Pessimistic Outlook

Daily writing prompt
What are you most excited about for the future?

To be perfectly blunt, I would have to dig deep to find any excitement for the future. With the climate change, that ridiculous political circus, wars and other conflicts around the globe, as well as the social and economical challenges we face, having a positive outlook takes way more optimism than I can come up with at present.

Tell Me Why

Daily writing prompt
If you could host a dinner and anyone you invite was sure to come, who would you invite?

Knowing full well, that this idea would probably backfire on me, I would invite my “enemies” from the past. This includes people from childhood who only pretended to be friends, a couple of teachers who embarrassed me in front of the entire class every chance they had, two guys who claimed to love me but had manipulative, controlling and emotionally abusive ways of “showing their love”. And finally, I would invite a few former co-workers from my last two places of employment, who jointly bullied me, including my immediate supervisors.
Sometimes, distance and time can change your perspective on a situation or problematic encounter. My objective with this dinner invitation would be, to have a conversation with these mentioned people. I would (hopefully) calmy and politely ask them, why they did what they did to me at the time. Or what made them hate me so much? What did I do to them, to deserve such treatment? Especially from teachers and supervisors.
Not certain, that my guests would give me the time of day with regard to the uncomfortable topic of conversation, it would be most important for me to share with them how absolutely horrible they made me feel. I long to tell them how much of an impact these moments/situations/behaviors had on me, some of them still do to this present day. They really should know, and I deserve the chance to tell them. In theory this seems to be a good idea to find closure and make peace with the past. Reality would be quite a different story, especially if it doesn’t work out as imagined. Luckily I will never know.

Buried Deep

Daily writing prompt
What’s your definition of romantic?

Romance. That’s a topic I should steer clear of, actually. Because when you find yourself in a bad relationship with the wrong person, your top priority is how to get out of that situation instead of coming up with sweet and thoughtful ways about how to romance such an undeserving guy.
I guess the well known classic examples would be a Valentine’s Day Card, a candlelight dinner, or a romantic weekend getaway….[don’t ask a single girl ๐Ÿคฃ].
In closing, perhaps there is an ounce of romance buried somewhere deep within me. It just takes the right person to re-ignite that romantic spark, and melt away the ice block around my heart.

Downton Abbey fans, do you remember Matthew saying to Mary “I would never be happy with anyone else, as long as you walk the earth”? Followed up by their closed-eyes-kiss at the door [and Mary peeks anyway]. Aw…I love that scene so much ๐Ÿ’— The YouTube clip I found is a bit lengthy, sorry about that, but let’s enjoy it anyway.

Scene from Downton Abbey season 3, episode 1 | Source: YouTube



I’m Gonna Love You – Cody Johnson W/ Carrie Underwood

It’s been quite a while since I’ve shared a country song, tonight’s the night. I found a beautiful duet by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood. Now I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do…

“I’m Gonna Love You” by Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood | Source: YouTube

Gosh, these country duets feel like an embrace, don’t they? Just lovely. Have a good night.

Is That A Smile?

My fur kiddo looks happy despite the heat today โค๐ŸŒก | Photo: Claudia Braun 07/2025

Since June 12th, my days are filled with such joy again, thanks to Lilly.
My heart is overflowing with love, and I am grateful beyond
measure for this little whirlwind in my life.