Metroplex Stories

ew Year's Eve, Subject Challenge Sunday, and the unforgettable Robin Williams! 🎉

🌍 As the clock ticks down to midnight, people across the globe are preparing to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new! 🎆

🎆 Australia: Kicking off the global festivities, the skies over Sydney Harbour explode with vibrant hues, reflecting off the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

🕰️ Scotland: The historic streets of Edinburgh transform into a stage for the Hogmanay Festival, featuring fireworks, concerts, and the world-renowned street party.

🎇 Brazil: Copacabana Beach becomes a sea of white as millions gather for the vibrant fireworks display, setting the tone for a night of samba, music, and dance.

🗽 New York City, USA: In the heart of Times Square, the iconic ball descends, marking the transition to a new year amidst the cheers of a million revelers.

🎨France: The Eiffel Tower dons its sparkling attire, hosting a breathtaking light show that illuminates the city of love.

🌈 Iceland: Amidst the enchanting Northern Lights, Icelanders welcome the new year with bonfires, fireworks, and festivities.

What are your traditions?

It's Subject Challenge Sunday! 🕸️ This week's subject: COBWEBS. Weave a tale or spin a poem inspired by these delicate traps of silk! Share your work in the comments, by Messenger, or submit it to MetroplexStories.com!

REMINDER: Today’s the Hook Challenge: Holiday Version deadline! 📚 Good luck to all who enter! Look for a new Hook Challenge next year!

And as we close the chapter on 2023, let's remember the laughter and warmth Robin Williams brought into our lives. In the spirit of honoring this great man, I’d like to close with a few of his quotes:

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.”

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

“You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.”

“People say satire is dead. It's not dead; it's alive and living in the White House.”

“Comedy can be a cathartic way to deal with personal trauma.”

“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?”

📚 Satire, Rudyard Kipling, and Bacon Walked into a Bar… 📚

🎭 Satire is a form of writing that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose, criticize or mock stupidity or vices, often with the goal of bringing about change. It is often aimed at contemporary politics or topical issues. You might find a bit of it on SNL or pretty much any late night talk show these days.

Though most satires aim to get a laugh, there are many serious or even dark examples of satire, such as George Orwell's Animal Farm or Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, which criticize communist societies and capitalist societies, respectively.

Historically, writers like Jonathan Swift, with "Gulliver's Travels," and Mark Twain, with "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," were masters of satire. 🖋️ They wielded their pens as sharp tools to expose societal flaws with a touch of wit. Swift, an Irish writer, is considered one of the greatest satirists in English lit. Of course, the list of satirists is long, so I’ll just ask you to let me know who your favorite one is from days gone by and today. Have you tried your hand at satire? Show me what you got!

🥓So, today happens to be Bacon Day. As bacon is a universally beloved breakfast food, candle scent, and lip gloss flavor, you may be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like it by the plateful. As it happens, I have found, or more precisely, created, one such naysayer. My son does NOT like bacon. I’m as perplexed as you are.

Today is also Rudyard Kipling's birthday. Best known for "The Jungle Book", "Just So Stories", and "Kim", Kipling was one of the most popular writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.📖

🧩 It’s "Puzzle Me This" answer time! A “KINARA” is a seven-branched candleholder. It is used during Kwanzaa. If you guessed answer #3, well done! 🧩

Reminder: The Hook Challenge: Holiday Version is due tomorrow! Enter to win a prize! (Check the post from December 9th for details.)

🧩 Puzzle Me This Challenge and the Meaning of Contentment! 🧩

This week, we're diving into the word "Contentment." Dictionary.com defines it as the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind. As a concept, it can mean something different to everyone.

How will you express your idea of contentment? Dig deep and share your thoughts, poems, or stories. Written during a rainstorm, here's my poetic take that perfectly sums it up for me:

Contentment

Lightning flashes everywhere
The smell of ozone fills the air

Grab a blanket, cozy and warm
And wait to watch the coming storm

🧩 It’s "Puzzle Me This" time! I’m going to give you a word and your job is to choose between 4 definitions and guess which one is correct. Some of you will know it, of course, but I’m checking up on the rest of you out there who are unfamiliar with it or maybe didn’t read my post a few days ago. No dictionaries, please. Ready?

