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Wednesday Words…

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I am in need of a crew! Will anyone join me in my search for Eustace, our most beloved camel? When I awoke this morning, he was gone! I looked all over the house for him, only to discover some old photos of when he was a baby, left on my computer screen… that’s it!

Not even a note, or any sort of clue that might lead me to his whereabouts!

However, my search of the local area was rewarded! I found a boat down at the river, fully supplied and ready to sail… hmmmm. I haven’t a clue who put it there, but I’m fairly certain it’s been left for our use. If not, somebody was quite careless in leaving their vessel unguarded, there beside the water’s edge… I am a pirate, you know!

Well, I’m not one to back down from a challenge/adventure just because I don’t know for sure where we’re headed… you know me better than that! I think we all know where this is heading, right?

I wont stop until I recover our Eustace! I’ll search through every AI land there is until I find him. What if I lose the babe’s or even Brutus, for that matter? Finding our funny camel is incredibly important, because Wednesdays won’t be the same without him. Maybe, if I’m successful in recovering Eustace somehow, there is still hope for the barnyard, Acorn Valley, not to mention the new puppies! It occurred to me that both Bailey and Gabriel are also in danger of disappearing from the lobby.

I don’t know how long it will take, or even where the river will take us… but we owe this to Eustace, I think. Let us not waste any more time talking, when there’s a river calling out to us.

To any faithful crewmen coming aboard, I found some fitting nautical call outs on the internet, generally used for a successful departure and journey…

Fair winds and following seas

When a ship leaves port, a common phrase called out to the crew is “”Fair winds and following seas“”, which is essentially a nautical blessing for a safe and smooth journey with favorable wind conditions. 

Clear the deck

Prepare for departure by removing any obstacles.

Heave Ho and Cast off

A command to pull on ropes with force, and then release the lines securing the ship to the dock.

Underway

Indicates the ship is now moving.

Now then, everyone should feel like an actual crew mate. If you’re not clear on your particular ship duty, I would suggest you look it up on google before we get too far away and lose cell service, or worse, your phone runs out of battery power… our ship has no charging outlets!

***Disclaimer*** Since I wasn’t the one who built, or even equipped this vessel, I shall not be held responsible for any lost items, stolen munchies or unchargeable cellular devices.

Welcome Aboard, Mates!

The power of water…

Wiwohka5 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
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By Google’s current definition, the word Wiwohka either means roaring water, a Native American tribe up near the Great Lakes, or my least favorite… a group of derelict misfits that banded together to make a settlement town of some sort, or other.

I liked it much better back in the day, when I first chose this nickname, if you will. When I originally found this name more than twenty years ago, it was on a Native American name generator site, and simply read as “Rushing, roaring, or raging water”. No idea where this new village of miscreants definition came from, nor do I find it very appealing. In answer to the prompt this morning, I’ll be sticking with my original definition, since it’s far less nefarious than the most recent description.

While the name written on my birth certificate carries absolutely nothing, as far as, meaning, significance, nor etymology… Wiwohka does! Though the word’s etymology doesn’t concern me, the significance and meaning are threaded throughout the tapestry of my existence!

Throughout my life, the name Wiwohka has been the truest explanation of who I am… who I’ve always been. My very birth came during a storm, of sorts. I spent much of my childhood in back alleys, strangers beds, and often times… out in the rain, drenched to the skin. Up from those dark and troubled waters arose a very angry, volatile, and fiercely independent young woman.

What’s rather interesting about the meaning of my name is that it’s definition has taken on a completely different meaning, though the words have not been altered. I originally chose it because it made me feel strong and self-reliant, and flowing by my own power. Looking back now, I realize how powerless I actually really was!

The truth about water is that it is, in fact, very powerful… but, how? Water, in and of itself, just sits there unless something moves it! Water gets it’s power from whatever source it originates from, as well as how its path has been directed. The strength, force and sometimes destructive power of water will be based on who or what is directing the water’s flow.

