Activity
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malakkc submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem or letter to the world about an experience that changed you or your life for the better 6 days, 18 hours agoHijab
Malak Kalmoni ChehabAfter the loss of my mother-in-law, my youngest daughter brought up the topic of starting to wear the hijab (a scarf that covers the hair, denoting our humbled nature towards God, and empowering our rights to protect our modesty in a world filled with immodesty). As a mother, who wanted to give my daughter a better chance at a larger pool of the ‘marriage mart’, my husband and I convinced her to wait. However, she brought up my inner need to wear the hijab myself and be a better practicing Muslim, because the hijab is a constant reminder of my connection to God. By wearing it, I’m reminded to always be grateful for what I have, not to envy what others do, work harder to achieve my desires within the dictates, rules and regulations given to Muslims through the Quoraan. I’ve also found that the acceptance I’ve received in this Western Country, Canada, was overwhelmingly positive and empowered me to stay the course of my beliefs. Now, I’m proud to say that my struggle to strengthen my belief is a daily occurrence, that I do my best not fall under its depressing weight. Struggling to unite people through the hijab is an uplifting experience, as one shares their experiences and problems, which in turn help others find solutions for their own set of issues.
My favorite comment when people meet me, is that I have a certain glow to my face that comes from the power of my faith.Voting starts June 17, 2024 12:00am
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malakkc shared a letter in the
Poetry group 2 weeks, 5 days agoInternational Writers Day acrostic
International Writer’s Day
AcrosticInternet has facilitated global connections
Never stop the growth of writers
That rend their hearts as their words flow
Empowering the weak to
Remember their worth
Never succumbing to oppression’s
Timely propagation that cleaves
Intimate family members into
Open enemity, clearly ‘Dividing & Conquering’
Needlessly aggressive, destructive,
Avid in mercilessly taking resources and
Leaving nothing to the Indigenous peoples.Write, revel, rebel, roast, rumble the gruesome
Reality of a world built on Materialism
Instead of unity of humanity
That lends compassion and succor that
Eventually works together against the oppressor
Ruining the ecology, separating family,
Solidifying Darwin’s rules of supremacyDealing in strength that overpowers others
Amid illegal, inhumane practices that have
Yet to be punished.©️ Malak kalmoni chehab ©️
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Powerful words, Malak. Your passion for justice and unity shines through. Keep writing, raising awareness, and fighting against oppression. Together, we can create a world that values compassion, equality, and the preservation of our planet. Never underestimate the impact of your voice and the power of collective action.
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Gerald Washington shared a letter in the
Poetry group 3 weeks agoShaky Bridge
Gerald WashingtonA nightmare became real a few days ago
Seeing it unfold in Baltimore on Twitter X
was confirmation of its existence
Thankfully, you, and I were nowhere near it
But other humans were in the eye of a storm
A storm they didn’t see coming
A storm they never thought would come to pass
A storm they didn’t think
would be the final chapter they would see
In a dark atmosphere
The almost hero of the night
did his best to hold himself up
But the boat’s power that glided in his path
was too much for him to handle
His strength quickly dissipated into nothingness
and finally collapsed into cold and dark waters
along with the people he tried to save
It’s a sad situation
seeing events like this affecting the human nation
It’s another reminder to appreciate life
And to live it with all our might.-
Gerald, the recent events in Baltimore were a nightmare come true. It was a storm that caught people off guard, leaving devastation in its wake. Though we were fortunate to be far from it, others were not so lucky. The hero of the night fought valiantly, but the forces were too much. Lives were lost, and it serves as a reminder to cherish every…read more
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Well said, Kayjah. It really was a nightmare for those who were on the bridge when it happened and the ship that hit the Baltimore Bridge. I went over a bridge here in Texas a few days ago, and all I could think of was how the Francis Scott Key Bridge went down. It’s so sad. It’s been a while. I hope you’re well.
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malakkc submitted a contest entry to
Write about a time you didn’t give up 1 month agoGive Up, Never!
Malak Kalmoni ChehabGive up, never!
The challenges of life give greater
Satisfaction when struggling to overcome them.Give up, never!
Through war planes, attacker
On our land, as my partner is an army officer.Give up, never!
Through financial strains, being a mother,
Teacher, student, niece, aunt, cousin, daughter…
With duties and love to give as worries grow stronger.Give up, never!
Going through bowl obstruction surgeries, recover
From that alone is like moving through quick sand, a surfer
Of intense pain, stilted, limited movements that border
On the robotic before getting better.Give up, never!
