Tag: writing

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
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Life’s a wild ride, isn’t it? One minute you’re chasing dreams, the next you’re just trying to figure out what really matters. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what makes a life good—not just successful or flashy, but deeply fulfilling. From my perspective, a good life boils down to a few core ingredients: connection, purpose, health and freedom.

Humans are messy, social creatures. We thrive on relationships—whether it’s family, friends, or even a kind stranger who shares a smile. I’ve learned that the quality of your connections matters more than the quantity. One deep, honest conversation over coffee can do more for your soul than a hundred shallow chats.

For me, connection means showing up for people. It’s listening to a partner vent about a rough day, calling your mom just to hear her voice, or laughing with friends until your sides hurt. These moments remind me I’m not alone in this chaotic world. Studies back this up—strong social ties are linked to lower stress and longer lives. But you don’t need data to feel the warmth of a hug or the comfort of someone who gets you. Prioritize your people. Make time for them. It’s the glue that holds a good life together.

Ever wake up and wonder, “What’s the point?” I have. A good life needs purpose—a sense that you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. It doesn’t have to be grand, like solving world hunger. For me, purpose shows up in small ways: writing something that resonates with someone, helping a neighbor, or even tending to a little herb garden. It’s about feeling like my existence makes a dent, however small.

Purpose is personal. For some, it’s their career. For others, it’s volunteering, creating art, or raising kids. I’ve found mine shifts over time—what drove me at 20 isn’t the same at 30. The key is to keep asking, “What lights me up?” and then chasing that spark. Without purpose, life can feel like a hamster wheel—busy but empty.

You can have all the love and purpose in the world, but if your body or mind is crumbling, it’s hard to enjoy them. Health isn’t just about hitting the gym or eating kale (though those help). It’s about balance—moving your body, eating food that fuels you and taking care of your mental space. I learned this the hard way after burning out from overwork. I was irritable, exhausted and no fun to be around. Prioritizing sleep and cutting back on stress saved me.

Mental health is just as crucial. Therapy, journaling, or even a quiet walk can work wonders. I’m not saying you need to be a fitness guru or meditate for hours—just listen to your body and mind. Small, consistent choices, like drinking water or taking a deep breath before reacting, add up. A healthy you is the foundation for everything else.

Freedom might sound lofty, but I mean the ability to make choices that align with who you are. It’s having enough time, money, or mental space to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what doesn’t. For me, freedom came when I stopped chasing everyone else’s definition of success. I ditched the hustle for a job that gave me more time to breathe, even if it meant less cash.

Financial freedom helps, too—not riches, but enough to cover your needs without constant worry. I’ve been broke, and I’ve been comfortable; the latter lets you focus on life’s joys instead of bills. Freedom also means owning your choices. Say no to toxic relationships. Set boundaries. Pursue what makes you feel alive. It’s your life—shape it.

A good life isn’t about perfection. It’s messy, imperfect, and ever-changing. But connection, purpose, health and freedom? They’re the threads that weave it all together. They’re not one-size-fits-all—you’ve got to figure out what they mean for you. For me, it’s laughing with friends, writing from the heart, taking care of my body and having the space to choose my path.

Take a moment today to nurture one of these areas. Call someone you love. Reflect on what drives you. Go for a walk. Say no to something that doesn’t serve you. Life’s too short to miss out on what makes it worth living.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Kevin Legend ~ 3 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Do you remember life before the internet?
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Let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time when “going online” wasn’t even a phrase.

Back then, life moved at a different rhythm. Without instant access to information, we had to wait for things. Want to know the weather? You caught the forecast on the evening news or checked the newspaper. Curious about a random fact? You’d dig through an encyclopedia (those giant, dusty books on the shelf) or ask someone who might know. There was no Google to settle debates in seconds, so arguments at the dinner table could last for days! (Or at least until someone got to the library)

I remember spending hours at the local library, flipping through card catalogs and scanning microfiche to research school projects. It wasn’t efficient, but there was something satisfying about the hunt. You felt like a detective piecing together clues. And when you found that perfect book or article? Pure victory.

