I’m free! Today was my last day of work for two months. I am NOT doing summer school this year. I think the long string of illnesses that I’ve had this year is my sign–or slap upside the head–that I need to take a break. I used eight sick days this year! This is a record for me, not counting the year I had COVID and had to stay home until I got a negative test.

I’m both thrilled and incredibly anxious about this upcoming break. I feel like I need to make the most of it, but a part of me just wants to stay in bed and order DoorDash. Two months! I could do so much with that time…but I think the more I try to do, the less I will accomplish and the worse I will feel. So I’m just trying to go with the flow and not plan too much. Just wake up each day and do what I feel like, without regard to “getting something done” or “being productive.” I think I need to write a giant note to myself that says-TAKE A BREAK-YOU DESERVE IT!

For today’s writing prompt, write something about a break you have taken, are currently taking, or will take in the future.

Well, I fell asleep last night before I could post a writing prompt, breaking my streak of over two months. I’m taking this as a sign that I need to take a break. Going back to work, taking classes, my kids having all kinds of things to do, and lots of other personal obligations and goings-on have gotten me feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Although I have really enjoyed this project, I think for my own mental health and sanity, I need to take a break to focus on the other things that have my attention. I hope that anyone who finds this site will still enjoy the prompts and I hope that some folks will submit their writing soon. I may post here and there sporadically if I feel inspired, but I’m not going to make any daily commitments until things calm down a bit.

Since I am prepping to start teaching The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian tomorrow, I will leave you with the quote that starts the book. Perhaps it will inspire something for you?

There is another world, but it is in this one. –W.B. Yeats

I am killing all of my plants. Not intentionally, but likely due to neglect or some bad stress energy I’m projecting these days. Both my pothos plant and my orchid are biting the dust, sadly. Hopefully a miracle will revive the plants and me, too!

For today’s prompt, write something that incorporates a plant in some way.

I read an article today about an abandoned cafe in Marin County. Apparently lots of Instagram Influencers are taking photos there and destroying the site, which is eventually going to be renovated. I thought this setting of an abandoned place would be interesting to include in a story, poem, essay, etc.

For today’s prompt, write about or include an abandoned place in your piece of writing.

I have two students who are angry at me for getting them in trouble a couple of days ago for their phones. They have since given me the silent treatment. I am curious how much longer it is going to last. It’s kind of funny in a way, but also a bit frustrating because they fail to see that the reason they got in trouble was that they weren’t doing what they need to do to get their credits. Sigh, they don’t realize I am trying to help them. So the silent treatment it is.

Have you ever given or received the silent treatment? Write about it for today’s prompt.

I am listening to a mystery book right now–The Other Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly. In the book, the main character, Harry Bosch, has been hired by a dying wealthy man to find a possible heir. Without spoiling the book, at one point, there is speculation about whether a possible heir would take the money, due to their lifestyle and beliefs. At first thought, I questioned whether this was realistic storytelling; however, the more I think about it, the more I can see why someone wouldn’t want to inherit a large sum of money. How about you?

For today’s prompt, imagine you were about to inherit a very large amount of money. Would you take it, knowing that your simple, creative life was about to become infinitely more complicated and even potentially dangerous due to others wanting your money? Write about your choice and what you imagine the outcome of your choice would be.

Today was my younger son’s first day of preschool. It was an exciting and bittersweet day for all of us–a new beginning.

For today’s prompt, write about a new beginning or a first day of something.

Today we went to a birthday party. I haven’t been to a party in a while. This was a typical kids’ party with a lot of people. It was pretty chill, but it got me thinking back to crazy parties I’ve been to in the past.

For today’s prompt, write about a crazy, funny, or otherwise notable party experience you’ve had.

It is so hot here today and I was so tired from the week that I spent most of the afternoon watching the show Echoes. In this show, identical twins trade places every year. This whole concept is fascinating to think about. I found myself wondering whose life I would want to live for a year. I can’t even imagine.

For today’s prompt, write about what you would do if you had the opportunity to live someone else’s life for a year. Would you take it? Whose life would it be? What do you imagine it would be like?

The evening air is starting to get cool and the days are getting noticeably shorter, even though it’s only August. Tonight I went out and I noticed the Spirit Store is open already. And we’ve been watching Bushman videos at home, so everyone is starting to think about their upcoming costumes.

For today’s prompt, write about a time when you wore a costume (either literally or figuratively).