Keeping Promises – Very Important!

December 26, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 50 Comments

But what about those little promises you made to you?

As the year draws to a close, it is often a time for reflection, thinking about what’s been accomplished … and what hasn’t. For many of us we’ve been busy on behalf of others; our family, our friends, our work, our community and so on.

What about the promises we made to ourselves? With the new year – 2015 just around the corner, perhaps you can rethink things. Set out with a positive attitude where you make a little more time for you and your personal goals.

And remember – it’s often true that when one takes time for his or herself, they become renewed with more positive energy to be shared in turn, with others.

A most wonderful and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you, my friends. Those I know and those I’ve yet to meet.

With much affection,

Penny

Flash Fiction – It doesn’t always pay to be first!

October 10, 2014October 10, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 17 Comments

Photograph by Barbara Beacham ©

Going Ashore

The team headed toward the island, not sure what they’d find when they arrived, but it didn’t matter. After being at sea for months the sight of land, any land, was incredible.

John cheated in the drawing that would determine who would be among the first to go ashore, feeling no remorse whatsoever. So anxious was he to be on dry land he would have done far worse to win a spot in the boat.

Nearing the land, no surprise, John was first to jump out, wading the rest of the way to the sandy shore.

He disappeared among the tall palm trees before any of the others.

From the interior, his piercing scream was horrifying in intensity. The crew, looked at each other in terror, pushed the boat off, and rowed quickly back to their ship.

Proving the point – It doesn’t always pay to be first, especially if you cheat!

Congrat’s Barb, on your new flash fiction weekly challenge -” Monday’s Finish The Story. The rules are easy to follow: Just write a short, very short, story (100-150 words) using the photo as a prompt, begin your story with the line that Barb shares with us. This week the line is: “The team headed toward the island not sure what they would find when they arrived.”

This one looks to be great fun so be sure and give it a try (if you enjoy writing). For more details or to view other entries just click here!

Hope everyone has an excellent weekend and no scary trips into the interior of things,

~ Penny

Don’t Hide the Beauty of Your Loving Soul!

October 8, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 20 Comments

“Hey, whatcha’ hiding under there?”

Your soul is beautiful. Don’t hide it under the shell of your physical body!

Come out and shine. Be brave, live life, make a difference for yourself and others. Even as you know there will be bad mixed with the good, at least you’re out there being a part of life! Your life!

And that matters. A Lot. It matters to you, and to those you care about who care about you. Whether you believe this or not! It’s true. Trust me on this one.

~ Penny

Transport of Choice – My Imagination

October 7, 2014 / Penny L Howe / 12 Comments

This piece also published in “The Haven of Haibun” today.

Transport of Choice

It is said that to travel is to learn, to grow inside through experience. While admitting to the truth in this, it does appear my travels have lead me far afield from where I’d originally meant to go. Funny that.

The various turns in the road, chosen by my own volition, seemed the right ones to take at the time, in retrospect I’m doubtful of this. Therefore, there have been those lessons learned in my travels which have been painful. This having been said, I will now say that my favorite mode of transportation is and always has been – my mind.

Fueled by the wonderful power of imagination, I have traveled to any place and every place wished for – to visit. Imagination, my vehicle of choice and while some may laugh at this mode of transport, I find this particular vehicle ready to depart at a moments notice to the far reaches of my desires, and I … I am most content with this.

imagination

*“to infinity and beyond”

yes, he has it right

Just simply had to throw in one of Disney’s beloved characters in my haiku. I adore *Buzz Lightyear and his wonderful outlook on life, cartoon character though he may be. I hope you enjoyed my Haibun.

It is a pleasure to see Haibun Thinking Writing Challenge up and active once again. Welcome back. The challenge this week is “Film Week”. Write Haibun style using the following quote or a photo as a prompt. As you can see, I chose the quote:

“You came here in that thing?
You’re braver than I thought.”
~ Carrie Fisher (Star Wars)

I encourage everyone who enjoys writing to enter this challenge. Just click on the Haibun Thinking up above. To read other entries click on the blue “links in collection!”

Have a wonderful day, filled with joy and love,

~ Penny