A Beloved Book

I.

Tommy sits curled up in his old brown bed. On his lap is a green and white quilted blanket. He turns his head to the right and stares outside the window. His green eyes sparkle as he watches the snowflakes dance in the morning air. Smiling, he turns back to the book on his lap.


II.

Tommy opens up the book and flips through the pages. It's a red hardcover edition of Bullfinch's Mythology. The spine is cracked, and the pages are yellowed like rotten custard. Tommy's slim white fingers turn each page, as his eyes devour the contents. Suddenly, he stops. A great gasp flees from his throat.


III.

Before his eyes, he sees a black and white picture of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur stands in the center, with his armored knights around him. Before the king, kneels a golden-haired youth. His head is bowed, and his hands are clasped in prayer as King Arthur taps him on the shoulder with Excalibur. "Lancelot." the boy says softly, his eyes shining like stars.

A Winter Wonderland

The snow is on the ground like a big white carpet. It reminds you of cotton candy at a summer carnival. With a smile, you step into the snow. Your black hiking boots make slushing noises as you walk around. Shivering, you tuck your gloved hands into your forest-green jacket. You can see your breath in little puffs of white mist that reminds you of smoke. Pausing for a moment, you close your eyes and inhale the crisp morning air. Its coolness fills your lungs, and you feel a lightness in your body. Staring at the sun as it rises, you feel yourself flying in the clouds.

a field of snow

deep in the countryside

you look about

and feel yourself flying

in worlds of white wonder

The Smell Of The Sea

Sally walks by the shores of the sea. She stops and turns towards the water. Before her eyes is a blue carpet stretching far into the horizon. Smiling, she sits down and presses her toes deep into the golden sand. She sighs as she wriggles her toes. Then she looks back to the water. Her emerald eyes shine in the sunlight as she takes deep breaths of the salty air. The smell rushes through her body; her skin tingles, and she sighs once more.

speeding arrow

an eagle

in the clouds

The Greatest Gift

audiobook

a classroom

in your mind

What is something that everyone should have? Something absolutely essential to their needs? What is the greatest gift they could get?

The greatest gift is investing in yourself. Take the time to learn new skills and grow as a person. This is one thing that you should never deprive yourself of. Material things come and go, but the things you learn will last a lifetime.

But how do you invest in yourself? The answer is to seek out resources that will help you develop an area that you would like to improve on.

 We live in a great technological age - there is information for the taking. Look for it with free videos and books. Why pay when so many people are willing to give free advice? All you have to do is find it. Take advantage of their teaching and learn from them. Make the most of these opportunities. Two sites that I recommend to help get you started:

• Librivox (free audiobooks - you can learn faster than by reading a traditional book)
• Youtube (free videos on various subjects).

Give yourself the greatest gift. You owe it to yourself.

The Frog

Midnight in the plum garden. The full moon shines high overhead, kissing the grass with silver light. A gentle breeze blows sweetly over the plum trees, and the smell of ripe plums lingers in the air.

In the center of the garden is a small pond. The clear water shines in the moonlight like glass in a mirror. Near the edge of the pond, squats an old frog on a lily pad. Its skin is mint-green and wrinkled. Big, bulging eyes stare out into the water and then sink to slits as it begins to croak. From time to time, a slimy tongue shoots out as if kissing the air. The old frog croaks through the night.

old frog

under the moon

spring song

Mountains Of Misery

snow

on the mountain

clear streams

We all have mountains in our lives - some obstacle that blocks our way forward. These mountains can be devasting to a person. We see in front of us a solid wall of rock and think it is impossible to climb. Our hopes are crushed, and we fall into utter despair. These unsolved problems have become "mountains of misery."

But there is no need to lose hope. Instead, we must remind ourselves that there are many ways to attack a problem. Do not let fear and despair hold you back from achieving your goals. With careful thinking, there is a way to overcome any obstacle. If the mountain seems too large or intimidating to climb, do not climb it. The direct way will get you nowhere. Your best bet is to use an indirect method. See if you can go around the mountain. Often times, these indirect methods are more effective than direct action. They can lead to solutions that are much easier and better than your original plan.