The word is “KINARA”.

Is it: 1. A unit of money in Brazil 2. A Japanese delicacy 3. A seven-branched candleholder 4. An ancient sea creature

I’ll post the answer tomorrow! Good luck! 🧩

How do you express contentment? Let your creativity flow and share your creations in the comments or submit something to MetroplexStories.com! 🌟

🎂✨ Happy Birthday Simon Raven! 🖋️📚

Simon Raven (1927–2001) was a British novelist, playwright, and journalist known for his prolific and controversial literary career. Born in England, he attended Charterhouse School and later studied at King's College, Cambridge. Raven's early works included novels such as "The Feathers of Death" and "The Rich Pay Late."

One of his notable achievements is the "Alms for Oblivion" series, a sequence of ten novels that delves into the lives of various characters navigating the social and political landscapes of post-war Britain. The series is considered a significant contribution to mid-20th-century British literature.

Apart from his fiction, Raven was an accomplished playwright and even wrote for television. His works often explored complex and morally ambiguous themes, reflecting a fascination with human nature and society's intricacies. His cricket memoir, "Shadows on the Grass," showcases a different facet of his writing, blending his passion for the sport with reflections on life. English journalist, EW Swanton, called it ‘the filthiest cricket book ever written’. Be honest. You’re intrigued, right?

Simon Raven's writing style was characterized by wit, satire, and an unapologetic exploration of the darker aspects of human behavior. While celebrated for his literary accomplishments, Raven's personal life was marked by controversy and a reputation for being an unconventional and sometimes provocative figure.

Despite the controversies, Simon Raven's impact on literature remains enduring. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their incisive exploration of the human condition and the complexities of post-war British society. His advice? “Since life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better.”

Sidenote: His mother’s last name was “Christmas”. I’d be equally happy with the last name “Raven”, being the huge Poe fan that I am, but I’m not sure I’d be able to give up the last name “Christmas” after marriage. Given the times, I’m sure she had no choice. What do you think?

🍬Let’s also relish some sweet treats because it's National Chocolate Candy Day! 🍫 What chocolatey delight is your favorite? I try to avoid chocolate…because I love it too much! 🌟🍭 📖🎁

🌐📚 Happy Word Wednesday: Inspired by Kwanzaa! 🕊️🎉

This week we will focus on one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa for Word Wednesday: "Unity" — “a oneness of mind and feeling, as among several persons; concord, harmony, or agreement.”

🌍✨ How can you weave this profound word into your creative expressions? What can we achieve through the power of unity? Surely, the answer is limitless. People of all backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities can achieve greatness together! Share your poems, stories, or a caption for the image in this post (I know...crazy, right?), exemplifying the true essence of unity! 🤝🌈 Let your words reflect the warmth of togetherness! 📖🎁 📝🕯️

Look out kids, it’s a short post today. 😊 I guess I have space to say it's National Fruitcake Day. What? Don't blame me! I didn't invent the stuff!

🕊️✨ Happy Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and National Candy Cane Day! 🌍🍬 ✨🎁

Let's celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural festivities and delve into the beautiful traditions of Kwanzaa, which begins today and runs until January 1st. 🕯️✨

🌈 Kwanzaa's Roots:
Kwanzaa, meaning "first fruits" in Swahili, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. It's a celebration of African heritage, emphasizing family, community, and culture.

🎉 Seven Principles - Nguzo Saba:
Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a core principle, known as Nguzo Saba. These principles include Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

🕯️ The Kinara and Lighting the Mishumaa Saba:
A central symbol is the Kinara, a seven-branched candleholder. The Mishumaa Saba, or seven candles, represent the principles. Three candles on the left are red (for struggle), three on the right are green (for hope), and the center candle is black (for the people).

🎶 Drums and Songs:
Music plays a vital role in Kwanzaa celebrations. Drums, songs, and dances express the vibrancy of African culture and the unity of the community.

🎁 Gifts and the Kikombe cha Umoja:
Exchanging meaningful gifts and sharing a communal cup (Kikombe cha Umoja) during the Karamu (feast) reinforce the spirit of unity and cooperation.

