What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily? DAILY CHALLENGE RESPONSE For whatever reason, AI has something against generating an image of a Dodge Ram, but whatever. I drive an old Dodge Ram that’s 19 years old. She needs some loving, but she still gets me where I need to go. I … Continue reading The RAM
If you had to change your name, what would your new name be? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE When i think of this question it reminds me of this ridiculous scene from back in the day. If had to change my name … it just wouldn’t be me. I’ve gotten used to my crusty self. I’m frayed … Continue reading Well, you can call me …
Describe your dream chocolate bar. DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE How you gonna ask me a question like this? Knowing I’m a diabetical … [scoffs] [rocking back and forth … muttering …] Strawberries, peanuts, covered nugget…ZZzzzz [muttering] got me dreaming and shit … knowing I can’t have none of that goodness … That’s just wrong! Continue reading This is just wrong…
Where would you go on a shopping spree? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Shopping Sprees? I’m bold, daring, and a tad bit reckless. Slinging money left and right. Yep, that’s me. Three places I make it rain at. Amazon, local used bookstore, and local used record shop. I know it’s crazy, and I need to contain myself. … Continue reading Squeeze Me
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE When I was five, huh? I just wanted to fly. Then, jump motorcycles, run fast, be GI Joe, be a singer in a Rock & Roll band, and make my Mom proud. Continue reading I Just wanted to Fly
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I came up with potential responses to this prompt. Either would have been fine. However, I spent most of the night and a good part of the wee hours working. As a multi-genre artist, work could mean anything. Well, last night, I worked on character descriptions for my fiction. It’s nothing to … Continue reading Art
Do you practice religion? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE My relationship with the Master is a personal one. I believe we must coexist with one another. Continue reading It’s Personal
What personal belongings do you hold most dear? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE For a long time, I fought for humor, integrity, and truth. I was steadfast in my duty. Then, for a moment, I fought for glory. This was the moment of corruption. How can this be? After years of devotion, it only takes a moment … Continue reading All that Remains
What sacrifices have you made in life? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE We all make sacrifices. It’s just a fact of life. Some make more than others, but we all make them. There is one sacrifice that stands out more than others: the moment I sacrificed my innocence. I didn’t know what was happening, but now I … Continue reading There have been many …
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I have several collections of various things that captured my interest over the years. I could go on about my book, music, or my hard drives filled with unsorted data to be used at some unspecified time. No data is bad data. However, I have a collection that may be a tad … Continue reading But, Of Course
What’s one small improvement you can make in your life? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I suppose when you reach a certain age, you wonder about trying to make a change or improvement—old dogs and alike. Yet, hopefully, with that age comes a bit of wisdom. I know for years I’ve banged my head against the wall … Continue reading Acceptance
Do you vote in political elections? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE As child, I watched the elders of my community banned together and brave the elements for their chance to be heard. I remember the rumbling of the younger generations about elections being rigged and didn’t matter if they voted or not. The elders wouldn’t hear this … Continue reading The Right to Vote
Do you ever see wild animals? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Sometimes, it feels like I’m Marlon Perkins from that show Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. It all started when I was invaded by two raccoons, Louie and Smiley. I was visiting my folks, and when I returned, Louie was sitting in my office chair reading the … Continue reading Mangus’s Wild Kingdom
Have you ever been camping? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I’ve spent a great deal of time in the woods, sleeping under the stars and even being chased by a family of wild boars, so the idea of going back to the woods for “fun” didn’t really appeal to me. However, I’m aware of oodles of fun … Continue reading Never on Purpose or Fun
What topics do you like to discuss? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I find this a bit difficult since I go days without uttering a single word. There’s something about the serenity of silence that soothes me, and most times, I’m not willing to compromise my serenity for the sake of prattle. I have found that my … Continue reading I’m a Man of few words