Immigrating at fourty plus is no simple matter,
With two teens and two adults to give succor
As the cultural, geographical, and familial reservoir
Dwindles and altered to an extreme purveyor
Of loss as we embrace newer circumstances in horror.Give up, never!
Through each trial, the sun does shine brighter
And belief that you’re being tested makes me stronger.Give up, never!
Give up, never!
Give up, never!©️ Malak kalmoni chehab ©️
Voting starts May 16, 2024 12:00am
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Gerald Washington shared a letter in the
Current Events group 1 month, 1 week agoThank You, Janice Burgess, For The Backyardigans
Gerald WashingtonDear Ms. Burgess,
I hope this letter makes its way to you in heaven. It saddens me that it took the news of your passing to learn that you were the one who created the cute cartoon show, The Backyardigans.
I was entering my 20s and living with my oldest sister and niece in Maryland, when I discovered your show. My niece and I were enjoying another kid’s show called The Wonder Pets. It took a little while for me to get into that show. But, once I did, I enjoyed it to the point where I believed I enjoyed that show as much as my niece did.
It was a blast watching the three main characters on The Wonder Pets have their adventures and talk to other animals in their world.
Once I was eager to watch The Wonder Pets, I noticed your show, The Backyardigans would come on before The Pets. It looked interesting. But I wasn’t sure I would like it as much as The Wonder Pets. I’m so glad I was wrong about that.
Slowly but surely, my niece and I would start watching The Backyardigans as much as The Wonder Pets.
Listening to the theme song of The Backyardigans was always a great way to start the day when I was babysitting my niece. It was also fun seeing what the main characters would be up to in the episodes we saw together.
Watching my niece light up when your show and The Wonder Pets came on TV made me light up in seeing how happy you made her. She’s 16 now– which is hard for me to believe. But I’ll always remember those times I had with her watching your show and The Wonder Pets early in the morning.
So thank you, Ms. Burgess, for creating a show that gave me memories with my niece as well as all the other work you’ve done. Just from looking at some of your photos online, you looked like you were a sweet person who gave other people joy.
Sincerely,
Gerald -
lostone89 submitted a contest entry to
What is your ”perfect day?” 1 month, 2 weeks agoA Perfect G.W Day
Gerald WashingtonAnother day rises from the ground
But with a different flavor to it
A day of traveling and clearing the cluttered mind
And also creating a wonderful timeLet the special day start with eating some delicious breakfast
Food that speaks to my soul
That makes me feel whole
And inspires me to conquer the roadWhen the road and I meet
Some of my favorite songs and I greet
Like it’s the first time
We’re getting to know each other’s mind
As I unwind during this special timeWhile jamming and cruising on an unknown highway
Various historical statues and beautiful land catch my eye
Giving me a positive high
That I don’t want to end
But continue to ascendAnd embrace this rare feeling
A beautiful beach awaits me
And hypnotizes my eyes
With its wavesIt waves at me and says ‘’come on in’’
But, before I take my first jump
I just want to stare at its beauty
And take a million pictures of itThen I charge to the calming water
Like a soldier ready to do battle
But only remain in the safety zone
While watching others enjoy themselvesThe perfect ending to a perfect day
It would be great to have another perfect day tomorrow
If only this could become a reality.
For now, wishing and dreaming about it will surfaceSincerely,
GeraldVoting is closed
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Greetings,
Your piece is very descriptive and nicely written. Delightfully adventurous and includes the good food, the best idea.-
Greetings greetings,
Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Good food is a must…haha.
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Poetry group 1 month, 3 weeks agoTongue twister
DB cooperMy screen is a scene of something obscene
It’s so serene I hear Myself scream I deemed it extreme
Im not to keen to dream it seems, I mean….. -
db-cooper submitted a contest entry to
What is your ”perfect day?” 2 months agoPerfect sway
Danielle BettroIt’s a perfect day, let’s go slay.
Waking up feels great, my body’s not in pain. My brain no longer insane, I’m tame.
I put my doc’s on and stroll out the door on this beautiful 80 degree day.
My gosh the beauty I see before me,
neighbors smiling and I am stylin’
Jeeps workin’ just fine wow that just blew my mind
I feel like I’m in a Muppet movie surrounded by singing
And dancing I feel fantastic not a bit sarcastic
nope…. no work today! Just me, myself, and IVoting is closed
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Danielle, It sounds like you’re perfect day is an amazing day filled with joy and positivity! I’m glad that you embrace the beauty around you and enjoy your time off. It’s great to cherish the moments of relaxation and self-care. Keep that upbeat spirit going!
