Getting caught up after a vacation to my homeland the first two weeks of May. I'll be sharing some of the moments captured during that rather whirlwind visit which was great fun. Here's to looking back.
April 29th, 2014
~
Walking along the Bay~tomorrow we fly
finding last moments of tranquility
we feast our eyes on nature's beauty
egret delicately walks along the shore
undaunted by the swirling winds of life
breathing deeply~frantic mind settles
PEACE
April 30th, 2014
~
BERLIN
~
Corkscrew contrails unfurl in the sky
vaporous ghosts of earlier flights
leading us toward our final destination
Above whipped cream mountains we fly
the connecting flight~once again in motion
nearing our final destination~weary travelers now
longing for space, fresh air and sleep
~
At last the clouds part
large tears reveal the world below
tiny story book villages
nestled in quilts of color
~
Lakes shimmer~rivers wind
rape seed fields glow~glorious treasure
illuminated by the afternoon sun
Tranquil hamlets rest peacefully
~
But soon the quiet countryside makes way
urban sprawl appears beneath our wings
nearly there~hearts beat~final approach
we've arrived safely~ready to face the city
May 2nd, 2014
~
Quiet days no more~the race is on
torn from our simple rustic lives
we reel~caught by the swift current
the loud fast heartbeat of the city
they say New Yorkers feel at home here
rapid pace mirroring that of their hometown
~
Spilling out into the street through carousel doors
expensive scents still lingering in our noses
now replaced by chill diesel laden air
sensory overload everywhere~color~sound
horns beep impatiently~pedestrians beware
frantic clacking of heels~everyone hurries along
~
Masses of humanity~ not a moment to spare
rushing along we too get caught up in the stream
which carries as along this busiest of streets
then down into the very bowels of the city
here too the pace continues~quick grab tickets
wave of hot air~pushed ahead by the arriving train
~
Breaks squeal~doors open~spilling their cargo
soon to be replaced by those of us waiting
rushing in~quickly finding a handhold~hang on
doors slide shut~away we go~gathering speed
hurling into the darkness toward our station
fellow riders crack open books~settle in
~
Our hearts beat fast~not used to all of this
still jet lagged and disoriented ~we hang on
soon we too will find our groove~speed up
readily hop from train to train~not like natives
but at least not reeling ~heads spinning
catching our breath~happy we found our train
May 2nd, 2014
~
He stands quietly~an island of tranquility~surrounded
by the hustle and bustle which flows by like a river
at his feed rests a small box~bunches of greenery
Lily of the Valley~like us recently arrived in the city
freshly plucked from it's quiet peaceful forest home
into this strange new place of noise and confusion
~
Bending down I gather a bunch into my hands
grasping tight this most delicate emblem of May
inhaling the delicate essence~white bells nod
carrying me for just a moment to the place of it's birth
the peaceful forest~it's spicy verdant breath finds me here
on a city sidewalk~transformed for a brief moment in time
~
Placing a few coins into the hands of the gatherer~homeless maybe
no doubt gathering this plenty early that day~earning his living
I turn placing the simple nosegay into my mother's hands
raising it to her nose~inhaling deeply~she too finds a moment of calm
before the city claims us once again~now and then as we walk
delicate swirls of scent curl up in fragrant wisps~calming~soothing
May 3rd, 2014
~
Sunrise over the city
below us~high in the Linden
Blackbird greets the day
May 3rd, 2014
~
Long awaited~we meet at last
her lovely smile and warm heart
illuminated this first special day
~
What gifts this community has brought
a virtual family of sorts
moving from cyberspace to realspace
~
Together~husbands by our side
we explored and savored our time
three whole days~laughing~sharing
~
As if we'd known each other all along
Sightseeing~chatting~connecting
with these generous warmhearted friends
~
Though in the end we had to part
our three days spend~the memories made
will always live on in our hearts
******
May 3rd, 2014
~
Seven Word Sunday
~
Up high
wise owl
rules the world
May 4th, 2014
~
Minimal Monday
~
Beware the Bear
Not so many years ago~this gate stood silent witness
to man's cruelty~death strip on either side~white crosses
to mark those who lost their life in their bid for freedom
~
Thirty years ago we stood on the Western side
gray concrete to the East~cruel wall dividing a city
