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A List of a Baker’s Dozen Pretty Much Defines Me
By: Jay Toran
Tags: Relationships, Illumination, Writing, Vulnerability, Depression

A List of a Baker’s Dozen Pretty Much Defines Me

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

This is in reply to a story by Tree Langdon. Dunno if I did that right. Dunno if this is supposed to be open to the public.

In any event, thank You for the idea, Mx. Langdon.

After a great deal of thought, and not in chronological order:

I’m nobody; attempting to find myself again. Dunno exactly what tagging someone does… Led a pretty dull life. Was fired when I was 15, in 1970, and also on January 1, 1976. Still haven’t recovered completely. Dropped outta an Ivy League school in my sophomore year, when I learned how to kiss a girl. (That doesn’t count when I whored myself when I was eight or nine. ;) After I dropped outta college my motto was “I’ll try anything once!” Tried a lotta things once or thrice. Decided not to try heroin because I already faced a nicotine addiction and thought that’d be sufficient. Quit for 11 years and then started again three years ago. Sheesh! Was suicidal for two years after my Wife remarried. Among four others, I was ranked #1 in my High School. When the Vice Principal called us together to talk about who wanted to be valedictorian, She asked me if I was supposed to be there. I had long hair at the time. Officially became head of the computer department exactly three years to the day from the day I started working there. Had, and have, poor people skills. Got divorced for two reasons: My Wife worked for me for 15 years. Ten or 11 years of our 12-year marriage We were “just friends.” Moved into my first house exactly one year to the day from when We got married. Spent most of the last 16 years laying in bed. Sheesh, even more. First piece I ever published (recently on Illumination, which is why I’m attempting this) was a piece of fictional commentary. Fiction?! Of all things!! I’m a computer nerd! Really enjoyed myself, last few months, trying to learn how to write things. At one time, never conceived such-a thing’d be possible.

For those born in the prehistoric age: If You remember the Bugs Bunny Show, I thin’ it was Elmer Fudd who wrapped it up by saying, “That’s all folks!”
Insomnia
By: Akhtar Mehmood
Tags: Illumination, Life, Love, Poetry On Medium, Poetry

Insomnia

In the early morning hours of the day,

I lay wide awake, into your arms.

Listening to your melodic meditative breathing.

And watching the rising & falling of your soft mounds.

Like a naughty kid behind the curtain for the first time.

In your sleep, you murmur about parting of the lovers,

And blackbirds perched on the iron gate.

And wandering through fields of lilacs, holding my hands.

You talk about the rising seas & the split mountains.

And I start to wonder what I reveal in my sleep-talk?

Do I tell you that I am do not deserve such pure love of yours?

Or maybe that all souls have no bodies, but blue faces.

Your whispers turn into moans and I start to kiss you.

Knowing that this is the closest to heavens I will ever be.

So I drink deep from the bounty of your love.
Christmas At Tim’s
By: Jim Mcaulay
Tags: Tim Hortons, Illumination, Covid 19, Humour, Jim Mcaulay

Christmas At Tim’s

On Christmas day I walked to Tim’s and had my tea sitting down at a picnic table across the road from the coffee shop. I would love to be able to sit in the warm building but I am grateful that we are taking the deadly threat seriously. The lockdown will continue for the next 28 days.

Our southern neighbor was experiencing over 3,000 deaths per day. That number has risen dramatically. The possibility that Large crowds without masks on New Year’s Eve could push the daily death toll beyond 4,000 does not seem to be registering amid the deadly political paralysis.

Photograph by the author.

Jim McAulay🍁 says

The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Insomnia
By: Lyndsey Frondarina
Tags: Illumination, Poetry On Medium, Insomnia, Poetry, Creative Writing

Insomnia

Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash

Sleep eludes me

once more,

tauntingly standing

at my door.

I try so hard

to make her mine,

but sleep is a slave

to no one, not even time.

I beg and plead

and try to bargain,

of course to sleep it’s all

just meaningless jargon.

I lay in bed

and close my eyes

hoping to catch her

before sunrise.

She looks on from the

doorway in victory,

knowing once again

she’s evaded me.

It’s a game of cat and

mouse we’ve waged,

but sleep is a free bird

that won’t be caged.
Distant Love
By: Anushka Choudhary
Tags: Illumination, Love, Loneliness, Poetry, Distance

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

My heart belongs with you,

my life feels desolate without you.

Every waking moment I wait,

hoping to find your remains within me.

Afraid of losing your alluring face,

in the pool of unwanted memories.

Each day, I yearn for the day,

when we will unite again.
Detente
By: Debbie Miller
Tags: Poem, Illumination, Scrittura, Poetry On Medium, Poetry

Unsplash.com

It’s a strange dynamic

Between two people

You choose to give in

On the small issues

Because you deem them

Not Worth fighting about

And in turn he lets

Your compulsive behavior

slide as he instead chooses

To turn the other way,

Ignoring the Stacks of

Amazon packages that

Block the front door,

And he goes out the

Garage door instead.

He likes that You

listen to his

Problems and tell

Him everything

Will be all right,

And you like that

He fixes all the broken

Things and holds you

When nightmares

Overtake your sleep

And he likes

That your are always

On his side

So he never opens

The locked door

Of the back bedroom

Because he knows that

It Is full of only God

knows what and

He doesn’t want

To call you out on it.

