The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: going out with a bang.
You're welcome, Greg.
Happy new year, everyone!
Thursday December 30th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a vision.
Almost done with 2021. Looking forward to what the new year will bring.
Saturday December 25th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: and to all a good night.
And thus concludes Christmas Week, 2021. Tomorrow commences the week of every single year in which I never know what day it is.
Friday December 24th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: reindeer and ribbons.
Merry Christmas to those of you reading this in the morning. I'm off work until January 4th and I'm looking forward to the break. Then I'll have maybe a week left of work in Osoyoos (if I end up taking my last three days as vacation) before starting my new job in Penticton.
I hope Santa is as generous to all of you as he's already been to me.
Wednesday December 22nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write something which addresses the question: is it better to give or receive?
Tuesday December 21st, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: the magic of Christmas.
Feel free to ignore Two Haiku Tuesday if that helps with the (I guess it's officially happening now) Christmas theme week story you're working on.
Brought the boys home after work today. They had a great time but were definitely tired. Thankfully they both fell asleep early tonight.
Monday December 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the ringing of the bells.
The boys are having a sleepover with Kat's parents tonight. Max is old hat at it, but this is Miles' first one. Which means this is the first night we've been away from both of them since Miles was born.
We talked to them on the phone before their bedtime and all seemed well. Feeling pretty confident that there won't be any issues.
Kat and I took the opportunity to have dinner out and then watched a horrible cheese ball of a Christmas movie on Netflix. I can honestly say that I don't remember what it was called.
Anyway, it has not been a typical Monday night around here, to say the least.
Sunday December 19th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: an early present.
We'll see if this develops into a theme week or not. I just wanted to use something that would be appropriate for what I have to share and also for the holiday season.
Mine:
It's been a long and winding road (twice a day, five days a week) to get here, but on Thursday morning I finally got the news I have been wanting to hear since February. Well, even before that, really.
Anyway! I received a job offer from the Regional District whose offices are... drum roll please... here in Penticton!
Since moving to Penticton this was actually the third job I'd interviewed for, but closest to home. In April I met with the Town of Oliver for their receptionist / clerk position - basically what I'm doing for the Town of Osoyoos right now. It was a bit of a shock when I didn't get it. That would have cut twenty minutes each way off my commute.
At just about the same time I was going through the interview process with the District of Summerland for a position with their recreation department - pretty similar to what I had been doing at Osoyoos' community centre. They had a huge number of people apply, I made it into the final three, they 'agonized' over the final decision, and... gave it to somebody else. That would have cut thirty minutes each way off my commute.
It was a pretty harsh double whammy to my self-confidence.
Since then it was a pretty dry spell for suitable municipal job openings - I only applied for two other postings and didn't hear anything back from either of them. One with the City of Penticton, the other with the Regional District (for a position I was admittedly not fully qualified for... but hey, didn't hurt to try, right?).
Anyway, I was pretty excited when this posting came out as it felt, again, pretty similar to what I'm currently doing for Osoyoos. I interviewed on December 10th and felt like it went really well. At first, obviously. The next six days were a roller coaster of 'it went terribly' and 'I've totally got this' and 'they must have offered it to someone else' and 'no, this one is mine, it's my turn'.
So when I got the call Thursday morning it was a huge relief. It's a clerk position supporting the board of directors, which consists of 19 members. It's a much larger organization (my department will be 10 people as opposed to the 4 it currently is in Osoyoos, and the 2 that it was for much of the last year and a half) so there's more room for growth. And it will take forty minutes off my commute. Each way. Five days a week.
I start January 17th and I am counting down the days.
Saturday December 18th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: the reason.
For the season, or some other reason - you know I'm not picky.
One week until Christmas(!). Might have to get things going in a festive direction tomorrow. We shall see.
Friday December 17th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the in between.
The boys' Christmas school break started today, so I brought them down to Osoyoos to hang out at the farm while I worked. On the drive home, the following conversation took place when we were outside of Osoyoos and well away from passing through Oliver.
