Happy Friday! Summer is in full force these days, with clear blue skies and warm temperatures.  Unfortunately, it has also brought wildfires in many parts of the U.S. and, for the UK, a first-ever extreme heat warning.   All that heat/sun may be great for solar installations, but not so great for people and pets, especially people with jobs that require them to work outdoors.

Stay safe and hydrated everyone.

While “National Popsicle Day” might more appropriate, today is actually “National Give Something Away Day.”

Whether we give tangible items, financially, or by offering our skills and services, we lift others up. Our words can be a gift, too. Showing empathy, encouragement, and compassion to someone during a time of need may make us feel vulnerable, but it empowers those we offer it to as well. You can also share your time with others by volunteering. 

I have several boxes of items that are ready to be given away–today will be a great time for me to find a new home for them, in between a full work day of meetings and conference calls.  Regardless of whatever else I manage to do, I’ll be giving 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:   I’m melting!

Feel free to interpret the prompt any way you choose (or ignore it completely) and include any (or all) of the following random words:   

tongue               cheerful         battery          dynamic

amusement       falcon            fire                 houseguest

alarming            treasure         glider             blonde

genuine             hose               mountain      ache

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!