I encourage anyone reading this blog to try their hand at writing poetry.  below is an article that describes the beauty and benefits of poetry writing for you today.  i originally posted this at Medium.com.  I have many articles and hundreds of poems online at Medium.  

CREATIVE WRITING

The Beauty of Painted Words Is Poetry

An addiction I am happy to have.

If you are not a poetry fan, I am here to say poetry is not outdated or boring. For those not fond of this art form, know that not all poetry sounds alike.

Each poet brings a special style and voice to every piece that is written. A beautiful poem can sing to your heart. Words that are colorful, intense, funny and entertaining can reach deep into your mind speaking to your soul.

Poetry can open your mind to different points of view, unfamiliar backgrounds, and a direction you may not have considered.

Poetry is an adventure. Poetry may start with a question or an artful statement that leads you to a surprising conclusion. It can be a great ride.

Medium.com has many many great poets. If your last poetry reading was in school, then I invite you to read some of the best poetry you will ever uncover written by Thomas Plummer  and  David Rudder.
 Life experience and literary expertise are obvious as you delight in reading every sentence they write.

Although you may be an article writer, why not challenge yourself to another art form — poetry. Pick a word or a phrase that is running through your mind, and see what you can come up with. There are many prompts on sites such as Know Yourself, Heal Thyself that may trigger an entirely new writing path.

Have fun with this. Try writing a poem, short or long, wherever your imagination takes you. There is no wrong or right. Just do it. It should also be noted that for many poetry is cathartic. That is, releasing of emotions into artful words that can be healing.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready, get set, go…
Thank you for reading

I have written hundreds of poems on Medium.com, rdangime.medium.com, over the last three years. Here is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy.

When There Are No Walls to Call Home

Feeling homeless and unsettled

medium.com

Are you a member? If you would like unlimited access on Medium.com to any of my poems and articles, then sign up for a $5 a month Medium Membership HERE (I will receive a small portion of your membership fee). The membership will also give you full access to all the various platforms and thousands of other writers on Medium. You can cancel at any time. You can also earn money while writing.  Thank you so much!

Seven Reasons Why I'm Never Lonely

 You can be alone, but not feel lonely. How?

                    Photo by Author            

I originally wrote this article on Medium.com in 2019. However, I came across this article recently realizing that with the Pandemic many people have suffered through isolation and loneliness. The article below will explain how you can be alone but not feel lonely whether employed or unemployed. I hope it helps.

I have been single, married, lived alone, and lived with other people. Whatever the timeframe in my life, I can’t remember ever being lonely.

Except once…

That exception was when I lived in Key West, Florida. An island surrounded by water on all sides, nestled in the ocean. For a few days I experienced a deep emptiness crawling inside of me. As fast it came was as fast as it left.

Currently, I am single with plenty of work to do. Working part-time, helping out my kids, and volunteering keeps me very busy. I also choose not to date. Consequently, people have often asked me if I get lonely. Easy answer. No.

After giving this some thought, I have come up with at least 7 reasons in my life for not feeling lonely. You may recognize some of these in your own life.

1. Mindset. I never think about being lonely. Negative thoughts can trigger negative emotions.
2. Don’t live in the past. Sometimes the past can start you thinking about regrets in your life. Those regrets, perhaps in relationships, can trigger a feeling of loneliness. Live in the moment.
3. Communicate and talk to other people, including strangers. This takes the focus off of yourself. Find enjoyment in people.
4. Develop spirituality. This should be at the top of my list. Open prayer and communication with the Creator. A spiritual person is focused on building inner qualities.
5. Laugh a lot. Taking things too serious can be a drain on your emotions.
6. Volunteer. Statistics show that people that volunteer are happier and healthier. When you are helping others, there is no time to think about being lonely.
7. Do something that makes you happy every day. It doesn’t need to be something big. Positive direction.

I do not work in the medical field. However, I hope that a few of these points can help you if you are feeling lonely.

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Always seek professional help if your loneliness is plummeting or your negative feelings are out of control.

How Often Are You In Danger On Your Job?

                              Photo by EV/on Unsplash

Yes, how often are you in danger on your job? People from all careers are affected by the pandemic. Many are reconsidering jobs they would never have considered before.  What about you?

Are you considering a new career? If so, how dangerous is it? Or, maybe the career you have just left had dangerous components too?  In any event, the following article reflects upon the dangers our law enforcement face every day.  Here is the link:  How Often Are You In Danger On Your Job?

How To Be a Good Person In a Crazy World

With everything coming at you...Can you still be a good person?  Please follow this link for my thoughts on the subject at Medium.com.

Is There Such a Thing As a Dead-End Job?

Photo by Becky Fantham on Unsplash

Is there such a thing as a dead-end job?  It all depends on how you define dead-end.  If you define dead-end as no opportunity for advancement, then you would have to say "yes."  However, in my estimation any job that will support you in taking care of you and your family, that is not illegal or immoral, can be honorable work not "dead-end."

