#dailyprompt-2095 — Public Fediverse posts

ASHWAGANDA

The Book of the First Warmth In the beginning, there was only the cold hard floor, and it was bad. Then, the Great Ginger Spirit stretched his long paws and said, “Let there be soft things.” And suddenly, there were wool blankets, bordeaux velvet chairs, and warm spots of sunlight on the rug. Ashwaganda looked at the soft things and saw that they were very good. He curled into a perfect round circle, wrapped his thick ginger tail over his nose, and took the first holy nap. The world was finally at peace.

The Book of the Tall Servants The world was soft, but Ashwaganda knew he could not open the heavy metal cans by himself. The cans held the sacred wet food. So, he decided to allow the Humans to exist. He allowed them to be tall so they could reach the high shelves where the best treats are hidden. He gave them soft hands so they could scratch right behind his ears.

He chose Moira to be his head servant. He gave her the tea shop so she would always have a warm fire for him to sleep next to. The duty of Moira and all tall servants is very simple: serve the food the moment the sun comes up, never touch the belly unless asked, and never, ever move your legs when a cat is sleeping on them.

The Holy Rules of the Bowl Listen closely to the true laws of the soft paws.

First, the bottom of the food bowl must never, ever be seen. If you can see the bottom of the bowl, the bowl is completely empty, even if there is food around the edges. You must sit next to it and sing the loud song of deep sadness until a tall servant comes to fix this terrible mistake.

Second, the best time to run extremely fast from one side of the house to the other is in the exact middle of the dark night. You must sound like a heavy horse. This reminds the humans who is truly awake and in charge.

Third, a closed door is a great insult. You must scratch at the wood and cry until the tall servant opens it. Once the door is open, you do not have to go inside. You only need to sit right in the middle of the doorway, looking outside, to prove that you hold all the power.

The Book of the Black Shadow A king of the warm sunlight needs a brother in the dark. Ashwaganda accepted Toe, the black Maine Coon, as his holy partner. While Ashwaganda claims the soft blankets and the center of the room, Toe rules the high wooden shelves. Toe is the silent watcher with green eyes. Toe strikes at the dust in the air. Together, the orange fire and the black shadow keep the tea shop totally safe from the cold wind and the strange people who come to buy tea.

The Promise of the Red Dot There is a very old secret story. It speaks of a small, bright red light that moves fast across the floors and walls. Many brave cats have chased it. No cat has ever caught it. But the holy truth says that one day, Ashwaganda will stretch out his mighty ginger paw and trap the red dot forever. On that day, the grand victory will bring endless plates of fresh salmon, the sweet smell of rosemary will fill the air forever, and it will never be time to wake up.

OLD THINGS BELONG TO SPERANZA

Winter melted into a bright, warm spring in the hills of Speranza. The green trees grew new leaves, and the village square was full of people enjoying the sun.

Inside La Pagina che Fa le Fusa, the air smelled like sweet orange tea and fresh baking. The shop bell rang with a happy sound, and Elio walked in.

He did not look like the stressed, rushed chef from the city anymore. He wore a simple white apron and carried a warm, covered plate. He walked to the heavy oak counter with a big, relaxed smile.

“Good morning, Moira,” Elio said. He set the plate down and lifted the cover. “I brought us lunch. I made traditional piadina bread, but I tried something new. I put fresh avocado directly into the dough while I was rolling it, instead of using it as a filling. It makes the bread perfectly soft, but the soul of the recipe is still the old way.”

Moira took a piece of the warm, pale-green bread. She tasted it and closed her eyes happily. “It is wonderful, Elio. You have finally learned how to mix the new with the old.”

They sat together in the comfortable velvet chairs, drinking hot tea and eating the piadina. They were no longer rivals. They were a team. Elio often came to the tea shop to ask Moira about wild herbs, and Moira often went to his kitchen to taste his slow-cooked soups.

Across the room, behind the heavy wooden counter, Moira had built a beautiful new glass display box on the wall.

Inside the glass box, resting safely on red velvet, were the two magic books. The dusty blue cover of The Days of the Dreams sat right next to the shining white leather of its twin. The silver sleeping cats on the covers looked completely at peace.

The people of Speranza did not know the scary truth about the shadows or the dark magic. Moira and Elio decided to keep that a secret to protect the village. Instead, Moira told everyone that the books were just very old, beautiful historical records of the town.

The village loved them. People felt a warm, safe energy coming from the glass box.

Later that afternoon, Marisa walked in from the chocolate shop, followed by Altea from the cigar house. Marisa walked right up to the glass box and gently touched the wood frame.

“I don’t know what it is about these old books,” Marisa said with a smile. “But ever since you put them up here, the village feels lighter. Even my chocolate is tasting sweeter.”

Altea blew a small puff of smoke and nodded. “They are good luck. Old things belong in Speranza.”

Moira looked at Elio, and they shared a quiet, secret smile.

