Author: Wiwohka

I am a work in progress, disclaimers out the wazoo, and few that I can truly call ones who love me for me. Don't know why and I am done trying to figure it out or care...I am flawed, loud, a force of nature, but underneath there is a soul...I hope you take the time to see her.

Sail on…

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Even when you cannot see your destination, sail on

When the winds threaten, sail on

And, when the waves hit you from every side, sail on…

Trust your compass, trust your ship

Lean not on your own understanding

And, do not fear the wind that threatens…

Take each wave as it comes

Keep your course straight and true

And, trust the map you’ve been given…

As I was writing this, Proverbs 3:5, 6 came to mind. I googled part of the verse, because I couldn’t remember the scripture reference, and this is what popped up…

“Lean not on your own understanding” comes from Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Bible, meaning to trust God’s guidance over your own limited perspective, especially in decisions, acknowledging that divine wisdom is greater than human intellect, and that while using your mind is good, ultimate reliance should be on God, who promises to guide you if you submit your ways to Him. It encourages faith over purely rational, incomplete human reasoning, especially in uncertain times. 

Key Meanings

  • Trust God Fully: Place complete faith in the Lord with all your heart, not just in big decisions but in every aspect of life. 

Limited Human Wisdom:

Recognize that human understanding is finite and can be flawed or incomplete, even with intellect. 

Seek Divine Guidance:

Acknowledge God in all your ways (actions, plans, thoughts) for Him to direct your paths. 

Not Irrationality:

It doesn’t mean abandoning your intellect, but rather not relying solely on it, especially when it conflicts with faith or leads to confusion. 

Practical Application

  • In Uncertainty: When faced with dilemmas, pray and seek God’s will rather than trying to figure everything out alone, which can cause stress. 

Surrender Plans: Give your plans to God, trusting His bigger picture and better plan. Be Wise in His Eyes: Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil as a result of trusting Him. 

I know that was the long winded version to accompany my tiny poem, but thought it worth the share.

Have a beautiful day, my sweet friends…

Hugs

My thoughts?

Wiwohka2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
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Are we really saying that living a long life is a mere concept? I guess it could be, but it just sounds weird. First of all, it wouldn’t be considered a mere concept, if you were born with a disease or disability.

I looked up the definition of concept, but it only made things worse. But, as I’ve committed to answering these prompts without being flippant, I’ll give it my best shot.

Since the prompt is only asking what my thoughts are about this whole concept thing, ummmm… living a long life is a great concept, I guess. In truth, only God knows the length of my life, and nothing I do or don’t do will change that outcome.

I suppose the concept of being a decent human being is also good, if you’re a decent person. But, what good is that concept if you’re an arse, by nature?

I can honestly say that I am unable to really come up with any life altering thoughts, regarding long life being a mere concept. I will be making every effort to live a long life, but it’s not really in my hands, is it? We can do everything right, but still accidentally get hit by a bus. Concept just flew out the window.

Life, itself, cannot be placed in a box, given boundaries, and/or assigned any wonderful concepts… it doesn’t work like that. There are no guarantees, precautions, or conceptual guidelines that keep reality at bay.

Besides, I can’t personally think beyond the day in front of me, let alone focus on what my earthly old age might look like. Rather than thinking on the concept of a long life, how bout we just do the best with what we have, and leave the rest of it to God.

Now eat your cookie…

Wednesday Words…

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Eustace is still visiting his family, but wanted to send you his customary Wednesday greeting. He should be home by next week, I think. You know how camel’s can be when they’re with their caravan. I may even have to send Brutus off to collect our big guy, what with all those sparkly bangles he’s wearing… no way for him to sneak all that jewelry past airport security, without setting off all the alarms!

This, that, and the other…

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Daily writing prompt
What could you do differently?
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Since this feels sort of like a woulda, coulda, shoulda question, it seemed appropriate that I answer with a this, that, and the other sort of response. Here goes…

I could walk differently, talk differently, and even wear my socks differently. Perhaps I could dance a new step, change the way I laugh, or maybe start wearing wigs. I could change my style, my clothes, or possibly change what shows I watch on television.