Before social media, connecting with people meant actually seeing them. If you wanted to catch up with a friend, you called their house (and prayed their parents didn’t answer) or showed up at their door. Long-distance friendships? You wrote letters. Actual, handwritten letters. I can still smell the ink and feel the crinkle of paper as I sealed an envelope, wondering when my pen pal would write back. Weeks could pass before you got a reply, but when that letter arrived, it was like Christmas morning.

We hung out in person, too. The mall was our social network, where we’d roam in packs, share gossip over greasy food court fries and check out the latest CDs at the record store. There was no texting to coordinate plans—just a vague “meet me by the fountain at 3.” If someone was late, you waited. Or you left. No one was glued to a screen, so we were fully present, for better or worse.

Entertainment before the internet was a hands-on experience. Without streaming services, we relied on Blockbuster runs for movie nights, flipping through TV channels (all seven of them), or listening to the radio, hoping your favorite song would come on. I’d sit by my boombox with a blank cassette, finger hovering over the “record” button, ready to capture that one song before the DJ cut in. Mixtapes were our Spotify playlists and making one for someone was a labor of love.

Video games existed, but they were simpler. My Nintendo Entertainment System was a prized possession and blowing into cartridges to “fix” them was a sacred ritual. You didn’t have online walkthroughs, so you either figured out that boss level through trial and error or begged your older sibling for tips.

Without the internet, the world felt both bigger and smaller. Bigger because information wasn’t at your fingertips, so faraway places seemed mysterious, pieced together from travel brochures, National Geographic, or stories from that one friend who went on a cruise. Smaller because your world was your neighborhood, your school, your town. News traveled slowly and global events felt distant unless they hit the front page or the nightly broadcast.

There was no 24/7 news cycle to overwhelm you, no algorithm feeding you endless opinions. But that also meant you could miss things. If you didn’t catch the news or hear it through the grapevine, you were out of the loop. Ignorance was bliss, but it could also leave you clueless.

Don’t get me wrong, life before the internet wasn’t perfect. Research was a slog, miscommunication was rampant, and if you got lost driving, you were stuck unfolding a giant map or asking a gas station clerk for directions. But there was a certain magic in the slowness. You had to be patient, resourceful and present. You lived in the moment because there wasn’t a digital escape hatch in your pocket.

I’m not saying I’d trade my smartphone for a rotary phone (okay, maybe for a day), but there’s something about that pre-internet life that feels worth remembering. It was messier, slower, and sometimes frustrating, but it forced us to connect with the world in a way that felt raw and real.

So, do you remember life before the internet? Or if you don’t, can you imagine it? Drop a comment and share your thoughts!

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What is the legacy you want to leave behind?
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Legacy. The word feels like it belongs to giants—people who build empires, write timeless books, or change the course of history. But what about the rest of us? The ones living ordinary lives, with no monuments or Wikipedia pages to our names? What kind of mark can we leave on the world?

I’ve been thinking about the question this morning and I’ve realized that legacy doesn’t have to be loud or grandiose. It’s not about fame or fortune—it’s about the quiet ways we shape the world around us. For me, it’s about connection, curiosity and leaving things a little better than I found them.

I want to be remembered as someone who showed up for people. Not just physically, but emotionally. The kind of person who listens when someone’s unraveling, who asks the question that unlocks a story, who makes space for the messy, beautiful truth of being human.

It’s easy to rush through life, distracted by our own noise. But when we slow down and really see someone—when we hear their fears, their joys, their quiet hopes—that’s when we create something lasting. A moment of connection can ripple outward, changing someone’s day, their perspective, maybe even their life. If my legacy is a collection of those moments, I’d be proud.

I’ve always been a question-asker. Why does this work this way? What’s the story behind that? What if we tried something new? Curiosity is what keeps life vibrant and I want to leave behind a trail of it. I want to inspire people to wonder, to explore, to chase the things that make their hearts race.

Maybe it’s encouraging a friend to pick up that hobby they’ve always wanted to try, or sharing a book that opens a new world. Maybe it’s asking a question that makes someone pause and think. If I can plant a seed of curiosity that grows long after I’m gone, that’s a legacy worth having.