In a society that places so much significance in title and large salary, people have been duped into thinking that is what is needed to be happy.  Of course, you know that is not true.  Although you do need enough to pay your bills and take care of your daily needs, you certainly do not need to be rich.

Service-related jobs can range from low-end to high-end pay rate depending on where you live and the nature of the service.  During this pandemic, jobs in your particular field may be hard to find.  If you are not benefiting from unemployment or you have used up your stimulas check, then you might be looking at a service-related job as a source of income.

Cashiers, servers, mechanics, and the list can go on and on are honorable jobs. In fact, during the pandemic they are essential jobs that some people will not do.  Service-related jobs make up a huge part of the economic framework in any country.

In my particular area of the country, there are many service-related jobs.  The signs are always going up for "help wanted."  If you aren't making ends meet, then give this serious thought.

It could be time for you to switch your channel of thinking at this time.  Waiting for the right job in your field may not come up for a long time. That so called "dead-end" job just might be the thing that will keep you afloat.

And, who knows...you might actually enjoy the job!

(If you are interested in starting a small cleaning account, my book "How to Start a Cleaning Business on a Poor Man's Budget" has some great tips.)

Give Your Next Cashier a Double Thank You

Photo by Lip on Unsplash

And, a thank you to all service-related workers.

Hopefully, you have never looked down on people working in service-related jobs. Cashiers make an honest living supporting their families. They are working double duty now as the Covid-19 virus circles our earth. How is that?

The grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. are flooded and bombarded with people stocking up on necessities. Lines are long, purchases are many, and the hours exhausting for cashiers. Even if a cashier is working her normal shift, it is intense. People are just buying more. Unfortunately, many cashiers are also working extra days and longer hours.

The glaring challenge is a lot more dangerous for them than the minutes of exhaustion throughout the day. Cashiers are facing a volume of people, possible carriers of Covid-19. The cashiers also handle money and at times credit cards. All of this is putting themselves in the front lines to battle this enemy.

To get what we need as consumers, these cashiers are actually putting themselves at risk.

They have families also that they go home to every night, risking exposure to them. Yes, in my book they deserve a double thank you and any expression of gratitude you can give them.

A few days ago, one cashier told me that she is exhausted. The lines do not stop from early morning till close of the store. At the end of the day, she still has to shop for her family and hope something is left in the stores to buy. Perhaps the owner of the store could put something aside for their workers?

I have always felt that any work you do to support your family, as long as it is not illegal, immoral, or hurting someone…is an honorable job.

So, if you are a cashier…THANK YOU…THANK YOU.

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Although I have expressed appreciation for cashiers, there are thousands of others working in other service-related jobs that are doing the same thing, sacrifice. As far as doctors and nurses are concerned, the pages of gratitude would fill a book. All are showing the spirit of sacrifice.

(I originally published this on Medium.com March 23, 2020)

Unemployed Take Your Pet Blinders Off

No text today from your favorite pet saying they’re not feeling well. However, they may be sending you signals something is wrong. Are your pet blinders on or off?

Looking back at my favorite cat,Supa, I can honestly say my pet blinders were on. Supa was my pal, companion, and travel buddy when I moved from Ohio to Florida. He definitely was a one person cat that did not want to be picked up by anyone or cuddled. He could be quite mean if he didn’t want to be bothered. Due to his disposition, his distancing himself could at times seem normal. It wasn’t. Something was off.


Just before he disappeared I was preoccupied with personal problems. When problems arise we sometimes fail to see other important issues surrounding us. Unfortunately, that was the case with Supa. My neighbor mentioned that he seemed listless and different. Of course, I dismissed this as just being a little extra tired…getting older.


My neighbor may have been right. While basking in the sun on the porch one morning, Supa disappeared. Flyers covered the small town in Florida as I frantically tried to find him. He would never have just wandered off without returning unless something was wrong. Months passed. No Supa. No closure.


Yes, there are many scenarios as to what may have happened to him. In my mind though looking back there may have been signals that I didn’t pay attention to. He was sleeping more, a little more picky in his eating habits, and more cranky than usual. I didn’t notice the signs at the time. I was told Supa may have wandered off to die.


In any event, there is a solid learning lesson here. Don’t let your personal problems form blinders as to what is happening to others, including your beloved animals. When habits change suddenly or gradually it may be time to take a closer look.


Our animals give us a lot in return for the little that we do for them. Let’s do all we can to help them live a long and healthy life.


This article was originally published at Medium.com on December 25, 2019.Writers'
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For those of you unemployed, it is a challenge financially to take care of yourself and your family. Taking care of your dog or cat is also a responsibility that must be met.

Most cities have charitable clinics that offer services at a much lower rate than the general veterinarian's prices. In addition, there are many online sites that offer pet products at a reasonable amount. I have a link at the top of this blog to Budget Pet Care (free shipping) that you might want to check out. Great prices, free shipping!