So if you haven't quite noticed, I don't post here anymore.  I actually went back to my original blog, and I've been posting for quite awhile (miraculously).  So while I'm certaintly not going to delete this, I probably won't post here, well, ever. 

Here's where you should try to find me now:

http://nikistarsnhreyes.blogspot.com

I'm issuing a creative writing exercise challenge to all of you that I thought of today, especially if you don't feel like you have anything to write about or feel like you can't writing creatively.  I'll be doing this as well, if you need an example, beginning tonight, but dated tomorrow. 

First off, make a mental list of themes in your life (for example, relationship with a parent, loneliness at a particular time in life, being labeled something like a nerd, faith, your favorite toy or cartoon character, etc.).  However many you come up with, round it up to seven, fourteen, twenty-one, or twenty-eight (I'm going with 28 no matter what, since I'm starting on February first. 

Then, each day, take a theme.  Find a picture, whether yours or off the internet, that reflects that them in some way.  Let that soak in your head for a little while.  Then using the picture and some memor(y/ies), free-write about it, writing about examples, emotions, motivations, colors or songs, etc.  Doing only one each day keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and others from losing interest.  You can either post it on your blog, make it a protected post, or just do it on Microsoft Word and keep it to yourself. 

If you do choose to take part on your blog, post the directions the first day so people aren't lost on what you're doing.  Have fun with it, be honest, and perhaps you'll learn something about yourself.  Trust me, it's fun.

First example coming tonight, either after work or around midnight.

Wednesday night, Katrina Brink came up to me after CCF service and asked me what time I go to work in the morning.  I told her 7:30, and I asked her why.  "Someone in there told me to ask you."  Who?  "Um, I can't say."

O-ooooo-k.....

Being me of course, it slipped my mind.  I woke up the next morning, a little growly because, hey, I'm not a morning person and I definitely didn't get much sleep the night before for some reason.  I was running late, so I hopped in my car to drive part of the way to campus.  Driving down Normal, I saw six CCF guys walking in a group... one carrying a drum, another a guitar, one of those tonette things, and (though I didn't immediately notice) a bouquet of fuschia carnations.  I waved at them and continued my search for a spot.  After some annoyance with the Truman parking situation, I found a spot near McClain and got out.  As I got out, I saw the guys walking in that direction, and I waved.

They headed straight for me.

Me:  and  and  and .

They surrounded me and announced they were walking me to work.  Luke, in full ROTC uniform, issues like a "forward march!" command.  They began playing their instruments (and me, laughing and crying (yes, crying) at how sweet they are) and soon Joe and Evan start singing... they forgot the lyrics and Evan began making up his own song... Something like, "Praise God in the morning... Praise God... We're walking our friend Niki... She's going to work and it's boring... but that's ok..."  And after some confused and amused looks from fellow pedestrians, we get to the library, and Craig hands me the flowers!  They say farewell, and I thanked them and told they they so completely rocked my face off.

I was laughing and smiling (and occasionally sniffing) all the rest of that day. 

And that's why the CCF men are soooooooooo flippin' awesome, and they are sooooooooooo getting a batch of my insane brownies!!!!