We don’t need to change the world to leave it better. Sometimes, it’s the small things—a kind word, a helping hand, a story shared over coffee—that make the biggest difference. I want to leave behind a world that’s a little kinder, a little braver, a little more open to possibility.

I think of the times I’ve been moved by someone’s quiet generosity: the stranger who smiled when I was having a rough day, the teacher who believed in me when I doubted myself, the friend who laughed with me until we couldn’t breathe. Those moments stick and they shape us. If I can leave behind even a handful of those, I’ve done something worthwhile.

Legacy isn’t about perfection or permanence. It’s about the choices we make every day—how we show up, what we share and who we lift up along the way. So, I’ll keep listening, keep questioning, keep spreading small moments of light. That’s the legacy I want to leave: a world that feels a little more human because I was here.

An Autocorrect Apocalypse!

~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment

We’ve all been there. You’re firing off a quick text, feeling like the master of efficiency, when bam—autocorrect swoops in like a mischievous gremlin and turns your perfectly crafted message into a word salad of epic proportions. Suddenly, “I’m grabbing coffee” becomes “I’m grabbing a coffin,” and your boss thinks you’re planning a vampire-themed side hustle. Let’s dive into the hilarious chaos of autocorrect fails and why our phones seem to have a personal vendetta against us.

Picture this: you’re texting your mom about dinner plans. You type, “Can you pick up some chicken?” Innocent enough, right? But autocorrect, that sneaky saboteur, decides “chicken” is boring and swaps it for “chickens.” Plural. Okay, fine, maybe you want multiple chickens. But then, in a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, it corrects again to “chickenshit.” Suddenly, you’re asking your sweet, pie-baking mom to pick up something very different from the grocery store. Cue the awkward follow-up call where you explain you’re not trying to start a farmyard insult delivery service.

Autocorrect doesn’t just ruin grocery lists; it loves meddling in your love life. I once tried to text a partner, “I miss you, let’s grab dinner tonight.” Romantic, sweet, straightforward. But my phone had other plans. It decided “miss” should be “kiss” and “dinner” should be “diaper.” So, my partner got, “I kiss you, let’s grab diaper tonight.” Not exactly the vibe I was going for. They responded with a “???” and I spent the next 10 minutes convincing them I wasn’t proposing a bizarre role-play scenario.

An Autocorrect favorite playground? Work emails. You’re trying to impress your boss with a polished, “I’ll finalize the report by EOD.” But autocorrect, drunk on its own power, turns “finalize” into “fertilize.” Now your boss thinks you’re planning to sprinkle Miracle-Gro on the quarterly budget. I know someone who accidentally sent, “I’m excited to meat the team” instead of “meet the team.” Spoiler: the team was not thrilled to be invited to a cannibal themed meet and greet.

Is autocorrect powered by a rogue AI with a sense of humor? Or is it just our phones’ way of reminding us they’re in charge? Whatever the reason, these tiny typos have a knack for turning mundane moments into laugh-out-loud disasters. My theory? Our phones are secretly auditioning for a comedy special and we’re the unwilling punchline.

In the end, autocorrect is like that friend who means well but always spills the tea at the worst moment. So, next time your phone turns “congratulations” into “constipations,” just laugh, screenshot it and share it with the world. Because if we can’t beat the autocorrect apocalypse, we might as well enjoy the chaos.

What’s your worst autocorrect fail?

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What does freedom mean to you?
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Freedom is a word that carries different meanings for everyone, shaped by personal experiences, values and circumstances. To me, freedom is the ability to live authentically, make choices that align with my values and pursue a life of purpose without undue constraint. It’s not just about the absence of restrictions but the presence of opportunities to grow, create and connect with others meaningfully.

At its heart, freedom means being able to express who I am without fear of judgment or repression. This includes the freedom to share my thoughts, whether through writing, conversation, or creative pursuits. It’s about having a voice and knowing it can be heard, even if not everyone agrees. Self-expression also extends to how I choose to live—whether it’s through the career I pursue, the hobbies I embrace, or the relationships I nurture.

Another vital aspect of freedom is the power to make choices. This doesn’t mean having unlimited options but rather the ability to decide what’s best for me based on my circumstances and values. Whether it’s choosing a career path, deciding where to live, or even smaller daily decisions like what to read or how to spend my time, freedom lies in having agency over my life’s direction. With this comes responsibility, as every choice shapes my future and, often, impacts others.