When I finally came to realize where the water within my spirit had originated, its like all the places within my heart and mind that had been mistaken in thinking that I controlled the flow of said water, simply washed away with the tide. Do you know how difficult and exhausting it is, always having to push a thing along with your own effort? Isn’t it always more pleasant to get a ride, instead of doing all the pushing by your own strength? I guess that somewhere along the journey I realized this, and I’m so glad that I did!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Now, I flow with a power and strength not born of my own ability, but of the One who is my source of power… my living water!

Have a cookie…

Are We There Yet?

Wiwohka2 Comments

Yep! I think that should just about sum things up for how I’m feeling this morning. 

There are days that I simply wish to clock out of this 9 to 5 homeless gig… and just go on vacation.  No, this doesn’t have anything to do with anything… I’m just ready to live like a normal human being, if that’s even a realistic expectation anymore… ugh!

I need a “Suck It Up Buttercup” cookie…

I made enough to share, so help yourself.

Wednesday Words…

Wiwohka4 Comments

If Eustace and I can help it, wherever we go and whatever adventure’s we take you on this year… we’re going to try filling them with laughter!

Why?

Well…

Why not?

Laughter is good for the soul…

And, the One whom I follow and serve happens to be in the soul business, and He does have a sense of humor… I’m certain of it!

Where do you think I get my sense of humor from?

It runs in my family!

The pink one…

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Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite animal?
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I don’t have a favorite… but I love strawberry or lemon. Perhaps the flavor in the little pink animal cookies comes close to ticking both boxes… I dunno!

I don’t actually have a favorite real life animal, in case you wondered whether or not I fully understood the daily prompt question. I understood it, but there’s just too many choices within the animal kingdom… I don’t wish to pick just one!

Here, have a cookie…

I know they’re not frosted, but their still pretty good.

Tuesday’s Tinkering…

Wiwohka5 Comments

I’m not really happy with the pictures I used to update Journey With Me’s website for the new year, so I’m sort of on a quest to find a fun theme for this spring.  What to do, what to do?

I could go full nautical, with short stories, ditties, and fun seafaring food recipes… stuff like that.

Or, I could head for the hills with a camping, hiking, woodsy theme…

I don’t think I’m up for foodie stuff on a large scale, and I doubt you are either.  We’ll just keep to the cookies,

with an occasional review from Gabriel, who considers himself a pretty good judge of flavors…

What I am seriously considering is a fun mystery kind of theme.  Some of you may remember when I did several episodes last year called Tuesday Tattler, which read somewhat like a journalist writing a column in a paper…

If I do a mystery theme, I think it would be really fun to take this miniature version of my persona and take her around the world on some hilarious assignments…

If you haven’t noticed yet, I deplore boredom… can’t stand wasting my brain!

And… if I don’t like reading the same old same old, I suspect that you don’t either…

As a writer, it’s important that I keep your reading experience fun and engaging, among other things.  Your thoughts are important to me, so let me know what you want to see more of this year…

And I’ll get right to it!

As Castle says, “It’s what I do!”

Monday Message…

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We finally got to sleep in, with mom’s back hurting and keeping us up and all.  She actually slept all night long… and barely even moved!  I, being the older puppy (even if it was only by 12 minutes), felt some concern at first.  I insisted that Bailey lick the inside of mom’s ear just to see if she would move.  She did, but only to swat at her ear, nearly missing Bailey’s backside as she did so…

No worries… my sister slid down onto the pillow safely.  But, you have to admit that it would be pretty funny if mom’s hand made contact with Bailey’s bootie at just the right time, flinging her onto dad’s head.  On second thought, maybe not…

It’s really nice here, and we might both get kicked out of the bed… guilty by association, dad would say. 

Anyways, as I, Gabriel, seem to be the only one concerned about  sending you your Monday message (well, the only one awake), have taken the time to make breakfast for everybody. 

Help yourselves and enjoy the goodies.  I think I’m gonna snuggle back down with mom and sis for a bit…

Have a wonderful Monday!

Prompt Thievery (Me and My Shadow)…

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I know that today’s prompt asked about my favorite road trip, but in December of 2023 there was a similar prompt that asked for my most memorable place visited… you say toematoe, I say towmotto!  Either way, it’s a fruitegible… just sayin.

Enjoy…

My most fond memory of a place visited would have to be Kamloops, British Columbia.