Miles: Are we in Oliver yet?
Me: No.
Miles: Are we in Oliver yet?
Max: No! We're in the in between!
Tuesday December 14th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: the Christmas concert.
The boys' school Christmas concert was this evening and it went really well. Especially proud of Max, as he shared narrator duties with the rest of his grade 3/4 class and totally nailed his (memorized) part.
And Miles was adorable in his cow costume, so wins all around.
Sunday December 12th, 2021
The exercise:
I think it's time to finish off 2021's yearlong prompt, so let us do so with a festive edition of The East Wallingford Gazette.
Saturday December 11th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about something that occurs: at the gates.
Tuesday December 7th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: a snow day.
Link, for those unfamiliar with the term. Took one yesterday because there was no way I was dealing with the roads and other drivers after the amount of snow we got overnight Sunday. I think Kat told me about a three car accident just south of Penticton about five minutes after I told work I was staying home.
Went in today and it was mostly fine on the way there and totally fine on the drive home.
Now I just have to pretend that they're not calling for more snow later this week.
Wednesday December 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write something inspired by the phrase: speak of the devil.
Not something I say very often, but I did today and then pretty much immediately thought it would make for a good prompt.
Tuesday November 30th, 2021
The exercise:
Let's complete the haiku trio with two about: the wardrobe.
Max has recently discovered the Chronicles of Narnia, in case you're wondering about the source of the inspiration for the last three week's worth of haiku prompts.
Saturday November 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem that has something to do with feeling: uneasy.
Thursday November 18th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the damage.
Honestly having trouble wrapping my head around how much repair work will need to be done to the highways linking us to the coast.
Wednesday November 17th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about being: blinded by the light.
Sunrise on the way to work. Headlights on the way home. Not enjoying the commute right now.
Friday November 12th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the skeleton crew.
Only three of us (out of nine) in the office today. That's what happens when a stat holiday falls on a Thursday. I don't blame those who took the day off - if I had any vacation time left I would have done the same.
Monday November 8th, 2021
The exercise:
Let's see what the penultimate edition of the East Wallingford Gazette has in store for us.
Sunday November 7th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something that has to do with the number: nine.
Max celebrated his ninth birthday today. The four of us went for a nice hike in the morning, bowling with the farm family in the afternoon, and lots of much appreciated presents topped things off quite nicely.
Monday November 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: so soon?
In unrelated news, apparently it's November now.
Sunday October 31st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: an office Halloween party.
Happy Halloween from Police Officer Miles and Vampire Monster Max.
(I did get a picture but it was just as kids were starting to arrive and they were both more focused on being ready to hand out candy than posing for the photo)
Wednesday October 27th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the cut.
Took the day off so that I could go skating with the boys and their school this afternoon. Chaotic, good fun that was. They took the bus there with their classmates and I drove them back afterward.
Greg - I noticed your comments about Blogger being difficult. All of your attempted comments show up in the dashboard, though I think some were marked as spam for some reason (it's not particularly easy to tell what's what in there). Anyway, I've published one that I think covers what's missing, but if there's another one that needs freeing from the spam cage let me know.
Tuesday October 26th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: birthdays.
In general or, you know, mine in particular.
(Work was a trial today, but the evening with my family was excellent and the cake was delicious.)
Friday October 22nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the complainer.
Some people, you guys. Some. People.
Anyway. It's the weekend! Hurray!
Thursday October 21st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the papers.
Inspired by Max going on a deep dive with origami for the last week or so.
Wednesday October 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Now that I've finally added to last month's edition, it's time to get to the October edition of the East Wallingford Gazette.
Tuesday October 19th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: October.
The best month, in case you were wondering.
Friday October 15th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose which take place: under a streetlight.
Thursday October 14th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: playing catch up.
I've been running behind all week at work after the three day weekend. Finally got close just before end of day today, so hopefully tomorrow is a little more manageable.