Which aspects do you think makes a person unique? DAILY PROMPT CHALLENGE In the discussion of what makes a person unique, it’s a short one. However -, the forced subtopics or categories lengthen the discussion and become a slow grind. The answer is simple. An individual’s personality sets them apart from everyone else. I concede … Continue reading Personality
What was the last thing you did for play or fun? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE A couple of months back a few co workers had this hair brain scheme to go a local watering hole to I don’t know, hang out? or some just as an annoying social construct. So, under protest, I showed up. To … Continue reading Songs Sung Offkey
How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE In many ways I viewed the quarantine as a god send. Let me be clear, I wished anything harmful on anyone, but I was dealing with emotionally issues and wanted to be alone. So I was. I encrypted everything … Continue reading I Hate Change
What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE As a kid, I was obsessed with moving things with my mind. Yeah, I was the kid who laid the pencil on his desk, staring at it, trying to make it move. Of course, it never happened. Then, I got … Continue reading These aren’t the Droids you’re looking for…
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I’ve more time behind the wheel than any other mode of transportation. Driving has always relaxed me. I prefer driving alone to think in peace, but I’m not opposed to traveling with someone else. I’ve developed some of my best … Continue reading I Couldn’t Resist
Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I believe I was a wolf in another life. Their solitary habits appeal to me. As a child, I was convinced I would be a werewolf. I watched all the movies and read all the stories. Now, as an adult, I enjoy wolves. … Continue reading It’s a Wolf Thang
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Over the last six months, I’ve experienced tremendous health issues. So, for the next six months, my biggest challenge is to maintain the progress I’ve made. I Have to learn to be patient and sit my stubborn butt down … Continue reading My Health
You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE No one intends to fall in love with an asshole, but it happens; just ask my late wife and current girlfriend; they are the two sitting in the corner shaking their heads as they read this sentence. Continue reading The Opening Line
What are three objects you couldn’t live without? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE If I’m being honest, there are far too many I would hate to give up. I guess I’ve got soft over the years. However, if I absolutely had these three items I couldn’t live without. 1. Coffee – I don’t care about the garbage … Continue reading The Essential’s
Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Throughout the years, I’ve collected one thing or another. In childhood most of my friends were collecting something. It seemed as though you weren’t a boy if you didn’t some sort of collection. This followed me into adulthood. … Continue reading That Coveted Rookie Card
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done. DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Three things on my list never seem to get crossed off. 1. Service my truck: I never seem to fully service my truck until something breaks. I’m doing reactive maintenance instead of preventive. I can do most of the repairs myself. I haven’t … Continue reading I’ll get around to It … someday
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE For the first part of my childhood, my favorite football player was Mean Joe Greene, even before his Coke commercial. I wore a mesh replica of his jersey every day. I was obsessed with him. I wanted to play football as well as he did. Maybe even play for the Pittsburgh Steelers … Continue reading Tales of the Gridiron and Pickup Games
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count. I’ve even fantasized about how my life would be different. I wouldn’t wind up like those people you hear about who win millions and end up broke or worse than they were. I would be smart, I’d tell myself. Honestly, I … Continue reading Something Good … I Hope
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I can’t remember a time when books weren’t a part of my life. My grandmother had the first library I had ever seen. There was a room off the living room filled with books of all sorts. I swear she had read every book. I assumed everyone had a library in their … Continue reading A Little of This… A Little of that.
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Living with cats is so different from living with dogs. It took a minute to grasp that, but now I believe we have an understanding with each other; I think, maybe. Well at least the best understanding one could have with a cat. Now when I raised dogs, I’m certain we had … Continue reading Couldn’t you just save me one?