When it comes to looking on the inside, I suppose that I could pray harder and longer, read more of the bible each day, and even spend more time thinking of others instead of myself. I could love deeper, laugh longer, and live with a deeper purpose, possibly.

At the end of the day, I suppose that we all might consider a handful of things we should have, could have, or wished we might have done differently. We may even wake with these thoughts swirling around inside our heads, each morning.

If you ask me this question tomorrow, it will most likely be a completely different answer. Why? Because each and every day, we encounter situations that will either turn out well, or maybe not so well. From those circumstances comes the thought of whether we could have done a thing differently, in order to see a better outcome.

Aren’t you glad that I didn’t decide to offer you liver and onions, instead of my normal cookies? Don’t worry… I’ve no intention of changing that part of these daily prompts. I wouldn’t dream of it!

Tuesday Tinkering…

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Guess what? Norbert got an upgrade!

Well, OpenArt was actually what got a facelift, but I like to refer to the AI by a fictional name, just for fun.

Anyhow, one of the changes to the program was an upgraded visual for all my characters… that means, more realism and more accuracy. I love it! Of course I’ve no intention of paying for a silly account upgrade, but they did give me a freebie, so I chose Squagon.

Our tiny flying squirrel has never been the same since the switch to this AI application, so I gambled with my freebie character upgrade, and look what we got…

SUCCESS!!!

This new upgrade made it possible to put life back into our little guy, real fur and all. Plus, no matter what I tell him to do, the program now keeps the character perfectly in tact. No more free range, off the reservation, loose AI interpretations of what I ask… at least, with the visuals. It still tries to change what I ask for it to do, in some futile hope that I’ll like it’s version instead of mine, but I enjoy telling it off. I’ll have to make all new characters for each of them, but it’s cheaper than paying for the next tier of membership.

There are also a number of improvements on the beta version of putting two characters into the same scene. It’s still not good, but it is better than before…

They’ve even made improvements to the storyline side of things, like the short videos…

I didn’t like how the AI opted to change faces by the end of the video, but it still felt like somewhat of a success, in and of itself. Don’t think for one moment that I’ll settle for anything less than a true Tilly and Henry. This was just the first of many tests and trial runs, but I don’t mind, really. It gives me time to improve my own skills, utilizing ai for my illustrations without letting ai change my direction, if that makes any sense.

For now, it’s back to the drawing board, or rather, back to the ai program. I intend to become quite proficient with this program, but let it be made quite clear that I am NOT an artist, but simply a writer who enjoys bringing visuals into my writing. I think it helps with introducing an atmosphere that enhances the readers ability to see and feel what I do when I write. Trust me, if I had an actual publisher with an actual illustrations department, I’d leave the graphic visuals to the pros. But, til things change in this department, OpenArt is my go to.

Tinkering is by far the best way for me to become more proficient in the editing department, as well as sharing my progress with you.

My hope is that I’ll have some better pieces of video and images to share by next week so that you, me, and Norbert, can view the improvements made. I think I want to tackle both Osrig and Peanut, as they are both a battle with Norbert’s abilities. The ai program really seems to struggle with creations that are human, vs, fictional, or animal combinations. My characters are nearly all part human or animal, mixed with a fictional imaginary type creature. That’s why I love them so! These characters each have a life of their own, which I strive to keep true to their personalities, not just what Norbert thinks.

Well, that’s it for now. Maybe next week will have some real successes, but I’ll probably show you the failures, as well. Sometimes the mistakes are better than the perfect outcomes, wouldn’t you agree?

Short and sweet…

Wiwohka2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
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I was going to put cookies on the billboard, but I think you’d rather eat them…

Monday Messages…

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Wow! The holidays simply flew past, didn’t they?

I’ll be honest in saying that I was a bit distracted, what with our newest grandbaby arriving. I’m gonna let Sugarplum take all the spotlight, because all I did was feel sorry for myself and play video games.

Oh, as far as the self-pity gaming… I’m over it, thank goodness!

While things have not changed for the better with my health, my reliance and obedience to God have not wavered!

I’ve no idea what, when, or if I’ll write anything of value this year, but I intend to be here with bells on, regardless!

There is a very fine, and precarious line between writing with passion or writing with emotion. Some can separate these two things while writing, quite effectively, I cannot. Don’t get me wrong, as I can definitely write this way… but it’s raw, painful, and often can be very damaging to others, not to mention my own mental state.

