How to End the Year

1. By completing a project you started.
2. By hanging out with your friends.
3. With a movie marathon.
4. By devouring that book you've been meaning to read.
5. Eating all your favorite foods.
6. By having a party.
7. By spending time with those you love.
8. By helping someone.
9. By getting a good night's sleep.
10. By starting a new project.

Joyous Sounds

Torn paper litters the floor. New toys and treats are scattered everywhere.
Not a soul in sight, but a bout of laughter fills the air.
Through the perilous field of bounty you tread, toward the wondrous call of cheerful hearts.
What could cause such joyous sounds?
You reach the source, and find your sister there.
And her reason for so much laughter?
The cat had gotten all tangled in ribbon, and now purrs in a discarded box.

Last-minute Gifts

1. Cookies. Everyone loves cookies.
2. Books. Because you can never have enough books.
3. Craft supplies. A crafty person can never have enough supplies.
4. A blanket. So they can stay warm when it snows.
5. Their favorite candy. So they have a snack.
6. Socks. Because socks are nice.
7. A hat. Hats are awesome.
8. A candle. Preferably in a scent they like.
9. Food. Doesn't really matter what kind, as long as they like it.
10. A gift card. A bit impersonal, but still a valid option.

Dreadfully Dull

Dreadfully dull marches the ant.
Past the leaf, past the log.
Along the same path all the day long.
Dreadfully dull is the day's routine.
Dreadfully dull for all it would seem.
The same path, the leaf and log.
Yet still the ant marches along.
Doing his work, though it may not be fun.
The ant knows the importance of progress, however dreadfully dull.

White Elephant Gifts

1. The thing that hasn't left the back of your closet for three years.
2. A craft you made.
3. Your favorite candy, popcorn, and a movie.
4. Something useful, like a screwdriver.
5. A comfy blanket.
6. A journal and your favorite type of writing instrument. Even if it is a periwinkle crayon.
7. One rubber duck.
8. Fourteen paperclips and your favorite paperback.
9. A wooden block with these instructions: set on the floor and walk once in a circle with it in the center, then announce to all that you've "walked around the block".
10. An alarm clock.

Love Is

Love is a flower, grown from a seed of trust.
Love is raindrops of compassion when hope seems lost.
Love is joyful rays of sunlight when you see their face.
Love is a whispered breeze in your ear filled with the kind words they say.
Love is the ocean of space, infinite and grand.
Love is in each tender moment, countless as the sand.

Tasty Snacks

1. Popcorn.
2. Juice.
3. Skittles.
4. Granola.
5. Baby carrots.
6. Breadsticks.
7. Beef jerky.
8. Goldfish crackers.
9. Hot chocolate.
10. Muffins.

Runaway Present

Wrapping a present is harder than it looks. This is made even more true when said present suddenly decides to run away.
Legs pumping, tail waving like a flag in the wind, the puppy tore down the hall with a partially tied ribbon around its neck.
I chased after it, grateful the kids weren't home yet. Otherwise their surprise would've been ruined.
Still, who knew a puppy could run so fast?
The puppy glanced back at me, a look of both fright and delight in its lopsided doggy grin.
In that brief look back though, the puppy failed to notice the closed door.
The thump wasn't that loud, but apparently colliding with a door was enough adventure for the little pup. It sat with a small whine, staring at the closed door with a look of betrayal.
I slowed, approaching the puppy with what I hoped were non-threatening movements.
"Here, girl," I cooed, and the puppy's ears perked at that tone. "Let me just fix your bow, and we'll go wait for the kids in the front room."
The puppy's tail wagged hesitantly, and she didn't run when I reached for the half done bow.
"Good girl," I cooed again after the bow was properly tied, and I carefully picked up the puppy.
She squirmed a little in my grip, but soon settled as we made our way out of the hall.
With the amount of energy she had, I was sure the kids would love her.
Even when it meant chasing her down the hall.

