Monday, December 22, 2014

December 22nd-31st, 2014


December 22nd, 2014
~
Bright Venus led the way
slipping away quickly
her brilliance swallowed 
by coastal mountains
newly born Luna lingered
languidly sinking into a
lush pool of apricot sorbet
pausing briefly held
cradled by winter trees
then she too slipped 
out of sight~New Moon


***



December 23rd, 2014
~
After endless gray rainy days
this morning she rose again
her brilliant rays streaming 
into the windows bright
blessings to all within
~
Sunny smile most welcome
our spirits soar as we savor
her welcome warm touch 
 even our oranges echo
the bright cheery rays



***

December 24th, 2014
~
Tonight it finds us once again
this strange California Christmas
so unlike the ones I used to
know and love many decades ago
when snow would magically
transform the land all around
crunching under foot with every step
scents of fresh pine, hot glühwein 
roasted sausages spitting 
on grills savory odors curling up
into the crisp cold winter air
walking from stand to stand
admiring the many festive wares
Lebkuchen Hearts dangling
wooden Nutcrackers standing tall
next to smokers wisps of incense
curling from their tiny pipes
those memories so bright and clear
small wonder I feel melancholy 
staring out at this unseasonable
unchristmassy bright blue sunny sky
shaking off the grumpy gloomies 
thinking of you all sending greetings
for a most blessed Christmas 
with the New Year making wishes 
come true for all of you


December 25th, 2014
~
Twas upon a morning clear
when suddenly came an idea
popped right in my sleepy head
as I lay there in my bed
something special we must eat
a tasty yummy Christmas treat
~
Quickly threw the covers off
hopped swiftly out of bed
splashed water on my  face
then headed for the bread
didn't have a French loaf
so Walnut Cranberry instead
~
Stirred up eggs with lots of milk
pinch of Christmas spices
whipped it up smooth as silk
dunked the slices let them swim
soaking custard deep within
in hot butter now they'll swim
~
Deeply browned they hit the plate
slathered with rich toppings
hope the husband won't be late
now here he comes to share
the yummy feast written on his face
he's thrilled and very pleased
~
Certainly I've made enough
to share it all around
thought of you so far away
you're nowhere to be found
very sad you were not here
we'll have seconds~won't we, Dear?



December 26th, 2014
~
Today was a long but wonderful day
we drove out before sunrise leaving 
bewildered dogs behind at home 
last sight of them were sulky sad faces
looking bereft no walk this morning
off we went to beat the crowds
eager to fetch frames for my eagles
special sale buy one second for a penny 
along the way we saw many wonders
sunrise first a gentle glow in a pale gold sky 
kissed with streaks of pink and apricot 
then a pool of molten gold blinding us
as the sun crested the Sierra Nevada
snow-clad sleeping volcanoes glistening 
Sacramento river at dawn's first light
fishermen bobbing on the current
while driving to get frames for two photos
we took our time taking yet more photos
another seventy six downloaded just now 
all taken today on our meandering travels
do people wonder why that blue truck 
is always sitting by the road side somewhere
as they hurry by eager to be on their way
some stop to offer help only to realize 
we might well be beyond help at this point
this might be turning into an addiction
should I join Photographers Anonymous
or just go with the flow~clicking away??




***
December 27th, 2014
~
Celestial Word Picture
~
Closing my eyes slowly
I revisit this day
waking before dawn
stepping into the icy morning
each breath exhaled
transforming into dragon puffs
then slowly the sun rises
morning sky now wide awake
awash in stripes of fuchsia and blue
soon snowy contrails slash the sky
cerulean blue now abstract art
then slowly light seeps away
winter darkness has fallen
brilliant stars glimmer shimmer
afloat in a dark velvety pool
Luna hangs brightly above the oaks
her countenance rainbow haloed
Nature paints in clear bold strokes
all I have are simple words of praise
paying homage~as her exquisite art
flows effortless from her fine brush
hour after hour~day after day
year after year~ into INFINITY


December 28th, 2014
~
In this bright corner
words and images
are joined together
departing daily with
one touch of a key
starting an amazing
journey swiftly arriving
on the other side of the
globe time zones away
words connecting worlds
all in the blink of an eye
there's a certain magic
and even poetry in that


December 29th, 2014
~
Magical landscape appeared
etched overnight
Jack Frost's expert touch
~
On his way out the gate
while slipping away
kissing the lone winter rose


***


December 30th, 2014
~
On this bright sunny hillside
cheerful committee of vultures
gathers~ looking most relaxed
and at ease~sunning themselves
spreading huge wings at times
some nestled snug in the grass
so unlike their normal ominous
selves~birds of doom and death
just a relaxed sit in~soaking up
last warming rays against another
freezing night soon to come
when they'll roost together high
up in the trees~huddled close
leaning into the strong howling wind
roaring across the open prairie
rocking their cradles way up high