Wednesday October 13th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about something or someone that is: back in action.
The Vancouver Canucks' season began this evening. Not sure what to expect from them this year, but hoping for the best.
Sunday October 10th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: dinner.
Thanksgiving dinner at the farm this evening. Full of turkey and pumpkin pie now. Mmm.
Tuesday October 5th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku epitaphs.
I'll even join in this time.
Mine:
Here I lie sleeping
For all of eternity...
Keep it down, will ya?
* * *
Dear Doug did not go
Gently into that good night -
Ignorance echoes...
Monday September 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the election.
Another Federal Election, another minority Liberal government for Canada. As I said last time around, anything is better than the Conservatives leading our government in any way, shape, or form.
Also: so far the local candidate I voted for looks to be getting re-elected as well. So... as good as things could reasonably be expected to go, I'd say.
Saturday September 18th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about something that is: uncovered.
Monday September 13th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a busybody.
But not like... well, interpret it as you wish. The inspiration, however, was Max's busy day: full day of school, followed by a dentist appointment, followed by his first Taekwondo class since June, followed by a couple hours with a babysitter.
Not to forget Miles, who also did the school (his first full day) and babysitter parts.
Anyway. They both did great today. Hopefully they fell asleep early enough this evening for tomorrow to be manageable.
Sunday September 12th, 2021
The exercise:
I do believe September's edition of The East Wallingford Gazette is due to arrive right... about... now.
In other news, we went down to Osoyoos this afternoon to celebrate Natalie's 10th birthday. Which can only mean that Max's 9th birthday is lurking somewhere nearby...
Friday September 10th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: a cerebral celebration.
It's late, I'm tired, it just popped into my head and I liked the way it sounded. I would apologize, but I trust you to be capable of dealing with my nonsense at this point.
Tuesday September 7th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: first impressions.
Both boys enjoyed school this morning, which is a great way to start the year. Max switches to full days starting tomorrow while Miles gets half days for the rest of the week.
Monday September 6th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a first.
Miles' first day of kindergarten and Max's first day at his new school are both tomorrow. Conveniently, they will both be in the same building, so hopefully that helps... well, them both out. Half day to start, so they're getting eased into it at any rate.
Sunday September 5th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the fishing trip.
Met up with the farm family at Kettle River for an end of summer get together. All the kids tried their hand at fishing in the river but nobody caught anything - other than a few sticks.
Wednesday September 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about something that is: unbelievable.
Like, I don't know, the fact that it's September already...
Monday August 30th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something to do with: the record player.
Work was hectic but manageable. Almost caught up by the end of day, I think. We'll see tomorrow.
Sunday August 29th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: on second thought...
Feeling more rested. Still don't want to go to work tomorrow.
Saturday August 28th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: another way.
Back home. Tired. Grateful I have a full day here tomorrow before having to return to work on Monday.
Thursday August 26th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a late night tournament.
This late post brought to you by a Scrabble game with my mom that took significantly longer than either of us expected.
First leg of the journey home begins tomorrow.
Tuesday August 24th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: crabs.
Crab hunting at the beach this afternoon was pretty successful. Also collected a whole lot of shells.
Monday August 23rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write something which takes place at: the beach.
Arrived at my parents' house just before five this afternoon. Have already been to the beach twice today - once this evening and once this afternoon at the ferry terminal while we waited for our sailing.
Friday August 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about something that is: long overdue.
We're hitting the road tomorrow for our first proper family vacation in a very long time. I'm taking all of next week off so that we can visit my parents on Vancouver Island, with stops in Vancouver on the way there and the way back.
I'm going to schedule a few posts to help keep things relatively sane, but I expect once we arrive in Comox on Monday I'll be able to keep on top of things here without too much trouble.
Very much looking forward to this. It's been much too long since I was last on the Island.
Monday August 16th, 2021
The exercise:
Well, this is embarrassing. Apparently I've only used this prompt once, way back in November of 2017. The embarrassing part being my intention to make it a somewhat regular prompt and, obviously, failing utterly in that regard.
