Category Archives: DP challenge

Nov2

True Worth

Posted on 11/02/2023 by Joan T Warren

WordPress Daily Prompt: What’s something you believe everyone should know?
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Ever purchase a product that looked exquisite online, only to receive a cheap imitation? Or as a child, did you wish for a name brand doll and receive a cheap knock-off? You know the sort, where the leg pops off as soon as you bend it?

As we approach the Christmas season, crafting our shopping lists, and gathering the latest decorating trends, let’s pause a moment to consider true worth.

What gifts have you received from a well-meaning giver that you’ve never once used?

Did you secretly re-gift? Donate to charity?

Before we run all around town, or click add to cart, order now, think twice.

We’re going consumer-mad, lining the pockets of countries we wouldn’t want running our government. We’re piling up ships that cross our seas, planes across the skies, vans along our streets, all in the name of giving gifts that make us feel we’re generous. Well, some of us are. We know who we are. Yes, I’m preaching to the choir. 🙂

Here’s what I’d like us to know. We are worthwhile people without the stuff.

Let’s consider the true value of a gift. Can we design a gift especially for the person? What is that person’s “love language?” If we consider what is important, what speaks volumes, to the giftee, chances are we’ll make a better gift. One that means more to the receiver than the click, click, click of our fingers ordering mass-marketed, pollution-generating, everlasting-in-the-dump, plastic junk.

Time spent together is a gift. How about a special day at the park?

Words are a gift. Craft words–spoken or written, expressions of love, of respect, of specific praises for the one you love.

Acts of service are a gift. Clean out a gutter, shovel their snow. Carry their groceries or pull their weeds.

Affection is a gift. A hug, a warm evening snuggling by the fire, watching a movie, or holding hands while taking a walk.

For some, whose love language is gifts, consider the value of a truly meaningful item. With or without much money, consider how a hand-made or personally valued gift might mean more to your giftee than a purchase. Home-made pies, cakes, cookies or candles, crocheted or knitted items, a painting or cuttings from your garden can all be wonderful gifts from the heart. Maybe your daughter loves jewelry, and you remember you still have that piece of your mother’s in the drawer. . .

Let’s take the time this season to show our loved ones we consider their true worth.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Nov1

A Kid at Heart?

Posted on 11/01/2023 by Joan T Warren

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WordPress Prompt: What does it mean to be a kid at heart?
For All Saints Day: November 1, 2023

Ideal, to be a child at heart.

Delighted. Lighthearted.

Venturing seas uncharted.

Winsome and wondrous, wide-eyed at play.

But was it? Or did naivety betray?

Ensnared in shackles naught to see,

Did childhood make thee victim be?

Dependent, hidden, cast to shame—

Retracting, writhing in self-blame?

A child, who knew not whom to fear

And no one cared to wipe your tear?

And now, in fully grown estate,

With childhood memories to abate

Doth kick at stones and keep at bay

The very One who could relay

A message deep, of joyous grace

Of freedom, kindness, face to face.

Return to Love, oh child within—

Sorrowed, grieved, let truth begin.

Comfort waits, and healing balm,

Reconstruction, peace and calm.

The child again may joyous be,

Fore’er to rein with dignity.

-Joan T. Warren

—for those who wished to play but couldn’t--for Scrooges and Players and Hard-asses, with love.

Jan1

In the Now on New Year’s Eve

Posted on 01/01/2016 by Joan T Warren

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Now

Time rolls by, steadily, reliably,

hopefully not regrettably.

Read the rest of this entry →

Apr15

April is National OT Month and Poetry Month

Posted on 04/15/2015 by Joan T Warren

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Note: some posts deserve a second life. Here’s a repost from last April; what do you think, worthy?

April: Not a month for fools! Pull a prank on the first, but the rest of the month is National Poetry Month and National OT Month.

Most of us know what poetry is, but what is OT? An occupational therapist myself, I can say a little something about that!

Let’s start with some spring cleaning and air out the room with what occupational therapy is NOT:

Read the rest of this entry →

Jan21

Serenity

Posted on 01/21/2015 by Joan T Warren

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This week’s photo challenge: Serenity

I’ve heard it said that serenity is most noticed in the midst of turmoil and chaos.