The next time you see a mountain in your life, take a step back and attack the problem in your mind. If direct action seems too costly, or unattainable, look for indirect methods that can help you achieve your goals. Mind will always be better than matter. Instead of exhausting your strength with brute force, use your mind to come up with clever alternatives. By following this plan, you will never have to fear the "mountains of misery" in your life.

Nightingale

The full moon shines high above a lake. Its water is calm and clear in the silver light.  Across the water, on the shores of the lake, sings the nightingale. Her sweet song is like an angel singing - pure, high notes that linger in the air like golden bells ringing.

aria

the nightingale's song

at midnight

Learn To Listen

alone

on the telephone

static sounds

Have you ever felt that you do not understand people? That you could not relate with them? One of the ways to overcome this barrier is to listen to them.

There are many advantages when you listen to people. People can be an amazing source of information - a well of knowledge and opinions that can enrich your life. All you have to do is be polite and listen to what they have to say. Most of the time, people will be all too happy to talk to you. By being a good listener, you will be able to learn so much about yourself and the world around you.

Listening builds compassion. When people talk, they share not only their joys but their troubles as well. Deep down, most people just want a sympathetic ear to listen to. When you listen to them, you will learn how to practice kindness and compassion - you will win the respect of that person. A willing ear leads to a compassionate heart.

The next time someone wants to talk, listen to them. Both of you will benefit from this interaction. You can only grow as a person if you learn to listen.

Say No To Negativity

sitting alone

in my room

calm sea

The mind is a beautiful thing - the greatest part of your body. When used properly, it can lead to new discoveries and inventions for humanity. When used negatively, untold misery, defeat, and destruction can occur. How can you use your brain to its optimal power?

The first thing you must do is to banish negative thoughts. Negative thoughts are a poison that will infect your mind, shattering your self-confidence and leaving you weak and vulnerable to bad influences. To free yourself, you must let go of the past. Stop thinking about the past and moaning about things you cannot change. The past is history - no amount of crying or screaming will change what has already happened.

Instead, focus your efforts on the present - the here and now. This is the only thing that is within your power. You cannot change the past, and no one knows the future - all that is left to you is the present. Think of the present as a block of marble. To fulfill your dreams, you must see the image and work your way towards it. Like a patient sculptor, you will slowly chip away at the unnecessary material until you mold something of great beauty from within your mind.

Now is the time. Stop thinking of the past and focus on what you can do now. Believe in yourself and build your dreams and life with positive thinking. Say No to Negativity.

The Fear Of Failure

a turtle

in the grass

noonday sun

For many, failure is like a death sentence. It paralyzes you, making you afraid to take action. All you see is doom and gloom, darkness and defeat.

But it does not have to be this way. Your fear of failure is the result of misguided thinking. Failure is not the end of the world. Life must go on, and you must learn to adapt. With time, you will understand that a temporary setback has turned into a jewel of opportunity.

Failure is nothing more than a tool to improve yourself. Whenever you fail at something, look at the cause and effect of the problem. Try to understand what went wrong, and use it as a source of feedback on what needs to be done. By learning from your mistakes, you will grow as a person, becoming wiser and stronger in the process.

So the next time you feel hopeless and lost from a problem, remember this lesson. Use your mistakes as a springboard to renewed effort and growth. You will then know that there is nothing to fear from failure.

The Words We Use

links

in a chain

short words

To write well, we must make use of all our words. Words are stones that build our thoughts. Each one must be put in place, at the right time. Brick by brick, we build the wall to make a work of art.

Choose your words with great care. Each word is linked in a chain that flows from point to point. It must be smooth from one line to the next. Short words give strength to your work; the words are clear and make it a joy to read.

Try to use short words in your work. It is a good way to write with more skill. All my words have been one syllable (except this one). Short words will help you write in a clear and smooth way. Try it; it is well worth it.

On Books

a row

of hardcover books

on the shelf

golden keys to unlock

worlds hidden behind doors

I've always been fond of books. They are like old friends at a dinner party - always chatting away with something new to say. Indeed, it's hard not to admire a book, for within its dusty covers, are worlds waiting to be discovered. The possibilities are endless. Will I enter a world of fantasy and enroll in a wizard school? Or perhaps I will travel in time to Ancient Greece and attend a lecture at Plato's Academy. Maybe I will explore the stars and learn about the universe with Astronomy. All these choices are mine to make. They are "golden keys" that will unlock the ignorance of my mind as I strive for understanding.

