Writing 101: First Prayer

A chain smoker. A decade-long drug addict. An abusive and unfaithful husband. An irresponsible father.

Yep. That’s me.

It is surely surprising for you to see me here. Seating in the middle of your holy house.

Honestly, I never planned to go to you. I have never went to you, in fact. Maybe the first and the last time that I stepped into your sacred home was when I was christened. And then just a day after that you killed my mom. Then my abusive and irresponsible dad, well, like father like son, left me too.

That’s how unfair you have been to me!

I learned to steal food to survive, even when I’m just three. I have evolved to a full-blown criminal with gangs as the family that you never let me have. I never get married, I have loved one woman only, but that doesn’t mean I was a good partner.

You cannot blame me, though. Because you’ve been unfair to me. Until now… you’re unfair to me.

So why the hell am I here?

For my lovely Nicole, the only person that loved me despite of my dark side.

For the first time and for the last time, I am begging you to please let Nicole live.

I will not blame you, though I really badly want to curse you because you’ve been unfair to me! But for the sake of my five-year-old grand daughter, I am down on bended knees, please let her live.

She is the reason why my daughter let me live with them. She is the reason why her mom accepted me. It’s because of her, why I am now with my family after so many years.

She’s the only person who talks to me. She’s the only kid who considers me as a family. Her smiles are like sun rays. Her laughters are like chimes from heaven. She is my joy, she is my light.

And… she’s so young.

You can take me, because my life has been wasted ever since. So come on! Take me!

But please… oh Lord… let my grand daughter live.

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©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Stefan Kunze

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 15: Take a cue from your readers

Remember the contact form or poll that you set up earlier to collect suggestions from your readers? Write today’s post based on one of these ideas. Be sure to mention the person who gave you this idea, and link back to their blog. (Don’t worry about giving credit if your idea came from an anonymous poll.)

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Thank you to those blogger who voted for SHORT FICTION.

🙂

Writing 101: Concrete Jungle

Honks. Murmurs. Smokes. Rushed steps.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

“This is it,” I said as I try to calm my nerves.

One step, and another, then another.

I can vividly hear my new stilettos’ sound against the solid sidewalk. I can clearly see the busy road.

Everyone’s rushing. Cars, humans and even stray animals, they are all in a rush.

No one’s noticing me. No one’s with me.

Holding back my tears, I continue walking. 

Honks. Murmurs. Smokes. Rushed steps.

“Think about your dad’s old yet beloved car that was sold just to buy your plane ticket. Think about how your mom persistently borrowed money just to buy you clothes for winter. Think about how your five little siblings sobbed as you went inside the airport.”

“Think about your hopes, think about your dreams, think about your plans,” I said as I continue walking.

“Be brave. Be brave.”

Honks. Murmurs. Smokes. Rushed steps.

“This is your American dream, it’s now happening,” I assured myself.

Finally, I reached the building I was looking for.

“Welcome to the concrete jungle,” the guard said.

Surprised, I stepped inside, then looked back to the guard.

Seeing his friendly smile, I sighed.

I just smelled his Filipino blood. 

——

©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Unsplash.com

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 10: Let the scene write itself

So far, we’ve found inspiration from our own experiences, images, words, and more. Today, let’s quietly observe the world around us and write about what we see.

Writing 101: Six-word Rant

When I’m not writing, I’m working.

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Photo credit: well.blogs.nytimes.com

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 9: Writing and not writing

If you’re not a full-time writer, or if your day is so full of other tasks that you have little time to write, consider these alternative questions: if you could step into a machine that gave you more time, how would you structure your day? What would you write with this extra time?

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P.S.

If anyone is interested for a collaboration, guest post, or the likes, please Contact Me. 🙂

Writing 101: #IamPresto

Photo credit: www.quirkymissy.com

To my beloved author,

It was Tuesdays with Morrie, that made me an avid fan, I didn’t know that you will write a story about Frankie. So yes, I am not excited to know #frankiepresto.

