Today's Writing Prompt: Flu

What are your thoughts about swine flu, and the media coverage of it?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Call Me Cate

I believe every word of it. The news would never lie, right? I'm sad I'll have to stop eating pork but I already knew it was a bad idea to make out with pigs so I think I'll be safe. As a precaution, I taped plastic in all my windows and gave up caffeine. Also, I heard you can get it online if you click on ads.

I think it's safest if I just move into my bomb shelter for a few months. I'll be the one rocking in the corner with my tinfoil hat.

Congratulations, Call Me Cate! Your response was hilarious. (And I've curbed my compulsive ad-clicking--thanks for the warning!) Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Better or worse

Is life getting better or worse as you get older?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: mydigitallove

*Life was bad* - *Understood why* - *Live is good*

xx

Congratulations, mydigitallove! What a great way to tell a simple story--one that many people relate to! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Run

What are you running from, or what are you running towards?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: degna

I don’t run.
So I can’t see what you’re getting at.
"It’s just a way of letting off steam,
running things over"
you say. But
I don’t see it -
dirt gets in your lungs.
Why not just stay in?
with me.

Congratulations, degna! I like the story that this brief poem tells. It's a very creative take on the prompt. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Name

You've decided you want a new name--one that will reflect who you are. What is your new name?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Glen Binger

I would add a 'jamin' to the end of my name.

'glenjamin'

two reasons.
1. I do like to jam out sometimes.
2. glenjamin sounds formal, but really isn't. which is exactly like my personality.

Yes.

Congratulations, Glen Binger! You made me laugh out loud. That doesn't happen that often when I'm reading. Thanks! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Scared

Write about something that scared you as a child.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: ACitizenOfThisWorld

The sound of a siren that would suddenly go off on TV or on the radio announcing that our city was being attacked by Iraqi bombarding airplanes. We would turn off all the lights and rush into the basement waiting for the "white Siren". I was about 4 or 5 and I think I was too young to understand what was happening and why we were in danger, but I could feel the stress in the air, the fear on my parents' faces, the run-for-life tension. I still have nightmares of bombs attacking my house, the siren ringing in my ears.

Congratulations on another win, ACitizenOfThisWorld! It's very eye-opening to me to hear a story like this--such a real thing to be afraid of. I wish that war was something no child would ever have to fear.

Today's Writing Prompt: Change

If you could change one thing you did in the last 24 hours, what would it be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Dan Felstead

I would answer my wife's question about her shoes differently!

Congratulations, Dan, on another win! I love your self-effacing answer. I'm guessing your wife wishes you'd answered that question differently too?

Friday Fiction: Fire

Write a brief bit of fiction using the prompt, "Fire."

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Joanna

"Ready!"

Hands bound, she stood resolutely before the men with their muzzles pointed at her heart. She thought about the choice that brought her to this place. The choice to deny herself. The choice to assume her life's duties and calling as a cross to bear. The choice to follow His footsteps. It was no surprise that such obedience would bring her to the same end.

"Aim!"

As the men pulled their gunstocks into their shoulders, she narrowed her eyes to the flash of sunlight on steel. A cool breeze caressed her face, and she tilted her chin up to look into the sun until it became a black dot. Free strands of hair that fell from the loosely wound chignon tickled her collarbone. In this last moment of her life, she took in every sound, every feeling, every scent. She bade each one a quiet farewell as she envisioned the paradise awaiting her.

"Fire!"

Congratulations, Joanna! I really like the detailed observations and feelings you described. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Smell

Write about a memory you have that centers around a particular smell.

This prompt was submitted by Kate. Thank you, Kate! You can visit her blog (shared with three friends), Beady Beady Sisters.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: corax

I indulge in a little bit of aromatherapy at work. Waaaaaaay back in my top drawer sits a little plastic container, its blue lid contrasting nicely with its yellow sides. Whenever the day gets too stressful, or something goes awry, I pop that lid and stick my fingers in. It's impossible to be angry or frustrated when you've got Play-Doh under your fingernails. And, oh, the smell. Instant joy.