And you let him watch

All the sports he can

Find and sit next to him

Keeping him company

When agreement cannot

Be reached you choose

To call detente

Underneath it all

He loves you-

Has since the day

He first met you-

And values the good

in Your heart,

Values your intelligence,

And your kindness.

So you smile at him

Over dinner

And reach for his hand

Because it’s worth

The small compromises

Because it means

Having someone

To share your life with

Because it means

Being together.
Alone
Tags: Illumination, Lockdown, Productivity, Solitude, Poetry

Alone

Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash

Lately I have been alone

Like a lot of other people.

I have been at home

But home for me is on my own.

No new faces, nor old ones

Only sound I hear is keyboard punching.

Nobody around to speak to

It is like the air has become bland and scentless.

I see the same objects, from sunrise to sundown

Monotonous activities, define my day.

Nonetheless, I welcome it

The work I do, It keeps me sane.

It keeps me from having to think about

How lonely I am.

How long I have been locked-down

Isolated and perhaps forgotten.

When you are alone

Time moves a lot slower.

You can hear the clock ticking

You see the sands in the hourglass.

Your mind becomes filled with thoughts.

You slowly become frantic.,

Ideas start emerging

The genesis of deeper thinking.

Eventually time becomes irrelevant

Especially when you work at your own discretion.

Musings have no ending.

You constantly keep on pandering.

Getting lost with each conception,

A wormhole of truth seeking,

The lonely mind is very active.

Productivity, with no distractions.
Three Things You Can Do To Grow As A Writer
By: Liam Ireland
Tags: Illumination, How To Grow, Writing Tips, Writing, Short Stories And Poems

Three Things You Can Do To Grow As A Writer

Photograph by Stephen Walker on Unsplash

As a writer there are three things you can do to try to ensure healthy growth.

1.Re-edit

2.Re-purpose

3.Re-Market

By way of example, I have just removed from submission a thirteen part story, The Island, originally published in thirteen seperate instalments. I then edited all thirteen parts into one piece and re-published the story.

There was a side benefit to this process since I decided to re-read the story and came across all sorts of minor typos and certain sentences that could be improved.

The resulting piece has more fluidity and an increased reading time. This is great because these days Medium pay according to reading time. Having said that, it remains to be seen if readers will take the time and trouble to read a piece that will now take a tad over an hour to read. I can but try.

In this way I have done all three things, re-edit, re-purpose and re-market. However, I have gone a step further with this exercise. I have now sent the story to a formatting expert who will format the story and turn it into a book which I can attempt to sell on Kindle.

I have already published three books of short stories on Kindle just yesterday and await what I hope will be good news in as much as having successfully reached out to a wider audience. In total, I have at least three ebooks more on the back burner and feel quite excited at the prospect of getting those ePublished as well.

Moving on from ebook publishing, I am keen to then turn the ebooks into paperback books which, if nothing else, will give me a great sense of achievement.

The important thing is to keep moving, not only developing your craft as a writer, but also in marketing the end product. If it turns out economically viable that would be wonderful. If not, at the very least I will have learnt a great deal and still have something to show for all my efforts.

Below is a link to the three books I have already published.
Alpenglow
By: Isak Dinesen
Tags: Forbiddenlove, Horizons, Illumination, Alpenglow, Poetry

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. What the world needs is people who have come alive. " - Howard Thurman (AfriAmerican)
A Lightless Sun
By: Janaka Stagnaro
Tags: Illumination, Spiritual Tree, Sun, Esoteric, Poetry

POETRY/SPIRITUALITY

A Lightless Sun

Artwork by author

darkness falls across the land

as fearful souls take sleep in matter

well-hewn pathways seen no more

but clouds will begin to scatter

and a resolute sun will blaze on by

casting no light upon darkened hills

or upon those who in shadows lie

it is only for those who listen

and can hear its fiery passing

who look up in faith without pause

dissolving a life of constant loss

to experience illumination ever-lasting

— Janaka Stagnaro
The Power of Understanding.
By: Annelise Lords
Tags: Illumination, Christmas, Love, Unity, Understanding

With more understanding, unity is possible.

5 Really Subtle Signs That Tell You a Lot About a Person by Darshak Rana

My Symbol of Unity. Image by Annelise Lords

“If you can understand human behavior, it can’t hurt you nearly as much.” By Carol Plum-Ucci.

This quote stuck in my head forever. And being a voracious reader by nature, I started reading books about human behavior when I became a teenager. The more I read, the better understanding I began to gain. I realized that if I could master the art of reading body language, I could know everything about a person in and out. In short, I desired to become a live lie-detecting machine. Darshak Rana

I agree with the above quote about understanding. I have proven it to be true. While studying the personality, actions, choices, and decisions of all the adults and children I know and meet. Family, friends, and foes too. I learn that the understanding of humanity is power, and it makes things easier to digest, clearer to see, and thus making forgiveness easier for me and many others. With a lot of it, our lives are less complicated, and we will be able to live better. The more understanding we are, the more choices we have. It makes us more compassionate and more considerate towards each other. It allows us to extend more generosity towards others. It opens the door wider to tolerance. With a lot of understanding, unity is possible.