It was August 2014 when I read The First Phone Call from Heaven, so no, I’m not excited for #frankiepresto.

It was more than a year when I last read your words, Mitch. But no, I’m not excited for #frankiepresto.

It was July 2015 when I learned that a new book is coming, but still, I’m not excited for #frankiepresto.

I went twice in National Bookstore to ask for a pre-order, but that doesn’t mean I was excited to read #frankiepresto.

Just yesterday, I hurriedly went straight to the bookstore after office. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m excited for #frankiepresto.

A wide smile painted itself, as I see a lot of The Magic Strings copies displayed on book stand. Nope, that doesn’t mean I’m excited for #frankiepresto.

Finally, I have #frankiepresto. I am not excited for your new story, Mitch.

Because ‘excited’ is actually an understatement.

❤

I am Rosema from the Philippines. And #IamPresto.

Photo’s mine.

———-

©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 8: Reinvent the Letter Format

Some might say a post in the form of a letter is trite and overdone. But with the right approach and tone, a letter can tell a great story and get your message across (and it doesn’t have to be negative or bring shame upon another).

Writing 101: Blank Space

In the middle of my desk’s chaos. You are there.

Fierce yet wordless, white blank page.

“Why are you staring at me,” I whisper to you.

Of course, I got no answer.

Concentrate. That’s what I need to do.

There are a lot of reports to submit. A lot of tasks to do. A lot of schedules to monitor. A lot of articles to write.

But I can’t help but look at you, so clean and white blank page.

Why it feels like you’re my fortress?

You’re surrounded by clutters, sticky notes, pens with ink and without ink, tapes, notebooks, books, files and folder. It’s chaotic.

Yet you look serene, yes you do virtual blank white paper.

“Okay,” I finally concede.

Let’s see how you can, again, relax my war-mode brain cells, you blank white page.

—-

©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: hildagrahnat

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 6: The space to write

Today, describe the space where you write. Or, if you don’t have a dedicated place, what is your ideal setting?

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Here’s my poll that I hope you can answer. 🙂

Thank you!

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Writing 101: Forever’s Ending

Today’s the first day of my last day with you. I’m a bit confuse, though, because my heart’s melancholic yet it’s full of joy.

Six decades, six decades and four years to be exact. That’s how long we have been together.

A lot asked how we remained committed for so long, how we kept the fire burning. We have no answer, we just look at each other, and smile. Nothing’s too long, and no there’s no fire. It’s simple. Marriage is a choice you made everyday.

Perfect marriage isn’t true. Like any couple, we fight, cursed and almost fall apart. You cheated, twice. It took me too long to forgive, in fact, I almost packed my bags. But we choose to make amends. Why? Because it’s worth it.

No rough roads can equal our simple pleasures. It’s more than sex. It’s more than kisses.

It’s your soft whispers every morning that gave me chills until we’re both seniors.

You never say good morning. Instead, you whisper Emily Dickinson’s words to my ears: “Forever is composed of nows.” It has been our marriage’s mantra. It has been the glue that kept us together.

It’s those three single life moments when I saw you cry.

First time’s when I was walking  down the aisle towards you. Second time’s when you first held our eldest. Third time’s during our final morning together. You definitely know you’re dying, because you cried after you whispered “Forever…”

Your skin have aged with years, but your eyes and your smile remained the same. Still expressive, still endearing. That’s why I cried when I saw you inside the casket. Your eyes can never melt me again. Your smile can never warm my heart again.

“Dear,” I said in between sobs, as I look to you for the final time.

My old heart’s aching. The lump in my throat’s unbearable. But I can’t help but be grateful. 64 years, 64 long years, what more can I ask for?

“Good night, dear,” I finally said.

“I’ll wait until you can finally whisper forever again.”

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©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Unsplash.com

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 4: A story in a single image

For this exercise, use one of the images above as the creative spark for today’s post. You might use it as the setting for a story or poem, write about how it makes you feel, or describe a memory conjured by it.