For Dancing

1. It is good exercise.
2. You could meet new people.
3. You won't have to feel guilty about eating the last of the cookies.
4. Your cat won't judge your awesome moves.
5. Because the music says you must.
6. So your friend won't have to dance alone.
7. Because a slow dance means you'll have time to talk to your partner.
8. It can be fun.
9. It gives you a chance to step of people's toes.
10. It can be a good hobby.

Take the Blame

The cat was not going to take the blame for this.
Every day, the dog did something while the people were away. And every day, the cat got the blame.
Trash scattered everywhere?
Blame the cat.
That roast left to thaw in the sink while the people made a quick five minute trip to the grocery store?
The remains of it were found in the dog's bed, yet the cat got the blame.
Crocheting unraveled and redone into a giant messy knot?
Okay, that one was the cat.
But this, the cat would not take the blame for this one.
The people had left the television on when they left, and it had been fine for the first hour or two. But then the channel decided to play a show about bunnies.
The dog was obsessed with bunnies.
So obsessed, that he tried to get the ones on the television, and now was tangled in all the wires that were normally underneath the television.
The television itself was laying on the floor beside the tangled dog, a great crack running across its screen.
At the sound of the lock being undone on the front door, the cat quickly jumped under the coffee table; where she'd be out of sight, but still able to witness the dog finally getting what he deserved.
When their people walked in, they paused and stared at the destruction in what the car determined to be shock.
Wait, now it was anger.
"Poinsettia!" The shaggy-haired human called, while the other set to work untangling the dog.
The cat cringed, and decided to stay where she was instead of responding to her given name.
It wasn't like she was going to take the blame yet again, after all.

Family Activities

1. Meals together.
2. Movie marathons.
3. Game nights.
4. Hiking trips.
5. Car trips.
6. Family reunions.
7. Crafts.
8. Chores around the house.
9. A book club.
10. Long conversations.

Crimson Drops

The crunch of snow and ice was like the shattering of glass, but the red splatter could never be mistaken for wine.
Hot crimson drops hissed as the snow beneath them melted, and steam rose from all around the fallen form.
The snow shook as the creature gave a growl and struggled to rise, but the snow it had fallen in was too deep for the weakened creature.
The barest puff of smoke escaped from between the creature's bared teeth, but that was all it could manage. Not even the smallest of embers.
It was too cold, and too weak.
Pathetically weak, to have been downed like some migratory bird. And like a bird, it had never even noticed the hunter taking aim until it was too late.
And it was too late. Whoever the hunter was, they knew exactly where to aim to pierce that vulnerable place between protective scales.
Hot blood was weeping at an alarming rate, far faster than it should have been.
But then, it hadn't been a normal projectile, not with the stench of magic that lingered in the wound.
The world was fading, and the creature could do naught to prevent its own demise.
There was a crunching as something approached the creature through the snow, something with a metallic sheen.
A knight. Who knew they still existed?
The knight lifted a sword that reeked of magic, and the creature allowed itself one final growl as the blade came down.

What to do When it Snows

1. Drink hot chocolate.
2. Throw snowballs for the dog to chase.
3. Put ice salt on the pathways you use most often.
4. Pull your snow boots out of the closet.
5. Make sure any outside pets have a protected area they can use to get out of the snow.
6. Never leave the house with wet hair.
7. Change to snow tires on your car.
8. Make a scarf.
9. Watch White Christmas.
10. Prepare to hibernate.