Unity is what we have on this platform, sharing knowledge, experience, and wisdom, while educating, uplifting, motivating, entertaining, encouraging, etc., both writers and readers. Special thanks to the editors and everyone on this platform that makes it possible for us to share what we know. I hope Christmas is safe, peaceful, healthy, and enjoyable for all and their family.

Thank you for reading this piece and I hope today is perfect for you.
Volume Seven of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads
By: Liam Ireland
Tags: Illumination, Christmas, Writing, Writers Stories, Short Stories And Poems

Photograph by @Freestocks on Unsplash

And so we arrive at volume seven of these Christmas reads I have been compiling this last ten days. Seven is reputedly the luckiest number, and so I sincerely hope that this marks the beginning of a luckier, more fortunate chapter for all of our writers, our families and our friends during these difficult days. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Rui Carneiro

Debesh Choudhury

Dr. Deborah M. Vereen

Michael Patanella

Breanna Lowman

Darren Richardson

Denise G

Kit L.

Markus Scorelius

Joseph M. Learned

Kevin

Liam Ireland
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
By: R Tsambounieri Talarantas
Tags: Illumination, Christmas, Poetry On Medium, Poetry, Holiday Season

Photo Courtesy of the Author (my Christmas Tree)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

I visited your graves,

and yet, you haunt my hearth

In its flames do you play

‘Twas the Night before Christmas,

my chimney was lit

I sat and I listened,

as the flames pranced and leapt

Visions of yesteryear, danced

in the flames

On the plains of my soul, in

the scars of my pain

The visions of day’s long gone —

but live, on

on Dancer —

not in vain

And there, behold

was mother twirling in time

to the beat of my fathers

melodious lyre

I saw myself. A child once again,

I was hiding the Wise men,

beneath the hay, in

the stall’s of our shed

My grandfather was writing,

as he sat by his desk

The lamplight threw shadows, on

his wise humble hands

My brothers and sisters, were

preparing to out

They touched up their hair, and

re-knotted their ties

Sigh, I couldn’t attend —

to young,

I was told, as

I began to pout

The visions did blur, as

tears swam in my eyes

Oh, how I miss you all — I thought,

on this sad, sad, Holy night

I threatened the flames, with

the tears from my eyes

As I stoked at the fire, that

the flames should not die

I wish you were here, I

would take on the burn

As long as my love lives,

you will never be gone

The babe in the manger,

so peaceful and mild

hope did he bring, that

one day we’ll unite

I’ll bring you gifts from

my time here on earth,

the memories you left me,

on the lofts of my thoughts

I wonder if heaven is

grand enough for my thoughts?

Does heaven have room, for

the girth of my hurt?

The stars in the heavens

twinkle with light

they’re fading fast, and

morning is soon to arrive

Good tidings I send you,

wherever you be

that’s the least I can offer,

for the love you blessed me

‘Twas the Night before Christmas, and

all is not calm

I’m not asleep, you’ve all come to visit,

are alive in my heart

I miss you and water, my

love with my tears,

They douse the flames,

as I hold you all dear

You may be gone, but

your presence is near

The compass that guides, me

towards the coming New Year

It’s quickly approaching,

time measures its length

As I take a step forward, and

collide with the past

Your pasts are my Christmas

the gift of your love

the smile in the sadness

the warmth in my heart

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

you visited with cheer

This lesson of love is with,

what I’ll close out this year

I’ll move on in your shadows

Where the light meets the sky

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,

and peace has arrived…
What Have I got to Lose?
By: Terry L. Cooper
Tags: Health, Illumination, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Illness, Autoimmune Disease

Diagnoses

DVT (previous) lower left leg

Hypothyroidism

Hemangioma of the spine and neck

Iliotibial band syndrome (bilateral)

Pes anserinus of the knee (bilateral)

Trochanteric bursitis of hip (bilateral)

Subacromial bursitis of right shoulder joint

Myositis of right shoulder

Snapping scapula syndrome right shoulder

Pain right hand

Cervical and lumbar pain

Fibromyalgia

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)

Asthma (exacerbated with “exercise” like making the freakin’ bed)

Allergies (year-round)

Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis)

GERD

Degenerative disc disease, cervical & lumbar

Radiculopathy, right cervical and left lumbar

Primary osteoarthritis, left knee

Bone lesions and tumors (benign) throughout

ENT issues (need nose surgery for a deviated septum)

Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep Apnea

Impressive, right? This is why I had to medically retire at 55. Not only can I not work but I can’t do volunteer work. There are days where I can barely get out of bed due to the pain level. It seems as though every day here lately I wake up with a headache and a neck ache. I’m tired constantly. I gave up caffeine because it was causing heart issues. I could go on but what would be the point?

I’m not whining. I’m not complaining. I’m stating facts. Bitching about things doesn’t change them. Getting to the root of the problem and enacting change is much more productive. That’s why in between brain fog episodes, I’m going to give Doc’s sage advice a go. It can’t be any worse than drinking Pepto out of the bottle because all of the pills I have to pop at any given time causes a GERD flare-up.



“Here. Take this. It will cause your heart to stop doing backflips but it will light your chest on fire and make you feel as though you can’t swallow.”