Writing 101: Last Choice

I have lived a well-planned life. My mom used to tell me that I have my own decisions, ever since I’m a toddler. I choose what will I wear. I choose what will I eat. I choose anything and everything. Yep. My parents never win.

My student-self is as picky as my toddler-self. I grew old with a few good friends. I grew old with a few but definitely awesome-in-my-eyes wardrobe. I grew old with the hobbies that I truly enjoy. I grew old with a pre-determined path.

I’ll finish a degree of my choice, I’ll work at my dream company and then I’ll get to write my own love story. I’ll get married. I’ll have three kiddos, the eldest should be a boy then a girl and a boy again.

We’ll leave in a humble yet beautiful home with a grand terrace and a modern kitchen. We’ll have two cars, black for my hubby and white for me. We’ll have picnics. We’ll fight but we’ll reconcile. We’ll have our own happily ever after.

Those are just my wishful thinking. Because now, I am left with no choice.

Just last month, after I finally got my dream job, my plans were shattered, destroyed, wrecked, crushed, into tiny little pieces I can’t even recognize.

I have a big ‘C’. Stage four. Hopeless case. That I know.

No words of encouragement can make me believe that I’ll get better. Sorry, I’m not dumb.

I am left with nothing but this sickness that I have never ever planned to have.

My mind is quick, though. I still have one last option left.

Yes, cancer have destroyed everything that I have planned for. And it is destroying me, too, slowly but surely. But, I won’t let it win.

I’ll choose when will I die.

And that chosen date… is now.

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©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: mascontext 

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 3: One-word inspiration

Prompts come in many different forms. Sometimes, a single word is all you need to get your mind’s wheels turning. Here are six words:

HOPE
REGRET
HOME
CHOICE
ABUNDANCE
SECRET

Select one word in this list that speaks to you in some way.

WRITING 101: Crumpled List

With all the things she left behind, this little piece of paper hurt me the most.

She is a writer, a journalist by profession, a novelist by passion. Maybe that’s what I loved about her. I am not as good with words as she is. For me, her eloquence is sexiness at its best.

We’re opposites, I would admit that. And this little piece of crumpled paper revealed it just seconds before she finally left me, for good.

She said…

–

I love coffee, he likes tea.

I have no choice, but drink with fake glee.

I read books, he play video games.

I have no choice, but play with him.

–

Words melt my heart,

but kisses is what he wants.

I long for letters,

but he gave me flowers.

–

I wait for him to see.

What would really make me happy.

–

Though, I don’t like to wait.

That’s actually what I hate.

–

But I do it,

for him. So be it.

—–

©2015 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Pinterest

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 2: Write a list

Today, let’s write a list. Compiling a list is a way to let loose, unlock ideas, and free your mind. At Things We Like, writer Jessica Gross compiles lists of things that other people like. In fact, Jessica’s site inspired me to draft my own extended list of things I like.

WRITING 101: 2nd Round! Why I Write!

Writing is like breathing with words. – rosemawrites

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Why do I write?

I’ll tell you the reasons.

With all my might

I do it every season.

–

Journalism

that’s what I took.

Optimism

with pen and book.

–

Breathing

I do it with words.

Reading

I do it with worth.

–

A Reading Writer

exists because

my world is brighter

with words and clause.

~

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In response to Writing 101:

Day 1: I write because . . .

Today, tell us: why do you write? If you’d like to see how others have approached this, here are 23 inspiring quotes from famous authors. The I Write Because project is also worth a peek and is full of personal, honest submissions.

Set a timer and free-write for 15 or 30 minutes without stopping. Begin your post with “I write because . . . ” or start it any other way you wish.

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Yay!

Glad to take Writing 101 again!

I am looking forward to sneaking a lot of time, during work yep!, to be able to write again!

And of course, I would love to know more writers again, just like my first Writing 101 journey!

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Writing 101: Discoveries, endings and beginnings

From: http://www.bang2write.com

Don’t say you CAN’T until you give it a try. – rosemawrites

This is the greatest lesson that I have learned from WRITING 101.