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lostone89 submitted a contest entry to
Why do you love yourself? 3 months agoLoving Yourself Is A Must
Gerald WashingtonDear Gerald,
Loving yourself
is like putting a warm blanket
to shield me from the brutal cold
that’s eager to enter my place
and take over my spacebut my increased self-love
from above
inside my mind
reminds me
to protect the warmth
I have inside my vessel
and keep my heart alive
from those who wish harm and hate
to crush my mental state
and conquer melike a conqueror wanting new land
to bring his/her band
to rule in sinister ways
and cause darker days
for the conqueredself-love
is a must for us all
to stand tall
in the face of adversity
that will persist to threaten our peace
and try to cease
the love
that we worked hard to keep
for ourselves
and show others the way
to love themselves all-dayself-love is a non-stop process
that we must maintain to have success
in loving ourselves
On your self-love journey
I wish you well
so that you can have a self-love story to tellVoting is open!
Voting ends May 16, 2024 12:00am
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You’re absolutely right; love IS a non-stop process. It’s so easy to get lost in goals and forget that self-love is like eating or breathing. I love the literary devices you used and you have such a strong and unique flow. I really love this piece 🙂
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Most definitely, it’s very easy to lose sight of self-love. I love the self-love comparison you made to eating or breathing. And thank you very much, I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
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I love how you started this piece. The imagery was so clear and it is such a good analogy. I love everything about this piece, as it has so many important and accurate messages for people. It is also very thoughtful. As always, thank you for sharing, and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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Thank you, Lauren. I’m happy that you loved everything about this piece. It was a thrill to write. And once again, thank you for the opportunity to share and be a part of The Unsealed family. <3 Gerald
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malakkc submitted a contest entry to
What are your goals for the new year? 3 months, 3 weeks agoReact to Darkness
Malak Kalmoni ChehabThe world runs around and bucks you
Of your trajectory with minutiea that drive you
Up a wall, and down into darkness which blinds
Your senses that either gives adrenaline or freezes
You into a statue that’s blind, deaf, and dumb.Your vision turns into bright starts that short-
Circuit your mind with blinding light whose sport
Is to suppress your logic, embracing emotions
That turn you deaf to all evidence against your passions.
Those then steal your ability to speak your mind.As the world moves round and round, like a merry
Go round, so do you try to stave off the shocks that ferry
You into dismay as experiences are disillusioningly
Petrifying, with their obstacles and demands
On your taking a stand outside your comfort zones.Stay the course.
Stand tall.
Savor each experience.
Strengthen your faith with failure or success.
Sever negative relationships,And let your self-confidence emerge
A snow white pigeon of peace and verve of life.©️ Malak kalmoni chehab ©️
Voting is closed
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I could really picture the merry go round you described in this piece, but I love the ending:
“Stay the course.
Stand tall.
Savor each experience.
Strengthen your faith with failure or success.
Sever negative relationships,And let your self-confidence emerge
A snow white pigeon of peace and verve of life.”Love how you ended it. Thank you for…read more
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
To the people we love group 4 months agoMy Love
Danielle BettroMy heart is broke I’m begining to sulk
My tears are for fears that you might not be back do you have to go away for this long? I don’t think Im strong for lack of a better word, maybe I’m being absurd
First time I saw you I knew you were the one.
Starring in to each others eyes our lips touched and that was it, I was hit with cupid’s arrow.
Now years later a lie was created
doubted thoughts loom and you assume.
My heart drops what did I do I never knew you felt like this I must’ve missed.
I want to give you a kiss and be in bliss again with you, this what I really want to do
I miss you-
Danielle I can feel the raw emotions in your letter, and I’m here to offer support and understanding during this difficult time. Heartbreak is never easy, and it’s natural to feel a sense of sadness and longing when someone you love is away for an extended period. Sending you strength and support during this challenging time.
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Current Events group 4 months agoThe government abroad, We didn't start the fire
Danielle BettroThis is but a thought the truth of what our nation is coming to
Fiddle De De fiddle de dumb biden’s got his thumb up his bum, he gave Ukraine another lump sum.
Migrants galore, Chicago ignore. They say the American dream is a lore. It rocks me to my bitter core.
The opponent stays quiet, so there won’t be a riot.