List five things you do for fun. DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I live a simple life. Due to this, several folks accuse me of being unable to have fun. At first, this consensus troubled me. For 30 seconds, I considered that I might need to adjust my lifestyle. Once I explained my former everyday life, some … Continue reading The Down & Dirty
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I’ve been lucky, blessed even to have been to most of the places people stare at in magazines, postcards, or the subject of a story you can imagine because you know you’ll never get to visit. I’ve also been to the places no one has ever heard of and wouldn’t admit they visited … Continue reading Truth, Justice, and The American Way
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Like many people our names are chosen with no idea why? Several of us are named after a relative we never met. Sometimes we carry names of relative that has been deceased for generations. Most of the people I know don’t a clue of etymology of their names. Madre Khan said she … Continue reading No Pressure
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE When we have a conversation about leadership, one can find opinions and ideals with a few keystrokes. There are seminars, books, and articles thoroughly covering the subject. During my time in the military I read several in an attempt to find everything I could about becoming a better leader. I’ve listed a … Continue reading The Burden of Leadership
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE What I’ve learned over the years in regards to clutter is you never know how much crap you have accumulated until you get ready to move. Also, I discovered the things in the basement, the storage unit, and the garage. You probably don’t need it. I’m aware that somehow we find justification … Continue reading Sitting Still Long Enough
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE As a kid, my favorite animal was a dog. Then I watched Ole Yeller and Sounder, and suddenly, the idea of caring for a dog seemed less appealing. Though I’ve had various versions of man’s best friend. I couldn’t help but be enthralled by the mystic of werewolves. In 1981, I was … Continue reading Werewolves of London
When are you most happy? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I find myself the most happy when I’m lost in a good story. It took a long time to figure out how to enjoy reading stories without my imagination taking off, and I lost interest in the story. I began making notes in little spiral notebooks of … Continue reading A Good Story
Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE The item I was most attached to as a child was my mother’s album collection. I spent hours listening to her music. It was my mother’s love for music that shaped mine. The Madre turned me on … Continue reading Living Room Vinyl
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I remember when I was feeling down as kid, my mother would drag my butt over to our local DQ and get me one of these masterfully crafted desserts of deliciousness. She always knew just the right time to take me to get one. It never seemed like I knew the exact … Continue reading More a Treat than a Snack
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Questions like these make me roll my eyes and shake my head. It seems like the next thing they will be asking is, “What does it all mean?” What’s my place in the world?” And more nonsense questions. I have this attitude because it is the decisions we make that cause us … Continue reading Questions Like These…
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE As a writer of a certain age, I spend time thinking about the past for several reasons. Sometimes, things that happened in the past make interesting ideas that may form a basis for a story. Other times they may lend an expected scene. Typically, I use the past in the following areas … Continue reading Perception is our Reality
DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE In a previous post, I discussed autodidactic learning. It’s this method of education I’m most familiar with. However, I always wanted to obtain a college degree of some sort. For whatever reason, I convinced myself I wasn’t smart enough to achieve my goal. As I was torn between my beliefs and desires, … Continue reading Distance Learning: The School of Hard Knocks
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you? While working on my undergraduate degree, I had the Psychology of Play course. I immediately tried to drop the course as a grown-ass man; I had no time for play. The idea was ridiculous. The whole affair was an utter waste of time. … Continue reading I Don’t Have Time for This … I’m a Grown @$$ Man.
What is your all time favorite automobile? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE In an earlier post, I discussed my dream cars, so in this response, I’ll talk about my favorite vehicle I have owned. I’ve owned several cars over the years. My first pickup truck was a 1969 Ford F-100. She was called ”The Gypsy” and was the … Continue reading The Gypsy
What are your favorite physical activities or exercises? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE There is nothing like taking a walk. I would add cigarettes and coffee to the mi, but that would only dimish the benefits. I was poor as a child, we had two ways to get anywhere; walking or riding your bike. In some cases, … Continue reading Good Stroll
What cities do you want to visit? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I’ve been pretty fortunate in my life, for the most part. I’ve done a great deal of traveling in my lifetime. I found myself in places I didn’t know existed and places I thought you only read about in travel books that lay on the … Continue reading A Christmas Story
Are you a good judge of character? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I would like to think I’m a decent judge of character overall. However, there have been occasions over the years where I have been hoodwinked. I’m sure most you may have experienced this phenomenon and probably don’t like it anymore than I do. Because of … Continue reading Hoodwinked
What’s your favorite cartoon? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I watched so many cartoons as a child I can’t remember them all. Of course, the classics like Scrooby-Do and Bugs Bunny. However, there was one cartoon that appeared later. GI-Joe ended up being my jam. It might have sparked from having the action figure GI Joe with … Continue reading Real American Heroes
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE This isn’t a hard question for me. I would love to live somewhere in the woods. As long as I had wifi. The first places that come to mind are Montana & Wyoming. I spent time in both of these … Continue reading Home on the Range