A Reading Writer has been in the blogosphere for more than a year now. Its tagline is “I write because I read. I read because I write.” But honestly, its content is really just about my ‘reads’.

I only write book reviews, travel notes, concert experience, and some personal thoughts but I haven’t written any fiction for this blog, ever.

Until I signed-up for Writing 101.

Because of the sometimes-hard but always-challenging tasks crafted by @cherilucas @susanrnet, I have discovered a part of my writer-self that I am now aware that it does exist.

Knowing that I CAN write fiction is indeed a reward that I am glad to receive but it doesn’t end there.

My ever sweet co-bloggers and writers actually LOVED them! I have received heartwarming and encouraging comments that helped my confidence a lot.

Specifically, I wanted to thank these writers for featuring my posts on their equally awesome blogs:

(These are the blogs that linked to my post as of this moment. If I missed yours, please do tell me.)

• Simply Marquessa – she’s a great writer but I admire that she blogs not for the followers but for herself. 🙂 May it be fictions or anecdotes, you will surely enjoy it!
• Scribbles@ Arpita – her short stories will touch you emotionally and her non-fiction write-ups are brave and moving, too! Personally, I consider her as one of my best buddies in Writing 101! This experience will not be as fun as it has been without our exchange of words! She’s inspiring as a writer and as a person!
• Thistles and Whistles – our shared love for books (we are doing the same 2015 reding challenge) and her inspiring words makes her a must-read writer/blogger. Her comments also never fail to melt my heart. 🙂 She is just so lovable. 🙂
• Short Story Press – as her name suggests, she is a genius in writing super short stories! So if you are a fan of flash fictions, visit her now!
• Geekergosum – I envy his sooo many physical books but as a writer he is indeed interesting. You will also admire his love for his fambam!
• Staying the Course – his blog has a great balance of long and short posts but I love his ‘sense’ the most!
• Edwina Episodes – she is such a sweet lady who never forgets to express her gratitude. Aside from that, her blog is packed with positive and sometimes witty posts. She’s also not selfish in terms of commenting on your work. She’s honest and heartfelt. 🙂
• Tummeeffeii – the last but definitely not the least! She’s a co-Filipina that I am really proud of because she can definitely write but what I admire the most is her diversity! She can be witty or creepy or cheest! She can make you laugh and she can make you cry. So… yeah, just visit her!

Aside from them, I really wanted to feature more co-Writing 101-ers who have been vocal on critiquing and commenting on my posts! Your words are like lights that have guided me in creating posts everyday! (NOTE: For those I will not be able to mention, I am so sorry but really you are ALL part of my Writing 101 journey!)

• What the Woman Wrote – Since the first day up to the last, Annie has been one of my best (virtual) friend. 🙂 This experience would never be complete without our exchange of comments. As a writer, she’s somehow one of those I look up to because she can make me cry and she can make me laugh. But most of all, I admire her as a person. She’s brave, honest, and true. 🙂
• A Cooking Pot and Twisted Tales – Jacq’s consistent encouraging words is one of the reasons why I finished this course! Our exchanges are full of sense and sometimes quirky, too! In terms of writing, she has the ability to tug your heart. 🙂 Really. You will also love her lovely family!
• Kat Blogs – Here is another awesome Filipina that I found in Writing 101, and I am really glad that I did find her! 🙂 I can relate a lot to her, weight issues is one of our common denominator, but most of all she’s really friendly! 🙂 Her blog is packed with inspiring pieces and health-related tips that everyone would enjoy reading! 🙂
• StrangeLander 2015 – Oh, Vijaya! I just love her stories. She’s great in both short fictions and long ones. Her poems are also emotionally moving! 🙂 Aside from that, she’s honest. When she cannot write, she says it. That’s why her stories and posts are full of honesty and heart, too! 🙂
• My Own Private Idaho – Here’s another Filipina that I like to talk to because she’s straightforward and kind at the same time. 🙂 I am also touched how she remembers my anecdote about my dad! 😀 Her blog has nonfiction tales that will really grip you once you begin reading them! You will also love her photos!
• Indira’s Blog – Indira is one of the best poet that I have read in Writing 101! 🙂 I admire how she can incorporate powerful emotions in her pieces. 🙂 She’s sweet, too!
• A Lady and Gaming Plus – I like Yvo as a writer because she can write interesting posts about gaming! I am not a gamer but because she writes it well, I read it! 🙂 And, she’s really cool!
• A Typical 60 – Oh, Catherine! This woman can make you laugh, A LOT! Like really! Her wit is just so contagious. 😀
• La Duchesse d’Erat – She is a great writer who writes both in French and in English. Your interests will surely be piqued by her amazing stories. We have exchanged a lot of thought-provoking comments as well but I owe my website traffic to her because she told me how my true website is not linked to my profile. 🙂 I will forever thank her for that.
• Anand’s Parodies and Caricatures – Oh, Anand. I just love his so exquisite and interesting family. His wifey and his mom is my favorite! 😀 May he have moooore patience. 😀
• Blabberwockying – Here is another Anand (I think they are two different people. I hope I am right. :)). I just like how he comments on my posts even though some are not really part of Writing 101. Go visit his blog because it is packed with diverse and well-researched topics!