Freedom isn’t absolute; it exists in balance with the freedoms of others. My ability to live freely shouldn’t come at the expense of someone else’s rights or well-being. This balance requires empathy, respect and a willingness to compromise. For example, I value the freedom to speak my mind, but I also recognize the importance of listening to others and fostering dialogue rather than conflict.

Finally, freedom to me is about growth. It’s the chance to learn, evolve and become a better version of myself. This means having access to knowledge, experiences and opportunities that challenge my perspectives while expanding my horizons. It’s about being free to fail, learn from mistakes and try again without being defined by setbacks.

It’s not just about breaking free from chains but about building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. While external factors like laws and societal norms play a role, true freedom starts within—by knowing who I am, what I value and how I want to contribute to the world. Ultimately, freedom is the space to live with purpose, connect with others and embrace the journey of becoming.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment
Daily writing prompt
Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.
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Hey, old man! I hope you’re reading this with a smirk, maybe a glass of something strong in your hand. It’s probably more like a cup of tea if the doctor’s finally won that battle. I’m sitting here in 2025, trying to imagine what a century of life looks like on you. I’m picturing a lot of wrinkles, a few scars, and, if I’ve done this right, a hell of a lot of stories.

I’m wondering what you’ve made of your life. Did we chase those dreams I’m scribbling about today? The ones about building something that matters, loving hard and seeing every corner of this wild world? I hope you’re nodding, thinking, “Yeah, kid, we did alright.” I’m betting you’ve got some epic tales. How about that time we climbed a mountain, or made a family, or just sat quietly somewhere beautiful and felt alive?

I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous writing this. What if we didn’t figure it all out? What if we stumbled too much? But I’m choosing to believe you’re proud of me. You’re proud of us. I hope you’ve learned to forgive the dumb stuff I’m probably doing right now, like stressing over things that won’t matter in a decade, let alone a lifetime.

How’s the world now? Did we fix the mess we’re in, or is it still a chaotic ride? I hope you’re surrounded by people who matter like some kids, grandkids, friends who’ve stuck around. I’m working hard to set that up for you. And if you’re alone, I hope you’ve found peace in it, because I’m promising you now that I’ll live a life worth remembering.

Take care of yourself, alright? Don’t give up on the little things. Stretch those creaky bones, laugh at something stupid and tell someone you love them. I’m rooting for you from back here, trying to make sure you’ve got a good story to tell.

Check The Backseat…

~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment

Ever think about how much your car’s backseat spills the tea on who you are? It’s like the junk drawer of your life. The exception? It’s on wheels and way more public when you’re giving someone a lift. Whether it’s a pristine void or a chaotic landfill, that space is a dead giveaway about your personality, habits and maybe even your deepest secrets (kidding about that last one… or am I?)

If your backseat looks like it’s ready for a magazine shoot (empty, vacuumed, maybe even sporting a faint new car smell) you’re probably the type who thrives on order. You’re the friend who color codes their pantry and never misses a deadline. A clean backseat screams control freak (in the best way) or someone who just doesn’t have time for mess. Bonus points if you’ve got a single, purposeful item back there, like a yoga mat. That’s peak “I’ve got my life together” energy.

Now, if your backseat’s a graveyard of coffee cups, gym bags and that jacket you swore you’d drop off at the cleaner’s three months ago, you’re likely living life at 100 miles an hour. You’re busy, practical and maybe a little scatterbrained. This isn’t a judgment, after all, it’s a lifestyle. You’re the one who’s always got a story about why there’s a random flip flop back there, and honestly, we love the vibe. It’s relatable.

Crumbs, juice boxes, a rogue Lego piece that will stab someone’s foot someday. Does that one sound familiar? If your backseat’s a shrine to kid chaos or covered in pet hair, you’re the MVP of family life. Your car’s less a vehicle and more a mobile HQ, complete with snacks, toys and probably a spare diaper or two. You’re juggling a million things and your backseat’s proof you’re keeping it together (even if it doesn’t look like it).