***


December 31st, 2014
~
Opening the frontgate wide
waving in a bright red car
then watching in wonder
as our curly~haired tot
opens the driver's side door
turns swings out  long legs
and there she is smiling
our sweet granddaughter
suddenly all grown up
now a lovely young woman
where did the time go???
~
Seems only yesterday we
stood in line at midnight
waiting for the release of
the newest Harry Potter
her bright little face lit up
bouncing up and down
leaving her treasured new book
clutched tight to her chest
Harry Potter glasses perched
on her nose giddy with excitement
where did the time go???
~
Just days ago she had
a birthday this New Year
embraces her no longer teen
but now in her early twenties
it seemed like a dream
to have her here once again
driving her first new car
earned by working part time
studying for a degree
moving toward a bright future
where did the time go???










Monday, December 15, 2014

December 15th-21st, 2014


December 15th, 2014
~
Freshly milled slowly cooked
creamy Scottish Oats
warm heart and soul this day


December 16th, 2014
~
Another day of mists and heavy rains
as we make our way up valley
landscapes fly past the windows
lying green and lush once again
silvery rivulets wind through hillocks
gurgling merrily skipping over stones
valley oaks raise bare inky arms up
into the low hanging sky above
cattle wearing thick winter coats
graze peacefully some resting
others turning curiously as we pass
winter storms hit wave after wave
nourishing the open land we love
our mountains are cloaked in clouds
next sunny day will reveal fresh
blankets of ermine~winter is here

***


December 17th, 2014
~
Woodland Trio
~
Barren earth replenished
she's fruitful again
loins teaming with new life
~
Pushing up impatiently
they jostle for space
blindly seeking the light
~
Winter bare woodlands
now thickly carpeted
with clusters and fairy rings


December 18th, 2014
~
Headed to town we spot him once again
our eagle seen early this spring
he's perched high above the creek
~
Hours later now heading back home
we slow down searching the trees
find him again he's not solitary now
~
Joined by his mate two proud heads turn
snowy feathers ruffled by the wind
their sharp eyes scanning the land below


***


December 19th, 2014
~
After the night storm
our valley is swathed
in heavy damp mists
above us on the ridge
trees appear briefly
like phantoms swaying
sighing in the wind
draped in tattered veils
down in the garden
melodious wind chimes
twirl ~ singing softly
treefrog creaks hoarsely
birds bob on thin branches
while chattering quietly
adding their sweet voices
to nature's symphony


December 20th, 2014
~
6WS
~
Yule is drawing
near~warming hearts


 December 21st, 2014
~
Solstice morn find us quietly
on silvered wings
symbol of peace perches
bright clear message
of renewed hope and light
bringing blessings
to you and yours~worldwide


Monday, December 8, 2014

December 8th-14th, 2014


December 8th, 2014
~
Overnight she slipped out of
her golden gown now
draped elegantly at her feet
                                                                 


December 9th, 2014
~
Determined Entomologist bravely explores
the natural world around him
even if it's only in his clever wooden head
~
He stands tall net grasped firmly ready to
study nature's many wonders
creepy crawlies and wee flying beasties
~
Cheerful Ladybug and delicate butterfly
seem to fear him not a bit 
he's a gentle soul practicing catch and release


December 10th, 2014
~
We make one last trip to town
hurrying to gather needed supplies
preparing for the gathering storm
making sure all we need is at hand
~
Out on the wide open prairie
bare trees reach up straining
leaning away from the harsh
punishing wind's ferocious force
~
Cattle are slowly gathering closer
mothers stand in small groups
while their calves playfully buck
blissfully oblivious of what's to come
~
Above it all endless skeins of migrating
geese pierce the threatening skies
struggling to fly into the fierce winds
their hoarse honking filling the air
~
Like us they're determined to find shelter
attempting to reach their winter grounds
yet what an epic tiring journey they endure
bravely fighting to make their way home


***


December 11th, 2014
~
Outside in the inky dark
voracious beast claws
at windows and doors
~
Roars it's displeasure at
being denied entry
to our cozy inner sanctum
~
Huddled together closely
we sit waiting quietly
anxious for first light to find us
~
Monsters seem to lose
some of their power
when exposed to the light
~
Slowly the skies lighten
monster still roars
but blessed light floods in
~
Now watching trees dance
and clouds race swiftly
above a madly rushing creek


***


December 12th, 2014
~
For days now old man winter has spread
his damp cold cloak covering the land
despite the clammy chill first violets appear
huddled closely together in the garden
bravely unfolding such delicate blossoms
bringing back memories of spring's first days
during these dark months of Nature's rest
sweet reminder that the wheel of seasons
will turn yet again~bringing back blessed light


#2

Blindly rabbit stares into the mists
unaware his inner dreams
caused spring to gather at his feet