tearing families and friends apart~even streets divided
~
Once vibrant city center~the wall rose~then silence fell
broken only by gunshots and barking guard dogs
darkness at night to the East~vibrant life and light to the West
~
Then came that famed day of Reunification
jubilant masses~attacking that infamous wall
tearing down the cruel barrier which divided them
~
It's been a few years~once again the city thrives
now lights shine on both sides~rebirth everywhere
we walk Unter den Linden once again~as it should be
~
Quadriga rides proudly~facing wasteland no more
everywhere signs of hard work~West merging with East
we stroll along~enjoying history along the way
******
May 4th, 2014
~
Today~ on this cool day in May
books are celebrated and read
a sit-in~read-in event~much enjoyed
~
On this very same spot~May 1933
in front of the steps of Humboldt University
Nazi's piled knowledge up high
~
Then lit it up~destroying all the wisdom
contained within each precious book
thus extinguishing the light of learning
~
Education~they knew~was their enemy
only those kept in the dark~ignorant
would heed their evil call to ruin
~
How grateful we are on this day in May
dreadful history behind us~yet never forgotten
once again knowledge holds court~read on
~
Yet never forget the lessons learned back then
those who would do the most evil
need those who shun wisdom to do their ugly work
******
May 4th, 2014
~
Ahoy there, Matey
how nice to see you
smiling~paws on hips
brightened the gray day
~
You look ready to
sail the seven seas
safe journey to you
my cheerful feline friend
May 4th, 2014
~
Potsdamer Platz~once the heart of Berlin
then for years~a man created wasteland
but once again~the heart beats here
people gather~chat~beneath the sail like roof
Sony Center~an architectural marvel
lights up the nightsky~heart of the city beating
once again~in a breathtaking high tech way
~
******
May 7th, 2014
~
Seven Word Sunday Trio
~
Peeping Tom~on the ladder~peering in
#2
~
Exquisite color shines~competing with the sun
#3
~
Fairytale Cottage~who lives within these walls
May 7th, 2014
~
Peacefully we drift along these quiet waterways
birdsong hangs in the moist air~leaves rustle in the wind
frantic city seems a world away~breathing deeply~we sigh
reconnecting to nature once again~finding our center
~
Our punter chats~yet we filter out his voice
our eyes travel across this tranquil landscape
cozy cottages line the canals~old boats sway
colorful cottage gardens spill to water's edge
~
This lovely scene could easily be in Holland
but no~south of the big city~this tranquil land lies
haystacks rise above flower dotted meadows
ducks rest on banks~head beneath their wings
~
We pass an old cottage slowly falling in on itself
how long has it stood~forgotten~uncared for
our dreams take wing ~briefly we see ourselves
bringing it back to live~close to the city~yet rural
~
But we know it can never be~our roots are deep
other ties~ hold us tight on the far side of the globe
we drift on~look back wistfully~silver birch stands
towering above long neglected gardens~sheltering
May 7th, 2014
~
Beneath our hot cloudless sky
today deep longing fills my heart
remembering the emerald splendor
May 9th, 2014
~
Five stories up~across the courtyard
is Seed Crow gardening
or grooming himself~ready for a hot date
May 9th, 2014
~
Six Word Saturday
~
Special gift
lovingly fashioned
safely delivered
May 10th, 2014
~
Seven Word Sunday
~
Hearty hugs exchanged
let the fun begin
******
Tumbling
Turning
Twirling
Teasing
~
Sleekly
Sinewy
Slippery
Slithery
~
Otters
In Motion
Lightening fast
Finally resting
What a blast
Reminiscent of a rising Full Moon
he quietly glides into view
illuminating his aquatic space
honeyed rays pierce murky darkness
he shimmers~suspended
dark eyes survey his domain
mouth slowly opens~will he speak
in shiny gilded bubbles
share pearls of fishy wisdom
I'll never know~he turns away
and leaves me wondering....
May 11th, 2014
~
Once again we meet
tight hugs renew the bond
forged with words
across the many miles
well met~dear friends
though time was brief
every moment a delight
we say our good byes
stay well~be happy
until we meet again
May 12th, 2014
~
First light
peering out the window
down harbor
more guests arrived
I see their boat
docked at Oliver's house
time to rise
meet the new day
ready for the celebration
******
We celebrate her 80's today
but to me~dear Tante Inge
will always be that sweet
young thing~who held me tight
kept me safe~loved me deeply
.....where did the years go?????