Do you have blankets, a dog eared paperback, a stash of granola bars in your backseat? You’re the spontaneous soul who’s always down for a detour. Maybe you’ve got a guitar or a camping chair tucked back there, just in case. Your car’s an extension of your free spirit, ready for a picnic, a nap, or a deep chat at 2 A.M. under the stars. It’s curated chaos and it’s charming as hell.

And then there’s the wildcard: the backseat that defies explanation. A single mitten from 2019, a half-eaten bag of chips, a mysterious sock. You’re not sure how it got this way, but you’re rolling with it. This is the “go with the flow” energy we all secretly admire. There’s zero pretense and all of the authenticity.

So, what’s your backseat saying about you? Next time you hop in your car, take a peek back there. It might just reveal more than you’d expect.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Pie President ~ 2 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
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Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Honestly, it’s a loaded one. Five years feels far enough away to dream big, but close enough that I can’t just shrug it off with some vague, “Oh, I’ll figure it out.” So, here I am, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to wrestle with it.

If I’m being real, five years from now (March 2030) I’d love to see myself in a place where I’ve got a bit more figured out. Not everything, mind you; I’m not delusional. But I’d like to think I’ll have a stronger grip on who I am and what I want out of this wild ride called life.

Right now, I’m juggling a million things with work, relationships, that nagging voice telling me I should’ve started that side hustle already. In five years, I hope I’ve carved out a path that feels less like a chaotic sprint and more like a purposeful stride.

Career wise, I see myself growing into something I’m proud of. Maybe I’ve climbed a few rungs up whatever ladder I’m on, or maybe I’ve ditched the ladder entirely and built my own thing.

I’ve always had this itch to create something. It’s writing, designing, or just throwing ideas at the wall until something sticks. By 2030, I’d love to have a project or a role that lets me flex that creativity while still paying the bills. I don’t need to be a millionaire (though I wouldn’t say no) but I want to wake up most days feeling like what I do matters.

The truth is, I can paint rosy pictures all day but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Five years ago, I couldn’t have predicted half the stuff I’m dealing with now. The good or the bad.

So maybe the real answer is less about specifics and more about a vibe. In 2030, I want to be a human who’s still curious, still learning, still laughing at dumb stuff. I want to look back at today (March 6th, 2025) and think, “You didn’t have it all figured out, but you were on the right track.”

I’d like to be a little wiser, a little braver and still very much me with some better stories to tell.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment
Daily writing prompt
What are three objects you couldn’t live without?
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We all have those things that make life not just bearable, but enjoyable, and they are absolute must haves that we’d be lost without.

For me, it boils down to three: coffee, music, and the internet. Sure, I could technically survive without them (I mean, humans did it for centuries), but why would I want to?

Coffee is my lifeline. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the first thing I think about when I roll out of bed. That rich, bitter aroma hitting my senses is like a gentle nudge from the universe saying, “You’ve got this.” Whether it’s a strong black brew to kickstart a busy morning or a frothy latte to savor during a quiet moment, coffee is non-negotiable. It’s not just about the caffeine (though that’s a big perk); it’s the ritual, the warmth, the little burst of joy in every sip. Without it, I’d be a groggy shell of myself, stumbling through the day like a zombie. No thanks.

Next up is music. I can’t overstate how much it shapes my world. There’s something magical about how a single song can lift you up, calm you down, or just make you feel understood. Need to power through a workout? Cue the high energy beats. Feeling introspective? Give me some mellow acoustic vibes. Music is my constant companion whether I’m cooking, working, or just staring out a window pretending I’m in a movie. Without it, life would feel flat, like a film with no score. It’s not just background noise; it’s the pulse that keeps me going.

Finally, the internet. I know, it sounds basic, but it’s a game changer. It’s how I stay connected to friends across the globe, dive down rabbit holes of random knowledge (did you know octopuses have three hearts?) I also waste a lot of time scrolling memes when I should be productive. Beyond the entertainment, it’s a tool that keeps me informed, inspired and occasionally employed. Could I live without it? Maybe in a cabin in the woods type scenario, but in the real world, it’s my tether to everything that matters. Plus, how else would I order takeout on a lazy night?