My words are honest, but I can’t promise they won’t cause strife. Think of your life.
I’m not political, I’m not semitic
but I said it…
Eat the rich, but not the poor
too many citizens lying on the floor
My lord…
They say COVID is coming back and it’s going to attack. Relax it’s just tact
The election is coming The press is running and they are cunning.
My thoughts are clear a mere sense of clarity
A rarity indeed I’m not trying to mislead It’s just a seed. -
Gerald Washington shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 4 months, 1 week agoL's Birthday
Gerald WashingtonDear Lauren,
I heard you had a birthday coming up real soon. I’m so glad I got the message so I could wish you a very happy birthday! I hope you get to enjoy every hour, every minute, and every second of it. I also hope you eat lots of apple pie– or the foods you want to eat on your special day. Happy Birthday, Lauren (L)! May you have a billion more birthdays in the future!Sincerely,
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Thank you so much! I am so grateful for our friendship. I love you and your heart. You are wonderful. Thank you again. <3 Lauren
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You’re very welcome! I’m grateful for our friendship as well. I love you too and your generosity. Happy Birthday again. <3 Gerald
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 4 months, 2 weeks agoRX Ginny Pig
Danielle BettroHello in there, is your head working yet? Here just take another pill.
For breakfast every morning I have a colorful array of meds.
Just so I can fit in, I hate it I really do. don’t worry here’s another pill to cheer you up, one to keep u from your nightmarish dreams. One to stay awake, one for pain, another to be in a. Good mood, one to make you stay in a good mood. but it might take a few meds to find the right one
My mind feels perfectly fine.
Another appointment? Let’s change it up. A few MG’s up a few down.
Are you ready for another round
Ya, I’m down.
I hear a sound. Let’s wing it this timeIt’ll be fine, You’ll feel so much better. You might even get a little thinner.
Who knows, the sky’s the limit! That’s the ticket, keep on taking them they’ll keep on making em.
Addicting those that are weak, and seem to only seek The ones they can critique….-
Danielle this is really powerful. I know other people who have gotten in the cycle of taking pills for mental health, and feel as though they are being put on a rollercoaster similar to the way you describe the experience.
You know your mind and body best. And you know what’s best for you. I am cheering your happiness on from afar. <3Lauren
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I absolutely love this. It’s the truth. There’s no solution just meds
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Thank you Rebecca I felt it got exactly how I felt out
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Wow this is so powerful I’ve been raised in mental hospitals and medication has been shoved down my throat my whole life and I have always described the process of being properly medicated as this and you perfectly put the reality of it in the best words well done
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Thank you very much for the kind words Im humbled that you could relate to it so much! I appreciate you!
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lostone89 submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 4 months, 2 weeks agoBeing Able To Be Grateful
Gerald WashingtonDear Unsealers,
Being grateful is something that I don’t do enough
especially when life is rough
but when the grateful spirit enters the mind
A great wave of gratitude gives me joy insideThere are so many things I’m grateful for
and have me eager to see what more
life has in storeI’m grateful every day to have another chance
and to start a new dance
I’m grateful for another day to choose
even when I have the bluesI’m grateful that I was given the blessing of life
even though it’s filled with constant strive
I’m grateful for the life experiences that I’ve had
Some happy and some deeply sadI’m grateful that I’m in a different place
when years ago, my head was in a different space
I’m grateful for the many connections I’ve made
some connections remained, while others faded awayI’m grateful for the achievements I’ve accomplished so far
they make me feel that it’s possible to reach the stars
And I’m grateful to be in a position to be able
to express feeling gratefulVoting is closed
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Awww Gerald… Your beautiful heart shines through once again. You can reach the stars. You are brilliant and kind, and there is much more life has to offer you – there are more accomplishments for you to achieve and more love for you to give and receive. You are wonderful. I am grateful to call you my friend. Thank you for sharing and thank you…read more
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Thank you, Lauren. You’re so right about there is more to see and accomplish in life. I’m inspired to reach the stars like you have. I’m grateful to call you my friend as well and to be a part of The Unsealed family. <3 Gerald
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malakkc submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem about what you are grateful for in your life 4 months, 3 weeks agoMy Last 5 Minutes
malak kalmoni chehabI sit up,
Look up,
Firing my appreciation
To God, in whose contemplation,
Veneration, I’m engrossed
In my thanks to all that
I’ve got, that’s on the spot:
Family to love and cherish,
Kin to pray and think of me as I perish,
Friends who’ll miss my presence,
As our discussions cover matters that hence
Ruminate over social changes
Trending through social media’s
Imposing pressure over all genders
And age groups who surrenders
Their freedom to bondage
Of our sovereignty over our charge:
Our immortal soul, whose barred
From its morality, replaced
By being led to sins that destroy
Your connection to the All Mighty. A ploy,
To reduce believers that rebel against sins of immorality.Voting is closed
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Malak, there is so much depth and power in your poetry. You are so insightful. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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Hi Lauren,
I’m so glad that you can connect to my writing. Your replies empower me to write more. <3
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Surviving Addiction group 4 months, 3 weeks agoFalling down a hole less traveled
Danielle BettroSurviving addiction it’s an affliction calling out for an intervention
Spend my time wondering why it took a hold of me. Eyes are wide Breath is high
Time is a wasting well I’m chasing my dragon
Tag you’re it! It’s my turn already?