And thus the adventure began aboard the Pirateship Roma II
rocking gently at her lines~she was ready to welcome us
First Mate and Captain put on a show~swaggering on her decks
then offering a helping hand~boarding the birthday crew
~
The old boat rumbled to life~older then our birthday girl~chugging along
all happy hands on deck~laughing~drinking~ telling tall tales
of tall ships~mermaids~kraken and treasure carefully hidden away
noisely enjoying this not so far journey on gentle canals
~
Drifting through the lovely green Dutch countryside~on either side
verdant juicy meadows pass~speckled with colorful wildflowers
jubilant birds rose as we passed~up into the heavily clouded skies
stiff breeze~now and then a brief squall~silvered ruffled seas ahead
~
We take it all in stride~happy hearts~lots of smiles
what's a little rain~faces in the wind~we travel on
no stormy weather is going to dampen our spirits
matjes rolls washed down with hearty bottles of Grolsch
~
A feast for the eyes and all the other senses
this journey~ not soon be forgotten by the crew
celebration of a special woman and her special day
may she live many many more years~CHEERS
May 12th, 2014
~
Gazing out the window~it appears
looking a bit forbidding and forlorn
on this wet windy day~seemingly
afloat upon the choppy pewter sea
private island for rent~sleeps 52
perfect writer's retreat~we'd nearly fit
alas~we're scattered all across the globe
let's close our eyes and dream~imagining
sitting together on this small Dutch island
laughing~eating~writing~exchanging thoughts
lifting glasses together~if only it were true
~
Walking along the Bay~tomorrow we fly
finding last moments of tranquility
we feast our eyes on nature's beauty
egret delicately walks along the shore
undaunted by the swirling winds of life
breathing deeply~frantic mind settles
PEACE
April 30th, 2014
~
BERLIN
~
Corkscrew contrails unfurl in the sky
vaporous ghosts of earlier flights
leading us toward our final destination
Above whipped cream mountains we fly
the connecting flight~once again in motion
nearing our final destination~weary travelers now
longing for space, fresh air and sleep
~
At last the clouds part
large tears reveal the world below
tiny story book villages
nestled in quilts of color
~
Lakes shimmer~rivers wind
rape seed fields glow~glorious treasure
illuminated by the afternoon sun
Tranquil hamlets rest peacefully
~
But soon the quiet countryside makes way
urban sprawl appears beneath our wings
nearly there~hearts beat~final approach
we've arrived safely~ready to face the city
May 2nd, 2014
~
Quiet days no more~the race is on
torn from our simple rustic lives
we reel~caught by the swift current
the loud fast heartbeat of the city
they say New Yorkers feel at home here
rapid pace mirroring that of their hometown
~
Spilling out into the street through carousel doors
expensive scents still lingering in our noses
now replaced by chill diesel laden air
sensory overload everywhere~color~sound
horns beep impatiently~pedestrians beware
frantic clacking of heels~everyone hurries along
~
Masses of humanity~ not a moment to spare
rushing along we too get caught up in the stream
which carries as along this busiest of streets
then down into the very bowels of the city
here too the pace continues~quick grab tickets
wave of hot air~pushed ahead by the arriving train
~
Breaks squeal~doors open~spilling their cargo
soon to be replaced by those of us waiting
rushing in~quickly finding a handhold~hang on
doors slide shut~away we go~gathering speed
hurling into the darkness toward our station
fellow riders crack open books~settle in
~
Our hearts beat fast~not used to all of this
still jet lagged and disoriented ~we hang on
soon we too will find our groove~speed up
readily hop from train to train~not like natives
but at least not reeling ~heads spinning
catching our breath~happy we found our train
May 2nd, 2014
~
He stands quietly~an island of tranquility~surrounded
by the hustle and bustle which flows by like a river
at his feed rests a small box~bunches of greenery
Lily of the Valley~like us recently arrived in the city
freshly plucked from it's quiet peaceful forest home
into this strange new place of noise and confusion
~
Bending down I gather a bunch into my hands
grasping tight this most delicate emblem of May
inhaling the delicate essence~white bells nod
carrying me for just a moment to the place of it's birth
the peaceful forest~it's spicy verdant breath finds me here
on a city sidewalk~transformed for a brief moment in time
~
Placing a few coins into the hands of the gatherer~homeless maybe
no doubt gathering this plenty early that day~earning his living
I turn placing the simple nosegay into my mother's hands
raising it to her nose~inhaling deeply~she too finds a moment of calm
