30th June 2026 – NEW ARTICLE…SEE BELOW!!!!!
What is Freebie Friday?
Freebie Friday is a free service for all our writers and those who subscribe to our Newsletter Whisper On The Wing.
Submission Request is via the bottom of this and some other pages.
On Fridays, we publish free short stories, poems, random thoughts, excerpts from books, and other writings from our community of writers and readers.
This is your chance to publish, trial ideas, share short pieces, or simply enjoy a quick read.
How to Submit Your Work for Freebie Friday
Email: submissions@victorialtravelreads.international
Subject: Freebie Friday
Please include:
- Your Author Name
- Book Title (if applicable)
- Short enticing excerpt
- Word count
Pop in every Friday and see what’s new!
Safe travels and happy reading folks!
Cheers,
Victoria L.
Freebie Friday – 3rd July 2026 – Author: VL. Verdéaux
Hello Folks, this is the second article for Freebie Friday
As some of you know, I am writing a series of articles on Earth’s natural elements being Fire, Earth, Wind and Water.
This weeks article is on EARTH
What do we mean by the word ‘Earth’? Do we mean planet Earth or the earth in which we plant our flowers and veggies?
Perhaps we mean the language we speak such as ‘she is earthy’, ‘the salt of the earth’, ‘what on earth are you talking about’, ‘where the earth is he?’, or maybe being an ‘earth mother’, coming down to earth’ or even ‘Mars, this is Earth calling, are you receiving me? Over.
In this article, the use of the word ‘Earth’ has two themes. The first is planet Earth and the second is the earth, or soil we walk upon and sow plants.
As with the first element of Fire, earth has many uses besides being used in our common language vernacular to refer to people and other animals and their behaviour. In line with the previous article on Natural Elements – Fire, Earth is a brief description of what earth is and does. It demonstrates how we can use the same natural earth behaviour to adapt our human behaviour to improve our life, health and well-being.
But first, let’s hark back to Fire and volcanoes. Magma is forced above ground and becomes Lava, same stuff, different name. Lava hardens into rocks that finally fall apart and becomes soil, or earth.
On the surface of our planet, rocks are slowly pressured by winds and minuscule pieces of grit are loosened and spread across the land. Following, those individual pieces of grit may end up helping to form deserts, mountains and even make a contribution to the floor of lakes and oceans.
Nothing is Permanent – Everything Changes
Change happens naturally as nature intends. Everything adapts to constant change which is often driven by other factors. For example, the aforementioned grit is blown from a rock, it may land in a lake. The lake dries up, sand dunes form, deserts form and towns are covered over. In effect, a rock has vanished or, changed form. It only takes one small change to have a domino effect. Land or undersea earthquakes happen regularly.
Each time there is even a small tremor the earth moves. Our planet is in a constant state of change. We know that continents, islands and lands on our planet are not at the same location they were millions of years ago. Think about this, where would the American, African, Australian, the Arctic and Antarctic continents be and what physical condition would they be if they had not moved and rolled with the natural flow and movements of the Earth? Would they be at the bottom of the ocean, or perhaps be covered by other land masses because they did not move whilst other natural cataclysmic events overtook them? However, the continents and land masses rolled with the flow.
Whether it was because of volcanic eruption, earthquakes or whatever, they simply allowed nature to form them into whatever and wherever they are supposed to be.
Not only is our planet in a state of change but the whole universe is as well because it is continually expanding. Everything is constantly on the move whether it be in sub-atomic form or much larger. In billions of years, the geographic map of our planet will be unrecognisable because of these constant changes regardless of the size.
We humans are constructed of the same stuff as the rest of the planet, water, minerals, chemicals and, neutrons, protons and electrons. Therefore, as our planet, our individual human lives continue and very slowly, we change. Wrinkles appear, our body shape alters, our hair turns grey and we shrink. Even our mental attitudes alter. These things will happen as surely as the earth is in a constant state of change as well. This is how life is, ever changing.
So what does this mean to you?
Because everything is in a state of change, the trick to survival is physical and mental adaptability. If we take heed from our planet and nature, there will be less of a battle for our personal psychological health if we do as nature does and adapt to change and let things happen, naturally.
Forget the dramas of last year’s holiday celebratory period, snow, ice, traffic, flights grounded, accidents, deaths, family arguments, disappointments with gifts, food ‘not quite right’ etc. Accept it, forget it and move on. All things will be different tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. I guarantee it. Why? Because like our planet and nature, people change. They change their minds, their likes and dislikes during a day far more often than they change their underwear.