What are your two favorite things to wear? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I’ve never really paid attention to the things I wear once I became an adult. I’ve found I’m most comfortable in pair of Dickies pants, a good boot, and a ball cap. Yeah, this prompt doesn’t require a lot of thought. Continue reading Dickies, Boots, and a Ball Cap
What is your favorite place to go in your city? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE As a child, I developed a fondness for spending time in the parks. I would ride my bike to the different parks in my hometown. Each time I relocate, I drive around the new location to find the parks in the area. … Continue reading Park & Rec
What’s your favorite month of the year? Why? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I had to think a moment before answering this prompt. There are several months of the year that hold a special place. November is special because it’s officially sweater season, and my sweater game is ridiculous. Early April is nice. It’s the beginning of … Continue reading Enough Said …
What book are you reading right now? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Typically, I read several books at once. However, lately, I’ve slowed down quite a bit. Over the last few months, I’ve been reading one at a time. This month, I’ve been reading crime noir novels. One of the best crime writers in the business is … Continue reading Crime Noir
What was your favorite subject in school? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE – CREATIVE NON-FICTION/FICTION – MAYBE A LITTLE OF BOTH I could lie here, but I won’t. I could spin a fantastic but believable yarn about something that has nothing to do with the question. I’m a fiction writer; it’s what I do. You know, it’s … Continue reading Confessions of a Horrible Student
Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE In the late 80’s, I was on my way overseas when I looked up to see a guy who seemed oddly familiar. I knew I didn’t know him, but still he seemed familiar. It turned out to be El Debarge. … Continue reading Rhythm of the Night
Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car). DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE For most things, I’m a tightwad, even described as squeezing a penny so tight you can see the booger in Lincoln’s nose. There’s truth in that statement, with one exception. When it comes to my tech, I Typically … Continue reading Men and their Toys
What is good about having a pet? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE I know there are people in this world who don’t entertain the idea of having a pet. I get it. They can be messy, expensive, and a lot of work. They even of the nerve at times to look at you as if you have … Continue reading I Can’t Believe You’re Asking Me This …
What are your favorite websites? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE There are far too many quality websites to call one my favorite. However, there are a few I visit regularly. I understand this might be the time to publicly admit. [Clearing my throat] My name is Mangus, and I’m a bookworm and shopaholic. Because of this compulsion, … Continue reading Confessions of a Bookworm & Shopaholic
You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Dealing with a Djinn is like bucking the tiger odds. The odds are in favor of the house. This is because we speak in generalities. we are specific about what we want or need. Sometimes, we actually think we know exactly … Continue reading One Wish
What is your favorite form of physical exercise? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE There was a time when running was everything to me. I’ve literally have run hundreds if not thousands of miles in my life. It’s something about the struggle between your mind and body. The two of them trying to find synchronicity. The feeling is … Continue reading This body is made for walking
PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS/SLIGHT RANT From the Stoop: A page I’m developing for the blog will contain a series of articles covering various subjects not dealing with the current subjects on the blog. Writing: That’s all I have right now. Of course, I have several unnamed projects, but I have learned recently I need to … Continue reading The Projects on My Storyboard
PROSE – DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE Today, I realized I don’t have the mindset to have a lazy day and relax. I grew up believing you worked hard throughout the week and did chores around the house on the weekends. Saturday was the primary day of work. Sunday, I finished things up and prepared for the … Continue reading There’s So Much To Do
What do you enjoy most about writing? PROSE – REFLECTIONS I can’t remember why I started this. I can’t see where it was supposed to go. I know there was reason, a pretty good I’m sure. I probably crafted some clever dialogue to explain my actions if someone were to ask. No one did. I … Continue reading Ain’t That Some Shit.
PROSE – DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE When I wrote full-time, my writing team constantly accused me of procrastinating. We created several blogs, writing workshops, and countless other writing-related things during this time. Due to this, I wondered why they would say such a thing. I admit I might have been a little wounded. Just a tad. … Continue reading Me? Procrastinate? Nah, Never!
PROSE – DAILY PROMPT Some of my close friends may say I’ve never grown up. It’s almost like I’m clowning around all the time. Then, a group of my closest friends entertain the thought I was born old. A small faction questions whether or not I was born fully grown. I must admit there is … Continue reading Who are you calling a Grown Up?
What skill would you like to learn? DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS When considering today’s prompt I think about all the things I cram into my head regularly. I’m passionate about learning new things that interest me. I believe I have always been this way or at least, as far back as I can … Continue reading Time for a Cool Change
List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter. PROSE – RANT -REFLECTION When I started working, I had no idea what I wanted to do or, better yet, what I was doing. I remember working to help my mother so I could help buy school clothes. Whenever I went to work, it seemed … Continue reading It’s Never Been about the Money
What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in? PROSE – DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE In life, we are blessed with two families: the one we are born with and the one we choose. I heard this concept a few years ago, and instantly it made sense. My MiMi was a … Continue reading All in the Family
What brands do you associate with? PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS When I grew up, we were defined by the clothes we wore. At least, I thought so. Madre Khan was poor, but she did the best she could. There was never a night I went to sleep hungry or ever wondered where I was going … Continue reading I’m Such a Brand Whore.