before the city claims us once again~now and then as we walk
delicate swirls of scent curl up in fragrant wisps~calming~soothing
May 3rd, 2014
~
Sunrise over the city
below us~high in the Linden
Blackbird greets the day
May 3rd, 2014
~
Long awaited~we meet at last
her lovely smile and warm heart
illuminated this first special day
~
What gifts this community has brought
a virtual family of sorts
moving from cyberspace to realspace
~
Together~husbands by our side
we explored and savored our time
three whole days~laughing~sharing
~
As if we'd known each other all along
Sightseeing~chatting~connecting
with these generous warmhearted friends
~
Though in the end we had to part
our three days spend~the memories made
will always live on in our hearts
******
May 3rd, 2014
~
Seven Word Sunday
~
Up high
wise owl
rules the world
May 4th, 2014
~
Minimal Monday
~
Beware the Bear
Not so many years ago~this gate stood silent witness
to man's cruelty~death strip on either side~white crosses
to mark those who lost their life in their bid for freedom
~
Thirty years ago we stood on the Western side
gray concrete to the East~cruel wall dividing a city
tearing families and friends apart~even streets divided
~
Once vibrant city center~the wall rose~then silence fell
broken only by gunshots and barking guard dogs
darkness at night to the East~vibrant life and light to the West
~
Then came that famed day of Reunification
jubilant masses~attacking that infamous wall
tearing down the cruel barrier which divided them
~
It's been a few years~once again the city thrives
now lights shine on both sides~rebirth everywhere
we walk Unter den Linden once again~as it should be
~
Quadriga rides proudly~facing wasteland no more
everywhere signs of hard work~West merging with East
we stroll along~enjoying history along the way
******
May 4th, 2014
~
Today~ on this cool day in May
books are celebrated and read
a sit-in~read-in event~much enjoyed
~
On this very same spot~May 1933
in front of the steps of Humboldt University
Nazi's piled knowledge up high
~
Then lit it up~destroying all the wisdom
contained within each precious book
thus extinguishing the light of learning
~
Education~they knew~was their enemy
only those kept in the dark~ignorant
would heed their evil call to ruin
~
How grateful we are on this day in May
dreadful history behind us~yet never forgotten
once again knowledge holds court~read on
~
Yet never forget the lessons learned back then
those who would do the most evil
need those who shun wisdom to do their ugly work
******
May 4th, 2014
~
Ahoy there, Matey
how nice to see you
smiling~paws on hips
brightened the gray day
~
You look ready to
sail the seven seas
safe journey to you
my cheerful feline friend
May 4th, 2014
~
Potsdamer Platz~once the heart of Berlin
then for years~a man created wasteland
but once again~the heart beats here
people gather~chat~beneath the sail like roof
Sony Center~an architectural marvel
lights up the nightsky~heart of the city beating
once again~in a breathtaking high tech way
******
May 7th, 2014
~
Seven Word Sunday Trio
~
Peeping Tom~on the ladder~peering in
#2
~
Exquisite color shines~competing with the sun
******
#3
~
Fairytale Cottage~who lives within these walls
May 7th, 2014
~
Peacefully we drift along these quiet waterways
birdsong hangs in the moist air~leaves rustle in the wind
frantic city seems a world away~breathing deeply~we sigh
reconnecting to nature once again~finding our center
~
Our punter chats~yet we filter out his voice
our eyes travel across this tranquil landscape
cozy cottages line the canals~old boats sway
colorful cottage gardens spill to water's edge
~
This lovely scene could easily be in Holland
but no~south of the big city~this tranquil land lies
haystacks rise above flower dotted meadows
ducks rest on banks~head beneath their wings
~
We pass an old cottage slowly falling in on itself
how long has it stood~forgotten~uncared for
our dreams take wing ~briefly we see ourselves
bringing it back to live~close to the city~yet rural
~
But we know it can never be~our roots are deep
other ties~ hold us tight on the far side of the globe
we drift on~look back wistfully~silver birch stands
towering above long neglected gardens~sheltering
May 7th, 2014
~
Beneath our hot cloudless sky
today deep longing fills my heart
remembering the emerald splendor
May 7th, 2014
~
Old farm boy's delight
bright red tractor
taking a well earned nap
May 8th, 2014
~
Standing on Mom's balcony
I zoom in on Berlin's Icon
grim reminder of the devastation
~
Left standing~newly restored
overlooking Berlin's main street
lest we forget the lesson learned
~
Because all war is futile
the price paid too high
we need to remember that
~
Old farm boy's delight
bright red tractor
