waiting
why
worry
All Aboard the Meme Express – Saturday, August 30, 2008
“On life's vast ocean diversely we sail.
Reasons the card, but passion the gale. “
Alexander Pope
British Poet
(1688 – 1744)
On August 30, 1980, Christopher Cross’ song, “Sailing,” climbed to the top of the record charts and remained there for a full week. (Click here to listen to the song and watch a lovely video.)
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about sailing.
Do you like to sail?
Have you ever been in a regatta?
What is your favorite type of sailboat?
Do you know how to rig a sailboat?
What is a jib, a keel, a main, a rudder and a spinnaker?
Would you rather ride in a sailboat or a motorboat?
How do you think recent gas prices have affected the boating industry?
How might sailing serve as a metaphor for life?
Catch a breeze. Grab any of these questions, and see where the wind takes you. Feel free to use the quotation and images . . . or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
American singer, songwriter and moon-walker Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958. That’s right. The self-proclaimed “King of Pop” turns 50 today.
Recognizing this half-centurion, today’s Meme Express prompt offers a selection of titles, taken from chart-topping singles from Michael Jackson. Do any of these tunes bring back memories?
“ABC”
“Bad”
“Beat It”
“Ben”
“Billie Jean”
“Black or White”
“Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”
“The Girl Is Mine”
“Human Nature”
“The Man in the Mirror”
“Scream”
“She’s Out of My Life”
“Thriller”
“The Way You Make Me Feel”
Pick one of these song titles from “the gloved one,” or another MJ favorite, and see where it takes you. Feel free to use the images . . . or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
“I Have a Dream . . .”
(Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
On August 28, 1963, 200,000 people participated in a peaceful civil rights rally in Washington, D.C., where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
On this date, August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, Reverend King inspired a crowd of more than 200,000. His words have moved innumerable others in the 45 years since he spoke them.
(Click here to read or view Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.)
Today, the Meme Express prompt is all about dreams and dreaming.
Do you dream? Do you have a dream for your life? What is your dream? Do you believe dreams can come true?
In your post, feel free to use the image and quotations from Dr. King’s speech or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
Confucius says . . .
Chinese philosopher K'ung Fu-tzu (Confucius) was born on August 27, 551 B.C. To celebrate this occasion, today’s Meme Express prompt offers these oft-quoted statements:
"By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third by experience, which is the bitterest."
"Ability will never catch up with the demand for it."
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling,
but in rising every time we fall."
"To be wronged is nothing
unless you continue to remember it."
"Never give a sword to a man who can't dance."
"Life is really simple,
but we insist on making it complicated."
In your post, feel free to use the image and quotations or not. Pick the quotation that makes you think. Agree or disagree with one of the statements. See where it leads you.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
Today, as children return to school, the Meme Express is all about school lunches. Here are a few questions to whet your appetite:
Did you purchase your lunch or bring it with you?
Did you carry a sack or a lunch box?
If you had a lunch box, what was on it?
What was your favorite school lunch?
What was your least favorite menu item?
Do you remember any of the cafeteria staff?
What friends sat with you for lunch?
In your post, feel free to use the images and questions or not. It’s all up to you!
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
Today is Kiss-and-Make-Up Day.
Artwork by Parker and Carson (1896), public domain
To mark this auspicious occasion, the Meme Express is all about apologies and forgiveness. Here are three popular quotations to get you started. Does one of these statements elicit a response from you?
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
Alexander Pope
British poet and satirist
(1688 – 1744)
Erich Segal
American novelist
(1937 - )
then marriage means always having to say everything twice.”
Estelle Getty
American actress
(1923 – 2008)
In your post, feel free to use the images and quotations or not. It’s all up to you!
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
claim
contentment
All Aboard the Meme Express – Saturday, August 23, 2008
Happy Birthday, Gene Kelly!
American dancer, actor and Academy Award winner (1951) Eugene Curran Kelly was born on August 23, 1912. Gene Kelly starred in several classic films, including An American in Paris, Anchors Aweigh, Brigadoon, For Me and My Gal, Inherit the Wind, Invitation to the Dance, Les Girls, On the Town, Pal Joey, Singin' in the Rain and Take Me Out to the Ballgame.
To honor this occasion, today’s Meme Express prompt is all about “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Do you love the rain . . . or hate it?
Have you ever sung, danced or simply played in the rain?
What do you like best about a rainy day?
Have you ever thought about the rain (or a storm) as a metaphor for life?
In your post, feel free to use the images and questions or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
Mona Lisa
(Portrait of Lisa Gherandini,
wife of Francesco del Giocondo)
by Leonardo da Vinci
16th Century
On this date in 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s famous portrait, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Two years later, the Renaissance-era painting was recovered in Florence, Italy, when Vincenzo Perugia attempted to sell it for $100,000.
The Mona Lisa (known as La Gioconda in Italian), is perhaps the most famous portrait of all time. Painted in oil on a wooden panel, the work depicts an Italian noblewoman with just a hint of a smile.
Today, our Meme Express prompt is simple: Just Smile!
What makes you smile?
In your post, feel free to use the image and question . . . or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
Friz Freleng, legendary American film animator (Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies), was born on August 21, 1906. Freling created many of the most popular cartoon characters for television, including:
Bugs Bunny
Daffy Duck
Pink Panther
Porky Pig
Speedy Gonzales
Sylvester
Tweety Pie
Yosemite Sam
. . . and others
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about Saturday Morning Cartoons. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Do you remember rising early on Saturday mornings, as a child,
to watch your favorite animated series?