“Here. Take this. It will help your hair grow back since you nearly went bald from the negligence of your previous PCP who missed the fact that your thyroid numbers were elevated. Fair warning — it tastes like crap.”

“Here. Take this. It will help with the fibro pain but place you in a medically induced coma for approximately three days.”

Get the picture?

The last time I attended physical therapy they were working on my neck issues. After one particular session it went so well that when it was time to leave, I couldn’t turn my head to see if it was clear to pull out into potentially oncoming traffic.

So yes, imma give Doc’s advice a go. I’m kind of over, major understatement, of all of the western medicine caca. I’ve begun to employ some eastern philosophies because I believe in being open-minded so I’m game.

Stay tuned.
Grand Rising
By: Gayle Kurtzer-Meyers
Tags: Illumination, Life, Poetry On Medium, Inspiration, Poetry

It’s a new day.

Learn to lift your head.

It’s more to come.

It’s more to be.

When you look in the mirror, Who do you see?

Are you really where you want to be?

Tell all negativity in your life to flee.

Change your perspective.

Get a new attitude.

Accomplish your goals. Reach new altitudes.

It’s your life. Choose the right magnitudes.

The sky is the limit. Do what others won’t do.

If the year 2020 caused you to fall,

it’s a new day,

rise and stand tall.
Crazy Made Up Words By The Crew Tree Langdon: The Power in Words
By: Annelise Lords
Tags: Illumination, Children, Love, Happiness, Gibberish

Crazy Made Up Words By The Crew Tree Langdon

Image by Annelise Lords

I write inspirational stories that are non-fiction. I can’t say it’s non-fiction, because I can’t identify the people that it happens to. My stories are figments of my imagination that were incited by real actions, choices, and decisions of everyone I know, meet and read about. They are also real-life occurrences. So I think of it as naratively inspiring. Can fiction be inspiring?

I was babysitting a two-year-old and I was amazed at her use of words. A baby dictionary on Gibberish would be a funny thing. Amazingly, each child will pronounce the words differently. Lol, I can’t think of any weird words right now. But what do you think of these?

Commouth: come out

Wah do u sea: What do you see

A won a seep: I want to sleep

Ananan: banana

Sory: Sorry

Moe peas: More, please

Ample: Apple

I not sush yu pone: I did not touch your phone

Parshmello: Marshmellow

Shayo: Shadow

Bop goes the beasel: Pop goes the weasel

I doe home in the mooning: I go home in the morning

Hopen your yese, yuk at me: Open your eyes, look at me

Go seep: Go sleep

I e dat ship. I eat chips

Dud mooning: Good morning

Bo awey: Go away

R u yumming: Are you coming

Yam cooming: I am coming

I am sure you can think of more Gibberish. You will be laughing too. Children have mastered the art of happiness.

I am sure you can think of more Gibberish. You will be laughing too. Children have mastered the art of happiness.

Thank you for reading this piece. I know you will enjoy it. Please enjoy more from other writers on this platform.

https://mediumauthor.com/@thisisanneliselords

https://mediumauthor.com/podcast

medium.com/illumination/interview-with-annelise-lords-421238e49b9f

https://twitter.com/ThisisAnneliseL

https://medium.com/authors-peeps/authors-peeps-interview-d43e38e53898

https://vocal.media/authors/annelise-lords
Does Anyone See the Real Me
By: Dr. Jackie Greenwood
Tags: Illumination, Self, Poetry, Family, Self Improvement

SELF/POETRY

Does Anyone See the Real Me

I know my core,

solid and true

It’s been that way

my whole life through

Around the edges,

I blur, I shift

I’m not afraid

to let myself drift

Now time and experience

have marked their place,

some bigger changes

I openly embrace

But the vision of me,

I fear, is skewed

Through the many lenses

I am viewed

Daughter, mother

sister too

Animal whisperer

to mention a few

Is it blind love, or need

or lack of desire

That stops them seeing

what I hoped would inspire

I know my core,

solid and true

but does anyone care that

I’m just a little bit new?

Dr. Jackie Greenwood

Thanks for reading:)
I Should Be Fighting So Much Harder
Tags: Illumination, Free Verse, Judgement, Future, Poetry

I Should Be Fighting So Much Harder

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

Every child I see uses their eyes

to demand that I fight for something.

But only because they haven’t learned the right words.

Haven’t yet learned

how to form the necessary syllables to ask why

with the accusation it deserves.

To sound out the sounds of sentences like:

”Why, does everyone pretend

like everything is fine?”

Like, “why did you care more about weekends

than the crimes of the time?”

Like, “why the fuck did you close your eyes

to all the glaring red signs?”

My sister gave me a niece.

She is beautiful with kind bright eyes

just like her mother.

Will grow up with the hard focus

and soft faith of her father.

But I don’t always like to imagine the world

those eyes will come to focus on.

How they will look at me

(if I am lucky enough to live so long)

with a look that asks “but how?”

”How do you choose to drink over think,

how can you stand proudly

on two fully functioning feet

Instead of marching them through the street?

How did you not see

how every easy thing you have

is torn from the flesh of the meek?

How do you not smell

how the rotting world reeks?”

It has gotten to the point

that I can’t stop my brain

from starting to overheat. So I shut it off.