These last two are I think the most special persons that I have known through Writing 101! My journey and my stories will not be the same without them,

• I Care U Care Blog – Seasons (Finale) is written because of Fun Simplicity. 🙂 I thought of her as I write the ending of my short story. 🙂 She’s my driving force. I wanted to end the story in a way that will satisfy her because she is just my ideal reader. 🙂 Aside from that, she is an awesome writer, too! I Read her fictions and you will surely follow her! Just like what I always tell her, she’s a natural! 🙂

• A Real Messy Beautiful Twisted Sunshine – Here’s some hugs from the Philippines to Suriname! She is, I think, my ultimate (virtual) friend in Writing 101. We are both Filipina, that’s a factor but it is actually more than that. I am a fan of her writing skills. She can creep the hell out of you, she can make you smile, she can make you ‘kilig’ and so many more. She’s just a writer/blogger worth following! 🙂 I love our exchanges of thoughts and I will be forever grateful to Writing 101 because I have known her through this course. 🙂

So.. I think I have talked a lot now but I am still not able to answer the task for today.

Here my TO-DO’s for the coming months:

• To accomplish the Highschool Stereotypes Tag by Book Coma Blog. (Yay, better late than never!)
• To post my thank you’s for the Versatile Blogger Award from Thistles and Whistles and Infinity Dreams Award from Yvo! I hope to post it sooonest! 😀
• To participate in 3-Day Quote Challenge as nominated by Edwina! I know I said I will do this week but I think I have to move that! 😀 Sorry, Edwina!
• To join Music Monday Challenge as seen on Kat’s Blog. Because I already have Monday Musings for Monday, I am thinking of another weekly feature inspired by this challenge. I would call it “Thursday Tunes”. (It will be awesome if you will join me guys!)
• To create a new blog feature titled “Friday Fictions”. I am still afraid to take this big leap because I am not sure if I can write one fiction per week. 🙂 Buy anyone who would want to join or collaborate with me? 🙂
• Lastly, I am really looking/thinking for blog memes for Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. To my dearest bloggers/writers, can we collaborate about these? 😀 Please?

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So this is the last time that I will write this…

In response to Blogging University’s WRITING 101 Day 20 Assignment:

Day 20: The future

Congratulations! It’s the final day of Writing 101. We hope these prompts have encouraged you to brainstorm and write in new ways and introduced you to new tools and resources.

As we wind down the course, let’s look forward. What’s next?

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That was it. 😀

I learned a lot. 

I have written a lot. 

I have known a lot. 

I have enjoyed this a lot.

Thank you again, @cherilucas @susanrnet for introducing me to an undiscovered part of my writer-self. Thank you, so much! 🙂

And I am looking forward to more collaborations with you, my fellow bloggers!

Let’s continue this!

Lot of blog-love,

Rosemawrites

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