taking a well earned nap
May 8th, 2014
~
Standing on Mom's balcony
I zoom in on Berlin's Icon
grim reminder of the devastation
~
Left standing~newly restored
overlooking Berlin's main street
lest we forget the lesson learned
~
Because all war is futile
the price paid too high
we need to remember that
May 9th, 2014
~
Five stories up~across the courtyard
is Seed Crow gardening
or grooming himself~ready for a hot date
May 9th, 2014
~
Six Word Saturday
~
Special gift
lovingly fashioned
safely delivered
May 10th, 2014
~
Seven Word Sunday
~
Hearty hugs exchanged
let the fun begin
***
#2
~
Finally~after too many years
sister held in tight embrace
bustling train station noise
forgotten for just a moment
~
Then on to meet and greet
brother-in-law and nephews
never met before this day
instant connection made
~
Let the fun begin~we're ready
first a hurried meal for fuel
then off we go~at lighting speed
into the Tube~to the Zoo
~
Cool rainy weather don't stop us
bollerwagen filled with gear
ready to meet all creatures
great~small~furry~finny
~
Zoo behind us~luscious cake in front of us
washed down with decadent cappuccino
cozy we sit~surrounded by our small family
laughing~sharing~sipping~caring
~
Thoroughly warmed now~ inside and out
we sit and savor each bite and smile
snug and dry in this cozy cafe~time's too short
soon we must part~until we met again~my dears
May 10th, 2014
~
Anxiously he paces~focused
only one thing on his mind
getting close to his new lady love
~
She rests peacefully inside
sleeping away the day~relaxed
seemingly unaware of his presence
~
Once formally introduced
will she accept his love
curl up peacefully with him
~
Or will she spit and growl
fangs bared~huge paw striking
telling him that he's not her type
May 10th, 2014
~
Anxiously he paces~focused
only one thing on his mind
getting close to his new lady love
~
She rests peacefully inside
sleeping away the day~relaxed
seemingly unaware of his presence
~
Once formally introduced
will she accept his love
curl up peacefully with him
~
Or will she spit and growl
fangs bared~huge paw striking
telling him that he's not her type
******
Tumbling
Turning
Twirling
Teasing
~
Sleekly
Sinewy
Slippery
Slithery
~
Otters
In Motion
Lightening fast
Finally resting
What a blast
Reminiscent of a rising Full Moon
he quietly glides into view
illuminating his aquatic space
honeyed rays pierce murky darkness
he shimmers~suspended
dark eyes survey his domain
mouth slowly opens~will he speak
in shiny gilded bubbles
share pearls of fishy wisdom
I'll never know~he turns away
and leaves me wondering....
May 11th, 2014
~
Once again we meet
tight hugs renew the bond
forged with words
across the many miles
well met~dear friends
though time was brief
every moment a delight
we say our good byes
stay well~be happy
until we meet again
May 12th, 2014
~
First light
peering out the window
down harbor
more guests arrived
I see their boat
docked at Oliver's house
time to rise
meet the new day
ready for the celebration
******
We celebrate her 80's today
but to me~dear Tante Inge
will always be that sweet
young thing~who held me tight
kept me safe~loved me deeply
.....where did the years go?????
And thus the adventure began aboard the Pirateship Roma II
rocking gently at her lines~she was ready to welcome us
First Mate and Captain put on a show~swaggering on her decks
then offering a helping hand~boarding the birthday crew
~
The old boat rumbled to life~older then our birthday girl~chugging along
all happy hands on deck~laughing~drinking~ telling tall tales
of tall ships~mermaids~kraken and treasure carefully hidden away
noisely enjoying this not so far journey on gentle canals
~
Drifting through the lovely green Dutch countryside~on either side
verdant juicy meadows pass~speckled with colorful wildflowers
jubilant birds rose as we passed~up into the heavily clouded skies
stiff breeze~now and then a brief squall~silvered ruffled seas ahead
~
We take it all in stride~happy hearts~lots of smiles
what's a little rain~faces in the wind~we travel on
no stormy weather is going to dampen our spirits
matjes rolls washed down with hearty bottles of Grolsch
~
A feast for the eyes and all the other senses
this journey~ not soon be forgotten by the crew
celebration of a special woman and her special day
may she live many many more years~CHEERS
May 12th, 2014
~
Gazing out the window~it appears
looking a bit forbidding and forlorn
on this wet windy day~seemingly
afloat upon the choppy pewter sea
private island for rent~sleeps 52
perfect writer's retreat~we'd nearly fit
alas~we're scattered all across the globe
let's close our eyes and dream~imagining
sitting together on this small Dutch island
laughing~eating~writing~exchanging thoughts
lifting glasses together~if only it were true