Life without change can be so darned boring, would you like to live today exactly the same tomorrow, the day after, the day after that, and the day after that…again and again and again? Look at the tree outside, the leaves are facing a different direction, look at the cat…another rich long whisker, look at the baby…the smile is becoming wider, look at the ocean, gosh wasn’t it a different shade a few minutes ago?
Look at the veggie patch soil, is it lighter than it was this morning? Who put that ding in my car? “Johnny! You used my car last! That ding was not there yesterday!” “You want me to relish the change of shape to my car?” I hear you say. “Ok, but I would also relish the shape being changed again to how it was before you drove it” (So sayeth Mum).
Take time to see things slowly change, enjoy it because in change, what you see now, you will never see again. Why? Because everything, absolutely everything in the universe is constantly changing!
In order to survive, we need to open our minds and become adaptable to anything that comes along or, remain stuck in the present.
Look at it this way, if nothing changed in us, our body would never die and we live forever with each day the same as today. Forever! Like, how many times can you wake up on the 9th December 2013 and live the same day over, for ever! No way Jose!
Welcome change. Love change, relish each and every moment, hour, day, week month and year being different! To welcome and adapt, this is how we learn, develop and grow. The added bonus is we increase our spirituality.
When the time comes and we depart this physical life and hopefully go elsewhere as a better person. There is change in that re-newness of life. Change is exciting! Is it preferable to have an eternal life or an infernal life where everything stays the same?
Enjoy each and every moment, every instant of your life. Adaptability, is the key. Be prepared to embrace change and be prepared to reap the rewards.
Cheers, Victoria L.
©V L. Verdéaux 2017
Freebie Friday – 27th June 2026 – Author: VL. Verdéaux
This weeks Freebie Friday is the first in a four part series on our wonderful planet – Earth. This series features four articles on Earth’s Natural Elements which encompass: Fire, Earth, Wind and, Water.
As well as providing a philosophical parallel between these four elements and human behaviour the intention is to demonstrate how the elements can help shape our personal philosophy and, provide guidance.
FIRE
All things in the universe originate from one source. Thus, all things in the universe are linked to everything else as are the four elements.
When we think of fire, thoughts of volcanoes, wildfires, barbecues, house fires, firework celebrations, lava, cigars, prehistoric mans’ discovery of fire and even, camping come to mind.
Many things and their associations come to light. (no pun intended). Our sphere, the rock third from the sun, Planet Earth, could not and would not be alive without fire.
Without the sun, the earth and all living things would not exist in our current form. Magma at the core of our earth is molten earth consisting of semi-melted rock, chemicals and solids. How scientifically fantastic it is that rocks melt!
Molten rock in the core of the Earth is called magma. After it has emerged or flowed from a volcano it is called lava. Same thing but different names in different circumstances.
Lava may flow to the surface of the Earth or undersea though volcanic vents as liquid rock while solidifying. It is a cycle, from solid rock to molten rock to solid rock again. Life for everything is circular, we come and go, are born and die and are born again. Thus it is with the cycle of life, rocks and lava. Over millions of years soil on the surface sinks, becomes rock then magma and over time it re-emerges as lava and then solidifies into rock again.
Lava flows down through mountains and forests, across fields and towns whilst the liquid carpet destroys or buries everything in its path.
(I find this photo of a lava flow at Pahoehoe in Hawaii particularly interesting. The movement and the dark streaks remind me of human veins and skin. It looks alive. Awesomely beautiful.) Because so much molten rock is spewed from a volcano and the lava can flow long distances, hills and mountains may change shape, rivers disappear and new ones appear. Coastlines and the seabed may change shape, grow and move.
Fire is an element that constantly changes the shape of our earth. Lava soil is very rich in nutrients that are excellent for growing crops. Thus, although erupting volcano and lava creates much damage both human and perhaps geological, they have a very important role in the form and shaping of our planet.
I ask the question, what would Planet Earth be like without historic or current day volcanic eruptions? It is common to use fire in language such as; ‘he is a hot head’, ‘firebrand’, ‘it is hot as hades’, ‘he/she is hot’, ‘it is hot’ (stolen) etc. However, the language of fire and heat can also be transposed to our moods and our behaviour.
If we are in a rage, feeling heated about things, furious as hell or, often when upset we see red etc., all these feelings are related to heat and fire. When we lose our temper and verbally explode ejaculating unexpected and offensive language in a rage of a temper lost, is it better to vent our feelings or keep it in?
Perhaps more can be achieved by expressing ourselves calmly and rationally however that is not always easy to do. If we feel angry and the body feels hot, we are able to turn our mind to calmness by thinking of cool things such as being calm as ice on a frozen pond, the stream meandering along in a shaded glen or the trees quietly wafting on the breeze.