Before the Door

Things were not going well for the dog.
First thing this morning, the cat ate his food.
Then, all of his people left him behind when they went for car rides!
So there he was, moping before the door, when the cat came sauntering in.
"The view is better in the bathroom," said the cat.
"But they left through this door," the dog moaned, wishing his people would return.
The cat stretched, claws sinking into the rug.
"You know what the car looks like, so just watch from the bathroom window." The cat flicked the dog's nose with its tail as it walked past. "Surely they might return sooner if you can actually watch the road for them."
The dog lifted his head, ears pricking at the thought. "Maybe you're right," the dog said as he stood.
Racing to the small bathroom, the dog looked for the window.
There, above the toilet!
The dog moved toward the window, but paused before the toilet.
He looked up, and realized that even if he stood on his hind legs, the window would be too high for him to look out.
The cat wouldn't have any problems jumping up to the windowsill, but he was not the cat.
A sudden sound made the dog twist around to look toward the door.
It was closed!
As the dog hurried to the door, he heard the rumbling purr of the cat from the other side.
"Enjoy watching for the people!" The cat's pleased meow sounded muffled through the door, but it was enough to clue the dog as to what had just happened.
The cat had tricked him!
Now he was stuck in the bathroom until their people returned.
Whining, the dog settled himself on the cool floor before the bathroom door and waited for his people to return.

Friends are Great

1. They make you laugh.
2. They share their food with you.
3. They enjoy your company.
4. They are there when you need help.
5. You don't need a reason spend time with them.
6. They know how to make you smile.
7. They let you play with their pets.
8. They remember your name.
9. They get excited with you.
10. They like you for being you.

Alarm Clock

The alarm clock screeches for attention, with all the cruelty of a drenched cat.
You hit the snooze, but it never provides a long enough reprieve.
The floor is cold on bare feet, the winter chill enough to make you shiver and look longingly back at the warm bed.
But no, you must get up and on with the day.
The morning routine passes in a blur, and you couldn't respond with certainty what it was you just ate.
It came from the fridge, and wasn't moving. That was good enough for you.
Work was work, as it always was.
You went through with each task you had, putting in your best effort for each one, but forgot about each after its completion.
Home again, and the things you had to do there.
Chores, food, animals, and a nap. Perhaps even some time for a book, if you sere lucky.
All too soon, the day is done.
Preparations to sleep are worked through, each one reminding you of just how tired you are.
You return to your room, and set the alarm clock for drenched cat.
Then, you pull back the covers and crawl into bed.
It has grown cold since this morning, but no matter.
Soon enough, the blankets would be warm with your heat, and you would fall asleep.
At least until the morning, when that horrid alarm screeches once again.

To Get Up Early

1. You'll have more time to get ready.
2. It means you could have a fancier breakfast.
3. You could watch the sun rise.
4. It means your morning grogginess will have a chance to fade.
5. You could go for a morning walk.
6. By knowing you'll get up early, it could encourage you to go to sleep at a more reasonable time.
7. It means you can give your pet extra attention.
8. You could work on that project you never have time for later in the day.
9. It provides time to exercise.
10. You won't feel like you're in a rush.

Candy

The candy wrappers drifted to the ground like leaves torn from their tree during a storm.
Chocolate, warm and gooey, was stuck at the corners of mouths.
Sugerdust coated every surface, and lingered in the air like dust.
Costumes were scattered piece by piece through the house.
And the children, those excitable children, had finally collapsed into candy-comas.
So now the parents could breath tired sighs, and hide all the good candy.

Tasty Treats

1. Brownies.
2. Oatmeal chocolate chip muffins.
3. Shaved ice.
4. Chocolate chocolate chip cookies.
5. Hard candy.
6. Gummy worms.
7. Fruit tarts.
8. Mint chocolate chip ice cream.
9. Salt water taffy.
10. Cupcakes.

If You Knew

If you knew what wait amongst the stars,
How quickly would you plan a trip to Mars?
If you knew what waited in the ocean deep,
How far down would your search sweep?
If you knew who waited behind the locked door,
How long would it for it to fall to the floor?
If you knew, If only you knew,
But oh, you haven't a clue!
How many people there are who care about you!
How many would traverse the farthest of places,
If it meant they'd once again feel the warmth of one of your embraces!

Happy Things

1. Sunflowers.
2. A dog getting a belly rub.
3. A mug of hot chocolate in a cold day.
4. Reading a good book.
5. Working on a craft.
6. A comfy pillow.
7. Seeing an old friend.
8. A purring cat laying on your lap.
9. Eating your favorite food.
10. A baby's laugh.

