THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: dailyprompt-1924


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The one coming up

The daily prompt asks – What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

This is a tough one because I like all holidays now. I worked a lot of holidays over the decades, and I grew very sick of it. So, I savor each one now.

Memorial Day is my favorite. It’s both a holiday of reflection and anticipation and family. I grew up with grandparents who served in WWI and parents who were part of WWII, Korea. I will always remember and respect the members of our armed services. And especially this day to those who gave their lives.

May is a month for remembering my family. I hope to go to Arlington National Cemetery this month to visit my parents. Flags In day is May 21st. That is a beautiful sight.

I like it because I remember what the holiday is for. Not just the kickoff of summer.

Flags lined headstones at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day. Photo by Mike Hartley


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All of them

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? – A decent question from the daily writing prompt.

So many answers leapt to mind. The first thought was all of them. And my reason for that answer is that for many years I worked a lot of holidays. Some years, just about all of them. Having recently retired I have had a year to experience all of them in a different way, and they are great.

Working not only had a negative impact on me, but my family I feel. But that is behind me, and I’m celebrating with joy on just about every holiday that rolls around.

I guess my favorite holidays have always been Memorial Day and Independence Day. One is the unofficial kickoff to summer and the other is a mid-season blast. Usually, it means family and friend cookouts and maybe some crabs and other seafood on the 4th.

For many years our family vacationed together at the beach on the 4th of July holiday and that was fun seeing those fireworks and the kid’s excitement.

These two dates are difficult at the same time, because both my parents passed very near to those holidays. Which reminds me I’m overdue a visit to them. I’ll have to venture down to Arlington this May.

Have a great day.

Oh yeah. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Holidays

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? – There’s a decent question from the Daily Writing prompt.

This answer is subject to change being I used to work most holidays so I’m experiencing some of them for the first time in decades.

In short, my favorite holiday is the 4th of July – We usually spend THE DAY with family. There is no pressure of gifts. It’s warm out and we cook out and eat together. Kids can play outside. Everyone looks skyward together in the evening, and goes “oohhhh and aaahhhh.”

New Year’s – I don’t need to be reminded another year has passed in the blink of an eye. And it is January and cold outside. Plus it’s amateur night and it’s a 20-second holiday. The 10-second countdown and the 10-second kiss. That’s if my better half is still awake.

MLK Day – It’s January and cold outside.

Presidents Day – It’s February and it’s cold outside still.

Memorial Day – is too close and sometimes falls on the day my mother passed. And I usually visit Arlington National Cemetery. So it’s a difficult weekend.

Labor Day – Signals the end of my favorite season.

Thanksgiving – It’s getting cold outside and I overeat.

Christmas – A close 2nd because I love giving and seeing children and grandchildren happy is the best. But it’s so commercial and the spirit of the holiday has changed in my lifetime. Plus it’s December and cold outside.

I was never a government worker so I can’t tell you all the other holidays they get off.