Socrates once said: "I know nothing except for the fact of my ignorance." I too, have tried to live by this maxim. It is only through humility, have I learned that there is so much to learn. An open mind, an open heart, and an open book, are the surest ways I know to grow as a person. I truly believe this. Without these things, it would be much harder to grow in wisdom.

A good book is a friend for life. I will always relish the ones I've read, for many have changed my life. They are there for anyone willing to listen - to listen to their stories. I'm glad I listened.

The Truth About Tests

math problems

on a school test

building blocks

Throughout our lives, we are confronted with tests - tests for school, tests for work, tests in our personal lives - they are everywhere and for the most part, unavoidable. It is unfortunate that many people get stressed out over tests. They see it as a barrier to their ambitions. Perhaps it is, but they are seeing it in the wrong light.

The truth about tests is that they are opportunities for growth - a sort of feedback on your current progress. Failing a test means nothing in the long run - it is only a temporary setback that allows you to gain insight into areas that need improvement. Take advantage of this and learn from it. Grow as a person and develop your skills.

Now you know the truth about tests. Stop avoiding them and confront them with confidence. They will be valuable aides in your life.

The Ice Cream Shop

Jenny opens the door and walks into Bob's Big Ice Cream. She goes up to the counter and peers into the glass. Her big blue eyes brighten when she sees all the ice cream flavors - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, - an endless rainbow of colors and choices to choose from. Smiling, she waves her hand to get the cashier's attention.

"Hey, Bob! I'll get my usual."  She opens up her black purse and fishes around for loose coins. She grabs a handful and plops them down on the counter.

Bob, an older man in his fifties, scoops up the quarters and dimes and puts them into little piles as he counts them. With a grunt, he gathers all the coins and rings up the cash register, placing them into neat rows. He bangs shut the machine, and turns to her, an amused look in his green eyes.

"Vanilla ice cream again, Jenny? We have over fifty flavors of ice cream, and you always pick vanilla. Don't you ever want to try something new?"

Jenny rolls her eyes and waves a hand in dismissal. "Nah, I like vanilla - always have. Why would I ever want to try something new? It's just bound to disappoint me." She grabs a plastic spoon and some napkins and waits for Bob to get her ice cream.

Bob scoops her vanilla ice cream into a cup and hands it to her. "No offense Jenny, but I  think you're missing out. Don't be afraid to try new things. You might discover something you truly love."

 Jenny nods and takes the cup from him. "Sure Bob, whatever." She plunges her spoon into her ice cream and eats it slowly, savoring it as she strolls out the store.

Bob watches her go. He sighs and shakes his head. "Why is everyone so afraid to try a new flavor?" he says softly to himself.

rainbow

ice cream flavors

in a shop

How To Enjoy Life

sunrise

a smiley face

in my notebook

Throughout human history, people have wondered how to enjoy life. What makes a happy life? What can we do to find happiness?

The answer is to consider the end result - death. Death is the curse of all things born into this world. What was born must die. If we understand and accept this truth, we are one step closer to unlocking the power we do have - the power of the present.

If we want to enjoy life, we must live in the present. Put away all your old fears - let those memories collect dust in the tomb of the past. No matter how much you may wish to change those distant memories, you cannot. Step away and let those memories rest in peace - the peace of an untroubled mind.

The same goes for the future. Life is too chaotic - too variable to plan your future in the minutest detail. One small misstep can make the tower of your dreams come crashing down. Plan if you wish, but do not plan so much that you live your whole life in the future waiting for something to happen.

The only thing we control is the present - one day at a time. Enjoy that day like it was your last - for it might very well be. Seek out new experiences and opportunities. Read good books and make new friends - explore yourself and your world. Never pass up a good thing in your love for life. For if you can make the most of your day, you are a lucky person. You know how to enjoy life.

The Power Of Persuasion

a lightbulb

drawn on the chalkboard

seeds in your mind

By nature, we are social animals. We thrive on the interaction of others. This feeling of togetherness is what compels us to form groups - our family, our friends, our place in society.

With this closeness comes the need to share our ideas with others - to persuade them to our way of thinking. We can achieve this through the power of persuasion.