Yes, there is a certain tried and true beauty to this concept.

Sep20

Dark Chocolate to my Soul

Posted on 09/20/2014 by Joan T Warren

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First smile from my baby~

Fingertips at my back~

Purple hued sunsets o’er mountain or sea.

A word fitly spoken~

Laughing toddlers at play~

Secret gifts sent before there’s a plea.

Read the rest of this entry →

Sep6

But I Don’t Wanna Go On a ‘Bencher!

Posted on 09/06/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Adventure.

There’s so much in a word. What’s your take on the word adventure?

Some say it’s about taking a risk, trying something new, or exploring new territory.

Some say life’s an adventure.

Here’s a little story, based on a real episode, involving adventure:

They passed the turn toward home, and Missy, though only three, knew they had missed it. “Wher’re we goin’?”

“We’re going on an adventure!,” Nana proffered, in her most excited tone.

“But I don’t wanna go on a ‘bencher! I want my mommy!”

Nana drew in a breath and considered her response. She knew the meltdown would only last a few minutes, but it broke her heart every time. She knew, by now–by the tone of Missy’s voice, the rate of her breathing, the look on her face–whether she was ready for an explanation, or comfort, or distraction, or whether words would only make it worse. This time she chose a brief explanation, followed by a time of respite for Missy to regain her composure. When the time was right, Nana brought in the highlights of the upcoming trip.

“We’re going to Tampa, to see Cousin Stevie, play in the pool, and visit a place with lots of pretty fish to see!”

“Stevie? Yay, Stevie! I miss him so much!”

Missy cheered up. The rest of the trip she counted cows and horses on the hillside, “loved” her new bedroom, devoured popsicles at the pool and hung on Cousin Stevie all through the exciting trip through the aquarium. It ended too soon.

Along the way

One Cool Chick

Checking out the Giant Mr. Grouper with "Cousin Stevie"

Checking out Giant Mr. Grouper with “Cousin Stevie”

On the ride back home, Missy’s love for adventure blossomed.

“I like Tampa. When can we go on another ‘bencher, Nana?”

Lookin’ for Adventure!

No matter the level of risk involved, all adventures are a little scary. We can’t always have our mommies with us. Sometimes we get stuck and afraid of stepping out. Sometimes outside forces launch us on adventures we’re not so sure we want to go on. When this happens, we can take time to process it, like Missy did, and end up embracing the experience. If we look for the good, there’s always something to gain. . . eventually.

With risks weighed against benefits, we can usually make good choices about our adventures in life.

That’s my take on adventures for today. What’s yours? Have you a little story of adventure you can share? It’s your turn now!

Joan T. Warren

With appreciation for this week’s WordPress Prompt.

Aug9

Feel with your Eyes

Posted on 08/09/2014 by Joan T Warren

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There is beauty all around us, if we look beyond the guise we can see it with our fingers we can feel it with our eyes we can smell it in a memory and appreciate the ties There are textures, scents and glories Whether near or far, the prize we can listen to its calling […]

Jul20

It’s not all about what’s inside.

Posted on 07/20/2014 by Joan T Warren

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These days we have disposable containers, because what matters is what’s inside. Right?

Besides, what’s inside is not the same as the container, right?

Not so, on either count. Often the two are so melded, so interactive, so mutually dependent, that we just can’t separate them. We can’t value them separately, either.

Take, for example, a good book and its cover. Oh, you don’t think so? Well, how about Uranium-235 and its core container? Or, here’s a good one: the inner self and its human body.

Successful grandkids: My granddaughter contained my grandson the troll, in an unexpected snare.

We are quite attached to these bodies, our containers.

Think about it; when we were little, we’d fall and scrape our knee, and it hurt. We cried. Our inner selves felt as if the world was coming to an end; at least until some sweet and very tall human kissed it, bandaged it, and promised, “No Mercurachrome.”

As children, we saw dead bugs, dead flowers, maybe even some dearly loved dead pets. Our inner selves realized those dead ones aren’t coming back. Most of us learned to be more careful with our bodies, to avoid the pain–and, hopefully, not go away forever.