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

When my oldest daughter was about eleven, I wanted to do something special with her… just the two of us. I packed her up and drove straight through from Seattle to Kamloops for a massive Native American Gathering… a Powwow! I had wanted to attend one for much of my life and finally had an opportunity for a Mom Daughter Road Trip, so I took it!

I woke my girl up during the night, packed her snoring little body into the passenger side of our Toyota Camry and headed for Canada. We drove straight through Banff National Forest, which was amazing, by the way. Once we got to Kamloops and dumped all our stuff in the hotel, we headed for all the noise!

*This is AI generated*

We attended two days of amazing displays of incredible Regalia, outstanding music and intense dance performances… f.y.i. taking pictures willy nilly is considered quite rude. If you wish to take a picture of someone, it is sort of expected to give a gift in return. I learned this early on and left my camera in my purse.

We toured the local museums, got lost driving around in the countryside and ate whatever we wanted. I will never forget that trip. I honestly can’t remember what I bought my daughter, but she picked out a necklace for me that I have kept to this day! It is a bronze cast of a wolf’s face. Though the necklace bindings all gave out, I have continued to reset the cast all these years later.

While some may think I remember the Powwow as my favorite place to visit… in truth, it’s the time spent with my oldest that holds my memories fast! She and I haven’t spoken in some time. Many years have passed since we were that close. No matter how angry she is, no matter how unforgiving she tries to be… I know we will always have Kamloops, and that is enough memory to get me to the gates…

Laughs from the past (U-Pick Pet Adoption Agency)…

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This was my answer from two years ago, I think, but it still makes me laugh!  I’ve not made any changes to it, so you’ll have to forgive that.  Enjoy…

You pick out your pet… We help you find it… No more middle man!

Daily writing prompt
Come up with a crazy business idea.
View all responses

Have you ever dreamt of your favorite pet, but either cannot afford the breeders fee or fear getting something you weren’t prepared to care for? Well not anymore! Here at UPPAA we aim to please any and all who employ our services. 

Other agencies only offer the service of inviting you in to view and adopt a pet with all the cleaning, caring, treating and rehabilitating that someone else did for you… no no no… that is considered false advertising around our offices!

Instead of having you come to the nearest breeder or pet shelter, we here at UPPAA employ only the most qualified representatives to collect you, equip you and then, back you up, while you find the nearest stray animal in your area. Upon locating said adoptee, our representatives will then assess whether or not you desire to, or are capable of continuing on in said venture. From your response comes the next part of the package we offer. Here is where we will simply wait in the car, as you approach and retrieve the pet you have selected. 

Photo by Spora Weddings on Pexels.com

**Stipulations are in place here that you must adhere to, in order for the completion of our services. Not only must it be very clear that these pets do not belong to some one else, but the pet must actually need your assistance. We will not, under an circumstances, be a part of nor participate in the willful theft of the fluffy white puppy living in your neighbors back yard! (this had to be added to our contract for a specific reason)**

Once you’ve selected and retrieved your new pet, following our rules and regulations, we will then deliver you safely home to begin your new life together. There is no need to come back to the office, as you’ve already signed all of the paperwork that enlisted and guaranteed our services, as well as paying all agreed fees, so you’re all good to go!

All of our fees, being quite reasonable, come with a money back guarantee! If, after a full 15 days of care, cleaning, feeding and rehabilitating your chosen pet, you are dissatisfied… we will be happy to come pick you up, return you to the adoption site so that you can put the animal back where you found it. We will also return your fee, minus the fuel. 

Our goal, here at UPPAA, is to ensure that you find just the right pet that you deserve, in the most real way possible, so that you truly appreciate who the animal is, where it came from, and what it might possibly be like from here on out! We are able to keep costs down here, by never having to hear why you didn’t know what you were getting into, or that this pet is nothing like what we advertised! We boast a perfect track record of no rehoming pets returned for the third time.

We have representatives standing by right now, waiting for your call at 1-888-PIC-APET. Our first 10 customers will get a complimentary catch pole.

**We are not responsible for lost or stolen common sense, nor are we obligated to provide first aid, physical assistance nor the picking up of poop… welcome to pet parenthood!**