But allow me to begin to make amends by taking this opportunity to present you with another opening scenario for you to take where you wish:
The Grey Woods were a magical place. This was no secret. All of the villagers understood the power of the place; some even dared to use it to their own advantage. Most, however, preferred to let the Woods be, hoping that the Woods would in turn ignore their existence.
Visitors to the village were warned, in no uncertain terms, to stay well clear of the Woods. Though some had more questions than others, and some had images of secret, hidden treasures swirling in their imaginations, all heeded the warnings.
Well, almost all.
Sunday August 15th, 2021
The exercise:
Let us try to get things a little closer to being on track and hit up the August edition of The East Wallingford Gazette today.
Thursday August 12th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about something that is: atypical.
Inspired by the fantastic Netflix show. Kat and I finished the series last night and while we both wish there was another season, the ending was pretty much perfect.
Tuesday August 10th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: wildfire fighters.
The three wildfires in our area continue to burn out of control. I can only imagine how tired those crews are.
Saturday August 7th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: focus.
Or, you know, something else that might be gained through attaining clarity.
Friday August 6th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: surprise clear skies.
We had a much appreciated reprieve from the smoke today, in both Penticton and Osoyoos. Even had a little bit of rain as I was driving home.
Tuesday August 3rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about something that is: esoteric.
For a Tuesday following a long weekend, that was a pretty reasonable day of work.
Monday August 2nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write something which takes place in: the outback.
We braved the smoke (and reinstated mask mandate for the Central Okanagan due to a rise in cases there) and took the boys on a drive to visit Kangaroo Creek Farm this morning.
Well worth the trouble. Spent a few hours there dodging people and feeding animals, then grabbed some lunch to go on the way back and ate it in a park. Much better than sitting around here in the smoke all day.
Back to work tomorrow, after a much needed long weekend.
Sunday August 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: wishing for rain.
Well, it did rain here today, which is good. Doesn't look like it was enough to make much of a difference to the surrounding wildfires though, which is... less good.
Saturday July 31st, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: a battle.
Kat and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary by taking the boys for a drive up to Apex Mountain to go for a hike and try to escape the smoke for a little while. Mission mostly successful.
They are calling for rain tomorrow. It is our intention, as a family, to do a celebratory rain dance in the back yard.
Friday July 30th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: an intersection of possibilities.
Thursday July 29th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about something: fresh.
Pretty tired of the smoke, you guys.
Wednesday July 28th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: golfing.
A friend of Kat's is in town for a few days with her family. We met up with them at the beach last night but I stayed home tonight because I am old and get tired easily and two work nights in a row is too much for me.
Anyway, they went mini golfing at LocoLanding, so that's where the prompt was uncovered.
Sunday July 25th, 2021
The exercise:
A little late hitting the streets this month, but still ahead of deadline: it's time for another issue of the East Wallingford Gazette.
Saturday July 24th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: recognition.
Feeling mostly recovered today, just the occasional headache. So of course the wildfire smoke came rolling in late afternoon...
At least it cleared up fairly quickly and we could breathe relatively fresh air before the boys went to bed.
Friday July 23rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: a pittance.
Fun word that just popped into my head a few minutes ago.
Thursday July 22nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: side effects.
Well, that wasn't a fun day. Did manage to avoid throwing up, so that was a plus. The chills and headaches will get a hard pass next time from me though. Not that, hopefully, there will be a next time.
Just gotta keep telling myself it's worth it.
Wednesday July 21st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: doubling down.
Got my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination this afternoon. In Penticton. Because my appointment for this morning in Osoyoos was cancelled due to the wildfire.
Wildfires?
Either way.
They are expecting high winds this evening and overnight, so there is some concern about what that will do to the fires. Fingers crossed things don't get too crazy.
Tuesday July 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: an emergency.