🎩 Boxing Day Traditions:
Observed in the UK and some Commonwealth countries, Boxing Day traditionally involved giving boxes of food, money, or goods to those less fortunate. It's also a day for shopping and enjoying various festivities.

🍭 Savoring Sweetness on National Candy Cane Day:
What better way to sweeten the holidays than indulging in the iconic candy cane! Its red and white stripes symbolize purity, while its peppermint flavor adds a burst of festive cheer.

🌟 Wishing You Joyful Celebrations and Unity! 🌍🎉
Whether you're lighting candles for Kwanzaa, spreading kindness on Boxing Day, or savoring sweet treats, may this season be filled with joy, unity, and the warmth of shared traditions! 🕊️✨ 🎁🕯️

🎄✨ Merry Christmas and a Dickensian Inspiration Monday! 📖🕯️ ✨🎅

On this joyous Christmas Day, let's unwrap the gift of inspiration from none other than Charles Dickens! 🎁📚

🕰️ "A Christmas Carol" Magic: 🎭
In the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation, let's reflect on the power of kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving. My favorite quote is, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” How can we embody the spirit of Scrooge's redemption in our own lives and writing?

❤️ Themes of Love and Redemption: 💖
Explore themes of love and redemption in your writing. How can the experiences of your characters lead to personal growth and positive change, much like the journeys we witness in Dickens' stories?

🌍 Social Commentary: 🗣️
Dickens used his works to highlight social issues of his time. Consider weaving social commentary into your writing. What themes or issues are close to your heart that could be explored through your storytelling?

🎈 Tiny Tim's Resilience: 🦯
Draw inspiration from characters like Tiny Tim, who faced adversity with resilience and hope. How can your characters find strength in the face of challenges?

🎂 Happy Birthday, Rod Serling: 🌌
Today also marks the birthday of Rod Serling, mastermind behind "The Twilight Zone." Embrace the unexpected, the mysterious, and the thought-provoking in your writing, just as Serling did in his groundbreaking stories.

🌟 Wishing You a Magical Christmas and Inspired Writing! 🌠📝
And in the immortal words of Charles Dickens, “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!” ✨🎄 🎁📖

🌟 Merry Christmas Eve MAGIC! 🎅✨ 🌟

As the snowflakes dance and the stars twinkle, we find ourselves on the enchanting eve before Christmas! How will you celebrate? Let’s take a look at a few traditions from around the world! 🌙🎄

🕯️ In Italy, families attend Midnight Mass, known as "La Messa di Mezzanotte," to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Afterward, a festive meal called "Cenone" is shared, often featuring seafood delicacies.

🔥 In Iceland, families gather around the fireplace for storytelling and reading. It's a tradition to exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the night immersed in tales of wonder.

🎇 In parts of the American Southwest, luminaries (candles in paper bags) line streets and pathways, creating a breathtaking display of light. Families often share warm beverages and festive treats.

🎅 Down under, Australian children leave out refreshments for Santa, such as a cold beer or a plate of treats. It's a unique twist on the classic milk and cookies tradition!

🕯️Swedes celebrate with a "Julotta" or early morning Christmas service. Candlelit processions through snowy landscapes create a serene and magical atmosphere.

🌠 Subject Challenge Sunday: MAGIC! 📜✨
In the spirit of the season, our challenge for this Subject Challenge Sunday is "MAGIC." ✨✍️ Write a poem, story, or passage that captures the essence of magic, whether it's the twinkle in a child's eye on Christmas Eve or the enchantment of a snow-covered landscape.

How to Participate:
Write a story or poem inspired by the subject: MAGIC.
Post your creation in the comments, share it with us via Messenger, or submit it to MetroplexStories.com. There’s even a link at the bottom of this post!
Let us know if you'd like feedback!

🌲 Wishing You a Night of Wonder! 🎁❤️
May your Christmas Eve be filled with magic, warmth, and moments that twinkle in your heart. ✨🌠 Merry Christmas Eve to all, and to all a magical night! 🎅🌙 🌠🎄

🌟 Festivus Feats and Reindeer Revelations! 🦌🎉

✨Happy Festivus, the holiday for the rest of us! 🌟 As you gather 'round the aluminum pole, what are your favorite Festivus traditions and memories?

