tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86002411247857836712024-02-02T10:52:31.243-08:00Totally Optional PromptsTiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-68812256549021669762009-09-30T21:04:00.000-07:002009-09-30T21:05:21.632-07:00Request for Poems: RestartBest wishes to all TOP participants as you continue, start, or restart your prompt play elsewhere. It's been a fun ride.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-22463246672140589492009-09-27T09:47:00.000-07:002009-09-27T09:49:27.548-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: RestartUsed to be, you had to flip the power switch on your computer to restart it. (You know, if it got hung somehow.) Now, most computers have a "restart" or "reset" switch.<br /><br />Do you? As a poet, or in general? What do you do to get restarted on a task or activity that you've dropped, and that's lain fallow for a while?<br /><br />The Request for this prompt will go up Sept. 30, and that will be the last from Totally Optional Prompts. Thanks, all, for the good ride.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-38762645167841720062009-09-24T10:42:00.000-07:002009-09-24T10:44:45.455-07:00Request for Poems: PenultimateSorry for the late post, TOPers: there's been illness at my house, plus an escalating workload.<br /><br />Saturday Sept. 26th will be the last prompt at TOP, followed by the last request on Wednesday Sept. 30th. So this is... the penultimate request.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-27271433902111135032009-09-19T17:59:00.000-07:002009-09-19T18:02:01.551-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: Penultimate"Penultimate" means "next to last", as in "This is the penultimate prompt from Totally Optional Prompts."<br /><br />First-comers and last-comers tend to get most of the attention. Do you ever think about the penultimates? Those often overlooked middle children, not-quite-bringers-up-the-rear? Write about them for this week's<br /><b>Totally Optional</B><br />prompt.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-27960411869589014972009-09-17T07:24:00.001-07:002009-09-17T07:24:54.671-07:00Request for Poems: The HiveWere we bzzzzzzzzy this week, TOPers?Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-71481361479720006222009-09-12T22:39:00.001-07:002009-09-12T22:39:42.173-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: The HiveHave you ever thought about what it would be like to be a hive mind? Does something give you hives?Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-23906140828687060702009-09-09T17:49:00.000-07:002009-09-09T17:50:30.803-07:00Request for Poems: "Slowly, he turned..."What slow turns did our writing take this week, TOPers? Let us know!Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-15028251222524947722009-09-05T19:07:00.000-07:002009-09-05T19:11:14.046-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: "Slowly, he turned..."In Peter Beagle's very fine short story "Sppok" (available in his equally fine collection, <i>We Never Talk About My Brother</i>), mention is made of a series of vaudeville routines centered around the line "Slowly, he turned..."<br /><br />Whether there ever were such routines or not, I don't know. But it's a great line, and it forms the inspiration for this week's<br /><b>Totally Optional</b><br />prompt: Write a poem in which someone is walking away, comes to a realization, and turns back... slowly. Milk that dramatic tension!<br /><br />Come back Thursday and let's share some slow turns.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-40480307749056773332009-09-03T09:08:00.000-07:002009-09-03T09:10:26.850-07:00Request for Poems: HomeworkWelcome to the last month of TOP. We've had a good run, and I'm happy to be moving on. The Internet's full of great prompt sites, so I have no fears that anyone will feel they can't find a place to share poetry.<br /><br />So this is your next homework assignment: get involved in some more poetry communities!<br /><br />Now, let's see the results of this week's homework (don't worry, we're not giving grades...)Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-79218099990139821632009-08-29T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-29T16:00:00.687-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: Homework<span style="color:#663333;"><strong>Sadly, this is my last prompt. Tiel will be back on Wednesday evening and will have one more month of prompts for us before we close the site. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong></strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">I've enjoyed my time as prompt thinker-upper, probably because as a teacher I love giving homework!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663333;">So, that's my last prompt for you: Write about homework. </span></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>Thanks to everyone who's been participating. I always looked forward to getting home from school on Thursdays and reading all the poems. I'll miss that but I'll see you around on other sites, I'm sure.</strong> </span>Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-82829694378598816912009-08-26T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-26T16:00:03.456-07:00Request for Poems: LaundryIt's time to hang your poems on the line so leave a link in the comments to anything you've written.Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-69338944552923665302009-08-22T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-22T16:00:00.627-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: LaundryWhen I sat down to write this post, I had no idea what the prompt would be and decided just to go with the first thing that popped into my head: laundry. That's probably because I just folded a dark load and have the lights washing right now.<br /><br />So, what do you have to say about laundry? Do you do your own or does someone do it for you? Do you hang it outside or use a dryer? Do you use fabric softener and bleach?<br /><br />And what about your dirty laundry? You know those deep, dark secrets. Do you air them or keep them hidden away?<br /><br />Please join us on Wednesday evening or sometime thereafter to share your poetry.Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-13609537019430514872009-08-19T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-19T16:00:00.380-07:00Request for Poems: From Here to There<strong>Here</strong>'s the chance to show us what you wrote this week. Just leave a link to your poem in the comments, <strong>there</strong>!Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-86104046905033402282009-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-15T16:00:00.204-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: From Here to ThereThis week try writing a poem that begins with a strong word and ends with that word's opposite.<br /><br />For example, if the first word of your poem is "beautiful" then the last word should be "ugly."<br /><br />Hope to see you starting Wednesday evening about 7 EDT with any poem you'd like to share.<br /><br />Happy writing!Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-9811356964648131962009-08-12T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-12T16:00:00.471-07:00Request for Poems: Death and ShoesHere it is another Wednesday evening and it's time to share what you've written this week. Personally, I haven't written a thing as my muse has gone on vacation, I guess! But, tomorrow, I'm going to settle down, ride my bike to the beach, and, hopefully, the words will start to flow.<br /><br />Just leave a link in the comments. Thanks.Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-75041196343185851112009-08-08T19:00:00.000-07:002009-08-08T19:00:01.066-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: Death and ShoesThat's right: Death and Shoes!<br /><br />Talk about death by writing about a pair of shoes.<br /><br />Kind of morbid, I know, but I've actually used this prompt with my poetry-writing kids and the results have been great. One girl wrote about a pair of ballet slippers but it was really about her little cousin's death from cancer. And another boy used his grandfather's old boots to write a moving memorial about him and all the hunting trips they took together.<br /><br />Sometimes, when we focus on the little things, we are better able to deal with the big emotions.<br /><br />We'll be back on Wednesday evening about 7 EDT and we hope you will be, too, to share whatever you've written this week.Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-74907010751445531892009-08-05T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-05T16:00:00.261-07:00Request for Poems: ColorShow us your true <strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">c</span><span style="color:#ffcc00;">o</span><span style="color:#cc33cc;">l</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">o</span><span style="color:#996633;">r</span><span style="color:#00cccc;">s</span></strong>!<br /><br />Or anything else!<br /><br />Just leave a link in the comments.Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-46076665296047362622009-08-01T16:00:00.000-07:002009-08-01T16:00:00.349-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: ColorWhat color are you? Not your favorite color but write about what color represents your personality.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Are you as spicy as red spaghetti sauce?</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">As steady as green pine needles?</span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">As lively as a tangerine?</span><br /><span style="color:#999999;">As boring as chalk?</span><br /><br />Tell us about yourself using unique color words.<br /><br />Or not. It is totally optional, you know!<br /><br />The request for poems will be up Wednesday evening at 7 EDT.Linda Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14459940700516084069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-275985678392343792009-07-30T07:25:00.000-07:002009-07-30T07:30:00.126-07:00Request for Poems: MidnightSorry for the late prompt, TOPers: it was 106 degrees at my house yesterday afternoon, and computers don't like that kind of heat.<br /><br />Linda and I will be retiring as the hosts of Totally Optional Prompts: her last month will be September and mine will be October. I think TOP's had a good run, and has accomplished some good stuff, but it's time for us to move on. So: if anyone, or several, are interested in taking over as host, let me know at tielansari AT gmail DOT com. Otherwise TOP will end October 31st. (Seems like the right date for it.)Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-70614981747954044802009-07-25T22:20:00.000-07:002009-07-25T22:22:31.931-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: MidnightMidnight. What might happen at midnight? Besides the date changing, a new day starting, a deal with the devil, the witching hour, a half-moon rising, clocks chiming?<br /><br />Let us know, if you decide to follow this week's<br /><b>Totally Optional</b><br />prompt! And if not, leave us a link anyway-- on Wednesday or Thursday.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-45066136597962926592009-07-22T20:53:00.001-07:002009-07-22T20:54:18.858-07:00Request for Poems: Planning/SpontaneityTOPers, did you make a break this week with your usual way of doing things? Let's see the results!Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-55429808100777145642009-07-18T19:49:00.001-07:002009-07-18T19:50:20.422-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: Spontaneity/PlanningThis week's prompt is: Spontaneity. Or its converse, planning. Do you write off the top of your head? Or do you sit down and plan it out?<br /><br />Whichever you usually do, try to do the <i>opposite</i> this week.Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-24257920915523613512009-07-16T07:48:00.000-07:002009-07-16T07:50:57.783-07:00Request for Poems: Random stuffTOPers, sorry, I'm late putting this up. Random links in the comments please!Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-85953547381862699462009-07-11T19:50:00.000-07:002009-07-11T19:53:44.231-07:00Totally Optional Prompt: Some random stuffFor this week's prompt, try writing a poem about one, some, or all of the following:<br />black mice<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian">durien</a> sherbet<br />a rust storm<br />blinking lights<br /><br />Or none of the above. After all, it is<br /><b>Totally Optional</b><br />!Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8600241124785783671.post-72787470348835651522009-07-08T17:49:00.000-07:002009-07-08T17:50:30.393-07:00Request for Poems: FireworksOK, TOPers: let's see some brilliant links!Tiel Aisha Ansarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03994169558252043919noreply@blogger.com12