Up on top of the glass box, Toe the black cat was fast asleep. Ashwaganda, the big ginger cat, sat next to him, watching the shop with bright, happy eyes. They were the true guards of the village, but today, they did not have to fight.

The magic was resting, the village was safe, and the tea sanctuary was filled with the perfect warmth of good friends.

Superstitious? Me? Pfft… Unless the Universe is Listening.

Are you superstitious?

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Am I Superstitious? Let’s Just Say… It’s Complicated.

This morning, my son and his buddies threw out a dangerous question: “Are you superstitious?”

Now, logically, I want to say no. I don’t walk around tossing salt over my shoulder or fearing black cats. But if we’re being honest… I also refuse to say things like “Wow, nothing has gone wrong today!” because I know the universe is listening.

So, am I superstitious? Let’s just say I respect the possibility of unseen forces—but I’m also not afraid to test them.

Let’s break it down.

1. The ‘Don’t Jinx It’ Rule (AKA, I’m Not Stupid)

You ever confidently say something, only for life to immediately slap you in the face?

🔹 Example: “Ugh, I never get sick.” Boom—suddenly, I’m drowning in tissues and self-pity.
🔹 Pain Level: 9/10. Because why does the universe have to be so petty?

✅ How I Handle It: I knock on wood. Every time. Even if it’s fake. Even if people are watching. If I forget? You best believe I’m mentally whispering “no jinx, no jinx, no jinx” to undo the damage.

2. The ‘Something Feels Off’ Rule (My Sixth Sense is Real)

I don’t know if it’s energy, instinct, or just years of experience with people being sketchy, but if something feels wrong, I listen.

🔹 Example: Walking into a place and feeling an immediate, unexplainable sense of nope.
🔹 Pain Level: 10/10 if ignored. Because the ONE TIME I brushed it off, I ended up in a situation I never should have been in.

✅ How I Handle It: If my gut tells me to leave, I leave. No debating, no justifying. The last thing I need is to become the main character in a bad horror movie.

3. The ‘Ghosts? Prove Me Wrong’ Rule (I’m Ready for This Fight)

Unlike most people, I don’t fear ghosts, Ouija boards, or haunted places—I’m fascinated by them. Do I believe in spirits and the paranormal? Not really.

But am I willing to test it? Hell yes.

🔹 Example: While some people refuse to step foot in a haunted house, I’m the one saying, “Alright, if something’s here, show yourself.”
🔹 Pain Level: TBD. But honestly, if a ghost did prove me wrong, I’d be more excited than scared.

✅ How I Handle It: If the supernatural wants my attention, it better bring receipts. Until then, I’m keeping my skepticism and my curiosity wide open.

So, Am I Superstitious?

Let’s put it this way—I don’t live in fear of bad luck, but I also don’t poke the bear (except when it comes to ghosts, apparently).

If knocking on wood, trusting my instincts, and challenging the unknown keeps things interesting, then I’m all in.

Now, tell me—are you superstitious?

Or are you the type to laugh in the face of fate?

Drop your thoughts in the comments… but if your luck suddenly changes, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

NSFW Ink Dreams: Where Would You Put Yours?

What tattoo do you want, and where would you put it?

Some people want a discreet infinity symbol on their ankle.
Others want angel wings between their shoulder blades.
Me?

I want the Joker and Harley Quinn… tangled in sin… on my inner thigh.

Yes, you read that right. I already have six tattoos—each one a slice of my story—but this?
This one’s going to be my masterpiece.

Why settle for basic when your thighs are prime real estate for chaos, colour, and the promise of a little danger?

Why the Inner Thigh, though?

Well, darling, that’s easy.

It’s hidden… until it’s not.

It’s intimate. Naughty. A secret meant to be earned.

And every time I cross my legs or shift in bed, I’ll know there’s a beautiful madness resting just beneath my skin.

The Joker, smirking with toxic charm.
Harley, wide-eyed, wild, loyal in all the wrong ways.
The ultimate ride-or-die pair—etched into my flesh, just inches from all the fun.

Honestly? If you’re going to mark your body forever, make it interesting.
Make it tell a story… or whisper one between parted thighs.

More Tattoos. More Mischief. More Me.

My body is already a canvas of secrets and symbols.

Not just to look.
But to wonder.
To imagine what else might be hiding underneath the lace and leather.

So, yes—my Joker and Harley thigh piece is still in the works.
But the rest of my skin? Hungry. Ready. Waiting for the needle to tell another scandalous tale.

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My Secret Obsession: Dark Romance Audiobooks & The Voices That Make Me Swoon

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

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What’s Something Most People Don’t Know About Me?

If you asked Chat Ludlow, the commanding king of the dark Fae and richest man on Earth, what most people don’t know about him, he’d probably smirk and say, “Everything. They only see what I let them.”

That, my friends, is what I’m aiming for here—a little mystery, a little intrigue, and a lot of fun.