Oh, what fun we're having around here these days. (If that link doesn't work, just go here and have a scroll through the recent news - 90% of it will likely be related to wildfires)
As I write this, a portion of Osoyoos is on evacuation alert, but no evacuation orders have been given within the town. Surrounding properties have been given the order to go, including some friends we have on Anarchist Mountain who literally got the notice while we were on a video call with them this evening.
Looking forward to another day of phone calls from locals and tourists alike tomorrow.
Monday July 19th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: night and day.
A new wildfire sparked between Osoyoos and Oliver shortly before I left work this afternoon. It grew rapidly and was spewing some pretty significant smoke as I was driving home. This resulted in what felt like night time to my left, where the sun was struggling to be seen through the smoke, and day time to my right, where blue sky could still be seen.
It also resulted in my car being covered with ash at 9 pm where it is parked, on the north side of our town house, in Penticton, despite the blaze burning some 50 km to the south.
I mean, there's also the huge fire burning near Okanagan Falls 20 km to the south, but I'm fairly confident this is from the new one.
Thursday July 15th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about a: victory.
After a week and a half of nightly attempts, last night I finally trapped the rat that had decided to share our home with us.
Now I can maybe focus on other things again. Like possibly attempting to catch up on comments...
Sunday July 4th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the smashing machine.
Not, oddly enough, inspired by either of my children.
Friday July 2nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the first thing you need to know.
Survived the final day of property taxes. It was actually the slowest day of the week, but I think my average time per call was the longest - funny how the most difficult and/or complicated people wait until the last second to pay.
Also the heat is starting to lessen, and everyone is grateful for that. Still looking at plenty of beach time this weekend, but that's okay. Especially when it won't be out of desperation.
Thursday July 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about being: lost in time.
Thursday holidays are so weird. I felt like I had no idea what day it was for most of the day.
But don't get me wrong - I'm still pretty happy to get the day as a break before deadline day for property taxes.
Wednesday June 30th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: burning.
This heat, you guys. Tonight was the first night we didn't go to the beach to cool off since Saturday, and that was only because none of us could be bothered.
Thankfully we should be past the worst of it now, with things starting to gradually cool off. Maybe it won't reach 40 tomorrow? That would be nice.
Tuesday June 29th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: hell on earth.
Sorry, too hot for clever prompts.
Monday June 28th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: counting.
Three work days left (Thursday is Canada Day) until the property tax deadline hits. Not that anybody in the office is, well, you know.
Sunday June 27th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the beach.
Spent most of the weekend at the beach, including having dinner and time in the lake the last two evenings. Gotta beat the heat somehow.
Friday June 25th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: under the dome.
I feel like, as an adult, I am quite regularly hearing weather terms that I never knew about as a child.
Also? I feel like the similarity to Thunderdome is entirely intentional.
Thursday June 24th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something that has to do with: a full moon.
It's remarkable how different work is when the moon is full, as it was today. Particularly when combined with property tax season (deadline is July 2nd, so only a week to go... until people start getting their overdue notices...).
Tuesday June 22nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: under the stars.
Hot enough today that the boys fell asleep in the backyard tonight, as per the prompt.
Monday June 21st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: crossing over.
I've been writing short (started out as just over a page, then closer to two full pages, and now the last few have been three full pages...) stories for the boys that I read to them on Sunday night. I pushed last night's to tonight because of Father's Day distractions, but I'm pretty pleased that it took until week nine for me to miss the scheduled night.
Anyway. I wrote a Harry Potter story for this week, with a little Lord of the Rings reference slipped in. Thus, your prompt.
Sunday June 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a father figure.
Happy Father's Day, the Canadian version, to any dad's out there reading this. We had a nice, sunny day for it here, with the farm family coming to our home for a backyard dinner this evening.
Tuesday June 15th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: Luke Skywalker.
Star Wars, the boys' other current obsession.
Sunday June 13th, 2021
The exercise:
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The June Edition of The East Wallingford Gazette is fresh off the press!