Alternatively, if we are losing control of our anger, and are upset and becoming ‘hot under the collar’ it can ease our minds by feeling the metaphorical cool ice soothing our neck or the breeze brushing our skin.
By concentrating on things that are cool can take the heat out of the situation. Whether it be volcanic eruptions, or a human rage, after a while, the eruption and rage dissipates.
Eruption and rage always ends and life continues on.
We all learn lessons from eruptions of any kind and those lessons generally provide us with a better understanding of our planet and people. Following, we are better able to manage the situation next time. As I say, life is a cycle, born die and be born again, the same is with volcanoes and us, we erupt ,calm down and learn.
Moral of the story? Calm down, chill out.
Folks, my very dear friend Olivia who is also a philosopher, has taken the above idea further forward. Although the path can be painful, it also leads to enlightenment and a beautiful renewed life conclusion. You will enjoy her thoughts and words.
© VL. Verdeaux 2014
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION FROM A FELLOW PHILOSOPHER
“There is another physical and emotional connection I find obvious and fascinating- what you describe here is also clearly a life cycle of a relationship…melted rock- magma- lava- hardened rock…at the end – changes: scars inside and out…icy cold rocks- and a new rebirth-spring crocus or a prickly cactus emerge out of a hardened lava…both are planted solid to stay until the earth moves again and rocks melt”.
© Anonymous Fellow Philosopher – April 2014.
Freebie Friday – 12th June 2026 – Author: VL. Verdéaux
THREE WINDOWS
What we see is not always Truth. Truth can be skewed.
Down the street there are three windows, transparent glass framed by timber or stone. The design of the windows may reflect the character of the owners, but what is behind the window?
The First Window
As you walk past the first house a noise, some action is drawing you nearer.
Glancing inside you see a tall, strong man standing over a woman. His body displays strong intent. He is firmly slapping the woman across the face again and again and again in quick succession.
He is angrily shouting words at her, words you do not understand. He takes a long instrument in his hand and stabs her. You see her being physically abused and the police should be called.
First Window – The Reality
Things are rarely exactly what they seem.
The man slapping the woman was his attempt to stop her from slipping into a diabetic coma before the ambulance arrives. The stabbing was his use of an insulin injection pen.
What may seem right or wrong can sometimes be very different.
Encourage your mind to avoid skewing reality.
THE SECOND WINDOW
The 16th – 18th century house is strong and built of stone. The front window is small and the room within appears dark and gloomy.
On a low stool a young man, bedraggled, dressed in ragged trousers with the cuffs hanging over dark battered and scuffed worn out shoes. He faces the window. He is draped in a striped shirt with the cuffs hanging around his wrists. He loosely holds a long bladed carving knife in his hand.
At first he is muttering. He is angry, frustrated and you hear various words and phrases that are both vitriolic and sarcastic.
“My bloody life is shit! Christ, why on earth do I bother!”
“Christmas…joy oh bloody joy! My life festooned with joy? You’ve got to be bloody kiddin! The time of religious and family festive stuff and what do I have? No turkey, duck. No pork, not even a bloody bon bon! It’s all right for everyone else, but what about me, who cares about me? No one!”
He looks at the knife. With intent, the knife is slowly turned and the tip placed at his belly. As he bends forward he tightens his grip on the knife.
You are close to banging on the window to disrupt the impending action.
Second Window – The Reality
The young man leans over to read from paper on the floor. You realise another person is in the room. Both men stand up and discuss the position of the knife, how to fall from the stool and whether the words in the script are accurate.
The young man is an actor rehearsing for a play.
Never assume what you view is indeed ‘what you are seeing’.
Life experience has many variables.
THE THIRD WINDOW
Two people, male and female shouting and stomping around with a lot of arm waving. They are arguing about the water, the broken glass but mainly about the bodies lying dead on the floor.
The woman accuses the man and he accuses her.
“Yeah sure! And my Uncle Fred is my Aunt!” she yells. He is furious about the death of George and Muriel. They talk about getting rid of the bodies and evidence.
There is no blood and the bodies are easy to get rid of as George and Muriel suffocated.
Third Window – The Reality
There was a large fish tank on a shelf which the large family dog accidentally knocked to the floor.
George and Muriel are goldfish.
Never accept the seemingly obvious without evidence and a thorough visual inspection and investigation.
So often in life, we think we understand what things are, and what is happening. We use our own experiences, information and knowledge to understand our world and events around us. However, we all have different life experiences and learned knowledge which we use to make decisions.
However, in order to better understand what is happening in our lives and our world, look at things deeply from a different perspective as reality and understanding can become skewed.
V L.
©V L. Verdéaux 2013, 2019.