The Beginning At Last

Two Days Late

—

by

Kevin
in
Daily writing prompt
What does it mean to be a kid at heart?
View all responses

If this question had come up two days ago, my answer would have been much different.

But after the events of yesterday, I am feeling a bit more jaded.

Been doin’ a lot of thinkin’

Two days ago, my answer probably would have involved, at least to some degree, a few words about embracing creativity and enjoying the process.

Today, however, I find myself asking if it’s even worth it.

And honestly, I don’t know the answer quite yet.

Is it worth it to put your imagination, your ideas and your dreams out there just so some no-talent lowlife can swipe them and try to make a name at your expense?

Is it worth it to put it all out there, just to know that if things go sideways, you have to jump through fifty hoops just to get told no one can help you? Or that they’ll help you to the tune of $199?

Is it worth trying to be a kid at heart if the world is just going to kick you in the teeth when you’re only trying to chase your muse and interact with other like-minded folk?

The more I think about it, the further from an answer I get.

The only thing I know for sure is that when shit like what happened yesterday happens, it really dampens the creative urge.

As much as I’d have loved to make this a goofy, humorous post, right now that tank is empty.

Right now, the only thing that keeps going through my mind is one question.

Is it really worth it?

© 2024 The Beginning At Last

Comments

66 responses to “Two Days Late”

  1. Ernie 'Dawg' Avatar
    Ernie ‘Dawg’

    I don’t know the right answer to this brother but I believe a thief will burn themselves sooner or later. If we quit sharing our thoughts and dreams of life isn’t that letting them defeat us? Trolls will continue to cause chaos but I’d hate to think they have power enough to make us lay our pens and quills to the side. Just my two cents.

    Liked by 11 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      You are quite likely right, my brother. It’s just not always easy to see that immediately. It certainly does dampen the creative spirit though.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Ernie 'Dawg' Avatar
        Ernie ‘Dawg’

        Yes sir it does.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      You nailed it !!! I couldn’t have said it better myself. There will always be people who are jealous of your work, your blog, and your connections, often because they lack fulfillment in their own lives. They simply don’t care. If we let them win, they’ll just move on to target someone else, and we’ll be the ones missing out on what brings us joy and strengthens our community. I refuse to let anyone steal my JOY. If I have to, I’ll call them out until they either leave or break down.

      They definitely don’t want to see this Lion Roar! 🦁

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply
      1. Ernie 'Dawg' Avatar
        Ernie ‘Dawg’

        Great outlook Willie. It’s upsetting to watch this unfold and it seems that the trollers are only picking on women. Or it seems like that to me.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      No matter who it happens to, we need to support each other and stand up against these losers. It shouldn’t be tolerated. If you genuinely like a post and want to share it on your page, at least include the original author’s link, just like we do with daily prompts. Giving recognition to the creator doesn’t cost you anything and shows that you truly appreciate their work. That’s the essence of blogging—to be recognized for your writing.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
      1. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Unfortunately, this isn’t a WP site that stole her work, so there’s little that can be done to impact them.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. thomasstigwikman Avatar
    thomasstigwikman

    This is perhaps a bit shallow of an analogy. For Halloween three years ago we decided to put out a bucket of candy with a sign that said “take a handful”. The reason was that one of our dogs was so misbehaved that it became a problem to answer the door. Unfortunately, a group of older kids took the whole bucket, not just the candy, but the bucket too, and they ran off with it all. It was a nice expensive Halloween bucket. The same thing happened to a relative of ours. She said I am never doing that again. We said we’ll try again. Next year several kids came by and they all took a handful. We saw some of them through the window and they all seemed so happy and excited. There are thieves but there are many more of those who enjoy the work you do.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you Thomas. That is actually a perfect analogy.
      I’ll be honest and say that I’d likely have taken the same path your relative did, so I tip my cap to you for having the faith to give it one more go.
      I think after reflecting a bit I know what the right answer is, but I’m not so sure I believe in it fully right now. It really dims the creative fire.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. thomasstigwikman Avatar
        thomasstigwikman