Which cartoons did you like the most?
Do you still enjoy animated programming?
What do you think about the advertising that accompanies these shows?
How have animated programs changed in recent years?
In your post, feel free to use the images and questions or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
All Aboard the Meme Express – Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Aim at Heaven,
and you will get earth thrown in.
Aim at earth.
and you get neither."
C.S. Lewis
(1898 - 1963)
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about Heaven. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Do you believe in Heaven?
Is it a tangible place?
What do you think it is like?
Do you think you will go there someday?
What is eternity?
How important is it to think about Heaven now?
In your post, feel free to use the image, questions and quotation or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
All Aboard the Meme Express – Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Giddy-up for gold!
The US Olympic equestrian team has earned Gold Medals, all around, for Team Show Jumping at the Olympic Games. (For more information, click here to read “USA Equestrians Strike Gold in Team Jumping.”)
Celebrating this news, the Meme Express prompt for today is all about Olympic Gold.
Have you been watching the Olympic Games?
What events have you enjoyed the most?
Have you been pleased, or disappointed, with the results? Why?
How would you evaluate the television coverage of the Olympic Games this time?
In your post, feel free to use the image or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
August 18th has become known as Bad Poetry Day. Apparently, this is a national holiday – at least, in some parts of the world.
Bad Poetry Day
Today’s a day, not like the rest,
For verses need not pass the test.
Unmetered lines, we will accept
From poets skilled or quite inept.
A limerick or random word
On subjects deep or just absurd.
Write what you want; it’s all OK,
Bad Poetry we laud today.
c2008 by Linda Ann Nickerson
(for August 18th – Bad Poetry Day)
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about Poetry. Here’s your chance to experiment with poetry. Whether you think your poems are good or not . . . today’s the day! Good poetry – or any poetry – is the order of the day! Who knows? Maybe your poetry will be better than you think.
Who is your favorite poet?
Do you prefer structured poetry or free verse?
Do you write poetry?
Have you ever published a poem?
Why not try your hand at poetry today?
Post a poem in your own blog!
In your post, feel free to use the image or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.
The Ballad of Davy Crockett
Born on a mountain top in Tennessee
The greenest state in the land of the free
Raised in the woods so's he knew ev'ry tree
Kilt him a b'ar when he was only three
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier
Fought single-handed through many a war
Till the enemy was whipped and peace was in store
And while he was handlin' this risky chore
He made himself a legend forever more
Davy, Davy Crockett, the man who knew no fear
He went off to Congress and served a spell
Fixin' up the Government and the laws as well
Took over Washington, so I heard tell
And he patched up the crack in the Liberty Bell
Davy, Davy Crockett, seeing his duty clear
When he came home his politic'ing was done
And the western march had just begun
So he packed his gear and his trusty gun
And lit out a-grinnin' to follow the sun
Davy, Davy Crockett, leading the pioneer.
Lyrics by Tom Blackburn
Music by George Bruns
(for Walt Disney Records)
Davy Crockett, American frontiersman and adventurer, was born on August 17, 1786. For generations, in his honor, kids have sported coonskin caps. (Perhaps coincidentally, American actor Fess Parker was born on August 16, 1925. Parker portrayed Davy Crockett in the 1955 Disney movie, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.)
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about Davy Crockett.
In your post, feel free to use the images and song lyrics or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
All Aboard the Meme Express – Friday, August 15, 2008
Schools are reopening everywhere! Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about school supplies.
Here are a few questions, to get you started:
Did you purchase school supplies for children this year?
If so, how much did they cost? Did you spend more or less than last year?
What do you think about back-to-school fashions this year?
Does your school require uniforms or a dress code?
Is your family making special preparations for the back-to-school transition?
How do you feel about the start of a new school year?
What do you remember about your first day of school?
In your post, feel free to use the images and questions or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
All Aboard the Meme Express – Thursday, August 14, 2008
Our State Fair
Don't miss it; don't even be late.
It's dollars to donuts
That our state fair
Is the best state fair in our state.
Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
From: State Fair (1933)
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about state and county fairs and carnivals.
Here are a few questions, to get you started:
Did you attend a state or county fair this summer?
Where was it held?
If not this summer, have you ever attended a state or county fair?
What is your favorite exhibit, activity or ride?
Have you ever entered a contest at a state or county fair? How did you do?
What is your favorite fair food?
Do you recall any special memories from a fair you attended?
In your post, feel free to use the images, lyrics and questions or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
All Aboard the Meme Express – Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Walt Disney’s full-length animated motion picture Bambi premiered in New York City on August 13, 1942.
Today, our Meme Express prompt is all about animated movies.
Here are a few questions, to get you started:
Do you remember the first time you saw the Bambi movie?
Where did you see it? How old were you? Did you cry?
Which character did you find most memorable? Why?
What is your favorite animated movie of all time?
What did you like most about it?
What is your least favorite one? Why?
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
In your post, feel free to use the image and questions or not.
Post your poem, story, song, photo or other entry on your blog. (Be sure to include a link to the Meme Express. Grab our train graphic from the sidebar for your link, if you want.)
Then come back here, and post a comment with a link to your own entry. (Need help making an active link? See Super-Simple Linking. Feel free to bookmark it for future reference!)
Of course, if this prompt seems to stump you, you are free to peruse the archives of the Meme Express and publish a blog post on an earlier prompt.