🎉 Festivus Fundamentals🎈
Festivus, made famous by the sitcom "Seinfeld," is an alternative holiday celebrated on December 23rd. Created as a non-commercial alternative to the pressures and consumerism of the traditional holiday season, Festivus comes with its own unique traditions including the airing of grievances and the displaying of feats of strength.

🦌 The Antler Mystery 🤔
Did you know that in a curious twist of nature, male reindeer shed their antlers during winter, while their female counterparts retain theirs? So, as the sleigh soars through the starry night tomorrow, it must be true that Santa's team consists of strong and mighty FEMALE reindeer, leading the way with grace and power! Try writing a story about Santa’s reindeer with this new perspective!

🎉Puzzle Me This Answer Time🎉
The answer to yesterday’s chain is: Snow Angel Tree Skirt! Well done if you got it right!

🌟🦌 🎄🌟

☃️ Angels and Snowmen and a Holiday Puzzle Me This, Oh My! 🌟❄️

In the enchanting tapestry of Christmas, angels and snowmen take center stage, spreading joy and whimsy to young and old alike!

👼 Angels: Messengers of Peace 🕊️
Angelic figures grace our homes, tree-tops, and mantels, radiating serenity and hope. As celestial messengers, they symbolize peace, love, and the spirit of giving. Let their wings remind us to be kind, and their halos illuminate the path to compassion.

☃️ Snowmen: Winter's Jovial Companions ☃️
From the first snowfall, snowmen emerge, wearing scarves and top hats, embodying the playful spirit of the season. Whether in yards or adorning cards, their carrot noses and coal eyes exude festive charm. Building a snowman is like sculpting joy into the landscape. While you’re at it, why not make a Snow Angel?

This week’s Puzzle Me This challenge is another word chain. Try connecting the word Snow to the word Skirt as follows: Snow A_____ T_____ Skirt. I’ll post the answer tomorrow!

This Christmas, let angels watch over us with grace, and snowmen bring laughter to frosty days. Share stories of your favorite winter memories and may your holidays be adorned with magic! ✨❤️🎄 ☃️👼

🌟 Winter Solstice Magic & Yule Celebrations! 🌲✨

Winter Solstice: Also called the hibernal solstice, is a celestial ballet where Earth's poles reach their maximum tilt away from the Sun, creating the longest night and welcoming the sun's gradual return. It begins today at 9:27 PM. For Pagans, Winter Solstice is also known as Yule and is one of the oldest celebrations in the world.

Yule: A festive celebration, rooted in ancient traditions, marking the rebirth of the sun. Yule logs burn bright, candles illuminate the darkness, and hearts are warmed by the spirit of togetherness. Some Pagans do reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (symbolizing darkness) and the Oak King (symbolizing light) of Celtic legend. Others follow ancient Norse traditions by burning yule logs or having feasts. Some stay awake until dawn to observe the cycles of nature.

Other ways to celebrate Yule: Caroling, wassailing, bonfires, walking in the woods at night, kissing under the mistletoe, exchanging gifts, and celebrating Kris Kringle (a Germanic pagan god). Maybe you’ve celebrated Yule without realizing it!

Christmas Trees & Wreaths: 🎄 The history of the Christmas tree traces back to ancient times, symbolizing life's resilience. Bringing evergreens inside during winter symbolizes hope. Wreaths, circular and evergreen, signify eternity and are adorned to invite blessings.

Embrace the magic of the Winter Solstice and the warmth of Yule traditions. Share the light and love, for in the darkest nights, the brightest stars shine. What stories or poems do these traditions inspire in you during this festive season? Submit your work to MetroplexStories.com! I’d love to read them! 🌌🕯️✨ 🎁🌟

Submit a short story or poem for publication in our next anthology by clicking this link: https://metroplexstories.com/submit/

Sign up for our monthly anthology for access to new material from amateur writers by clicking here: https://metroplexstories.com/product/subscription-plan/