I can’t even, I’m not steady
On your mark get set go, GI Joe the more you know.
My name is Danielle and I can’t even tell
I’m ready to give up I’ve had enough.-
Danielle, your words resonate with the struggles and pain of addiction. It’s a battle that can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone. Reach out for support and never give up on the hope of recovery. You have the strength to overcome. Keep fighting, Danielle.
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Thanks kayjah you words mean a lot!
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Surviving Addiction group 5 months agoThe addict
Danielle BettroAm I really entering the world of addicy oh the audacity
am I really that into it
I am really that into it
You deserved this
You treversed this
Why cant I leave this room
It’s doom and gloom
Im starting to tune this out
Searching, nay saying
I’m just trying to say
When the fuck did I get here
This must be a joke,
and then I awoke -
db-cooper shared a letter in the
Magical Moments group 5 months agoLittle boy
Danielle BettroWoke up in a daze not feeling like I wanted to go to work. I attempted to call out. Talked to my boss it was a definite NO, I need you come in… Uhg so I did. feeling bad about leaving my boss hangin I strolled in to work every thing was fine just as it should be. I set up and took my first client.second, third and so on and so forth, I noticed a boy and his mother walk in and sit down. The mother was called by the stylist the sat up front probably about 11 or 12 I would say… All of the sudden out of the corner of my eye I see him grabbing his throat and trying to cough. Without even a thought or a memory of how I got from.here to there it was like an outer body experience watching from above myself in motion attending and defending this little boys will to live. It was crazy, each thrust I felt his body get tighter it seemed like forever I was giving the heimlich maneuver. I’ll tell ya… it wasn’t “I hope” this thing. Comes out it was “going to” come out…. And it did the boy with a blue hue had a natural color to him again.
thank you to who ever what ever that was that came over me the boy started to cough just as the EMTs arrived I stepped a way. They were all clapping, my boss was crying and shaking as was I. My boss pulled me out back to talk she was like how, why if you took the day off…. I just glad you were here today.
The mother of the boy however was beyond her self gave me a hug asked how could she ever repay me for saving the boy I said to her… Him being
alive and breathing is payment enough.
This is my memorable moment….-
Omg! You saved that little boy’s life. That is amazing. You are a HERO! It is so hard to act in the moment. Truly incredible! <3 Lauren
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Lauren it was unimaginable the timing the fact that my boss wouldn’t let me call out It was truly a unbelievable experience I don’t think of myself as a hero though….I just did what my body led me to do It was surreal there was one other time when there was a boy drowning in Western Mass and I happened to look down and saw him doing the dead…read more
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Hi Lauren I had a question for you and wasn’t sure how to message you directly but been thinking about writing a memoir for years now not quite sure how to do it or if I could get sponsored by someone to actually publish it wondering how that works thanks
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Hey! We’ve done a few shows on it. Once you write the transcript, you have to format it (you can hire someone on Upwork for whatever price range you want). You also need an isbn which you can buy on https://www.myidentifiers.com/. After that you need a cover. Amazon can create one with AI for free, or you can make one on canva with the dimensions…read more
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db-cooper shared a letter in the
Chasing Your Dreams group 5 months agoIf you try sometimes you get what you need
Danielle BettroChasing, pacing, racing
Only in my dreams
I want so bad to see them come true
But I haven’t come to terms with seeing it thru my desires and wants take second stage
To the battle that is everyday
Someday I hope I can make them happen
Glory day, I hope and pray for my time to come
Though It lasts just a second
And then it ends…
it’s already written - Load More