Sleep's Embrace

Softly rests the tired head,
Upon a pillow by down fed.
Slowly the aches of day will ease,
As the night's sigh sings sweet release.
From the cares of the the long day,
And the toils that each had to pay.
In sweat, in labor, in moments of pain,
The efforts of those with much to gain.
But now you lie with energy spent,
And to sleep's embrace, at last, relent.

Your Cats have You Trained

1. When he meows, you know to give him treats.
2. When you try telling your cat to get off the counter, you accept her jumping on top of the refrigerator instead.
3. Your closet has more cat toys than clothes.
4. When the cat has claimed the sink for her nap, you go to another one to wash your hands.
5. Your position on the bed is determined by where the cats aren't stretched out at.
6. When the cat moves the full water jug across the kitchen floor, you just sigh.
7. All your crafts that involve yarn have areas where you've tied bitten pieces back together.
8. You cannot move if the cat is on your lap, not even to refill your drink.
9. You know what cat is meowing, and what their meow means.
10. You never leave the house without cat fur on your clothes.

Fog the Frog

Once there was a frog named Fog.
Small and green, he lived a bog.
While all the other frogs liked to to chase after bugs, Fog preferred to sit in his old rotten log.
He would sit, and sit, and sit.
And whenever a fly would dart by, he'd fling his tongue at it!
And so Fog lived his days in the bog, patiently sitting in his log.

Writing Snacks

1. Baby carrots.
2. Chocolate covered popcorn.
3. Almonds.
4. Cookies.
5. Jerky.
6. Brownies.
7. Muffins.
8. Fruit snacks.
9. Candy.
10. Croutons.

Stitch by Stitch

Stitch by stitch, the work is done.
But with one snip, your hard work's undone.
Each thread unravels fast.
How long until you lose the last?
Stitch by stitch, your plans fall through.
So why wait for the next one to be cancelled too?
Save the date, but don't call it free.
Then you won't be hurt if no one comes at three.
Stitch by stitch, you've sewn shut the door.
But happens when someone wants to know more?
About your likes, your dreams, your fears.
They cut through your stitches like a pair of shears.
Stitch by stitch, the threads all fall.
Guess your heart wasn't forgotten after all.

How to Celebrate a Birthday

1. With food. Everyone loves food, and getting to eat your favorites is a great way to spend a birthday.
2. With friends. Fun times are always available when friends get together.
3. With a party. It doesn't matter what size the party is, so long as it fulfills its purpose.
4. With gifts. Everyone enjoys getting something on their birthday, and a gift needn't be an object, just some thing or action that will bring happiness to the recipient.
5. With a good book. Because books make every birthday better.
6. With family. Those you love bring joy to every birthday, whether they are near or far away.
7. By making something. Crafts and projects can be quite exciting, and just the right challenge for a birthday.
8. By resting. Sometimes a good nap is all you want for your birthday.
9. By getting a haircut. A new hairdo can bring a smile to the now-a-year-older you.
10. By serving others. When you help others, you give a wonderful gift.

