Tags
creative writing, creativity, favourite things, the sound of music, writing, writing prompt, writing workshop
A week ago, last Friday, I found myself humming this song from The Sound of Music, and as I always like to use what’s ‘alive’ in me when creating prompts, I decided to use it as our warm up that morning, Very simply, for three minutes, write about your favourite things. This is what I wrote:
Singing with friends, hugs that are meant, watching someone eagerly take seconds of something I’ve cooked. Fresh shortbread, being up before everyone else and watching the sky wake. Swimming, foxes, spring, long walks, books I get lost in, writing, words, writing, letters still handwritten and postmarked with a stamp – such precious, rare things in this instant, digital age. Dancing, but I don’t do it often enough. Travelling – this year will be full – and spontaneity; no plans, no intentions, just responding in the freedom of the moment to what wants to happen – now!
I was also asked to offer a few prompts at another writing group just this weekend, when a visiting guest wasn’t able to attend, and again took the theme of Favourite Things, but framed it differently. I asked people to make a list of ten. Unsurprisingly, some of the same things turned up in my list…but some others appeared too.
Then, I asked everyone to pick one, or several, or expand on the theme however they chose….in a poem. Ten minutes. This is what I wrote – unedited – in ten minutes:
Smells linger
on hands like traces
of a day you can
almost taste
before you’re told to wash
them for tea
in hair that’s
trapped layers of air
infused with scents that
stubbornly cling until
you shower them out with
unscented shampoo
which isn’t
my hands rarely smell
of horses these days
but if I chance upon one
and stroke its mane
rub its forehead
as it nudges my pockets
in search of
treats I’m not carrying
I shrink several inches
Loose thirty years in a blink
Then walk away
Back into today
And smell my hands
Which really ought to be
Washed before I eat
And I HAVE to finish with the video of the song, because this film is for sure one of my favourite things!
So, what are some of YOUR favourite things?
If you enjoyed this prompt, then you can find more here:
and here:
https://wordsthatserve.wordpress.com/writing-prompts-the-elements/
Writing to Freedom said:
What a fun post Harula! I love the Sound of Music, and music, dancing, and aromas are definitely a few of my favorite things. 🙂 In fact, I just wrote a post about aroma this weekend. To the simple joys in life!
harulawordsthatserve said:
Thanks Brad 🙂 We definitely had a lot of fun with it, and there was sooooo much sighing and giggling and nodding in agreement and reminiscence as we each shared. Must check out your post! Exactly, it’s all about the simple things in life. It really is. It was noticeable how ‘everyday’ the things were – rarely anything fancy or expensive, just everyday lovely things. Blessings to you! 🙂 Harula xx
Writing to Freedom said:
Agreed about the simple things. Thanks Harula.
spiritualdragonfly said:
As soon as I read your post on favorite things I knew I wanted to share my poem 😊😊😊
harulawordsthatserve said:
Wonderful poem! Made me smile. Thanks for sharing 🙂 I think all the lists of ‘favourite things’ I have encountered so far have included food of some sort… 🙂 H xx
spiritualdragonfly said:
:)))) warm chocolate chip cookies out of the over..so I’m with you on that!! lol
roughwighting said:
Your poems are one of my favorite things!
I’ll add this favorite thing: late afternoons when the sun is falling, the sky is a dusky pink, my working day is almost done, and a book awaits me with open arms. 🙂
harulawordsthatserve said:
Awww Pam, what a lovely thing to say – thank you!! And I LOVE the favourite thing you share here! 🙂 xxx
roughwighting said:
❤