#200
View DetailsThe Winners!
This Heaven We Have, Here . First Place in #200 Challenge.
There’s an author on Vocal named Raymond G. Taylor, who, at least from what I can tell based on his profile, is one of those prolific, enviable writers who seems to always earn dozens of likes and comments on the stories and contemplations that he posts on a near-daily basis. On Raymond’s own response to this challenge, which he titles, “Sorry, Vocal, but it’s not all about you,” he shares an altruistic commitment to the rest of us:
By Catherine Dorian3 years ago in Writers
To the Many . Runner-Up in #200 Challenge.
To the early mornings and the feelings of a grey, heavy, ambience, where the guilt melts away with the falling rain. To the sound of the birds outside the window, tirelessly executing the exquisite concert of squawks. To my partner to be there by my side, still, loving me like he does, despite all the trouble I might be causing. To his heavy, beautiful arms resting on my waist until it hurts. To the smell of my sheets, lavishly soaked in orange and lavender. To the ten deep breaths and the perfect stillness without intrusive thoughts harassing my mind. To the split second between my feet and the timber floor, and standing there, ready for the world. To the curious potential, the day holds. To remembering that I am here only for a short visit and I might be called to leave at any time. May this year be filled with the charm of the mundane. I wish to stay present and awake, grateful, alive and at peace.
By Nosti3 years ago in Motivation
The Trinity of My Heart, My Hands, and My Words . Runner-Up in #200 Challenge.
At some point in my life, for a week or two, I stayed at the house of a retired couple who owned two big dogs. One evening, their young grandchildren came over for dinner. Minutes after the children’s arrival, the whole house was filled with laughter and excitement. Apart from chasing around and throwing jokes at each other, the children fearlessly surrounded the two dogs, which were taller than them, touching every inch of the dogs’ fur. The grandmother looked at me and said, “See, they’re not even scared!”
By Stella Yan PhD3 years ago in Writers
Cracking Open the Shell. Runner-Up in #200 Challenge.
This little blue notebook with 200 pages of graph paper, meant for another purpose entirely, was stolen away from my husband's pile for me to covet alone. Years ago, now. The pages are fraying, some with stains, ink blotches, and yet others, so tidily organized I wonder if it was someone else who'd adorned these page with such eloquent messages and goals.
By Christina Hunter3 years ago in Journal
Vocal Made Me a Poet. Runner-Up in #200 Challenge.
I joined Vocal in desperation. It had been nearly a decade since I had written anything but marketing copy, and I had just baffled myself by first turning down a CMO position at another company, then giving an agonizing three month's notice to my boss, anyway. I couldn't stay miserable in my career anymore, and I ached to create something, anything meaningful to me.
By Morgana3 years ago in Confessions
marked by canines. Runner-Up in #200 Challenge.
I came out of the womb in a birthing squat. My pen is the fruit of my life’s labor — the written story. To blow the lid off my own life and expose it, whether through fiction, poetry, or essay, is the only way I know how not to feel alone when the going gets bad.
By Jen Parkhill “JP”3 years ago in Pride
Heart To Heart. Runner-Up in #200 Challenge.
Aspirations and dreams seem like a walk in the park for everyone. Inspirational thoughts scattered across online personality profiles, yet elusive to the person I know. Aspirations, dreams, goals…seriously, what is the point? I’m sure your life is brimming with 99 reasons to aspire, and my rambling is not one of them. I mean, what’s the point for me? You can’t answer that any more than I can now. I’m aiming for the answer this year.
By William Rudyard3 years ago in Confessions