Sophie

The darkness could not hide her feral grin.
Stumbling back over the treacherous forest litter, the boy couldn't disguise the horror he felt at what his best friend had become.
"What's the matter, Bobby?" The girl crooned, her head tilting sideways like a curious bird even as fur sprouted from her face. "I thought you liked monsters."
"So- Sophie," Bobby could barely get her name out, let alone beg her forgiveness. This had been his idea, after all.
His idea, and now his fault.
"Sophie, Sophie." Her name sounded so menacing as Sophie's teeth lengthened into fangs. "That's not really a good name for a monster, now is it?"
"You're not a monster." Bobby shook his head in denial, though the guilt in his gut mocked his lie. He tripped on something and hit the ground.
Sophie laughed, the sound a discordant blend of bitter and gleeful. "Aren't I? Isn't that what we were trying to do with that stuffy old book; summon monsters?" She spread out her arms, and a glint of the full moon's light shone on her new claws. "Congratulations, Bobby. It worked."
"It wasn't supposed to!" There was a whine in his voice, one that made Sophie's now yellow eyes gleam hungrily. "And it didn't say anything about it possessing one of us!"
"Who would have attempted the ritual if it had?" She asked, voice roughening into something more guttural. "Leave enough mystery to such things, and soon the cats will come. And you know what curiosity does to such creatures." There was hunger evident in her voice now.
Bobby stared at the creature that looked less and less like his friend with each passing moment. Was Sophie even still in there? (Oh, Bobby hoped not. Hoped his friend wasn't trapped with that monster, unable to do anything but watch it control and steadily transform her body.)
"Sophie never could say no to one of you little adventures. Her heart was so sweet with its love for you." The monster bared its teeth in a farce of a smile as it stepped forward, testing Sophie's legs. "I wonder, how will yours taste on her lips?"
The monster lunged, and Bobby's scream sounded through the forest before abruptly dying.

To Get a Cat Tree

1. So your kitty has someplace they can look haughtily down at the dog from.
2. Because maybe then they won't use the couch as a scratching post.
3. Because it makes a better agility course then weaving between your legs while you stand at the stove.
4. Its the best place to nap when the afternoon sun hits it.
5. It gives your cat somewhere to gather their toys at.
6. Because your cat isn't allowed outside to climb real trees.
7. It is an excellent place to give your cat treats. Lots and lots of treats.
8. It is a safe place to hide from children.
9. It makes a good launch pad to leap onto unexpecting shoulders.
10. So the cat will (hopefully) stop stealing your chair.

Plan B

The night was dark, the wind was howling, and the little monster was lost.
It could have been worse, she supposed as the little monster stopped to rest on an old stump. At least the sun wasn't up yet, because than all of the humans would be out and about. That would lead to screams, and shouts, and gathering of pitchforks.
The little monster was not a fan of pitchforks.
But what could she do to get home? The little monster didn't even know where home was, or where she was. That's the problem with living in an alternate dimension; the pathways to and from it were constantly shifting about. And just because you were let out in one place was no guarantee that you could get back in from there.
She wasn't supposed to go near the pathways, as a hundred and seven was not yet old enough to handle an adventure in the human world.
But she'd always been a curious monster, and now that curiosity had gotten her lost.
Left alone sitting on a stump.
Well, there wasn't anything else to do but try Plan B.
Every monster learned different plans in case they got stuck in the human world for a while, though the little monster had never used any of them.
Still, she stood up off her stump and quickly headed off, hoping she'd be able to perform Plan B before morning's first light.
About an hour and a half before dawn, the little monster found what she'd been looking for: a human village.
Selecting the right house was tricky, as the little monster didn't have the time to be picky. But she found one with an open window she could fit though, and it even led right to a small room with a bed!
Ignoring the snuffling sounds of the small creature in the bed was hard, as the little monster had never seen a human before. Were they all so small and chubby checked?
Stepping carefully to avoid waking the small human, the little monster slipped underneath the bed with the ease of familiarity.
For being beneath a bed was one of the most comforting places a monster could be, even when the bed belonged to a small snuffling human.
Now to wait in the relative safety she'd found until either another monster could find her, or she could figure out a way to get home.
It shouldn't take too long, right?

Monsters with Good Dental Hygiene

1. Wererats. After all, if they don't care for their teeth, they won't be able to close their jaws.
2. Vampires. No one wants the remains of last night's blood still coating their fangs to taint their next meal.
3. Dragons. A knight's armor can be so difficult to pick from between one's teeth.
4. The monster under the bed. Because bad breath will keep the kid awake, which means less opportunities to startle them awake.
5. Sirens. No sailor, after being lured in, will stick around a siren with kelp stuck to her tooth.
6. Unicorns. Yellowed teeth kind of ruins the whole image of elegance.
7. Ghosts. Why else would so many bathrooms be haunted?
8. Shapeshifters. Because if you can change your shape at will, why not make sure your teeth are great?
9. Zombies. Little thought may be put into their appearance, but a zombie's teeth must be well cared for in order to get through skulls to the tasty brains waiting within.
10. Fairies. Some say they use fairy dust in order to achieve such a sparkle, but that's just a horrid rumor spread by those who are jealous of a fairy's naturally shiny teeth.

