Neuroplasticity We have well-worn neural pathways that help us get through routine activities without having to think about the details of each one. For example: Driving to a destination and arriving without having remembered every detail on the route. When that neural pathway gets interrupted, there is an opportunity for: Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to form new connections and neural pathways. That change of habit can enrich perspectives: The way we look at our world, the way we meet challenges, and problem solve. Prompt #1 Set the scene. Choose a fairytale character, a fictional character you create, or someone from your life (this could be you): Finish the sentences: A character wants ___________________________ To get it, character needs to ____________________ But (obstacles) ______________________________ What if: Neural pathway gets interrupted. An opportunity for neuroplasticity? _________ Prompt #2 Choose one path to follow Path One: Fractured Fairytales: Start with a well-known fairytale…
A Christmas Legacy
“A Christmas Legacy” reviewed by Rebecca Rosenberg. “A Christmas Legacy” by Anne Perry is a heartwarming and suspenseful historical mystery novel set in London in the late 19th century. The story follows Gracie, a former maid who is now married and has a child of her own. When her friend’s daughter, Millie, comes to her with a story about missing items from the kitchen of the household where she works, Gracie agrees to take her place for a few days to investigate. Gracie soon discovers that the couple who employs Millie are neglectful of their elderly grandmother, who lives in the upstairs bedroom. The husband and wife are hoping that the grandmother will die soon so that they can inherit her money. Gracie is determined to help Millie clear her name and to protect the grandmother from further neglect. “A Christmas Legacy” is a well-written and suspenseful mystery novel. Perry…
Grandparents . . . Prompt #742
What did you call your grandparents? Great-grandparents? If you didn’t know your grandparents, why is that? Do you know stories about them during their young years? Write about your grandparents and/or your great-grandparents. #justwrite #iamwriting #iamawriter
Intuition . . . Prompt #741
Writing Prompt: Write about a time you paid attention to your intuition. Or, a time you didn’t pay attention. Just Write! More on Intuition: Calm Your Brain. #justwrite #imawriter #iamwriting
Imagination and Mentors
Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein Guest Blogger Suzanne Murray and imagination: I’ve been asking myself, how can I best help empower others at this time of great global change. The first answer that came in the flash of inspiration was the word imagination. Einstein regularly insisted that imagination is more important than knowledge. But the thing is, it’s not just for geniuses. It’s for everyone. We have been taught to favor the rational mind at the expenses of capacities that actually can help us in amazing ways. It’s easy to reclaim. Years ago, I learned an exercise from Jean Houston, noted author, visionary and one of the founders of the human consciousness movement. It involves working with an imaginary mentor to get advice on any question that we have for any area of our life. Using our imagination and intuitive mind give…
State fairs, county fairs, bazaars . . . Prompt #740
Photo by Denisse Leon Writing Prompt: State fairs, county fairs, bazaars Where you . . . Tried your luck at winning prizes. Threw a dart to win a stuffed animal, tossed a ring to win a goldfish. Went on a dizzy, scary, gravity-defying ride. Ate fair food: Fried food, caramel covered apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, soft-serve cones. Were entertained: Music, hypnotist, magicians, stilt-walkers. Inhaled a variety of smells: Barnyard animals, food. Gazed at exhibits: 4-H crafts, fine art, photography, sculptures. Prompt: State fairs, county fairs, bazaars . . . an overabundance of sensory riches.
A building . . . Prompt #739
Write about a building that has or had meaning to you. Describe the building. Where is it? Or, where was it? Write about the energy of the building or the place. Did you like being there, or going there? If you no longer go there, would you like to go back? If you continue to go there, what draws you to this place? In your mind’s eye, turn to the building. Wave good-bye. Tell it you will see it again, either in your imagination or for real. “A Building,” by Cheryl Moore, might offer inspiration. #justwrite #iamwriting #iamawriter
Sensory Detail . . . Prompt #738
Writing Prompt Look around. What catches your eye? Choose an item near you, or in your room, to write about. Hold it in your hands, if you can. Move it around in your hands. Feel it. What is the weight? The heft? The texture? Where did you get the item? What meaning does it have for you? You can start your freewrite like this: “I want to tell you about . . .” Use sensory detail Sight: Color, shape Feel/Touch: Smooth, bumpy, texture Smell: “Smells like . . .” Sound/Hearing: If it makes a sound, what do you have to do to make the sound? More posts about Sensory Detail.
Reaching . . . Grasping . . . Prompt #737
Sit comfortably in your chair. Feet flat on floor. Hands on lap. Sit up tall. Take a deep breath in. Hold for a few counts. Release your breath. Take a couple more deep breaths. Relax into your chair. Notice your non-dominant hand. Lift it and rotate it in a circle a few times. Rotate opposite direction a few times. Gently stretch fingers out. Relax hand. Stretch and relax hand a couple more times. Stretch arm in front of you or to the side. Stretch and notice your arm. Relax Arm. Return hand to lap. Take a deep breath in. Hold breath for a few counts. Release your breath. Notice your dominant hand. Lift it and rotate it in a circle a few times. Rotate opposite direction a few times. Gently stretch fingers out. Relax hand. Stretch hand a couple more times. Stretch arm in front of you or to the…
A Simple Building
Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page. A Simple Building By Cheryl Moore A simple building lacking in flare Why am I so often drawn there? Roaming its shelves, tasting its wares A whole wide world available there Journeys take me around the world And when I no longer want to roam Work on gardens, on business On cooking and art And English lit and Shakespeare To keep me smart Not to mention poetry To suit the fussiest muse So much to read, no time to lose. Cheryl Moore grew up in the mid-west, went to college in San Francisco, then lived in foreign lands before returning and eventually settling in Sonoma County. In recent years, she lives in a house and garden where deer nibble on roses, raccoons dine on fallen figs, and her bird feeders are busy. A nearby river offers…