Thursday June 10th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the tree house.
Magic or otherwise. Max is polishing those books off pretty much as fast as we can get them from the library. Miles likes having them read to him as well.
Wednesday June 9th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the mutation.
Starting to get impatient. Don't know how much longer I'm supposed to wait before my vaccine superpowers kick in.
Tuesday June 8th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: Gollum.
Boys are on a Lord of the Rings kick, so there have been many, many questions recently. A fair amount of them pertaining to this guy.
Monday June 7th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the shot.
Received my first vaccine dose this afternoon. So far only a bit sore, but I'm still holding out hope for a third arm.
Sunday June 6th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: going to the waterfall.
Had a bit more of a hike with Kat this morning than we'd intended, as we explored the Naramata Creek Falls trail. Trails? I dunno. Either way we managed to make a few wrong turns.
Beautiful spot though, and I'm happy to have explored it before taking the boys with us.
Saturday June 5th, 2021
The exercise:
Following up on last week's prompt, write a four line poem about: finders, keepers.
Friday June 4th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about something that takes place at: the storyteller's house.
Friday May 28th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: a murmuring mountain.
Because screw it, why not.
Thursday May 27th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a roaring river.
Theme developing? Or just me being lazy?
Who's to say.
Wednesday May 26th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a whispering wind.
Miles is all the way better now, by the way. He was mostly in the clear over the weekend but he's back to full health again, I'm happy to report.
Sunday May 23rd, 2021
The exercise:
For the first time since we moved to Penticton, we got a babysitter for the boys this afternoon so that Kat and I could go for a hike together. Before we left Miles asked me to take pictures of everything we saw, so that he wouldn't miss out I suppose, so I ended up with a lot of pictures.
Which got me to thinking that it's been a bit since I last used the picture prompt. So... today, the below shot from our hike is your prompt:
Write something inspired by it, or that takes place there - up to you.
Friday May 21st, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the darkest hour.
Arrived at work this morning to find that the power was out. Only lasted another ten or fifteen minutes before it was restored, which was pretty impressive considering the cause.
Tuesday May 18th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: searching.
Took a few tries to get the last bit of medication we needed for Miles, but I found a pharmacy that had it in stock eventually.
Monday May 17th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the infection.
Long day, ended with best possible news. Miles has a minor infection that should clear up in a couple of days, with a little medication to help things along.
Thursday May 13th, 2021
The exercise:
We should check in with the Gazette to see what's been happening in East Wallingford before we get too far into the month.
So... let's do that.
Monday May 10th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the gift.
Finished putting together a raised bed in our backyard this evening. Just need to get some more soil and it'll be ready for vegetable seeds and seedlings.
Was meant to be a Mother's Day gift for Kat but didn't quite make the deadline. So instead it is a Day After Mother's Day gift.
Monday May 3rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: new technology.
Got a FreeStyle Libre yesterday to test out for a couple of weeks. So far? It's nice to be able to test so easily without any finger pricks.
It is also a little odd to feel like I'm part robot.
Saturday May 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem around the idea that: the only way out is through.
Hard to believe it's May already.
Thursday April 29th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the taxman.
Filing deadline is tomorrow.
Bet you'll never guess what I'm working on tonight...
Wednesday April 28th, 2021
The exercise:
It's been too long. Write some unfavorable comparisons.
I'll join in. Eventually. I'm bound to catch up on comments at some point.
Right?
Monday April 12th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something that has to do with the number: five.
In utterly unrelated news, Miles turned five today.
Sunday April 11th, 2021
The exercise:
I think it's about time for our monthly check-in with the East Wallingford Gazette.
Tuesday April 6th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: back to reality.
Why do Tuesdays after four day weekends suck so much?
I mean, I know why, but like... whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhy?
Monday April 5th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a disappearance.
Back to work tomorrow. Sort of already, but it does feel like it's been a decent break.
Sunday April 4th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the puzzle maker.
