Oneword

One is the loneliest number.  Actually, wouldn't zero be the loneliest, seeing as it has no company at all, not even itself?

Right, so, one is a fine number, especially when it comes to writing.  I like word association games.  The simplest of these games is to pick one word, at random, and write about what it connects with in your head.  Play pinball with the word.  Brainball.  Whatever.

It's a good ole' exercise that is seeing a revival on the interwebs.  A clean, friendly site by the name of oneword allows you to play this game in a social network setting.  You get one word a day to write about, and 60 seconds to do the deed, with no later editing allowed.  It's a practice in just letting your subconscious plop out without thinking.  There's no time to think.  Once a day is perfect for this too, as it allows you time to reflect on the word and your thoughts later, without you cycling through words like your favorite new addiction.  Quite Zen, I guess.  For me, it's another great way to get a writing workout.  Like working out your body, it is a good idea to mix up the input/output each day.

Here are 5 of my 60-second word barfs:

Cards

Cards like Birds in the high winds, they blew from some tourist stall down at the wharf, now they fly as beautifully for a moment as green parrots. Who would they have gone to otherwise? Better the wind and the bay than great aunts and cousins who would throw them away.





Sage

The sage on the butternut squash ravioli looked crisp and delicious. It reminded him of the sage he should burn in the closet, to cleanse whatever spirits had moved in. It was just last night that he was woken three times by bursts of light and the laughter of children behind the closed door.




Bench

A park bench with white clothes strewn over it in winter. No sign of anyone or any tracks leading to or from it, and no fresh snow for days. The clothes are folded and clean, a full set, entirely white. The wind whispers by.

Barber

Barber sounds like something found on the Spanish coast. When I was young I thought I might end up on the Spanish coast, as a pirate washed up, or a rich lord gazing at his villa. I ended up on the Jersey coast, combing, cutting, and listening. I’m happier than any pirate or lord I’ve ever known.



Tables

Tables form the main buildings, chairs are towers. We push them together and throw blankets over the top. Cushions are walls, and inside a king and a queen discuss their subjects. We rule!