Tag Archives: dailyprompt

Just Another Round-Headed Kid

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Growing up I enjoyed reading the comics from the Sunday newspaper. I found laughs with a special comic strip that also had specials on television, and many relatable characters. Of course I’m talking about the comic strip Peanuts, and the character I seem to relate to most is Charlie Brown.

Charlie Brown had the signature yellow shirt with the black squiggly stripe that it seems he wore every day, or at least in every special. At times the outfit was accented with certain things that signified certain days of the year. For Halloween he had a ghost costume, with a sheet where too many holes were cut. During baseball season he sported a cap and glove like the rest of his friends. He often fed his dog Snoopy who sometimes had some adventures of his own, like being the World War I Flying Ace that took on the Red Baron.

With Charlie Brown it was made evident that life isn’t always easy. He had many struggles like trying to kick the football that Lucy always pulled away; trying to win the championship baseball game; trying to win the spelling bee; even trying to win the heart of the little red-haired girl while being pursued by Peppermint Patty.

The characters and stories were timeless and could be watched again and again. That was the draw for me, and I’m sure it still becomes the draw for newer generations feasting their eyes on these specials for the first time ever. Even with the setbacks we often experience, life can still be good, and having good friends makes it all worth while.

Here’s Hi-Tecq’s Question of the Day: Who was your favorite cartoon character?

Zanzibar: Soul Food with Style

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As we tried to cope with isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, using services like Grubhub and Door Dash to have meals delivered, I became acquainted with a restaurant that has a unique flavor all its own. I enjoyed the menu so much that I looked forward to visiting the restaurant and experiencing it in person. After the effects of COVID wore down through herd immunity developed as we became vaccinated against the disease, I got to experience it with my family and on occasion with my wife and our friends. The place has become one of my favorites, and it’s called Zanzibar.

The location I visited the most is on Shaker Square. Once we had a family dinner there, and I was introduced to soul food at a higher level. Trying jerk seasoned chicken wings as an appetizer was a treat, and the specially made soul rolls, veggie style with collard greens baked in. The beverages were inventive originals, such as Sunrise, Sunset, and Purple Rain. Visiting the restaurant in person I found a friendly atmosphere, exhibiting the culture that inspired its menu of delectable dishes.

Being served by Cleveland’s finest is also a pleasure. One happened to take pictures of my wife and I as we celebrated New Year’s Eve. We enjoyed being together, and being repeat customers. Everyone from the servers to the hosts and the managers were always friendly and polite.

As I reminisce on great memories shared there, I look forward to returning soon. Times have changed and it seems more difficult to go out as much, but I look forward to the day – or night – when I may once again visit Zanzibar, and feast on its wonderful cuisine and atmosphere.

The Surprising Impact of Puppy Love

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Daily writing prompt
What animals make the best/worst pets?
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I have grown up liking dogs and cats, but I could not keep one growing up because of allergies that developed. My wife had a dog when we were dating and I learned that I had to see if keeping her and the dog would work. After spending an hour together with the little puppy, and not having watery eyes or the triggering sneezes, I found that we got along just fine, and later came to experience a love I never imagined was possible for me: pet love.

Our little boy – we call him Izzy – is a Maltese poodle mix. He and I enjoy spending time together, whether sharing love through belly rubs and licking kisses, or taking naps or road trips. My wife had him from the very early puppy stages, and I became his papa since we married. We have been through a lot at first, their moving across town to live with me, and getting used to a new environment; but it all worked out in time and with my wife’s helpful coaching.

I had a new set of responsibilities to get used to. Realizing that our little one could not pick up after himself, I took on the task. I set up a place in one of our bathrooms where he could eat and drink and use it when he needs to. I try to clean the bathroom weekly to keep from having pooping problems in other places. We also make sure we have plenty of food and treats for Izzy to keep him going along with us. As a hypoallergenic breed he doesn’t shed, we just make sure he gets groomed every six weeks. We like to call it his spa day.

One remarkable thing about pets is they give love unconditionally. As long as we care for them and give them attention, the returns of love and affection are very great. I am enjoying life a little better than I ever imagined with our pint-sized package of wonderful. Thank you Kim for introducing me to Izzy and thank you Izzy for introducing me to love in a different dimension. I never saw it coming, but I’m glad that it did.

The Last Live Performance I Saw

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Daily writing prompt
What was the last live performance you saw?
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I had a couple of performances that came to mind. I suppose it depends on how big the live performance needed to be. There was one that had a well-known artist and one that had a local favorite, and I am glad to share about both of them.

One performance was part of the Tri-C Jazz Fest sponsored by Cuyahoga Community College and featured a great jazz artist named Gerald Albright. The show also featured Norman Brown, but he was sick and not able to perform. But Gerald Albright came on and played, told some great stories, one was about his grandson who once did a funny dance when he ate and tasted something he really enjoyed, and called it the G-wiggle. The next night featured a jazz legend named Herbie Hancock. He had a good set of music, brought out some interesting effects that were showcased in other music performed with other artists, and he played about three different versions of his most popular hit from his Head Hunters album.

Another performance that I saw live was at a union hall with Forecast. The band had a great blend of music for both sets and the atmosphere was a bit more relaxed and casual. I enjoyed the experience of hearing great music and having a great time meeting with friends, even some that I had not seen in years.

I find that it’s great to witness performances by various musical artists and even actors, and some may prefer studio work to touring while others prefer the reverse. Seeing artists perform, witnessing their passion and how they enjoy doing what they do is inspiring to me. So my pursuit of work that I can be passionate about will continue, and I intend to learn and practice as much as I can and take steps to do what interests me most, and continue until I find something that becomes profitable.