Then I see the questions waiting behind a child’s eyes.

Know they will ask me if I tried.

Know they will wonder if I cried

in a nice comfortable bed —

instead of fighting.

Of tying myself to the tops of tall buildings

and demanding the lighting.

And if that doesn’t work, then strapping a battery to my back

and doing my own god damn damning and striking.

Instead of quitting my job

and my “but maybe”

and my false fake fucking sense of fake false fucking safety.

I almost fear children

for the day they will shame me

and how they make the call to fight feel so right.
Volume Six of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads
By: Liam Ireland
Tags: Illumination, Christmas Reading Gifts, Short Stories And Poems, Writing

Volume Six of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads

Illustration by kind courtesy of Pixabay

When I first mooted this idea of Christmas themed reads, I never thought for one moment that our wonderfully talented, not to say gifted, Illumination writers would come up with such an incredible variety of pieces. And I certainly didn't think I would get as far as six volumes.

Reading through all of the pieces I have come to realise, as if I didn't know already, that for some people it is a time of loss and despair, for others a time of great joy and happiness. Some of us struggle through the festive period, and some of us sail through it.

At some level or another, all of the pieces resonated with me. I have spent many a Christmas totally alone, cut off from the ones that I loved (parental alienation leaves a lot to be desired) and I have had unforgettably ecstatic Christmasses that will live on in my memory forever.

Through them all I have learned that every single experience is a valid one, as is every painful or joyful recollection of those experiences. For that reason, the one singular rule I set was that if a piece was well written, then into the collection it goes. Here I present you with a grand selection of what I have come across. Enjoy and have a very happy Christmas.

Paul Myers MBA

Emily Wilcox

Adam Borowski

John Ross

Rebecca Stevens A.

Sebastian Purcell, PhD

Kylie Craft

Britni Pepper

Tree Langdon

Camille Cordova
It’s Not at All Hard to Be Exceptional
By: Joe Graziano
Tags: Success, Illumination, Life, Life Lessons, Self Improvement

It’s Not at All Hard to Be Exceptional

Photo by Rupert Britton on Unsplash

I will never forget the first recognition I received in high school. It was the first semester of my Sophomore year. During high school, I was on an academic track, but I also took all the trade courses — Wood Shop, Metal Shop, and Auto Shop.

I liked those classes because they were different than just sitting in class. I actually had an opportunity to make things…and fix my car!

My Metal Shop teacher gave me an A on a hammer that I made. It had a knurled handle that I was particularly proud of (I still have that hammer in my toolbox!). He gave me the A, but then he told me something that I have never forgotten. He said he put my name in for a trade award for my age group. He was disappointed that they denied the award because I wasn’t in a trade track. I was in the academic track, therefore ineligible for that award.

Although I couldn’t get the award, I was really honored that he took the time to do that for me. The takeaway, though, was something else he told me that I thought was basic. He said that although I showed an aptitude for working in metals, what impressed him most about me was that I was always on time, submitted my projects before the deadline, and was pleasant to work with.

This really touched me. I didn’t think anything I did was exceptional. I was doing what was asked of me. Why was doing what was asked of me something that merited mention?

This type of thing happened to me over and over as I got older. From college and onto my various jobs, I have always tried to arrive early. I’ve always kept a to-do list of things that needed to get done and when, and I really do try to be pleasant. How hard is all of that?

Now, before you click away because you’ve heard all of this before, or because it’s so obviously simple, let me ask you. Is it really all that simple?
1. The answer is a bit of both - but size of audience doesn't determine curation in most cases- my…
By: The Maverick Files
Tags: Illumination, Curation, Writing, Médium, Learning

1. The answer is a bit of both - but size of audience doesn't determine curation in most cases- my first curation came when I had less than 50 followers, and many since, despite not a huge following.

2. Your overall consistency shouldn't mean anything for overall curation - for Medium curators your articles are a drop in an ocean - so whether you write one a day or one a month, they'll continue to have volumes - you have the best shot at curation when you write a great article and follow Medium's Curation guidelines

3. 4-7 min is "considered" to be ideal length but many shorter form articles are curated too - and infact Medium is now even promoting short-form, go to Medium Topics pages and you'll see shorter curated articles too. Poetry for example is always short!

Having said all that - not all good articles are curated, but writing quality articles does enhance your chance of curation. I've written a fair bit about it if you want to read!
Private Parts Whitening 100% Results In Just 30 Minutes
Tags: Underarms Care, Illumination, Darkness, Armpits, Writing Tips

Do away with bleaching creams and expensive medical treatments — get whiter glowing skin by using the home remedy Skin Lightening & whitening remedy. It’s not a pill, not a drug, not a supplement, not a cream, not even an oil, it’s just a simple remedy! After months of research, I found this wonderful remedy.

But in the process, you expose your dark underarm skin and some blemishes you’re ashamed of. This is where it gets frustrating for women who have tried multiple products for intimate skin darkening but yet have failed. While some women are blessed with healthy skin and fair tone, others have intimate areas that appear to be darker than the rest of their body’s skin tone. What exactly causes intimate skin darkening? The intimate areas are not that exposed as compared to the other areas of the body, worries just follow below steps.

