Tag: writing community

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National Thank You Note Day

December 26 is National Thank You Note Day. The idea is to thank people for their gifts, hospitality, and generosity.  This doesn’t have to be related to Christmas or other holidays. Last year, I sent out cards thanking people for all the help they had given me during the previous year. It was an important step for me to not only appreciate others but for me to show more gratitude. That’s not something I had done well before. Gratitude is another part of being kind to others. They say it’s better to give than to receive. And it’s better to give gratitude and appreciation than anything else.

Many people will complain they didn’t like a gift from someone. Others will say it’s the thought that counts. Even if you didn’t like a gift, write a thank you note anyway. Thank the person for thinking of you. Thank them for the thoughtfulness. You don’t have to mention whether you liked the gift or not. But don’t be a Negative Nancy. Appreciate the person’s kindness. Appreciate getting a gift at all. Some people don’t have families or friends. They don’t receive gifts or celebrate. So, thanks others for gifts they sent. And keep an eye out for those who might feel alone. Thank them for being around.

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Yuletide Aviary – Part 2

Read Part 1

            This night is not unlike most nights for the two birds. There are fewer birds and elves than usual and no other creatures. They discuss many topics, but they don’t always get along.

            “You think they have any of those little pretzel sticks here?” Jacob says.

            “Ask him.” Thomas says.

            “Hey Lutin? You got pretzel sticks, Eh?”

            “Nah. But I got those pickled eggs you like.”

            Jacob slices his wing by his neck signaling Lutin to stop talking. Thomas glares at Jacob.

            “You cannibal freak!”

            “Relax Tommy. They’re chicken eggs and they ain’t got no babies in there.”

            “That’s not the point. I knew you couldn’t be trusted. You’re just like all the other Jays stealing bird eggs. You’re sick, you know that? You’re a sick bird.”

            Lutin rests his elbow on the counter and his chin in his hand. He watches with excitement.

            “Don’t be a hoser. You know me. You know I ain’t a thief.”

            “Then why you eatin’ eggs!? And what the hell is a hoser?”

            “Look, I’m sohrry. I never ate the eggs in front of you ‘cause I know how you feel aboot it. But chickens lay eggs all the time not just when they have babies like we do. Just try one and see if you like it.”

            “Hell no! I ain’t no cannibal. I gotta use the john. You better have forgotten about them eggs when I get back.”

            The Hens are quiet as Thomas walks past. He sees his reflection in the mirror.

            “What are you lookin’ at!?” Thomas says.

            No one speaks while he’s gone. The commotion has subsided and Lutin returns his attention to the television looking bored. Thomas walks out and again sees his reflection.

            “Still starin’? You got something to say? Don’t mess with me, man. I’m from Southie!”

            Thomas struts back to his seat with his feathers ruffled.

            “That guy’s getting on my nerves.”

            “There’s no one there, Tommy. It’s a mirror, Eh.”

            “Don’t tell me what I saw. You weren’t there.”

Read Part 3.

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Flashback Friday Poetry: The Lullaby of Broadway

all have dreamed of the Great White Way
the Way of the Broad some might say
but this is a different lifestyle you see
there’s no business like Show Business to me
it gives you that old Razzle Dazzle
dazzling inside you that Razzle
so come along and listen to
the Lullaby of Broadway

Life is a Cabaret old chum
meaning life is meant to be fun
a musical cleans the dust off one’s Soul
it brings you to life and makes you whole
on and off and sometimes off-off
the spark of a nation will never be lost
so come along and listen to
the Lullaby of Broadway

Early poetry from James. From the poetry collection Pariah Bound: The Lonesome Poetry.