DAILY PHOTO: The Well-worn Path

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Photograph of the well-worn trail up to Netravati Peak in Karnataka, India.

PROMPT: First Time

Daily writing prompt
What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?

I would not be the same person. It would not be the same book.

DAILY PHOTO: Log-Loving Creatures of Mysore Zoo

Photograph of a bear taking rest on a log at Mysore Zoo.
Photograph of a leopard on a log at Mysore Zoo.
Photograph of a snake in the reptile house of Mysore Zoo.
Photograph of a Chimp with a stick at Mysore Zoo

PROMPT: Happiness

Daily writing prompt
What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

That it’s a worthy object of pursuit, as if it is a stable state. I think both the Taoists and the Buddhists have instructive views on the matter. In Taoism, the Yang contains the seed of Yin and one flows inexorably into the other. In this view, the rock bottom worst life has to offer is a time to rejoice because the light will follow. Whereas, when one thinks life is the best it can get, a fall will come. As for Buddhism, our happiness may reflect an illusion that we’ve momentarily achieved our desires, when desires are inherently great white whales. Aim for contentment. Experience happiness when it comes.

DAILY PHOTO: Bull

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Photograph of a Brahma Bull taken near Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, India.

PROMPT: Instantly

Daily writing prompt
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?

What would be the fun in that? It’s the journey that makes skill development enjoyable and interesting. I’m not interested in downloadable skills. (I’ll leave them to the robots.)

Dripping Blossom [Haiku]

Photograph of a pink and orange flower taken in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India.
droplets drip 
from the bottom petal,
after the rain.

Misty Mountain [Haiku]

Photograph of mushroom caps among lichens and leaves, taken in the mountains near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India.
in misty mountains,
tiny fungi bloom amid
lichens and mosses.

DAILY PHOTO: Dutch Square, Melaka

Photograph of Stadthuys and Christ Church Melaka (i.e. Dutch Square) in Malacca, Malaysia.
Photograph of Stadthuys and Christ Church Melaka (i.e. Dutch Square) in Malacca, Malaysia.
Closeup photograph of Christ Church Melaka on Dutch Square in Malacca, Malaysia.

PROMPT: Grown

Daily writing prompt
What is one way you have grown this year?

Horizontally.