“I used this remedy, I found it useful as it is safe for intimate areas, no harsh chemicals and it is made from natural based ingredients. It helps reducing dark shade skin of the intimate area. Tried it and got a good result.”

Aloe vera is a gooey, thick liquid made from the flesh of the aloe vera plant leaf. It’s commonly known to treat sunburns, But this healthy aloe provides you with a number of other health benefits many more about aloe vera.

Toothpaste is a daily essential for almost every single person on this planet. It whitens, brightens, cleans your teeth and tongue but did you know it has many other uses also worked with toothpaste.

Semolina, also known as Rava or sooji, is a coarse flour that is made from Durum wheat and can vary in colour from yellow to white depending on the quality of the wheat, powder opens skin pores, remove specks of dirt and eliminates dead skin cells, blackheads and make the skin more clear and fair.

Gram flour or besan is the flour that is got after grinding roasted or raw chickpeas. This flour is rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids, vitamins.

How To Use

1 Tablespoon Aloe vera gel 1 Tablespoon Toothpaste 1 Tablespoon Rava (sooji) 1 Tablespoon Gram flour

With the help of these ingredients for skincare, getting rid of that nasty dark or black shades on your private part is made simple. All you need to do is make a mixture of paste and apply to your private parts leave it for 15 minutes remove with the help of water in slow motion massage.

The best natural lightening remedy which does work very effectively, awesome.
Does curation really exist?
By: Erivaldo Ricardo
Tags: Illumination, Curation, Writing, Médium, Learning

After all, what is happening?

I confess that my first articles are not a flower that smells in Medium. After all I was in the discovery phase, but what I can’t understand is that after working so hard to publish my decent articles, I didn’t get many readers or even the curatorship of any article.

Ok, I know you must be saying “maybe the articles were good for you and not for your readers”, but that’s not what happened. Although I have few followers and consequently few readings, I understand the lack of feedback, but when I posted two of my articles in one of the Facebook groups, it seemed that the articles had changed and had better readings there than in the internal traffic.

That’s when I saw that the problem wasn’t in the articles, but in the audience for lack of followers. So I came to a conclusion and asked the following questions:

- Are articles curated when my audience is bigger or when my article is better?

- Are articles curated when I write consistently or when I just need to write a great article?

- Are articles curated when they are more than 3 minutes old and unreliable or when the articles have less reading time and are excellent?

I have simply asked certain questions like these because I have found articles that sometimes do not respect the curatorial rules and have been curated and it makes me think about what Medium really follows as a curatorial standard.

If you are new to Medium and write good articles, you should probably relate to this article.
Thanks for your honesty, William (Dollar Bill) Mersey.
By: April M. Hamm, She They
Tags: Illumination, Talent Management, Volunteer Management, Writers On Medium, Illumination Curated

Thanks for your honesty, William (Dollar Bill) Mersey.

Honest evaluation is important for growth and Improvement in any endeavor.

Improving writer satisfaction will ensure the publications continue to thrive in 2021.

I’m sure Dr Mehmet Yildiz and Team at ILLUMINATION and ILLUMINATION-Curated will appreciate the feedback.
A Weekful of Poetry ~ 7, 25 Word Poems
By: A Rustic Mind, Manali Desai
Tags: Poem, Illumination, Life, Poetry On Medium, Poetry

1. Fool

Who would you say is the fool?

One who trusted,

And lost a cheater

Or the one who broke the trust,

And lost a keeper.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

2. Adulting

To my questions they said, “You’ll understand when you grow up’

I grew up and understood,

Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

It was all a sham,

Because nobody really understands.

3. Blue

Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

A feeling on a day

when you are dull,

The colour of the sky

On a day which is bright

Blue is both wrong and right.

4. Library

Photo by Heber Galindo on Unsplash

My happy place

Is not real

It is somewhere between some pages

But the home of those pieces of paper,

Is my heaven and haven.

5. Balm

Photo by Pharma Hemp Complex on Unsplash

There’s one to nourish the chapped lips,

There’s one for the sore nose to heal,

Is there one to soothe and restore the soul too?

6. Never Gone

“Here lays the sole of a writer

Yes, she’s never resting in peace now.”

Repercussions of being an intolerant grammar Nazi

Borne on a tombstone.

Photo by Rhodi Lopez on Unsplash

7. The Ferris Wheel

Photo by Gerson Repreza on Unsplash

A different view for every cabin,

A different sight with each movement,

That ride taught me,

To keep moving,

For presence, progress, and perspective.
Sleep paralysis
By: Lyndsey Frondarina
Tags: Illumination, Sleep Paralysis, Poetry On Medium, Mental Health, Poetry

Sleep paralysis

Photo by Dylan Sauerwein on Unsplash

I felt like I was on the ocean floor with a

million gallons of water weighing me down.

I couldn’t move or even struggle,

all I could do was lay there and drown.

My eyes were so heavy

they wouldn’t open.

I was completely blind, helplessly

immersed at the bottom of the ocean.

My brain kept telling my body to move

but it was paralyzed and frozen,

being engulfed by the angry

tidal waves of the ocean.

My lungs filled with water

as I gasped for air,

hopelessly drowning

in the vast ocean of despair!
Billie…
By: Denise G
Tags: Prostitution, Illumination, Series, Life Stories, Poetry

Billie…

Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash

Poem 1:

The Virgin

You called me

your virgin

I was just a girl

who carried your

child.