Congratulations, corax! I loved the surprise element of this one-minute writing. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Jingle

Recall a memorable advertisement or jingle from the past.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Just Me

When I started dating my husband he would always say "Let's roll" as we got ready to leave a party, a friends house, etc. I would add "that beautiful bean footage" jokingly. He would laugh, and we would move on. Years later, I mean at least 2-3 years later he was watching television and started howling with laughter. I came into the room and asked him what was so funny? He said "I just got it!!" Got what I asked? He had for the first time, seen the Bush's Baked Beans commercial and understood what I was saying. We still laugh about it to this day. He was laughing with me, but never knew why I said it!

Congratulations, Just Me, on another win! Your story was fun, and I can hear "Roll that beautiful bean footage" in my mind. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Grass

Write about a time you thought the "grass was greener on the other side of the fence." Was it really?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Melissa S.

Saw it. Wanted it. Got it. Regretted it.

Congratulations, Melissa S! I just love responses like this, that say so much, with so few words. (Yet I also find myself wondering about the back story--you've piqued my curiosity!) If you don't mind your winning post being used in a possible future The One-Minute Writer Podcast, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

Today's Writing Prompt: Matters

What really matters?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Anonymous

In New Zealand there is a proverb:

He aha mea nui o te ao? Maku a ki atu: He tangata, he tangata, he tamgata.

If you were to ask me, what is the most important thing in the world, I would answer: it is people, it is people, it is people.

Congratulations, Anonymous? (Care to de-anonymousify* yourself?) I like that proverb, and the way you shared it.

*No, of course de-anonymousify is not a real word. But it should be.

Today's Writing Prompt: Blog

If you could have a very popular blog with millions of readers, what would it be about?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Brian Crawford

A blog from the perspective of the Obamas' dog, Bo. Dogs don't care much for politics -- they value people based on kindness, not stature. This would be a refreshing view of Washington. And think of the secrets Bo could tell us!

Congratulations, Brian! I think this idea is brilliant and could really see it becoming a very popular blog. If you don't mind your winning post being used in a possible future The One-Minute Writer Podcast, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

Today's Writing Prompt: Handmade

Write about a handmade gift you've received or given.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: A Citizen Of This World

A few years ago, for the occasion of my birthday, my at-the-time boyfriend gave me a big dish of clay on which he had painted an elaborate Pakua picture. As much as I liked it, I never had a good place to put it, so I had to store it until we were married and moved in together when we found a really fitting place. Most people ask about this strange piece of decoration, and are surprised that it is painted by him. He is an engineer for God's sake, with no artistic talents whatsoever.

Congratulations, A Citizen Of This World, on another win! I have a personal reason for finding this post funny--I'm married to an engineer too, and I think the last sentence is hilarious. My engineer has some surprising right-brained talent too! If you don't mind your winning posts being used in possible future The One-Minute Writer Podcasts, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

Friday Fiction: Animal

Write a brief bit of fiction involving an animal.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Flowersilky

The dog bared its yellowing fangs and lunged. His teeth sunk deep into the rattler tucked beneath the baby's bed. The snake hissed vehemently and struck out at the dog, planting a bite on its nose. The dog whimpered but did not give up the struggle.

Minutes later the family looked with sorrow at the dog. It had snake bites spattered over its body. The parents, returning from their walk, had instantly heard the dog growling. Thinking it was attacking their two-year old, they clubbed it. Only later did they find the snake, ripped to pieces, only inches from the baby's foot, where it had been killed by the valiant stray.

Congratulations, Flowersilky, on another win! I could picture what you were writing--and as a mom I sure hope there's a "valiant stray" around if a snake ever gets under my child's bed!

Today's Writing Prompt: Dream

What would you like to dream about when you're sleeping tonight?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: JenM

The door is slightly ajar, bright sunlight spilling from the crack. I open it further and see him sitting, face in the sun, smiling. He welcomes me with a nod, and motions for me to sit. I'm so elated, I can barely speak. It's been over ten years since he's come to me in my dreams. I wrap my arms around his warm neck, and gently kiss him on the cheek before greeting him, "Oh Dad, it's been so long. I have so much to tell you."

Congratulations, JenM, on another win! What a wonderful dream, and you described it so beautifully.

