PROMPT: Dream Home

Daily writing prompt
Write about your dream home.

I think Chōmei said everything that need be said on the matter — and more eloquently than I would — in Hōjōki [i.e. 10-Foot Square Hut.]

For elaboration, see…

HERE

PROMPT: Parents (at my age)

Daily writing prompt
What were your parents doing at your age?

Regretting having that last kid… (that would be me!)

PROMPT: Ideal Day

Daily writing prompt
Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end.

Hiking in the mountains (at most, low- to mid-VHE [Very High Elevation].) Wake at sunrise, walk, pitch camp before sunset.

PROMPT: Perspective

Daily writing prompt
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?

I’m getting more at ease with Death by the day. In a broader sense, it’s progressively easier to not get worked up over the everchanging and unpredictable nature of the world.

PROMPT: Scared

What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?

Going to a cocktail party with no one I know in attendance. FYI —Things that would generate less anxiety include: cage-fighting, gator-wrestling, skydiving, and (admittedly with the appearance of irony) giving a speech to a large audience.

A battle-hardened phalanx with pointy sticks.

PROMPT: Complain

Daily writing prompt
What do you complain about the most?

People. They’re the worst. Or, possibly, technology. It’s a close runner up, at least. Of course, on some level, it’s all one shitstorm. Humans are the technological animal, and technology facilitates the making of comfort junkies who avoid deep thought at all costs. (Which is at the core of my beef.)

PROMPT: Family Traditions

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

The Festivus Day Airing of Grievances.

Arbor Day Eve’s Trimming of the Shrubbery.

Goat Wrangling on the Third Thursday of September.

PROMPT: Leisure Time

Daily writing prompt
What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time?

That’s trickier than it seems. I quite enjoy reading and many forms of bodily movement activities (e.g. swimming, yoga, taiji, qigong, exercise, etc.,) but I’d count them more as personal development activities than leisure activities. (Even something as seemingly non-purposeful as juggling.) I sometimes watch TV / movies, but I don’t know that I’d say I enjoy that so much as find it an opportunity to zone out.

PROMPT: Pet Tricks

If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

Partial differential equations. First of all, then it could explain them to me. Secondly, I could completely demoralize all the Westminster types who think they have “smart dogs.”

PROMPT: First Name

Daily writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

Having been raised in a Catholic household, I wouldn’t have this name if one or more saints hadn’t already. In my case, there are several Saint Bernards, and I don’t know that my parents had any particular one in mind. As far as I know, none were associated with Ireland, from whence my ancestry lies. [St. Bernard of Clairvaux seems to be the most famous St. Bernard – he’s “The St. Bernard,” if you will – excepting of course Chris the St. Bernard dog who starred in the 1992 movie “Beethoven” whose name was actually Chris and his breed was “St. Bernard” so, technically, Clairvaux is still king of the St. Bernards.] I also know that it’s not the first time this name appeared in my genealogical line, but don’t know much more than that.

I understand the etymology of the name is Germanic and that it means something like “Bear Hardy,” with which I’m pleased. (Could have been much worse — e.g. “Squirrel Brave” or “Bear Smelling.”)