        I can certainly understand that it dims the creative fire, but I hope you’ll continue.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thank you, Thomas. Perhaps I’ll feel differently later on after some rest. Right now, I am drawing a complete blank.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Shweta Suresh Avatar
    Shweta Suresh

    Sometimes it feels like life is just a series of one unfair thing after another. Things like the truth will always triumph and hardwork gets rewarded seem like myths at times. But all said and done, when they start to affect our creative side, I think that’s us letting them win and we can’t allow that to happen. Shit happens. We just have to deal with it and move on. Even despite the hundreds of supporting and encouraging bloggers on WP, we are bound to run into a few trolls like this. I think I stopped being a kid at heart years ago and tbh I don’t think I miss that feeling too.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you Shweta. That’s a very thoughtful and accurate reply. And yes, shit does happen indeed.
      I think it’s just up to each of us to decide how much we want to deal with. Some days it’s like hitting your head against a brick wall

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Shweta Suresh Avatar
        Shweta Suresh

        Yes indeed. It’s up to us to decide what we do with it. No easy to say, not so easy to pull it off though.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        It’s all about return on investment, and the past couple days, it feels like the toll is a bit more than it should be.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Shweta Suresh Avatar
        Shweta Suresh

        That’s a nice way to put it. There are bad days. But there will be good days too. At least I am glad that you were able to catch this thief! I haven’t faced this before and these days, I’m growing more and more convinced that it might be that I’m ignorant of such theft.
        I hope that the ROI picks up and that you’re able to fire up your creativity 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I believe a lot of us are just ignorant of the theft. I’m sure a lot of our works are swiped and floating around out there somewhere.
        Perhaps it’s just the price of being creative in the digital age.

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Shweta Suresh Avatar
        Shweta Suresh

        True, Kevin. It’s a scary thought indeed. As you put it so rightly, it’s the price of being creative in the digital age.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Theft is not new, but it sure seems a lot easier these days

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Shweta Suresh Avatar
        Shweta Suresh

        Yes indeed. I hope that you’re feeling better and that your creative muse has returned

        Liked by 1 person

      8. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Still a bit blank, but it’s been a particularly crazy couple days, so not had time for creative endeavors unfortunately.
        Thsnk you 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      9. Shweta Suresh Avatar
        Shweta Suresh

        Don’t stress yourself. I’m sure it’ll only be a matter of time. I’m going through a phase where I’m reading much more than writing at the moment.

        Liked by 1 person

      10. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Totally relatable. I’m just enjoying everyone else’s work at the moment. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  4. satyam rastogi Avatar
    satyam rastogi

    Nice 👍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you my friend 🙏

      Like

      Reply
  5. Not all who wander are lost Avatar
    Not all who wander are lost

    Just remember what the Monty python boys always like to say, nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition 🙂 is definitely true that some people suck but being a child at heart means you never forget that the majority of people are good. Don’t let the bastards grind you down 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      But are the majority good? Sometimes I really wonder if that’s the case. Especially days like these.
      I’m probably just extra sour about the whole still, but I’m also agitated that it’s totally sapped my creative will.

      Like

      Reply
      1. Not all who wander are lost Avatar
        Not all who wander are lost

        I totally get that. Very easy and tempting to be just a losers. I think that’s one of the main reasons I’m glad I teach. Hanging around young people gives me hope for the future, and hanging around other teachers reminds me there are lots of people who are trying to make a little better place. Don’t lose hope.:-)

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I try not to, but people make it really hard not to. Being a “good guy” is becoming a lost art these days, and hardly seems worth the effort. I admire that you still have that faith in humanity in general. I am firmly undecided at this moment.

        Like

  6. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    It is worth it. Don’t let the thieves, these rotten apples, ruin the extraordinary creativity flowing through WP and its community.

