creative writing

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Thankfulness

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Prompt: With American Thanksgiving just in the rear view and Christmas just around the corner, now is a great time to consider what we’re thankful for in our lives. Pull (at least) three cards, and use them to describe something in your life that you are thankful for this year. Then share what you’re grateful for and how the cards connect with this theme.

Phantasma TarotFriends and family (Two of Cups) are not allowing me to retreat fully into myself (The Hermit) during times of emotional struggle. They continue to reach out even as I push them away (Four of Cups).

The solitary cards that speak of alone time are interrupted by the Two of Cups, this speaks of those that are closest to me standing in the way of me allowing myself to fully retreat.

In this instance, when I am grieving, that retreat would not be healthy or helpful.  Just as I help them with their grief, they are helping me with my unique needs concerning my grief as well.

DECK USED: PHANTASMA TAROT

Gideon’s Challenge

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Still Waters

Gray days
filled with shades
of blue and green
muted by heavy sky
are like
perfect moments
caught in time
suspended
in stillness
as we sit
on damp rocks
at the water’s edge

and breathe deep

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_6044The Charade

Tea stained petals
unfurl
exposing
hidden shadows
within
to the light
and bruises bleed
as I try to play off
darkening stains
as normality
with a bright
exterior
and a smile
just
dont look
too deeply
into dark eyes

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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I Ache

Lets get lost
together
among
towering trunks
and damp foliage
swaying fronds
and raindrop patter
and as the green
opens her arms
to pull us in
we can lace fingers
and run
laughing
into a world
of soft moss beds
and the shelter
of evergreen boughs

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_7038Such a Cold Bitch

Her words are arrows
poison tipped
with sharp barbs
along the shaft
to make sure
when they hit
their mark
they will stick
sting
and cause
permanent damage
dont let her see
the wounds she creates
or she will pour in
acid
to eat away
at your insides

she makes my balls
shrivel

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Holiday Eats

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Prompt: “It’s hard to escape the escalation of the holidays at this time of year, but one of the great things about the season is the food! I challenge you to draw five random cards, and decide what seasonal treats (different for each card) that you think fits each of the cards you pulled. Show off your cards! Share the food you matched with them, and why you made those choices.“

The Rider Waite Smith TarotThe Moon – Cranberry Sauce – For the majority of my youth, I was scared to try cranberry Saudi. I was sure it was going to be the grossest, most vomit inducing thing ever. I finally tried it in my late teens, and although I’m still not a fan? It’s not as bad as I was so very positive that it would be.

Seven of Pentacles – The Giant Turkey – It takes forever to cook. Hours upon hours of waiting and basting. Put it in the oven in the morning and it’ll eventually be done by supper… but worth every moment when it’s finally ready to eat.

Eight of Pentacles – Old Fashioned Divinity – Made correctly, this sweet treat is light and airy. A cloud of sweetness on the tongue. But, it’s persnickety. The ingredients have to be fresh and measured perfectly or it doesn’t turn out. Nor will it turn out if it’s raining outside or the humidity is too high. It takes a lot of work to get this treat right, but when you do? It truly is divine.

The Empress – Stove Top Stuffing – When I was homeless, this was something that was often offered in the food bank boxes, and its flavor has somehow come to represent a warm comfort to me. Something that was there to nurture me when I was at my most desperate.

Knight of Wands – Deviled Eggs – Oh my god. I could easily pass on the turkey, the stuffing, even the desserts… but not the deviled eggs. I can eat them all day and still come back for more. So good.

DECK USED: THE RIDER WAITE SMITH TAROT