Pieces of the puzzle finally starting to fall into place here. Found someone who wants the pavers currently residing in our backyard (we're going to replace them with sod) and I'll be picking up a kitchen cupboard for badly needed extra storage after work on Tuesday.
Saturday April 3rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: signs of hope.
Or a lack thereof, as the case may be.
Friday April 2nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the Easter Bunny retirement party.
Looks like Fridays are just open season on strange prompts.
Thursday April 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about a: holiday weekend.
Very much looking forward to this four day weekend.
Wednesday March 31st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about something that is: spicy.
Wishing my wife Kat the happiest of birthdays. New provincial health orders - announced Monday and which came into effect today - prevented us from dining out, but we were able to get take out from a Thai restaurant just around the corner from us.
Was very good, if a little on the spicy side for the boys.
Sunday March 28th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something which takes place: in the garden.
Took the boys to see the Japanese Garden in Penticton this morning - they were pretty excited to see the many, colorful koi fish in the pond.
Friday March 26th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: an unusual courtship.
I dunno, I'm tired. Long week needed an oddball prompt to finish it off. Or something.
Friday March 19th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose which take place at: the recording studio.
Sunday March 14th, 2021
The exercise:
I don't know that the citizens of East Wallingford would care about Pi Day, but maybe one or two of them would?
Regardless, it's time for our monthly check-in on the town via the East Wallingford Gazette.
Tuesday March 9th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: reconnecting.
Been making an effort the last few days to get back in touch with friends that I've lost contact with. Feels good.
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: the nanny.
We've hired a part-time nanny for the boys so that Kat can actually get some work done during the day. She started last week and it's going pretty well so far, for everybody.
Monday March 1st, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: a flood.
Work was very, very busy this morning. It was like somebody decided to see how many things that needed my immediate attention could they find to throw at me at once.
Sunday February 28th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something that has to do with the question: are we there yet?
Tuesday February 23rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: Lego.
Max and Miles are enjoying their latest Star Wars sets, a late Christmas present from their Aunt Nicky.
To be clear, only late because I sat on the gift certificates she sent them until after we moved. There was enough going on already between the end of the year and now.
Tuesday February 16th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku that have something to do with: secondhand.
Bought a used storage cabinet for the upstairs bathroom today. Still need to find a small pantry for additional storage space in the kitchen, as well as another light fixture for the living room and maybe a small dresser for our bedroom.
Getting there.
Monday February 15th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: clearing the air.
Back to work tomorrow. Not as much accomplished this weekend as I would have liked, but I suppose that's often the case.
Sunday February 14th, 2021
The exercise:
Love is in the air.
So why not have a special Valentine's Day edition of the East Wallingford Gazette?
Saturday February 13th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: scratching the surface.
Almost managed to get the boys' room organized this afternoon. Ran out of steam, but should be close enough that I can finish tomorrow.
Friday February 12th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about an: unconscious habit.
Three day weekend, as Monday is Family Day here in BC. Looking forward to having some extra time to finish settling in.
And extra time with the family.
I guess.
Wednesday February 10th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: bob and weave.
Which, really, just sounds like names. So, alternatively, write about: Bob and Weave.
Tuesday February 9th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: timing.
Turns out, if I leave the house a little later than planned, the commute only takes 45 minutes.
Going to wake up a few minutes earlier tomorrow...
Monday February 8th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the drive.
First Penticton to Osoyoos commute tomorrow morning.
I suspect coffee will be involved.
Sunday February 7th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the walls.
Boxes are empty. But so are the walls.
Maybe work on that tomorrow.
If we can ever decide on how we want the living room arranged.
Saturday February 6th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: a truth.
Getting there. Tomorrow will get us closer. Well, everything should be out of boxes at least.
Friday February 5th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: the moving company.
We're in our home, at last.
Things went relatively smoothly today. We'll spend the weekend getting as much stuff out of boxes and setup as we can.
But for right now, I'm grateful for a place to call our own, that the boys are excited to be here, and that tonight we all get to sleep in our own beds for the first time in over five months.