I know I did. I wanted to grow up to be . . . alive! Then, when I grew up, I wanted to live to raise my daughter. Then, to see my grandchildren succeed. Still, I want to live, to create gifts for future generations.

Speaking of grandkids, I’ve seen this generation grow up playing war and street-gang video games, with avatars instead of real people. They don’t even flinch as they gun down innocent bystanders in the midst of the game. On top of that, the heroes get right up and keep going.

But life is for real, and so is death.

Many religions teach us about the inner person, the spirit, and a glorious afterlife. These teachings are inspirational. They are vital, compelling and comforting. Yet something about this begs more.

Maybe it’s the poor track record religion plays in war and peace.

Maybe it’s the impersonal way many religions try to comfort those who mourn.

Or maybe it’s the fallout of valuing inner, spirit-life as eternal, while considering the containers disposable.

Ask anyone who has lost a loved one; it’s not easy to separate the person from the container that now is gone. There is no one in their arms to hold. The loved one’s laughter no longer fills the room. Yes, the memory remains, and gives some comfort. A little comfort. To the grieving widow, child, and friend, though, the container is gone, and so the person inside.

Last year on this day we lost our beloved . . . been in a daze for over a year. . .

Containers are important.

With so much talk about what is in the container, what about the container itself? With such emphasis on inner life, and on the glorious afterlife, do we devalue the precious containers that are vital to achieving our purpose here on earth?

Just tonight, I opened my refrigerator to get a salad I hadn’t been in the mood for yesterday. Having not been sealed in a container, the salad had wilted. I regrouped, and slid it into the juicer with the other veggies. As the juice flowed out, I wondered: what if there were no container to hold the juice? That juice would have spilled out, rather than fulfilling its purpose– to nourish my body.

Our bodies–our containers–are important. They are more than avatars in a game! Take care of your body and treasure what it holds. Encourage others to nurture their bodies. Respect life in others. Feed your bodies with healthy, organic food. Exercise regularly in whatever way you can, building up to and maintaining your best physical state. Take care of the relationships and the planet we need for our containers’ survival. Live in balance: work, rest and play.

For without your container, how will your purpose here be fulfilled?

For we hold these treasures in jars of clay –II Cor. 4

Joan T. Warren
Heart to Heart in a Shielded World

This post grew from:

Containers | The Daily Post
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/containers/

And further developed into a mystery ending with encouragement from:
Mystery Ending | The Daily Post
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_writing_challenge/telephone/

Jul10

ROFLMAO

Posted on 07/10/2014 by Joan T Warren

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I can’t remember the last time I actually rolled on the floor, laughing my ass off. Maybe that would explain the slight but ever so definite widening of this writer’s derriere?

This week’s DP Challenge from WordPress prompts us to remember and share the last time we had a “real, authentic, tearful, hearty belly laugh.” Perhaps the editor is in need of a good laugh. Apparently, so am I!

It’s funny you should ask, WordPress. Just yesterday, I wondered aloud (to a confidant) if I may be getting depressed, maybe need a little medication. I’ve been pushing my mind toward gratitude, happiness, enjoyment, and it keeps sliding back into the gutter where sludge hangs out. Sludge like the PLOM’s (poor little ol’ me’s), BLAHS’s (Boy Look at Her Stuff’s) and the POINTY FINGER’s (Projecting Out In Negative Thinking: Your Fault I’m Not Getting Everything Right!). There’s been a lot of stress in life in the last year, oh, actually make that in the last fifty-six years (yes, I’ll be fifty-seven soon! Maybe that’s reason enough!). Stress, they say, can lead to depression by depleting the serotonin levels over time.

The prescription, so kindly returned, included practical things to improve my mindset, such as mentally rehearsing all I’m grateful for (check), getting enough sleep (un-check), exercising regularly (getting better, check), making time for friends (yeah, right), and, last but not least, laughing.
“Rent a comedy you’re sure will really make you laugh: belly laugh, can’t stop laughing, rolling on the floor laughter. It’s really good medicine!”
I slumped on through the day, the next morning, and then saw the WordPress challenge for the week. Maybe there’s something to this idea, twice in two days coming at me.

So, dutifully, I Googled movies that are sure to make me roll on the floor laughing.