Today's Writing Prompt: Indulge

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

If you comment here, remember this is a family-friendly blog....

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: rlaw68

On the edge of sleep or flying across the water with a beautiful, biting, icy wind in your hair and teeth it comes in: a summer past, a long road, the hours unspooling toward some desert campground, the ridiculous freedom of youth better than any drug or distraction I've ever even imagined since.

It's those journeys back -- the pull of memory like the unavoidable attraction of a tongue to the warm tinfoil tang of a missing tooth, the sweet, hot, slight pain of what's gone and yet to come that now, unbidden, is one of the greatest surprises of growing older.

Congratulations, rlaw68! Your description of memory was so poetic, and I love your take on aging. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Role Model

Children often see celebrities as role models. What is your opinion of this?

Thank you to My Teacher Hat for today's prompt! Be sure to visit My Teacher Hat's blog.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Roderckdhu

I would echo Butternut Squash above. (How often do you get a chance to write a sentence like that?) Celebrities are as worthy, or unworthy, as being role-models as anyone else. We humans are complicated and intricate dancers moving to unknown rhythms. Sometimes we rise and are admired. Sometimes we fall and are reviled.

Congratulations, Roderckhu (and Butternut Squash!) What a beautiful way to express yourself. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Taxes

If you could choose to put all your tax money toward one area of spending, what would it be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Flowersilky

Books! Millions and millions of them, piled to the ceiling. (because I wouldn't have enough money left to buy a shelf.)

Congratulations, Flowersilky! I love the passion and humor of your response. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Life

Write for a minute on this theme: "Celebration of life."

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: NancTWoP

Remembering Wyeth.

He loved his life on the hillsides of Maine and PA. His art grew from those days on the hills.

Now he's gone, but not really. He's left the most vibrant parts of his life for us. His art.

Congratulations, NancTWoP! What a lovely tribute to an artist. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Hope

For what do you hope?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Chase

more.

than.

this.

Congratulations, Chase! Your post said so much, in just three words. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Friday Fiction: Trial

Write a bit of legal fiction, with a courtroom as the setting.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: The Taco Traveler

And finally, to make matters worse, it was Good Friday, and she was making this choice and not having any fun. Not having any fun at all. Mom's friends on one side, Dad's friends on the other, a small group but still... all waiting. All waiting for her.

She gripped the stuffed bunny, given early by Dad and not the one she wanted but a bunny anyway, its ears more floppy than she cared for. The small-eared bunnies were better. More agile, faster, able to escape under fences and down holes.

"I know this is hard, young lady," the main said again, "but we need you to decide."

She sat, her eyes wetter, welling. She lifted the bunny higher and wiped her eyes with one of its long, floppy ears.

Congratulations, The Taco Traveler! Your story was told in a way that I bet most of us could relate to it, whether or not we went through that situation. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Overheard

Write about a time you overheard someone talking about you.

Thank you to Fi for submitting this prompt! Visit Fi's blog, Four Paws and Whiskers.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Just Me

They were whispering in Spanish right outside the door of my office. Limited with my knowledge of the language, I could decipher the word "She" , then laughing, they rattled off more words in Spanish until I heard the word "Gordo". Mortified I knew they were talking about me and how fat I had become! I was so embarrassed and so hurt, until the next word "Pero". I walked past their cubicle so they knew that I was in listening distance. Ready to cast an evil eye at both of them for calling me "A fat girl that looks like a dog" I caught a glimpse of the photo. A chubby actually fat little Chihuahua was the topic of discussion. It was a rapid reminder of my need to mind my own business and not jump to irrational conclusions! But I still went on a diet!

Congratulations, Just Me! What a great reminder to be careful about the conclusions we make! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Servants

If you had servants available to tend to your every need, what tasks would you still insist on doing yourself?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: patagoniantruthfish

I would prefer to blot my own copybook, plumb my own depths, dig my own holes, feather my own caps, buy my own tickets and take my own rides, string my own bow, core my own apples, grill my own steaks, draw my own conclusions, pack my own pipe, divine my own destiny, extract my own espresso, grind my own axe and make my own bed - I will, after all, be the one to lie in it. The vacuuming, ironing, dishes and laundry, however - knock yourselves out.

