Happy “Hairstyle Appreciation Day” (if you’re reading this on April 30th). Considering how many folks have spent the past pandemic-year without access to a barber or salon, “Crazy Hairstyle Day” might be more appropriate. If you’d prefer something a little more challenging, it’s also “National Honesty Day.”
I’m guessing any number of people might find that to be a real challenge to celebrate successfully.
“The author of The Book of Lies, M. Hirsh Goldberg, created National Honesty Day in the early 1990s. The former press secretary to a Maryland governor selected the last day of April in contrast to all the foolishness the first of the month brings.
The day is often used as a campaign for prevention against the most deceitful lies in history. Occasionally, the day also urges politicians to stay away from lies and tell the truth.“
Personally, I’ll be celebrating “I Finally Bought an Elliptical Machine Day.” Working remotely has been great in terms of a 30-second commute to work and not having to dress up (or wear shoes), but I’ve really missed working out at the gym (something I never thought I would say). Walks at the park and Zoom workout sessions just didn’t fill the void. I found just the model of elliptical that I used at the gym, on sale at a great price from someone who was downsizing, so I snapped it up. After a more than a year away, it’s a bit more challenging than I remember, but I’m determined to get back to my pre-pandemic routine (and hopefully my pre-pandemic shape). I’ve been increasing my workout time by a minute each day. As a plus, I also got a good workout cleaning the garage to make room to set it up.
Double win!
I’ll be adding another minute to my workout this afternoon and possibly seeing if there is anything else I can get rid of in the garage, then it will be time to give today’s writing prompt and random words a try.
Care to join me?
For those of you working away on a story (whether a first draft or a polished version on its way to publication), if you’re not feeling random, we’d love to hear a bit – whether it’s a scene, a paragraph, or even a phrase that you are especially pleased with and would like to share.
If you don’t have a story in progress, or just want to work on something new, I hope either today’s random words or writing prompt will catch your creative fancy.
Ready?
Prompt: Starting a new routine
Feel free to interpret the prompt any way you choose (or ignore it completely) and include any (or all) of the following random words:
anytime early curved key
cheerful propeller dignity age
downcast crooked promise doll
equipment balcony cradle warm
I look forward to seeing your stories in the comments. If you’re not feeling in the writing mood today, or don’t have time, feel free to post suggestions you might have for future writing prompts. Ideas are always welcome.
Happy writing to all!
Eight Ladies Writing 
Congratulations on setting up your elliptical, Elizabeth! It sounds like you’ve already established a good routine. I’m in awe.
I tied my sprint speed record—only nine minutes today, although I felt like I was cheating on some word combos and I wasn’t able to fit in “downcast.” About which, of course, I’m very downcast.
The New Treatment
“Hey, doll,” Cecil said cheerfully as he stepped into his wife’s boudoir. “Are we leaving anytime soon?”
His wife, Clover Cressida Farthing, looked up from the curved dressing table where she’d spent the last hour trying to conceal her wrinkles. There was no dignity in old age. No justice, either.
“Another couple of minutes,” she said. Good lighting was key. Good lighting and plenty of sleep. Good lighting, plenty of sleep, and lots of warm water. “I promised Edwina we’d be there early to help set up the equipment.”
“They’ll never be able to fit the propeller out on that crooked balcony,” Cecil said, cradling his broken arm against his chest. “I should know.”
I am in awe of your sprint record, Kay, and your character naming abilities.