Became

A mother

while still

a child herself.

You invited your

friends over

and wanted them

to have sex

with me.

Even,

a boy

called Mary,

ironically.

To encourage

copulation

with the Virgin

for your

cruel delight.

No concern for me

nor your child.

Confused

and wanting to escape

I devised a plan

to become

the opposite.



Prostitute

No more Mary

Or Virgin

but

Mary Magdalene.

My story

does not

end.

It only

just

Began.
Volume Five of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads
By: Liam Ireland
Tags: Lifestyle, Illumination, Christmas Gifts, Writing, Short Stories And Poems

Volume Five of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads

Photograph by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

One of the joys of this time of year is the way in which a bleak winter can be transformed into a joyous occasion by the simple addition of vibrant colours. But I don't just mean the colours of the decorations, the gift wrapping and the gifts themselves. I mean the colours of our feelings and sense of well being.

For some people it is a time of feeling sad and blue, for others it is a time of great happiness, of sparkling reds and greens. This is the best of Christmas and here you will find it reflected in these five volumes of Christmas themed writings by our highly talented writers.

So, if you are feeling a little down in the dumps, shake off that drabness of winter blues by finding a few quiet moments to sit back and read and reflect on the good things in life. Be happy and have a very merry Christmas.

Ivette Cruz

Joe Luca

Tree Langdon

Stuart Englander

Aldric Chen

Lynette Clements

Thewriteyard

Dew Langrial

Timothy O'Neill

Liam Ireland
Seeking Fabulous Fabulists
By: Jim Mcaulay
Tags: Illumination, Humor, Fable, Humour, Jim Mcaulay

Seeking Fabulous Fabulists

Photo by Sheldon Kennedy on Unsplash

I read an article by Stuart Englander

Which has inspired me to issue a challenge to fiction and poetry writers on Illumination.

During January I am going to write a few fables. If anybody would like to join the fun tag me.
Grief is a Sorrow
By: Janny S Heart
Tags: Illumination, Sorrow, Hope, Grief, Poetry

Sweet Memories Linger

Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

It hits you like a ton of bricks; it weighs you down

It’s like being in the ocean; it’s ok to drown

You don’t know if you can get up

Or if you want to crawl off the ledge

You gasp for air, longing for that last breath

Until you come up, fingers clawing to the top

Your world isn’t over yet, a soft whisper in the dark

Come back; it’s ok, the world’s not that stark
The Coming of the Star
By: Janaka Stagnaro
Tags: Solstice, Illumination, Tarot, Esoteric, Spirituality

SPIRITUALITY

The Coming of the Star

Image by komahouse from Pixabay

Today is the solstice, and a star rises. It is not really a star; it is the joining of Jupiter and Saturn from our perspective. It is a symbol; it is not the truth. However, symbols affect our consciousness quite dramatically. Look at all those who have given their lives to protect a square of cloth representing their country, their group of people. The symbol of Jupiter is expansion, the king of all our planets. Saturn has been seen as the great disciplinarian, that which limits, that which sets boundaries.

In the Tarot, The Star is a beacon — a sign that dawn will come after this dark night. Just have faith. For you see, the Star follows a series of cards that are quite apt to the times in which we live.

We first had The Devil, the energies that have enslaved us to the block of matter — our addictions and vices. Our fears. The evils we beset upon each other. Our shadow.

After seeing that which has been binding us comes The Tower, the energy of war and destruction. It is Kali. It is a time to be proactive in destroying the bonds that keep us from our evolutionary path, or reacting as outside forces do it for us. The Emperor and the Pope and those hierarchal forces are shaken to their foundation. It is the slap on the hand to let go of the old ways that no longer work. The Tower is never fun. Many suffer and walk around in shock among the rubble piles. But if one looks up, the Star comes into view. The night is not over. Actually, it is the blessing of the night’s darkness that has the Star shines so. But it arises and quickly falls.

The Star leaves us to the night and The Moon. While the Moon brings light, it brings a silvery glow, an unworldly light that distorts the world around us and plays tricks with our minds. Like a projector, it shines upon our fears and displays them on the temporal screen of our lives. The Moon tells us to look inside, to see those fearsome beasties that have been manipulating our lives so we can get through this night when finally The Sun will arise. The Sun, the Divine Child, the Christ, that which shines upon all equally. A new evolutionary step.

We are living in such a powerful time, planetarily, societally, and personally. We have such an opportunity to step up a rung on our ascending ladder. Let us look up at this Star, this reminder that the night will pass; that true freedom is not subject to outward circumstances — that it is to be expansive within limitations. And let it remind us to make use of this time of gestation to make ready for the Sun to take birth in all of us.

— Janaka Stagnaro
Winter Solstice at New Grange, Ireland
Tags: Solstice, Ireland, Illumination, Archaeology

Photo by Brittany Eliason on Unsplash

Today is the winter solstice. The shortest day of the year. From now on, the evenings will begin to lengthen and the promise of Spring becomes reality.

In the Boyne Valley in southern Ireland, there is a Neolithic structure which is called New Grange. It dates back to even before Stonehenge in England and is estimated to be over 5,000 years old.