Congratulations, patagoniantruthfish (or "ptg"?), on another win! Your response was very poetic--just a lovely bit of writing. Feel free to put another Winner button on your blog if you'd like--and if you don't mind your winning responses being used in possible future podcasts, please e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com, or comment here. Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Job

What is the hardest job in the world?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Shan

The hardest job in the world is taking care of a dying relative. Especially if that relative once took care of you. The reversal of roles is exceptionally difficult to overcome, and I think, so too is the shock at having this tower of strength be unable to live up to their own... and possibly your... expectations.

Congratulations, Shan! Honestly, I dread the day I'll be doing that "hardest job." Your description of it was so poignant. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Anger

How do you handle anger?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Lynne

Good question.

My mother used to tell me, "Handle that anger, and don't let it handle you!"

For the most part, I have done well and not allowed myself to "react" when angered. Especially, where my girls are concerned. If I felt such emotion due to their misbehavior, I would put space between us until I cooled off. I felt it more important to act, than react. I also find anger counter-productive.

So, to answer the question...I handle it and it does not handle me.

Congratulations, Lynn! I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who will remember your mom's wise advice. Thank you for sharing it. Feel free to put One-Minute Writer WINNER! buttons on your blogs! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Sitcom

A sitcom is being made, based on your life--well, the funny parts, anyway. What is the basic concept, and what is the title?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Abby Olsen

My title would be, "Abby's Brain". The cover would have a picture of me, thinking really hard with my finger on my chin. There would be two thought bubbles. In one their would be a complex algebra equation that is the cure to some uncurable disease, and in the other would be a taco. That's right, a taco.

Congratulations, Abby Olsen! What a funny response! While I don't share your passion for algebra, I do love a good taco. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Friday (well, Saturday) Fiction: Escape

Write a brief, fictional piece about someone escaping.

Oops! Friday Fiction is a day late this week. Oh well, when this posts, it's still Friday in parts of the world!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: JenM

He looked at the GPS screen, puzzled. "Where are we going?" He wondered aloud, "This is not taking us to Cleveland." She turned to face him, a wry smile spread across her face. "You're right. We aren't going to Cleveland," was all she said before everything went black.

Congratulations, JenM!I really enjoy Friday Fiction writings like yours, that make me want to keep reading. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: First thought

What would you like your first thought to be when you wake up tomorrow?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Sarah

"4/04: Rain Not Found"

Congratulations, Sarah! What a witty response--I love it!

Today's Writing Prompt: Failure

Write about a time you failed, and how it changed you.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: e

When I first started blogging, I went nuts trying to promote it and add bells and whistles to the site; I really thought it would be the greatest blog that ever happened to the internet, and that any day, Time magazine would highlight it in a feature about how blogging has changed the world. But, I failed to actually, you know, write on my blog regularly. It changed how I looked at my work ethic: I realized I was a lot of talk and not a lot of action. I also learned to respect the hard work other people put into maintaining their blogs, their writing practice, and so on. I've learned to adjust my perspective, I've learned that success, in blogging, for one, but life too, is earned through small diligent acts, rather than big smoke shows.

Congratulations, e! I really loved your response. Many of us who blog are like you--we want the "next big thing." The every day discipline of blogging is a challenge, though! Your insights were great, and I hope others appreciate them too.

Today's Writing Prompt: Prank

Write about a prank you participated in, experienced, or heard about (on April Fool's Day or any other day.)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Barga

last year, my friend went out to eat with his girlfriend. Being the type of guys/girls that we are (engeneering, nerdy people) we decided to move his bed from the dorm into the hallway. Once we started, we realized tht it wouldnt fit, so went and asked maitnence for tools

In the 45 minutes we had, we took apart the bed, moved it out, reassembled it (hardest part), and put it in the hallway.

When he got back, he was just too astonished to be mad (his words) and loved it. He slept on it that night out in the hall

great times in college

Congratulations, Barga, on another win! Something about this prank appeals to me--I can just picture it. And I think it's awesome that he actually slept in the hall. It makes me miss college just a bit!