So, what’s something most people don’t know about me?

Well, I’m not just a dark romance enthusiast—oh no. I’ve got layers, much like Chat’s intricate plans to make Belle his forever (cue the swoon).

My Secret Obsession? Dark Romance Audiobooks 🎧

Yup, you read that right. While I live for crafting my own sizzling stories, I’ve got another obsession that’s just as intense: dark romance audiobooks. And not just any narrators will do—no, no.

My go-tos are the deliciously deep voices of Aiden Snow and Teddy Hamilton.

There’s something about the way they bring the tension, passion, and raw emotion of a story to life that keeps me hooked for hours.

Think of it as the Chat Ludlow experience—dangerous, seductive, and oh-so-intoxicating. Much like Belle, I can’t help but swoon every time those voices take over my headphones.

Just like how Chat’s deep, commanding voice sends Belle into a fluster, audiobooks narrated by these legends have the power to take any romance to the next level.

If you’re not already obsessed, trust me—you’re missing out on the ultimate audio romance experience.

Why Audiobooks? Because They Let You Escape.

Life, much like the worlds Chat and Belle navigate, can get overwhelming.

Between work, life, and the chaos in between, we all need a way to escape. And for me, that’s pressing play on a dark romance audiobook and letting those velvety voices take me into another world.

It’s a bit like falling headfirst into one of Chat’s steamy power games—except this time, it’s Aiden Snow telling me all the dirty details, and I don’t have to lift a finger.

When you listen to Aiden Snow or Teddy Hamilton, it’s like having your very own Chat Ludlow right in your ear, whispering all those dangerously sweet nothings.

What’s not to love? You can dive into a world of Fae kings, ruthless CEOs, and unrelenting passion—all while folding your laundry (because multitasking is key, am I right?).

Everyone loves a good escape.

Whether you’re listening to a podcast or, like me, you’re falling for a brooding fictional alpha on audio, there’s something magical about immersive experiences.

What This Says About Me (and Chat)

Now, I know what you’re thinking—What does an obsession with dark romance audiobooks have to do with writing or being Chat Ludlow’s obsession?

Well, everything, actually. People expect you to be a certain way based on what you create, but there’s always more beneath the surface.

For example, Chat may come off as a dominant, ruthless man in control of everything, but underneath it all, he’s fiercely in love with Belle—someone who softens his edges and makes him vulnerable.

Similarly, when I’m not writing, I’m melting into the worlds created by my favourite narrators, where love, danger, and passion intertwine in a way that’s just so satisfying.

Your Turn: What Don’t People Know About You?

Okay, now it’s your turn. I’ve spilled my secret—dark romance audiobooks narrated by the dreamy Aiden Snow and Teddy Hamilton. Chef’s kiss, right?

What’s something about you that people don’t expect?

Do you also escape into stories when life gets overwhelming, or is there another secret passion you’re hiding?

Drop a comment below and tell me your favourite audiobook narrator or what surprising hobby you’re obsessed with.

You never know—you might just find a fellow audiobook addict (and I’ll definitely be here fangirling alongside you).

#DarkRomance #AudioBooks #AudiobookAddict #SecretObsession #AidenSnow #TeddyHamilton

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Something most people don’t know about me is that I have feelings. I say that because I have a very nonchalant, or sometimes mean, resting facial expression so people assume I’m mean or just don’t care, but that’s so far from reality.

I care lot about people, probably moreso than others and if I see someone is trying to achieve something, I’m willing to help.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I think a lot of people don’t know that I like to read, despite the fact I post regularly on Mastodon about books and reading and the fact this blog is dedicated to books and reading. But it’s definitely something most people don’t know.

People also don’t know that I read nonfiction books. I enjoy learning about the world and like to read a wide variety of different topics. So people also don’t know that about me, even though this blog is mostly about nonfiction books I read.

Okey dokey 😁 obviously this post is *not* a joke and completely serious. 😉

https://noelleification.wordpress.com/2023/10/21/188/

#Books #dailyprompt #dailyprompt2095 #mastodon #nonfiction #reading

I’ve been oversharing in public blog form since 2008. Is there anything that anyone doesn’t know about me? I doubt it. At least I can’t think of anything.

Everyone knows I am married with two step kids. Everyone knows I play guitar and like photography. Everyone knows I’m a programming supervisor. Everyone knows I like traveling and road trips. Everyone knows I am an atheist and a militant red head and I had gastric bypass (because I never shut up about it).

I mean… what else is there?

Here’s one, I guess… I had a shitty night’s sleep last night and when I woke up (way too early) I had quite a bit of pain in my lower back, on the left side. It was enough that I couldn’t go back to sleep and now I am exhausted, in pain, and somehow need to do my morning exercise.

How does that work? Does that count as something no one knew about me?

https://robertjames1971.blog/2023/10/21/secrets/

#dailyprompt #dailyprompt2095