    Stay strong Kevin 🌞

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thanks, Chris. My heart would like to believe you’re right, but my head keeps saying otherwise lol
      I think it’ll be a minute before I shake off the excess salt.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    It’s worth it because any gift from God is an opportunity to be the light in the he darkness. Let your inner kids folly be the light. Let your inner kids gaffes be a delight 😊 It’s worth it in the end. Their reaction is their circus due to their demons. It’s worth it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thanks, Christine. I hope you’re right, but it’s going to take me a moment to arrive at that conclusion for myself.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I think we just need some time to heal and relax and process the entire thing. I’ve told you before too, some of the things I felt were very personal to me, that I’ve never revealed about myself before – I probably wouldn’t post about that again and you know why.
    But I still believe some of that creative process and flow should be able to come out on a normal basis. There’s a lot of good people here. It’s just unfortunate when the bad overshadows. You do have to wonder about people who suddenly delete, disappear, or just stop altogether that perhaps they became frustrated with one or many different processes.
    However, it’s hard when there are decent people who are supportive and encouraging – like you, and all the people in the comments 🙏 😊

    Hopefully we can feel calm about relaxed and level-headed about the whole thing ❤️ I know, I’d probably revisit this prompt at a later date as well 🤗

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      I’ll be totally honest. At this very second in time, the more I think about it, the less I want to be bothered posting. I know it wasn’t my work that was nicked, but it bothers me just the same. I am also, at this second in time, really sick of opening my notifications and having to manually send spam to the spam folder every single time, and then go to the spam folder to rescue legit comments. It’s totally ass backwards. It seems like this platform can’t get out of its own way at all anymore.
      And yes, a lot of the people who have just up and disappeared, deleted, etc., may have done so with very good reason, and if that is the case, I am fully starting to understand why and think maybe they had the right idea.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. rugby843 Avatar
    rugby843

    For me it is.  It helps fill the void of the empty nest.

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      I totally respect that, and I think its up to all of us as individuals to decide if it is or not.

      Like

      Reply
  10. Mr. Bird Host Avatar
    Mr. Bird Host

    Yes! “Do thou fight for the sake of fighting, without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat–and, by so doing, you shall never incur sin.” Take some time off if you need, but you can bet we’ll drag you back kicking and screaming if we have to. You’re a valuable leader in the WP community, at least that’s how I perceive you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Daniel. I do appreciate that greatly. I have to admit that my heart really is not in it at this time. The past two days are sitting very poorly with me.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Kay Avatar
    Kay

    I think it is worth it… to keep going, to keep creating. When people want to take what’s yours, you can look at it in one of two ways: 1. The highest form of flattery and their lack of creativity. 2. Be mad and let it get you down.

    I’ve noticed quite a bit some folks just repost others blogs. They don’t seem to do their own thing. I’m not sure what happened in this instance, but oftentimes it’s a link back to the original creator.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      There is no link back because this scumbag isn’t even on WP. This was a blatant theft, pure and simple.

      Honestly? Right now, I am feeling option #2 much more strongly. Not even mad now. Just really discouraged and not seeing the point of it all.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Kay Avatar
        Kay

        I’m sorry :/ That’s terrible… But, we can’t let the bad eggs get us down, right?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I don’t know. Sometimes you hit a point where you realize you’re swimming against the tide.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. SiriusSea Avatar
    SiriusSea

    This has happened to me since time began (LOL) !!! Seriously almost expelled from community college b/c another student in a group class stole my work, whited out my name, made photocopies and placed her Handcock displayed on top! I had to clear my name and retake the class with same professor to keep my highest honors! Too many times to address here and yes, a daily struggle to maintain privacy and security …. All that and then some, I feel it’s far more important to express yourself and keep your sacred friendships! That’s what “they” are really after, after all. Stay OSM Mr. WP Mayor and I’m beyond grateful that you are here with tremendous zeal!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Siri. Unfortunately, this might be the one that does me in. I don’t know, but what I do know is that right now I have zero creative mojo and little desire to post anything else.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. SiriusSea Avatar
        SiriusSea

        NOOOO … just a vampire mosquito that you can squish !!! Honestly … but I totally understand the zapped mojo !! Take it easy my awesome friend !!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thanks, Siri. I hope you’re doing well too.