But how do we persuade someone? What can we do without using threats or force? The answer is to look within ourselves and make use of one of our greatest gifts - the power of belief. Like it or not, we are emotional creatures. All the beauty of a perfect Aristotelian syllogism means nothing if your audience can not feel the emotion in your words. True persuasion is not won by fancy logical equations, but by the power and conviction in your words - you feel so strongly about something that your passion passes through your audience and wins the heart of the people.

Which would you rather have? The finest mathematical proof set up in perfect order, or the enthusiasm of someone who loves their subject and yearns to shares their knowledge with others? Do you favor human warmth and feeling, or a cold equation?

Remember this: People are not moved by perfect logic, but by the power of your beliefs and your enthusiasm. If you want to win the hearts of your audience, you must follow these principles. Only then will you have the power to persuade. 

The Time We Have

Dear Reader,


The following is a poem I wrote. It is a poem about time - the time in our lives. Like it or not, we are all under the yoke of time. For whatever is born of this world, must eventually die and pass away - to return to the Earth from which it came. I hope this poem will give you some insights on life and death and the time that all of us have.

The pangs of life is but the kiss of death,

One life to live before the final breath;

The sweetest song soon becomes a lament,

When cries of joy are turned into torment.

As roses bloom, so they must wither and fade,

Their pretty petals plucked, and then unmade;

The grass of spring changes to ice and snow,

As life gives way to darkness and woe.

Our life is but a spark that burns too fast,

A rising sun that must descend at last.

On Excellence

shining star

adding the numbers

one by one

The best thing you can do in your life is to invest in yourself. It is like finding a gold mine - but infinitely better. The material things you have can be taken away at any time, but the knowledge in your head is yours forever. It is a diamond beyond price. Why go through life amassing a fortune that others will take away from you? Why not build a different kind of fortune? A fortune that is yours to keep and share at your choosing.

But how do you gain wisdom? What must you do to have that priceless diamond in your mind? The answer is through self-discovery. You must see the world through the eyes of a child. Everything in your world must be new to you. You must ask questions and keep an open mind, for these are the things essential to any kind of learning. "Why?" and "How?" should be the words of your mantra - your friends in the quest for enlightenment.

With self-discovery comes the desire for continuous improvement. Repetition is the child of learning. For an hour every day, you must make a commitment to learn something new. Look for this knowledge wherever it takes you: books, the Internet, other people. It matters not as long as you learn something from it. Then practice, always practice, what you have learned.

Excellence is not hard to learn. All it takes is continuous self-discovery and the practice of it. Do not deny yourself this precious gift. Excellence is yours for the taking - reach out and grab it. Be the person you always wanted to be. 

It Pays To Be Polite

one family

one world

a smile

I often wonder - why is there so much rudeness in the world? Why are we so eager to insult others? The world seems to be flooded with hate.

I think this is a real shame. It is a shame because good manners cost nothing. They are free for the taking anytime we want. Unlike most things in this world, politeness is a gift that even the poorest person can take advantage of. Why deny yourself such a beautiful gift? Embrace it and make it your own.

Not only is politeness free, but it also offers many benefits to the daily practitioner. One of the most important is the respect and admiration of others. It is the law of reflection: what you send out to others will be returned to you. If you send out hate, you will receive hate. If you send out love, you will receive love. And so it is with all the other emotions.

If you want to master yourself and find happiness, you must begin with yourself. Conquer negativity by thinking positively. Then send out your positivity to others with kindness and politeness. You will soon notice the law of reflection at work: others will reciprocate your feelings and send you kindness as well.

Let us make this world a better place by removing the hate that infests this world. Try your best every day to be polite to everyone you meet - both on and off the internet. You will soon notice it truly does pay to be polite.

A Donkey's Tale

There once lived a donkey. He was a grouchy fellow that liked to stroll in the meadow and complain about everything he saw or did. If he stepped on daises, he would complain; if he looked at the sun, he would complain; if another animal greeted him, he would complain. It was always the same: his ears and tail would droop, and he would raise his head and bray like a bawling child. Whenever the other animals heard his braying, they would flee the field as fast as their feet could carry them. And so he moaned from dawn to dusk.

braying donkey

a little child

in the candy store