Reading their reviews, I noticed something odd. All, without exception, had a dark side, a tragedy or relationship struggle, a cancer to battle, you know, really un-funny stuff, blended with “hilarious” antics. It made me wonder, Is it funny because we need something to be funny at that moment? Would it still be funny if you take it out of the context of contrasting misery? They say most comedians come from grossly abusive and dysfunctional families, you know. Anyway, I’m not sure that’s the sort of comedy I need right now. None the less, I selected a few that seemed lighter than most. Here’s my list:

Midnight in Paris

Greenberg

Kick-Ass

MacGruber

Seven Psychopaths

Sleepwalk with Me

This is 40

What do you think? Will any of these actually take me there? What funny movie or show do you recommend?

Hopefully at least one of these movies will get me ROFLMAO. Real. Authentic. Tearful. Hearty. Belly Laughs. Then I can tell you why it’s funny.

In the mean time, something happened to remind me that someone around me may need encouragement more than I. It only took a minute to give that person some positive feedback. Guess what? I feel better, for two days now. I think she does too.

So for now, I’ll be happy with feeling better, but I won’t turn down a hearty laugh as soon as it finds me.

Thanks, WordPress!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9_fjZHcs2bY

©Joan T. Warren

Jul8

Wife of Stone

Posted on 07/08/2014 by Joan T Warren

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A story of contrast, our WordPress photo challenge for this week.

As we toured our cruise ship last January, it seemed one gentleman found his companion for the trip and brought her a drink! Perhaps the cruise to Cozumel would soften her a bit?

Thanks to my sweet hubby for snapping the shot, and apologies that it may be a bit grainy; he took it from the level above, and I cropped it for today’s post.

Enjoy!
Joan T. Warren

click here for WordPress Weekly Challenge

Jun23

The Pause Between

Posted on 06/23/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Between back yard and front, is a place where I lay
things destined for garbage, things tattered and frayed
I pause there to notice
A beauty unseen
As nature embraces what I’d thrown away.

Joan T. Warren
For this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, “Between.”

Jun8

Send me to my Room

Posted on 06/08/2014 by Joan T Warren

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“Go to your room!”

Remember when that was a punishment?

Not anymore! Now, when I get a quiet moment free, I sneak off to my room. It’s a quiet place. Cozy and clean. Room to think.

Ahh!

This week’s photo challenge is about room. Room has varied meanings and contexts. You may have noticed my love for open spaces. I usually share photos of oceans, shorelines and mountain ranges. At home, though, there are many wonderful places I enjoy. I chose my room today, as it is the perfect place to get away for a quick think. No one else’s needs or thoughts crowd mine. Just me.

I choose soft colors and fabrics, comfy bedding and treasured family heirlooms and pictures to create this personal haven of rest. Home and Garden magazine hasn’t knocked on my door–there’s been no designer to make it magazine-perfect–but the evening light visits through the woods out back. My comforter from Tuesday Morning cost a lot less than Pottery Barn’s, but it is soft and white just the same. The antique marble and mother-of-pearl inlay table has a crack in the marble and is missing plenty of mother-of-pearl, but my dad had it stripped of black lacquer when I was a little girl and I loved it so much that I’d polish in between the little bird carvings around the edges. He caught me taking care of it and promised it to me. The chair may not be the most modern touch, but it is a family heirloom from a relative who was more like a mother to me than my own mother could be. Each photo brings good memories with warm-fuzzies attached. The platter is an anniversary gift from the “copper” year. All in all, it is my room, and you can send me here anytime!

Where do you go when you just have a few minutes to recharge? How have you made it a special place to suit your needs?

Jun5

I Could Have Built a. . .

Posted on 06/05/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Image Borrowed: http://hautemealz.com/2013/02/12/secret-4-happiness-is-a-warm-plate/

I could have built a …
Rainbow
Of the neatly folded laundry,
Or a tower made of
Dishes stacked in gleaming
Rows and columns.

I could have built a
Mansion,
Straightened cupboards,
Cleaned out closets–
Put toilet paper in the bathrooms,
Straighten towels and changed the lightbulbs.

I could have built a
Grand museum–
Carved a sculpture, worked the clay,
Or a masterpiece on canvas
Wielded paintbrush,
Seized the day!

