Question #15

Question: What is your preferred Valentine's Day gift? Chocolates? Card? Roses? 

My answer: I prefer a simple gift -- a homemade card, spending time with a loved one, a song dedication (I love music). Jewellery isn't my thing. I don't need fancy boxed chocolates or roses. That's not the way to my heart. 

Photo credit: here

Meet the Author

Ever since I could first hold a pen, I wanted to write and publish. Now, that dream has finally come true! Yesterday, I was notified that an essay I submitted will be published in an academic journal in March. 

I look forward to sharing my work with you! I will post a link once it becomes available in the next few months. 

Thank you for taking this journey with me. A heartfelt thank you to anyone who has ever offered me encouragement and support. 💕

I'm officially an author! 

Photo credit: here 

Music Monday

K-Ci & JoJo "All My Life"

Sing along optional: 

All my life
I prayed for someone like you
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes, I pray that you do love me too

Picture this -- Ancient Greece, 5th Century B.C.

Socrates, do you know much about him? Were you aware that he was executed? Socrates was a Greek philosopher, probably one of the coolest people in history. I've been spending some reading about Socrates, which has led me to wanting to know more about his trial in Ancient Greece. 

Socrates' Trial: His Historic Defense in Today's Language

Flashback Friday

melissa fockler (b. 1984)

sustainable commuting, 2023

Photograph 

airing grievances

who needs fake friends 

when you have real enemies.

Question #14

Question: Are you scared of having your heart broken again?

My Answer: Yes. I've had a few heartbreaks in my day and this has made me really cautious. The last breakup almost killed me. I don't think my body could handle that kind of pain again. 

Jennifer Lopez "On My Way"

Sing along optional: 

And every heartbreak was a yellow brick road
Pointing me straight, just taking me home
I was never lost
I was just passing through
I was on my way to you

End of day notes

Today, I was at the grocery store, and an employee thanked me for my "patience", "kindness", and "care". They informed me that the "kindness" I showed them was not something that they were used to, and they expressed appreciation and gratitude. 

This made me sad. 

As a world, as a society, we must do better. 

This week, I dare you to spread kindness. Smile at someone. Lend a hand. Lend an ear. Be patient. Help someone cross a busy street. The list goes on. Do some good!

Photo credit: here

Music Monday

 The Beatles "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

Sing along optional: 

'Cause I'm sitting here

Doing nothing but aging
Still my guitar gently weeps

my jealousy is showing

i'm envious of couples 

who have been married 50 years:

talk about dedication. 

in good company

i finished reading all of 

montgomery's anne books 

and what i learned is that 

even strong female heroines 

are insecure. 

Flashback Friday

melissa fockler (b. 1984)

My Grandma Used to Shop Here, 2011

Photograph 

on the shelf

i'm single but now

i feel single:

starting from scratch. 

Music Monday

It's cold outside! Where I am, currently the temperature feels like -19, and will be dropping down to -21 over night. So, it's electric blanket weather. I hope wherever you are, you're warm and safe! 

Dean Martin "Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Sing along optional: 

(I really can't stay) But, baby, it's cold outside

(I've got to go away) But, baby, it's cold outside

(This evening has been) Been hoping that you'd drop in

(So very nice) I'll hold your hands they're just like ice

sad day for romance

It’s official: 

prince charming is dead.

remember this

The next time you have a really bad day, try to remember: 

I measured my height today.

Did you know that your arm span is equal to your height? Super cool!

RE: Winter Storm

Hi, you've reached melissa. I'm shoveling. Leave me a message after the beep. 

Rabbit footprints in the snow

Photo taken Jan 8, 2024

Music Monday

 Alanis Morissette "Thank U"

Sing along optional: 

The moment I let go of it was the moment
I got more than I could handle
The moment I jumped off of it
Was the moment I touched down

Saturday Night at the Movies

Tonight, I'm watching the 1989 romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally... My favourite scene in this movie is when Harry (Billy Crystal) declares his love for Sally (Meg Ryan). I guess I'm just a hopeless romantic.

By the way, here is a copy of the original screenplay. 

make my heart race

I want to be kissed by somebody 

who loves me

                madly

                passionately 

                fever hot:

                give me the shivers.

Question #13

Would you like to ask me a question? 

Ask me a question below, in the comment section, and I will answer it! 

Photo credit: here

Question #12

Question: Do you have an online dating profile? 

My answer: No. 

Yesterday, I came across an article discussing online dating. The reading talked about how you have to sell yourself to get the attention of a potential partner. Sell yourself? This article outlined tips on how to position your body in photos, the types of photos to take, the kinds of clothes to wear, etc. It all felt very neoliberal, marketing research 101. I'm not interested in turning myself into a product.

Photo credit: here

Music Monday (on Tuesday)

 Janis Joplin "Me and Bobby McGee"

Sing along optional:

Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose
Nothin', it ain't nothin' honey, if it ain't free