Sometimes

Sometimes life offers you lemons, when all you wanted was a lime.
Sometimes your heart is aching, but everything seems fine.
Sometimes the words come easily, but somehow fail to rhyme.
And sometimes all you want is to sleep, but can't seem to find the time.

For Friends

1. They make you laugh.
2. They give you a reason to eat lots of junk food while watching movies.
3. They can cheer you up when you're feeling down.
4. They can suggest new books for you to read.
5. They'll go on adventures with you.
6. They give you someone to talk to.
7. They can care for your pet if you have to suddenly leave town.
8. They can taste test your latest cookie recipe.
9. They can help you build a bookshelf.
10. They can offer you a couch to crash on.

The Warrior

There once was a warrior, the strongest in the land. Each day he would go out with his sword, find some troublesome spot within the kingdom, and solve the situation in the only way he knew how.
Many admired his skill with the sword.
Others feared where such skill might one day lead him.
The day came when word of a dragon in the kingdom reached the warrior. According to the rumor, a dragon had taken residence atop the royal tower wherein the king's eldest (and most beautiful) daughter spent her days deep in reflection.
Not wishing the princess to be harmed by such a dangerous beast, the warrior journeyed to the tower with sword in hand.
He met several singed knights on the way, each warning him of the dragon's might and how it refused to abandon its perch atop the tower. A few also mentioned how the dragon would not attack until provoked, and so the warrior thought deeply on how to utilize the information.
Upon reaching the tower, the warrior climbed the outer stairway until he reached the observation deck; where the dragon was curled around the tower in supposed slumber.
There was no sign of the princess, and the warrior hoped he was not too late.
The battle with the dragon did not take long, for though the beast was powerful, it seemed incapable of any deadly blows.
Perhaps it was sick? It did not matter. The warrior merely took the dragon's weakness as motivation not to falter as the knights had.
He would not flee from a singeing, if it meant rescuing the princess.
And so the moment came when the warrior gained the advantage, and plunged his sword deep in the dragon's heart.
At the moment, the dragon shuddered.
But death thralls did not follow. Instead, the dragon's shudders caused its form to blur, and suddenly it was the princess  who was before the warrior, his sword thrust through her chest.
The princess's dying breaths painted a picture of mage-craft gone wrong,  being stuck in a shifted form, and barely controlling the wild instincts of of her new form.
The was no condemning the warrior for his killing blow, though his heart ached at having struck down an innocent.
The princess died.
The royal family, not wishing to tarnish the people's memory of their daughter by revealing her dabbles in forbidden mage-craft, spread a tale of a hero who managed to drive off the dragon, but not before one of its sharp claws (so much like swords in their sharpness) pierced the princess's heart.
And the warrior?
He went to his home, hung his sword above the mantle, and never again took it up.

How to Change the Subject

1. Bring up their pets. People love to talk about their animals, and they also love to show off the many pictures they have of their beloved pets.
2. Talk about the kids. Children are a wonderful time-consuming subject, and have the power to distract a parent from other subjects.
3. Ask about their latest project. Everyone has something they're working on. If you ask the right questions, you'll not only gain a new understanding of their project, but you'll make them happy to have had an opportunity to gush about it.
4. Fall asleep. By the time you wake up, the subject should have changed.
5. Mention food. People love food. Especially their favorite foods. Use this subject-changer wisely.
6. Bring up something that you're interested in. At the first lull, seize the conversation and take it down the road of what interests you.
7. Be blunt. Just say that you want to tall about something else, and then talk about that new subject.
8. Through a battle. Make your choice, and after three rounds the paper rock scissors champion may lead the conversation wherever they choose.
9. Stop talking to people. If you don't talk to anyone, the you'll never need worry about changing the subject.
10. Go join another conversation. Plus if you wander from one group to another, you'll have a better chance of making new friends.