What could you do more of? PROSE – DAILY PROMPT As thinking about this prompt, I keep coming back to central idea I have used for most of life. “Take Care of Business” However, today it takes on new meaning. I spent a tremendous amount of time worrying about taking care of the needs of … Continue reading Taking Care of Business
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? DAILY PROMPT/CHALLENGES For the quote of the day, I posted a quote by Albert Einstein. I chose it because of its connection to today daily prompt. On numerous occasions throughout my life, some variation of the quote itself or its resolution. “I know you know, but … Continue reading I’ve Heard this over & over
Which topics would you like to be more informed about? PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS/REFLECTION/MINI-RANT I’m always studying something. Constantly scribbling in my notebooks about whatever strikes my fancy. I scribble so much that I spend an enormous amount of money on quality notebooks. No way, I lower myself to use a regular notebook. So what … Continue reading We Don’t Have That Kind of Time.
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life. PROSE – INTROSPECTION If you are like me, when reading this prompt, you’re which pearl of wisdom to drop. What insight makes the city today. There are so many to use from. I think it changes depending on what’s happening in a person’s life. … Continue reading Where do I Begin?
Are you holding a grudge? About? PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS Lately, I’ve become aware of the hazards of holding on to grudges. However, we can not ignore that they often are the catalyst that shape us into the people we are today. There is a darker side of holding on to grudges. So, don’t hold … Continue reading In the Wee Hours #8
What brings a tear of joy to your eye? PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS I beleive its important to point out I’m some pansy running boo-hooing. However, acknowledging the presence of tenderness or innocence displays reserves of strength that can’t be adequately described in words. I know I been trying for years. Yet, I suppose one … Continue reading Age of Innocence
What are you doing this evening? PROSE – INTROSPECTION/DAILY PROMPT Or an error in judgment. Me thinking I was going to live forever. Me, thinking my body was going to remain in its current state. Somehow, I believed I was tougher than I am. I remember making fun of the older generation when I was … Continue reading It Began as a Mistake
Why do you blog? PROSE – REFLECTION/INTROSPECTION The sun has set, signaling the end of a wonderous day. Nothing particular happened, but it just felt good all around. In the spirit of this, let’s speak plainly and talk about this prompt. Let me remove my mask for a while, just to prove to myself I’m … Continue reading SHHH…My Lady & Editor Might Be Geniuses
If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go? PROSE – CHALLENGE I’ve mentioned before I hardly take any time off. When, I do I typically don’t go anywhere. I sit at home and get lost in the pages of a good book. Yet the idea of winning tickets to go anywhere is … Continue reading Pack your bags We’ll Leave Tonight
What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it? PROSE – DAILY PROMPT – FICTION Once, I decided to become a writer, a decision I came to after a bit of turmoil. I say this because I decided to change my career after breaking up with my longtime girlfriend. … Continue reading I’m not a Serial Killer … I swear!
What TV shows did you watch as a kid? PROSE – REFLECTION – DAILY PROMPT I imagine, like most adults my age, we really didn’t have a choice of what we watched on television. Our television was whatever our parents allowed, and there was back talk. We watched what they said without complaint or lost … Continue reading Time and Space
What do you love about where you live? PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS The thing I love about my neighborhood is the sense of community. Everyone is struggling in one way or another, but somehow, we come together in times of need. Today, I witnessed a local church hand out school supplies to its members. Sometimes, … Continue reading Party in the Streets
What brings you peace? PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS / REFLECTION I read this question yesterday and made notes about what I wanted to say. I feel good about several concepts and ideas. However, there was something about the whole affair I couldn’t quite seem to nail down. As I’m thinking about this question, I find … Continue reading It Doesn’t Cost a Thang!
What jobs have you had? Like most of us here, we’ve had plenty of jobs before finding the one that stuck. I cringe, thinking about some of the things I did to make money. However, there is one job I think of fondly. I was a paperboy. If it’s hard to imagine me being a … Continue reading Extra! Extra! Read all About It.
Mangus Khan 