        Like

  13. Edward Ortiz Avatar
    Edward Ortiz

    Ernie and Willie are right, my friend. We need to stay in the fight and let the losers do their thing. Their deeds will come back to haunt them later. The world is full of them: people cheating on taxes, paying money under the table to get their kids into Ivy League schools, scamming old people, corrupt politicians, stealing blog content, the list goes on and on. Not much we can do about those losers, but we are better, and we need to keep dreaming and going after it relentlessly.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  14. Wiwohka Avatar
    Wiwohka

    I hope that when you’ve finished searching your heart for the answer to that question, you’ll discover how important and necessary you are for this community, Kevin. I pray that you’ll look beyond the ugliness of some, to see the eternal beauty your words can leave within the hearts of so many, love… hugs

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      I certainly appreciate this, and I thank you sincerely. This feels like a classic case of the few ruining it for the many. It just plain tires me out dealing with all the silliness that we end up tolerating day to day. My creative fire is very dim at the moment and I am just frustrated with so many things.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Wiwohka Avatar
        Wiwohka

        I fully understand, being on the receiving end of this very issue. It really drained my creative energy, there for a bit. Then I realized that my highest joy in writing comes from others’ responses to it… and it was worth more to me than walking away from what I love! Knowing you, as I think I do, you will get the itch again soon, and when you do… there will always be an enormous bushel of bananas, just inside the door of our lobby, my sweet friend… hugs

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Yes, we shall see where the road leads, I guess. Thank you, my friend. Greatly appreciated. 🙏🙏

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Thankful Tuesday – Black Moon Lilith 🌙 Avatar
    Thankful Tuesday – Black Moon Lilith 🌙

    […] still feeling a bit of “disenchantment” as Kevin put it so perfectly, with the whole irritating occurrence that happened […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      😍😍😍

      Like

      Reply
  16. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    It’s always worth it. 100%. It brings us together in a pool of creativity and if that isn’t worth something, well….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Right now, I feel like I need a life preserver. Or at least a pair of water wings 😄

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sharon Avatar
        Sharon

        just keep swimming………just keep swimming……

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Ana Daksina Avatar
    Ana Daksina

    I used to advise my students who appeared to be thinking about getting serious in the fine arts that the only reason for doing so which will get you past all the layers and layers of bullshit that comes with them is that you just can’t help it. You have to. Any other motivation might as well hang it up at the gate, because it just won’t last.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      That is a sound piece of advice, and something I shall ponder as I decide how I feel about all this.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Ana Daksina Avatar
        Ana Daksina

        Plagiarism is just the beginning, bro.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Mary K. Doyle Avatar
    Mary K. Doyle

    I’ve been writing for many decades, and it’s the same whether it’s online, periodicals in print, books, marketing . . . At this point, I just do my thing. I understand what you’re feeling Kevin. It’s why I have given up writing books. And all this funky stuff going on with WordPress doesn’t help. Whatever, I enjoy getting to know you and look forward to your posts. You are talented, my friend. You will always find ways to use your talent.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Mary. Unfortunately, I know this is nothing new. It just sucks when there’s nothing you can really do to prevent it. Sad state of affairs for sure.

      Like

      Reply
  19. Two Days Late – Exford Trading

    […] Two Days Late […]

    Like

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  20. ✨Avinight✨ Avatar
    ✨Avinight✨

    Your words reveal the truth of reality! We writers and poets often live in the delusional worlds created by our minds and when something like this happens, we lose the track or ourselves and it feels like the world is about to end….we need to spread more awareness about this!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      It is difficult indeed and makes it very hard to continue creating. Not an easy pill to swallow.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. dmaonline1111 Avatar
    dmaonline1111

    ★★★★★★★★★★★★★…5295stars

    Liked by 1 person

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