December 13th, 2014
~
Cold storm has passed
molten gold
warms the morning sky



December 14th, 2014
~
On Oberon's thick twisted trunk
fairy worlds appear
nourished by heavy winter rains
~
No doubt at this time of year
faeries will arrive
wearing warmest thistledown
~
Sip Glühwein from acorn cups
flitting their wings
dancing wildly to keep warm

Monday, December 1, 2014

December 1st-7th, 2014


December 1st, 2014
~
In this season of change
when most of nature
curls up for a winter rest
soft mossy pillows appear
on the old roof tiles
revived by winter rains
moss and small ferns
now celebrate this new
moist world~unfurling
slowly~testing the air
waking while others sleep



December 2nd, 2014
~
The Misadventures of Ming Dragon
~
Woke this morning full of joy
yummy kibble~my favorite toy
climbed the rafters upside down
made them laugh I am such a clown
finally tired curled up for a nap
dreamed of meezes~can't beat that
everything was going well but I
woke up~ this looked like hell
plastic crate had now appeared
things got bad just as I feared
locked me in~drove to town
stared through the cage door
feeling down~I howled out loud
to no avail~whimpered sadly
whipped my tail~finally they let
me out~it would get better
I had no doubt~in came two
strangers who looked at me
poked my tummy~stole my pee
poked again I have lost count
tortured me then diagnosis was
found~finally back in my crate
the nightmare is over~but they
made a new date~on top of
all that now my dinner is late!!


December 3rd, 2014
~
Outside our studio window
small oak tree stands tall
his mouth forms an ooooh
of delight as he soaks up
generous blessings from above
winter storm strikes hard
creek's roar fills the canyon
liquid music to our ears
high above the creek
we're riding out the storm
muddy paw blossoms
spring up on white floors
winter in the country
not for the faint of heart


December 4th, 2014
~
Lively sounds greet our ears
down below
creek rushes along merrily
telling tales
of all the places it has been
then hurrying
along to join the big river
BON VOYAGE.........


December 5th, 2014
~
Her face cannot always be clearly seen
yet her journey can be followed
silently she slips across the night sky
darting in and out of ragged clouds
rainbow halo frame her countenance
bright windows in the inky darkness
as if we too are on a long journey
accompanying her sleepily on a night train
gazing into neighborhoods unknown


December 6th, 2014
~
Surrounded by such stillness
no wind~no driving rain
even the early birds still rest
~
Walking the wet hushed land
I find them~standing silently
small family groups gathering
~
Leaning toward each other
as if whispering secrets
only they can hear and share
~
Waking first~scrub jays screech
shattering the morning silence
timid rays pierce morning clouds
~
Fallen leaves~carpet of copper
strewn~leaving branches bare
this early morning~after the storm


***

   
December 7th, 2014
~
Storm
  clouds passed on
   again her gentle glow
    illuminates the night sky
   she's waning yet her
   heart still glows
  brightly
                                                                                     

Monday, November 24, 2014

November 24th-30th, 2014


November 24th, 2014
~
Drops of autumn color
tremble in the
cool morning breeze


November 25th, 2014
~
Give thanks to the Universe
for wonderful messy trees
though they fling their leaves
carelessly untidily in autumn
they give so much more
exhaling oxygen providing
us with the very air we need
to sustain our own small lives
~
Giving generous cool shade
on even the hottest days
sheltering us providing food
their lush exquisite beauty
such endless form and shape
how bereft our world would be
without their regal presence
~
Blazing vivid color bringing
light into the darkest wet day
leaves dancing down gracefully
blanketing the cold ground
giving life and sustaining soil
thus feeding the very earth
honor them protect them
cherish their sacred presence


November 26th, 2014
~
Splash of exotic color
truly brightens
even the grayest day


November 27th, 2014
~
THANKSGIVING DAY
~
Today we are most thankful
for such rich beauty found
in most each and every day
treasured friends~who add
deep richness to our lives
bright flowers which nourish
shining bright~adding light
thankful for the riches of
the roof above our heads
food to nourish our bodies
good health~allowing us to do
everything that needs doing
today we pause~giving most
heartfelt thanks for the many
bountiful blessings in our lives


November 28th, 2014
~
Languidly she reclines
resting against a velvet sky
now and then white silken
clouds drift across her face
high up in the sky she glows
afloat in a pool of pale amber
outshining even the brightest
stars~twinkling by her side
like brilliant celestial diamonds


November 29th, 2014
~
Sitting so comfortably
in pleasant company
add small shots of brew
to most savory food
putting all at the table in
a most jovial mood


November 30th, 2014
~
Near day's end clouds briefly part
pool luminescent light splashes
across the ominous stormy sky
surrounded by inky silhouettes
sparrow bravely sings a lullaby
gentle night wind rocks him to sleep