As a schoolgirl in the early 60’s, I was taken there on a school trip. I wasn’t very impressed. I thought it was dark and gloomy and would have much preferred a visit to a ruined castle ( of which there are many to choose from ). I had no understanding of the importance of this place.

It wasn’t until 1967 that the archaeologist Michael O’Kelly observed something unusual. He had noted a roofbox above the passageway leading into the large chamber. He was the first in recent history to view the effect of the winter solstice sunrise . As the sun began to appear, after a few minutes light streamed in through the roofbox and directly into the circular chamber. The alignment of the structure is absolutely accurate. When it was first built 5000 years ago, the sunlight would enter exactly at sunrise, but subtle changes in the position of the earth in relation to the sun since then means that the phenomenon begins about 4 minutes after sunrise.

Though originally thought to be a tomb, opinions have changed and it is now assumed to be more of a temple. However, exactly what kind of religious beliefs were held in Neolithic times is unclear, and may have involved a cult of the dead or alternately a sun worshipping society. Certainly there were remains of human bone found, some cremated ,along with pottery beads, similar to those found in other Neolithic structures. There were many stones outside which have been decorated in patterns of swirls and coils, typical of megalithic art. The large entrance stone is particularly ornately carved.

In other years, the Office of Public Works, who manage the site, ran a lottery for tickets to observe the winter solstice effect. Understandably ,this year, due to the pandemic, visitors were not allowed. But what they have done is to arrange for a live stream of the event which can be viewed by anyone.

Here is a link to that livestream for you to enjoy.

Winter Solstice — 20 December 2020 — YouTube
5 Hair Problem Solution. Damaged Hair, Dandruff Hair, Frizzy…
Tags: Illumination, Hair Spa Treatment, Hair Spa At Home, Hair Care Tips, Selfcare Tips

Damaged Hair, Dandruff Hair, Frizzy Hair, Hair Fall, Split End.

All 5 problem start with split ends are a recurring issue. They make your hair look dry, frizzy, and damaged. Moreover, your hair stops growing when you have too many split ends. Is meticulously searching and cutting off split ends strand by strand or chopping off your hair the only solution?

Of course not! Here are the best natural ways to prevent and repair split ends to keep your hair healthy.

Coconut oil is a brilliant moisturizer and a natural healer. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that enable it to penetrate your hair easily. It moisturizes and nourishes your hair and is great for preventing and repairing split ends.

How to do?

Take some coconut oil in your palm and apply it to your hair from the roots to the tips. Make sure you apply enough oil to the tips.

Clip up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave it on overnight, In the morning, shampoo your hair to get rid of the excess oil, Towel dry your hair no need any hairdryer.

This you have to follow twice a week to reduce split end problem.

You don’t have to completely overhaul your current hair care routine and buy all new hair products. But there are certain simple tips and tricks.

Rub a little bit of any hair oil of your choice (olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and argan oil work best) on the ends of your hair before going to bed to give them an extra moisturizing boost.

Tips.

Use good quality hairbrushes and combs

Make sure you only use hair products of a reputed brand

Try to alternate between home remedies and commercially available products

If you want to snip off the ends at home, make sure you use the right hair scissors or hair shears. Using regular paper scissors can cause further damage by causing split ends.

Keep your hair tied as much as possible. Open hair is more prone to damage

Homemade Hair Mask For Your Hair!

Yoghurt for your dull hair and home spa treatment, no need to go saloon when you can take care of your hair, Saloon only provide chemical base treatment to stop wasting your money on that which you can do by your self.

Take Enough yoghurt to add 1 egg 2 tablespoons of any oil which is available with for your hair suitable and apply this mask all over your hair and clip up, Leave it on for 20 minutes before shampooing your hair, as usual, Yoghurt can also help reduce hair damage.
Sweat, Sour and Salt
Tags: Poem, Illumination, Love, Self, Poetry

Sweat, Sour and Salt

Photo by Amit Talwar on Unsplash

I am sweeter than sugar

you came to taste me

and you found small pieces of sugar

and ran behind them to taste them and forgotten me.

I rolled and fell down

in sand and dust

and submerged in saltwater.

I went to the shore.

Made me strong and

covered with a hard coating.

Increased my strength

made of sour and bitter memories.

Don’t try to taste me again

because I am salty than ever.

I am not sweet for you every time

If you dare to taste me

you then never want to try me again

because I am stronger and bitter than ever.

I changed from sweet, salt, sour to bitter

but that lesson taught me to become stronger

and follow my dreams

to know who I am.
Volume Four of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads
By: Liam Ireland
Tags: Writing And Writers, Illumination, Christmas Stories, Short Stories And Poems

Volume Four of The Best Illumination Writers Christmas Reads

Photograph by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Well here we are just five days to Christmas Day and already I am here compiling volume four of this series of Christmas themed pieces. This is turning out to be quite a Christmas gift in these days of lockdowns. Here at least you can enjoy the wonderful Christmas stories poems and articles from all around the world. If you can't go out, you can just settle back and have a good read. Enjoy and have a happy Christmas.

Thewriteyard

Tim Maudlin

Tree Langdon

Jan M Flynn

Floyd Mori

Maria Rattray

Cassandra P.

Melanie J.

Liam Ireland