The Long Night

The long night stretches, silence echoing through the halls.
Sweet dreams chase after nightmares, though they may be hard to recall.
But before one may dream, they must first fall asleep.
A difficult task, when shadows are the only company you keep.
How long must the night last? When will the insomnia end?
When will the morning sun's rays reach out like an old friend?
When the long night is over, when sleep finally descends.
Then may you rest, though for now all you do is pretend.

Dragons Competitions

1. Fire-breathing contests. Flames are judged by heat, distance reached, and stability.
2. Wing races. The eastern dragons are still miffed that they are technically ineligible.
3. Knight eating contests. Armor need not be consumed.
4. Hoard building challenges. You have twelve hours to build the largest hoard of eligible objects. Your prize? Everything that was hoarded.
5. Princess pageants. How well have you cared for your princess?
6. Roar-offs. Who has the mightiest roar? Which one fills all who hear it with terror?
7. Village frightening. The goal here is to scare the villagers, not eat them (put the goat down, Steve!).
8. Napping. It is important to remember that waking a judge means instant disqualification.
9. Castle renovating. Which castle looks the most draconic after the renovations? (Hint: not the one with humans still running about.)
10. Scale care. Dragons can be very vain, and so those with the most well cared for scales, teeth, wings, horns, and claws will score highest in this competition.

Slow of Foot

Timothy the turtle was not very fast. In fact, he was the slowest in his group of friends.
But his lack of speed wasn't just because of his heavy shell and short legs. No, Timothy moved slowly because his mind never stopped racing.
He was always thinking. Of what to eat, the names and qualities of various plants, what he should get his best friend Suzie Hare for her upcoming birthday, and so much more.
With so many thoughts filling his he, Timothy couldn't risk moving too fast.
For whenever he did, he usually ran into things.
And so Timothy contented himself in being slow of foot, but quick of mind.

To Get Excited

1. You get to sleep in!
2. Someone made you cookies.
3. You got a new book!
4. Your best friend came to hang out.
5. The cat decided to sit on your lap!
6. You finished a project you've been working on.
7. Dinner is ready!
8. The weather is just right for whatever you want to do.
9. You got a good grade on the test you were worried about!
10. You made a new friend!

Time

Time.
Sometimes it flies by like lightning, leaving you behind no matter how you rush to catch up.
Other times, it seems to be caught in a bog, with each moment an agonizing wait between squelches.
At times it is sunk into things of little worth.
Sometimes there isn't enough for all your good works.
Your time is finite, though at times it seems endless.
And take care how you spend it, for you can never exchange the time that you've spent.

Tasty Shaved Ice Flavors

1. Horchata.
2. Cherry.
3. Lychee.
4. Coconut.
5. Cola.
6. Blue Raspberry.
7. Lemonade.
8. Peach.
9. Grape.
10. Cinnamon.

Involve Vegetables

Legend tells of one child who would save his town at its darkest hour.
But no one said it would involve vegetables.
Still, when young Alex O'Malley's parents (and all the other adults in town) were captured by alien broccoli, he knew just what to do.
And so Alex O'Malley gathered up all the kids he knew from school that had one thing in common: a love for vegetables.
His troops rallied, Alex led the charge against the aliens with fork in hand.
One floret at a time, the children ate their way through the alien army. Once they realized what the children were doing, the broccoli aliens attempted to flee.
But water balloons filled with ranch soon cut off their escape.
And so the children consumed the alien army, rescued their parents, and thus saved the day.
All because Alex O'Malley knew who loved to eat their vegetables.

