Thoughts | J.R. Johnson

Posts Tagged ‘Thoughts’

Earth Day: What’s Good

Posted in Holidays, Science!, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, Earth Day 2024, fresh perspectives, genre fiction, inspiration, Thoughts, Writers on April 22, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Today is work work work but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about what’s good for the planet. If you are looking for ideas on what to do and how to do it, check out the Earth Day 2024 website or this Earth Day Action Toolkit.

And for ideas on how interacting with nature can help change our perspective, here’s an article by documentary film maker and student of octopi Craig Foster:

Earth Day 2024: ‘Saving the Planet’ Is the Wrong Goal

I was gifted with a new way of seeing the day I got mugged underwater…

Note to self: do not swim with novel shiny things!

As we’re discussing octopi and how they see the world, let me also recommend Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Is it fiction? Maybe!

(And yes, my favorite character was the octopus.)

* * *

Read Full Post »

It’s A Trap!

Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, Thoughts on April 18, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Being careful is smart.

Being perfect is unattainable, and seeking perfection is a trap.

— Seth Godin

* * *

Read Full Post »

The Prime Directive

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, philosophizing, purpose, Thoughts on April 13, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
— Dalai Lama

* * *

Read Full Post »

Begin, Again and Again

Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, Fiction, persistence, Thoughts, Writers, writing on April 11, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“Beginning is underrated. Merely beginning. With inadequate preparation, because you will never be fully prepared. With imperfect odds of success, because the odds are never perfect. Begin. With the humility of someone who’s not sure, and the excitement of someone who knows that it’s possible.”
— Seth Godin

* * *

Read Full Post »

Just Perfect

Posted in Science!, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, eclipse 2024, science, Thoughts on April 9, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Our eclipse experience was great. We found a terrific little nature preserve called the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, with boardwalks, picnic tables, lawns and benches. Lunch, exploration, then a bit of chillaxation as we waited for the eclipse.

When they said that there is a significant difference between 99% and totality, they were not kidding. It was a beautiful day, but when the light faded and the stars came out? Just perfect.

If you missed it, here are highlights from NASA’s feed, along with a collection of images.

Amazing!

* * *

Read Full Post »

A Fine Mess

Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, oops, Thoughts, Writers, writing on April 7, 2024| Leave a Comment »

This morning I tried a new recipe. It turned out… on the mediocre side of ok.

I made copious notes and version 2.0 will be better, but what I really took away from the experience was what I was telling myself throughout the bake: Something wasn’t right.

Turns out, I should have listened.

The result was a bit of a mess, but that’s fine. I get some of my best ideas when I’m working with an idea that, well, doesn’t work. Knowing what’s broken makes a project easier to fix. That applies to food and to art.

So, my takeaway from today, for both cooking and writing: trust yourself. Learn, experiment, use the Force, whatever helps you take that next step down the path.

It will be fine.

* * *

Read Full Post »

The Creative Well

Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, creativity, Thoughts, Writers, writing on April 5, 2024| Leave a Comment »

“In filling the well, think magic. Think delight. Think fun. Do not think duty. Do not do what you should do—spiritual sit-ups like reading a dull but recommended critical text. Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery.”
― Julia Cameron

* * *

*The Wishing Well. Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash*

Read Full Post »

Wishing You a Lovely Easter!

Posted in Holidays, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, Thoughts on March 31, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Read Full Post »

In Pursuit

Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2024, genre fiction, inspiration, Thoughts, writing on March 30, 2024| Leave a Comment »

We’re out and about today, and I’m finding inspiration in both natural and human worlds. I don’t have time to get started right now, but I’ve got two story ideas competing for space in my head. I look forward to chasing them down soon.

* * *