Look Where You Led Me

Once, a curious writer found a small envelope tucked inside an old book. The note inside read, “Your next adventure begins… will you follow the trail of glowing fireflies or the echo of a distant waterfall?”

The inquisitive writer wanted to just sit down and watch the fireflies. They were so beautiful. But they were heading somewhere, so she followed them.

It felt like only a short time had passed when she noticed the tiny lights settling on one tall, majestic tree. She looked up in awe as she walked closer and closer.

Then she saw it.

Another note attached to the tree.

The writer paused before reading it. She was thirsty and tired, so she sat down and leaned against the tree before unfolding the note.

It read, “I am glad you are here. You have been seeking long enough. Let the quest cease for a moment. The fireflies led you not to movement, but to stillness. Sit a little longer. The waterfall is just ahead, and it will be more magical because you paused. The echo is closer now. Listen before you rush.”

She lowered the paper and sat there, listening to the steady cascade of water.

As she rested against the tree, ideas began to grow within the stillness. The fireflies and the waterfall were not destinations after all, but inspiration. Exactly what she needed to plow through her writer’s block with a wrecking ball.

She never did make it to the waterfall that night. It would have to wait.

The fireflies seemed almost in sync as they guided her back toward her cabin. The desk that had brought so much frustration earlier now glowed with the same intoxicating shimmer as the tiny lights in the trees.

She sat down, took a deep breath… and the story began.

Turns out, you led me exactly where I needed to go.

Buddies at the Gate

 

Bud-dies have been waiting at the gate, hoping I’d rise and make that morning magic, the one with nuts, fruits, seeds, all swirling in that rich, velvety parfait.

Please let it be the one, they whisper, barely daring to hope.

Guys… I think it’s happening. The gate is opening. Look! The spoon is full.

Oh my, this is going to be more than we can contain.

A collective sigh of bliss reverberates throughout the chamber.

It’s beyond tasty: crunchy and smooth, sweet and a little bitter, all at the same time.

“My favorite is the nuttiness of it all,” says Crunchy Carl, the portal clown. “Me and nutty are best buds.”

“Of course you are,” mutters Salty, the critic. “One spoonful and his corniness hits overdrive.”

“Shush, Salty,” whispers Syllabud, ever the poet. “To taste is to live.”

“Please,” snaps Tangy, ever the tart-tongued cynic. Pssst, Sugar, his pet name for Sweet Sally, for he always felt they were made for each other, the sour to her drippy sunshine. Are you hearing this? As usual, they’re babbling like a bunch of… Sugar, are you listening to me?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry. This is just so hip-hip-horraylicious. Mmm, divine.”

Then, from somewhere deeper in the flavor field, Cordata, the savoriest, speaks with quiet command.

“We all know she depends on us, insists even, to soothe her palate. While I find her expectations for harmony a bit unrealistic, we’d better work together… or she might switch to boring, bland oatmeal. And not the brown sugar and cinnamon kind.”

A hushed gasp ripples through the buds.

“Oh man,” Crunchy Carl whispers. “I miss that flavor.”

I sigh. “Cordata, I’m not looking for a peace summit. I just wanted breakfast.”

More… more… MORE!

Their chant elevates into a culinary rebellion.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” I mutter. “You all are so dramatic.”

I scoop another spoonful, partly to appease them, partly because, well, they’re not wrong.

“Here. This should soothe your almost obnoxious senses.”

“Oh, quite contrary,” they cry. “The senses are fixing to explode with deliciousness!”

I shake my head, smiling.

Ahhhhhh.

I lift the final spoonful, realizing the last bite is always the hardest to swallow. “My cherished buddies, brace yourselves. Let’s remember that life is scrumptious, joyfully absurd, and entirely worth waking up for. Now, here it comes.” Their swoons, sighs, and giggles said it all.

And in unison, they all agreed.

What Would I do if I Won the Lottery?

Daily writing prompt
What would you do if you won the lottery?

Who has asked or been asked this question? Show of hands? I’m waiting. That’s right, everyone. Since we all like what money provides, it makes sense to enjoy talking about the what ifs.

It’s fun for us to play with imaginary money, huh?

Let’s dream big, shall we? It can’t be a million dollars; we need a bazillion in today’s economy to do all that we want to do. No, I am not greedy, just dreaming big.

Before getting into any of it, I’d hope I would start with gratitude. I’d be thanking God, especially since I didn’t even buy a ticket. And yet, here I am swimming in the lottery pool.

Anyway,

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Debt, gone, including that of my friends and family. And speaking of friends and family, pack your bags, we are going on an all-inclusive vacation. Maybe a couple, maybe more. How fun! There will be one stipulation. We all must have a good time and bring our best for one another to avoid drama. Wouldn’t it be formidable if buying drama-free environments were possible?

Okay, let’s move on from the obvious to some more good stuff.

I would hire the best publishers, writers extraordinaire, editors, and anything else I need to help me write well.

I still have so much to learn. What an adventure it would be.

Do I want to be on the best sellers list? Heck yeah, especially since we are dreaming.

In reality land, I write for the craft of it all, but we are in a different land now.

My fantasy land would also include volunteering, orphanages, food banks, soup kitchens, working with wild animals. All would be so rewarding.

For me, giving back has always mattered, and I’ve found it’s one of the best things we can do for ourselves, let alone others.

Talk about a worthwhile legacy, right? If I didn’t have to clock in, just imagine the opportunities.

Like this… I would love to go around and watch people at Walmart or other random stores. I’d find a way to pick random people to spoil, but without them knowing the source. What was that show long ago? Oh yeah, “The Millionaire”.  Someone would get a large check, but they could not tell anyone where they got it. Yes, that would be so fun. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

I would ensure I too was on the receiving end of generosity. I’m picturing it now.  My silver with black accents Jeep Gladiator or maybe a Rubicon sitting in front of my quaint cabin with large windows and all the modern amenities. Flowers everywhere, a body of water nearby, four seasons, but the mild kind.

Wait, look, my future lab wants to go for a walk.

Finally, there is one more thing I might consider if I had oodles to spare. This one is a little harder to admit because it shows my vanity. Oh well, I’ll just say it. A little nip and tuck would be tempting. Maybe I’d opt out because I don’t want to chase youth, but dang it, gravity has gone a little too wild.