My health journey over the last 6 months has been exhausting, discouraging, and traumatic. I’ve been tossed from one specialist to another, none of which want my case. Primary doc sent me to the G.I. who went on vacation, so I waited three weeks. They ran tests and said it was simply due to my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The weight continued to drop, and I still couldn’t eat. I asked for another appointment which was scheduled for two months later. I went off on the nurse, to say the least, though no swear words or disrespect were used. I simply screamed out over the phone that I didn’t want to die, and I was begging for help. In exasperation, they scheduled me for the next test, which was the Esophogram. That’s where they made the SECOND diagnosis for the Hiatal Hernia.

Off to the surgeon I was sent, where he also went on vacation for an additional 3 weeks before my appointment. He said he wanted more tests, so again, I waited another month for the nuclear study. They then said that my stomach was not emptying like normal, and referred me back to the G.I. for more meds… the surgeon refused to operate!

I got a message immediately from my G.I., not for an appointment but to offer a new drug… surprise!

My answer… NO MORE DRUGS!

Since when did doctors refuse to doctor?

When was it acceptable to allow a commercial about a new drug to dictate whether I should ask a doctor for help or not?

What about the Hypocritic Oath? Or are they now teaching the Hypocritical Oath in colleges these days?

Not even hours after that email, email I said, email… I saw a commercial on television for the very medication the doctor had so quickly offered me over the phone.

I’m out!

It will be God that heals me or I shall be going home… either way brings me no fear, but rather, hope for my future.

Each day I pray that God covers me, allowing me to get the very most out of a bowl of oatmeal with raisins, and 3 oz. chicken and rice w/veggies for dinner. I am reminded of how the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, eating Manna and quail… if they could do it, so too can I!

My God is far more Omnipotent and powerful than anything of man… I will stay on my feet as the chosen warrior of God until my last breath has gone!

I shall not fear!

I will walk boldly in the shadow of my God, who knows every part of my journey!

There may be days where I am silent, only offering inspirational music or scripture. Those are the days where He carries me.

There will be days of laughter, where God’s lessons are the ones that help me to lighten up, and let things be.

There may even be days where I cry out, in need of some encouragement and love from those I consider family… that’s you!

Whatever this year brings, we will face it together… I will share my ups, downs, and in-bewteens, and I expect the same from you! Just because one has struggles, doesn’t mean they’re incapable of giving love and understanding to others.

No matter where you are, what you are going through, or how badly you might be hurting, you are loved… you are valued… you are prayed for… and you are NEEDED, as you are!

How’s that for a Monday Message?

50/50…

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Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
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Lessons learned in the past are worth remembering, but only if they build a positive growth for the future. Let go of the bad, cherish the good, and make better choices for the journey going forward.

I may not always get it right, but I refuse to dwell in the past. In the same sense, I don’t want to dwell on a future that I’m only guessing at. I look ahead, but it feels as if God desires that I live in the moment… that’s where the beauty and joy of life exist!

Cookie?

The good, the bad, and the ugly…

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Daily writing prompt
What colleges have you attended?
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When it comes to schoolin, I’ve done my share over the years. Once out of high school, there were numerous educational establishments that I graced with my presence (it makes me feel smarter to say it like that)… some good, some bad, and we gotta include the uglies, as well.

The mix of educational platforms (even the ugly ones) came together to make me who I am today.

I’ve completed certifications, passed state board exams, and even earned an Associates degree, but honestly, I think it was at Hard Knocks University (HKU) that I earned the most valuable degree available… an Associate’s degree in Survival!

Truthfully, the survival degree has been the only one that’s kept me on my feet over the years. No, it didn’t necessarily cost anything money wise, at least in the sense of paying a specific set of tuitions. It also didn’t come with any study guides, workbooks, or online tutorials, which I found rather rude! Just a daily water boarding from the realities of this world.

What did I get out of HKU? Wisdom, understanding, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and most importantly, peace and joy!

Nob0dy needs the name of any specific colleges I’ve attended, nor should I make you endure a laundry list of my educational background. Who actually gives a flying fairy about all that, anyway?

How about we just eat cookies…