I could have built a
Mighty enterprise,
Just by tackling my desk-work!
Or created global networks
On my twitter, blog or Facebook.

I could have built a
Perfect woman~
Washed my hair
And put on makeup. . .
Or at least a fitness model,
Walked the block and practiced yoga.

I could have built a
Three-course dinner,
Made the kitchen counters glow;
Or at least brewed gourmet coffee–
Drizzled caramel on the top,
Put my feet up, watched my show.

But you came in through the door, dear;
With your face so sweetly shining,
And your love so pure and true–
All I did was spend this hour
Hanging out, enjoying you.

Joan T. Warren

Many thanks to Girl in the Hat for a very creative weekly writing challenge: to write a list, then let it flow and change as it desired. This poem began as a list of things I put off to respond to blog writing challenges! It morphed nicely into something rather fun, uplifting, and, hopefully, something we can all relate to. To see other writers’ responses to her challenge, visit WordPress’ Weekly Writing Challenge.

May26

Life is Better with a Twist: Weekly Photo Challenge

Posted on 05/26/2014 by Joan T Warren

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This gallery contains 5 photos.

We may think we want to order our lives with predictable precision. We may think we can build protective fortresses to ward off suffering and pain. Life throws us challenges, though. How we choose to respond to these unexpected and unwanted difficulties makes all the difference in how we experience life overall. Will we build […]

May17

Weekly Photo Challenge: Work of Art or Clean-Up Time?

Posted on 05/17/2014 by Joan T Warren

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You know how some pieces of abstract art are the result of throwing paint on a canvas? Well, in response to this week’s photo challenge, to represent art in unexpected forms, I started thinking about some of the similarly-formed abstracts that typically annoy me every day at home. Hmmm. Maybe there is beauty and form and meaning in this mess! Maybe someday, when all the kids are gone, maybe — just maybe — I’ll miss these works of art.

Or, maybe not.

Clean-up time.

Joan T. Warren

May11

On the Move: Church for Introverts

Posted on 05/11/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Fading fast, treasured steps and memories.
Church for introverts.

For WordPress Weekly Photo challenge,On the Move

Joan T. Warren
Randy’s iphone

May11

On the Move: Kids and Water, Unstoppable

Posted on 05/11/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Two unstoppable forces that are always a part of my days: kids and water.

For WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, On the Move

Taken with my iphone.
Joan T. Warren

May9

Lessons Without Walls

Posted on 05/09/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Blue succumbs to brilliant washes of orange, raspberry and violet–each tipped with glowing

golden aura. Not just above now, but reflected in the sea. Completeness. The sun melds into

the horizon with a final burst of resplendence, as a lover gives an extra squeeze to bid

adieu, “Remember me. I will return.”

Courtesy of Denesia Christine on Flicker

I believe. I will see you on the other side.

Night begins.

White. The presence of all colors, gentle light bears witness to the sun. Lifting dark veil,

illuminating field and glistening dew-tipped petals, smiling moon lights the way home. A

beacon, as a parent’s consolation to frightened child, “I’m here, baby, it’s okay.”

Courtesy of DenesiaChristine on Instagram

I believe. Safe, secure, through dark of night.

And the sun rises.

Sun and moon, seasons, cycles. Seed to tree, decay, fertile soil bears life again. Teachers,

all. Eager student, I, in wondrous reception, hoping to relay these glorious lessons, teacher,

student, teacher. Breathe in, breathe out. . .

Selah.

In response to this week’s WordPress writing challenge, to share our experience as

teachers, as students. Appropriately, for teacher appreciation week, too.

May2

Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

Posted on 05/02/2014 by Joan T Warren

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Joan’s iphone cam, Martha and James’ woods.

Stretch. Breathe deep. Unfurl

fronds, heart, mind; a new phase. Say

yes. Begin again.

Gladly prepared for WordPress’ Weekly Photo Challenge, to represent what spring means to me, in pictorial form. My deepest apologies for the quality of this photo; if I were a true photographer, it would be sharper, the background in B&W, the fern fronds in green. To make it up to you, world, I offer a little something extra for you, haiku to accompany.