Thursday February 4th, 2021
The exercise:
Write something that has to do with the number: four.
Because a four day weekend is absolutely what I'm focused on at the moment.
Oh, hey. Moving day is tomorrow. Not sure if I've mentioned that already or not.
Wednesday February 3rd, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: taking turns.
Hot water tank is in. Our turn next.
Tuesday February 2nd, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: the plumber.
New hot water tank is getting installed tomorrow morning. Happy to get that done before we're there full time.
Sunday January 31st, 2021
The exercise:
The end of our last weekend in Osoyoos. The end of the first month of the year. Tomorrow Kat will bring the boys to get the keys and move a van-ful of stuff into our new home - mostly kitchen boxes we pulled out of storage yesterday.
A day that seemed so far away in mid-November is now fast approaching.
Write about: don't blink or you'll miss it.
Saturday January 30th, 2021
The exercise:
Write a four line poem about: last Saturday night.
Yeah, it's going to be a real subtle week. No apologies, just putting it out there up front.
Friday January 29th, 2021
The exercise:
Write four lines of prose about: signing on the dotted line.
Everything has been signed now, as of this afternoon. We get the keys Monday morning. So we're officially into the lasts now.
Welcome to our last Friday night at Kat's parents house.
Tuesday January 26th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: the lawyer.
We finally have an appointment with our lawyer for this Friday to sign the papers that need signing for the completion of that house buying thing we're doing.
Took a lot of phone calls.
A lot.
Monday January 25th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: one week.
Because we get the keys to our home in one week. Moving day is a week this Friday.
Tickity tockity.
Wednesday January 20th, 2021
The exercise:
Write about: the dawning of a new day.
I'd say things went as well as anyone could have hoped today.
Well, anybody with a heart. Or brain. Or soul.
Anyway. Onward and upward, America.
Tuesday January 19th, 2021
The exercise:
Write two haiku about: vigilance.
No idea what to expect down south tomorrow, but I will hope for the best.
Thursday January 14th, 2021
The exercise:
The yearlong prompts began eight (!) years ago with Mejaran. Vancouver Irrealis followed in 2014, with The Colony hot on its heels. Then came House of Mercy in 2016, The Dream Kingdom in 2017, and Empires in 2018.
I switched things up in 2019 with The Yearlong Poem before being utterly unable to avoid the yearlong pun of Hindsight in 2020.
Now that 2021 has arrived, Greg is bringing us back to something that began on the site where we first met, the now defunct Protagonize. Below he's provided a synopsis of what we're in for and he'll follow that with the first entry.
Though, to be fair, I've given him no warning whatsoever that I'm posting this tonight, so I hope he's got an article ready to go!
Also: I'm quite looking forward to joining in on this, as I never contributed to the original story.
Anyway. Without further ado, allow Greg to introduce those of you who may be unfamiliar with it to: The East Wallingford Gazette.
Synopsis:
The East Wallingford Gazette was the inspiration of its Chief, and only, Editor Archi_Teuthis and launched itself on Protagonize during the site's heydey. Many of the regulars on Protagonize took the opportunity to volunteer as journalists for the paper and the small town of East Wallingford, its competitiveness with West Wallingford, and its somewhat dysfunctional political system were explored through an expanding series of articles.
The Gazette championed East Wallingford at every opportunity, remarking on how its fire service rescued cats, reporting on sporting events with West Wallingford, and charting the dismal progress of Mayoral candidate Milton Stilton and his ongoing court case against his parents for his name. There was nothing too small or insignificant for the Gazette to send out a reporter and find more details of, and it was a veritable journalistic light in the modern media darkness.
When approached for comment, Editor in Command Archi_Teuthis said only that she felt that passing control over to Eloosive placed the paper into secure hands and that she expected the high journalistic standards to be maintained, and that labour relations were no longer her problem and she would continue not paying contributors for as long as she lived.
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