As a teen, the idea of not eating meat, especially during McDonald’s Fridays, until Easter annoyed the heck out of me. Now as a middle-aged father, it’s a great relief to be doing something different despite being constantly surrounded by consumerism.

During Lent, I gave up cheese. It’s always been my go-to snack and one of my main meal ingredients. But my cholesterol is high because of it. I did well for the most part. Had three instances only because my son didn’t want to finish his cheesy food and I didn’t want to waste it. Hopefully, I reduced my cholesterol enough before my next blood screening. And the best thing is I don’t feel a need to eat as much cheese as I once did.

Also, I wanted to keep in touch more with family and friends. I’ve noticed that any gatherings I go to I’m physically there but not mentally. It’s usually because I’m too focused on my kids and too tired because I haven’t taken good care of myself. I didn’t do as well, but I’ll keep on trying.

For you Catholics (or even non-Catholics), what did you give up during Lent? For those missed out or failed to achieve your goals, what can you do when Lent starts again next year? How about what you can do right now so you can take action?

#AshWednesday #abstinence #Easter #fasting #HolyThursday #HolyFriday #Lent

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I’m also using Claude to help put it together so I don’t have to worry about the technical details. I want to focus on writing the stories myself. Especially when I barely have time to write.

#writing

#draft #editing #groove #novelette #shortstory #update

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Going to work on Novelette 2. I expect to have the draft done in two weeks. Will update on my progress.

#writing #draft #editing #novelette #shortstory #update

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But it also means I may end up missing some deadlines or typing up my posts on the fly. I will try to stay consistent in my posts as best I can. I will also let you know when I publish my stories and post a link to them.

Thank you for your patience. Let’s keep on writing.

#writing #blog #editing #publishing #shortstories

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But writing on blank pages is unsettling. My sentences drift off center, the sizing is inconsistent, and my paragraphs smush together like a sat-on sandwich. This chaos makes my thinking just as jumbled as if I was typing them on screen. Ever wonder why you always have trouble writing on a blank screen? It’s the same with blank pages. There’s no structure.

Lines on a paper give order in the chaotic world of writing. It tells you can write as long as you don’t overstep your bounds. You don’t need a ruler. Lines are your companions helping you make those first few steps before they let go.

So the next time I’m given a blank notepad, I’ll just sketch random stuff. Like stick figures shooting at other stick figures, tanks, ships, helicopters, and fighter jets.

#writing #blankpage #notepad

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Chuck Norris didn’t die. He was busy roundhouse kicking all the demons straight to hell before resting in heaven.

#chucknorris #rip

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When it comes to speaking, my speech is monotone and soft. That’s why you’ll never hear me give a public speech, sing karaoke, or act in a film. I’m a better writer than a speaker. And even that’s questionable.

Maybe if I played in some sort of acting role, I’ll be in a silent slapstick comedy. As long as the pay is good.

#acting #dramaclub #friends #highschool

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As an introvert, I do a lot of writing at home: at the dining table, on the toilet, and under the covers while everyone is asleep. At first, this seems like a good thing. Less distractions and less likely to spend money on coffee and such.

But there comes a time when even the quiet starts to be the main distraction. Instead of your thoughts telling you what to write, it’s telling you that “all work and no play makes [your name] a dull boy/girl.” Writing is not just about writing your feelings and thoughts, it’s also about your experiences.

And you can’t write about your experiences if you’re stuck inside the house all the time. There’s a reason why “touching grass” is a thing. Otherwise, you’ll go crazy.

So take your writing wherever and whenever with you go. Your pencil/pen and notebook are your constant companions. Treasure the adventure.

#writing #adventure #cabinfever #nightmare

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Note: I’m not affiliated with any products or services I use. No links will be provided.

At first glance, the red glossy cover with the etched image of the Golden Gate Bridge feels smooth but doesn’t slip out of my hands. The stitching is durable and I never had trouble bending the spine. Nor I had problems with pages breaking or falling off.

Inside of the front and back cover is blank which is good so I can write anything on it. I put my contact information and a table of contents. One of my pet peeves on some notepads (Moleskine Cahiers) is having perforations on the last few pages. I hate those! And I shouldn’t have to tear them off or tape them together.

Since I only write in wooden pencil I do see graphite transfer and smearing just like any other notepad. But it writes well. The pages are cream colored so it’s easy on my eyes. I can’t say how it handles pen. I’m sure you can find another reviewer who writes in pen.

Finally, it fits well in my back pocket and it’s durable even while sitting on it everyday. It’s always ready for me to jot down my blog drafts. Now, as for the price.

It costs $18 before tax for a pack of three. $9 each notebook and with 48 pages each you pay about $0.19 a page. It’s pricey, but at least they’re durable. Would I buy this again? No, there are more cheaper options. If you ever get them, they don’t disappoint for whatever your writing needs.

Let me know your thoughts if you used them.

#writing #746 #Blackwing #notepad

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Not a chance. I never run out of ideas. Got plenty up the wazoo. But ideas are a dime a dozen and there are two problems with it. The first one is trying to write them on paper. Plenty of people have that problem right before it disappears from their memories.

The second problem is implementing the ideas to see if they work. Another variant of the second problem is wanting to maintain the implementation even when it’s not working. People put in so much time, money, and effort into an idea it’s easy to stick with it rather than being wrong and trying something else.

When it comes to this website I don’t have a problem with generating ideas, writing them down, and implementing them. My primary goal with this blog is an online space I can talk about anything. It’s written on paper first, then gets typed up, edited, and published.

Finding readers and subscribers, or getting compensated for my work isn’t my first, second, or third priority. This blog was an idea that took a life of its own. And so far it’s been a success. So I will continue to have ideas, big or small, and write until I can’t do so anymore.

As I retire this first notebook, transfer to another red one, and prepare to retire my first and only red pencil, I look forward to more writing opportunities and blog posts. To everyone keeping up with me, thank you for your support.

#writing #blog #ideas #notebook

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