romance.

Tuesday June 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about a: poker face.

Monday June 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the edge of glory.

I'm scheduling Empires for Thursday, so that should force me to add to May's entry before then.

Should.

Sunday June 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

First line week draws to a close with the saying on my current favorite t-shirt: "In my defense, I was left unsupervised."

I used to wear that on Friday nights at the community centre, when I was working on my own. Now I'll sometimes bust it out when I'm working weekends with public works, as I'm the only town staff working in the afternoon.

Either way, it's an awesome shirt.

Saturday June 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

First line week, day six: "I don't think that means what you think it means."

Friday June 1st, 2018

The exercise:

First line week continues as we enter June, the 2018 edition. Begin your writing with: "Madam, for the last time: that is not for sale!"

Thursday May 31st, 2018

The exercise:

First line week continues as you begin your writing with: "On the matter at hand, I have some thoughts that I'd like to share."

Wednesday May 30th, 2018

The exercise:

First line week, day three: "Sorry sir, I'm not paid enough to rescue stupid people."

Tuesday May 29th, 2018

The exercise:

First line week continues with: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Two haiku it up if you like (I tried to use the shortest opening line on my list today for those of you not wanting to skip haiku this week).

Monday May 28th, 2018

The exercise:

I've got another theme week in store - this time around it's first line prompts all week long.

Today, you writing shall begin with: "You're not allowed in here!"

Sunday May 27th, 2018

The exercise:

Let us once again end the week with some randomness. This time around, write about: Sir Norris, the not so noble knight.

Saturday May 26th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: a hidden talent.

Friday May 25th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: a clean break.

Thursday May 24th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: offline.

Wednesday May 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: online.

Tuesday May 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: ingenuity.

Monday May 21st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the swim instructor.

Sunday May 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the trinket.

Saturday May 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: consequences.

Friday May 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: ambition.

Thursday May 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: security.

Wednesday May 16th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about a: state of emergency.

It's kind of hard to get the full effect without having the reference of how things normally look around here, but I thought I'd share this picture of the (closed) washrooms at Goodman Park:


And this:


That's where people usually play beach volleyball at the main beach. The typical shoreline is out past that tree... the one out beyond the nets.

Tuesday May 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: making history.

Monday May 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about someone that is: clueless.

Sunday May 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: hiding in my eyes.

Because that's what Miles said the other day, with only the slightest indication that he might be joking, when he squeezed his eyes shut.

Saturday May 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the numbers game.

Friday May 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: a waking nightmare.

Thursday May 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that goes: hand in hand.

Wednesday May 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the cloud bridge.

Tuesday May 8th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about something that has been: rewritten.

Monday May 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Before it slips out the backdoor of my mind again, let us return to Empires.

Sunday May 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Let's end the week on a random note by writing about: a gathering of goons.

Saturday May 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: throwing caution to the wind.

Friday May 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: the original.

Thursday May 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: Father DJ.

Feel free to bring your Sister Gertrude from yesterday into this. Going by their names alone, I feel like they should make an interesting pairing...

Wednesday May 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: Sister Gertrude.

Tuesday May 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: a sensation.

Monday April 30th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: learning to fly.

No special themes this week, just a bunch of random prompts. Enjoy the return to... normal?

Sunday April 29th, 2018

The exercise:

The final day of On Location Week asks for writing which takes place at: the back of beyond.

Saturday April 28th, 2018

The exercise:

On Location Week, day six, asks for a four line poem (or not, you know the drill by now) which takes place at: the dinosaur festival.

Friday April 27th, 2018

The exercise:

On Location Week, day five. Write four lines of prose (or more, if you're trying to tie this week together) which take place in: a parking lot.

Thursday April 26th, 2018

The exercise:

On Location Week, day four. Write something that takes place at: Goat Skull Ranch.

Wednesday April 25th, 2018

The exercise:

On Location Week day three requests that you write something which takes place at: the open house.

Tuesday April 24th, 2018

The exercise:

On Location Week continues with something that takes place at: the paint shop.

Feel free to two haiku them or not. I kinda skipped haiku, prose, and poetry days last week but if you're not trying to tie a story together this week then it should be easier to manage them this go around.

Monday April 23rd, 2018

The exercise:

Going to do another theme week of sorts starting today. For the next seven days all prompts will be location based. You can try to tie them all together but, looking at my list here, I'd say that would be... rather difficult. Well, it'd be easier if I ordered them differently, but I'm not so... up to you if you feel up to the challenge.

Also: all but one of them were inspired, at least in part, by something that happened during my first four days back at work. See if you can determine which location is the odd one out. I'll share the inspiration for each prompt at the end of the week.

Anyway. Let us begin On Location Week with something that takes place: on a rooftop.

Sunday April 22nd, 2018

The exercise:

Nirvana Week draws to its conclusion with: Heart-Shaped Box.

Saturday April 21st, 2018

The exercise:

The penultimate day of Nirvana Week brings: Endless, Nameless.

Friday April 20th, 2018

The exercise:

Nirvana Week, day five: All Apologies.

Thursday April 19th, 2018

The exercise:

Nirvana Week continues on with: Something In The Way.

Wednesday April 18th, 2018

The exercise:

Nirvana Week, day three: In Bloom.

Tuesday April 17th, 2018

The exercise:

Day two of Nirvana Week brings with it: Come As You Are.

Monday April 16th, 2018

The exercise:

First day back at Public Works. To celebrate, I bring you: Nirvana Week.

Seven days, seven different Nirvana songs as prompts. Connect them if you wish - that was my intention when I made the selections - or take them on individually. Either way, I hope you have fun.

Let us begin with: About A Girl

Sunday April 15th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about something that is: crumpled.

Saturday April 14th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about a: homebody.

Friday April 13th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about something that is: unlucky.

It's been a busy week (more on that in the comments), but that's still no excuse for me not mentioning that yesterday was Miles' second birthday. Here's a picture from a couple days ago in an attempt to make up for it:


It's been a cold spring so far but the apricot blossoms are finally in full bloom.

Thursday April 12th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the minefield.

Wednesday April 11th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the bunker.

Tuesday April 10th, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: optimism.

Monday April 9th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the watchdog.

Sunday April 8th, 2018

The exercise:

It's time for the April installment of Empires.

Might take me a day or two to get to this, so feel free to start without me.

Saturday April 7th, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the delegation.

Friday April 6th, 2018

The exercise:

Write four lines of prose about: boundaries.

Thursday April 5th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: a perfect ending.

Because this.

Wednesday April 4th, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: the pub crawl.

Tuesday April 3rd, 2018

The exercise:

Write two haiku about: repairs.

Monday April 2nd, 2018

The exercise:

Write something that takes place: in the courtroom.

Sunday April 1st, 2018

The exercise:

Write about: playing the fool.

Saturday March 31st, 2018

The exercise:

Write a four line poem about: the Easter Bunny.

Also: a very happy birthday to my lovely wife Kat.