Quick Meals

1. Scrambled eggs.
2. Toast with jam and a side of cottage cheese.
3. Oatmeal.
4. Quesadillas.
5. Cereal.
6. Salad.
7. Frozen leftovers. Because when you plan ahead, dinners can be quick yet taste as if you spent all day in the kitchen.
8. Canned soup.
9. A cold sandwich.
10. Ramen noodles.

Three Heroes

The pretty princess all dressed in pink,
Seeks out adventures every day of the week.
The brave knight faces danger with glee,
Until he falls and scrapes his knee.
The wise wizard studies long in his tower.
His magical strength growing hour by hour.
And when these three gather and plan what to do,
Nothing can stop them from seeing the quest through!

Foods Starring Lemons

1. Lemonade.
2. Lemon custard.
3. Lemon meringue pie.
4. Lemon squares.
5. Lemon chicken.
6. Lemon sorbet.
7. Lemon cake.
8. Lemon curd.
9. Lemon tarts.
10. Lemon macarons.

Sometimes

Sometimes your day gets busy, and you forget about some things.
But don't get too worried, for you don't need the stress that brings.
Instead, take a moment, to breath and think things through.
And then you might be able to complete the tasks you need to do.

Milkshake Flavors

1. Chocolate. Dark chocolate is especially tasty.
2. Peanut butter. Just add a but of peanut butter to your ice cream, and you'll have a yummy treat.
3. Huckleberry. Its purple coloration is interesting.
4. Vanilla. Sometimes simple is what you want most.
5. Mint chocolate chip. Because this combination of flavors is awesome.
6. Cherry. You can even put a cherry on top.
7. Banana. Because sometimes a banana split is just too many layers.
8. Cookies and cream. For added fun, why not dip some cookies into your shake?
9. Pistachio. Don't worry, it hasn't turned.
10. Bacon. Because bacon makes things better.

Fear and Desire

How must it feel, to have all who look at you scream in terror? To have your very shape be altered by their fears? To never know how you will been seen until their screams echo in your ears?
How would it feel, if you could never see your own true appearance?
Terrifying.
How must if feel, to have all gaze adoringly upon you? To be shifted into whatever form they found most appealing? To never know how they'll react to seeing what they most desire?
Who could you trust, if all saw you only as a coveted desire?
No one.
And what would happen if the one who became the most feared met the one who became the most desired?

To Say "I Love You"

1. You just figured out how you feel. And isn't that terrifying? If you don't get the words out of your system now, you might just ooze into a gooy mess of warm-fuzzies.
2. Someone you care about just told you how they feel about you. Feel free to take a moment to let their words sink in, and to contemplate your own feelings. Then respond accordingly.
3. Because your cat just did something adorable. Or simply because your cat decided to saunter into the room. The cat (usually) won't mind receiving your adoration.
4. Because a child said it to you. If a child that you know says they love you, you should let them know that you care about them too. Children need to know that they are cared about, and that their own affection is appreciated.
5. Because you've just spotted your bed after a long day. Inanimate objects can be cared about, and your bed can be your best friend when exhaustion drags you down.
6. When you are sick. If you're not feeling well, then the smallest actions and leave you filled with gratitude. And sometimes a mere thank you isn't enough to convey how you feel.
7. When someone else is sick. Sometimes all one needs to start feeling better when they're not feeling well at all is a little help and some loving words.
8. After a major event. Be it a disaster or a celebration, sometimes the best next step is to let others know how you feel.
9. When someone brings you your favorite food. Because food brings happiness, and those who share it deserve a lot of love.
10. During a peaceful moment. Declarations of affection need not be a massive production. Sometimes the best time to share your feeling is in those quiet moments one finds in each day, when minds are at rest and stress is far, far away.

Timmy's Dare

Timmy's friends set him a dare.
And so he broke his favorite chair.
Timmy's mom was very mad.
When she saw Timmy had been very bad.
Timmy was scolded and sent to bed.
No desserts was he to be fed!
And then on the 'morrow,
Timmy learned to his great sorrow,
That with those friends he could no longer play.
And he was to be tasked with chores all day!