Friday, January 2, 2015

JANUARY 2015




This year, after writing daily and posting here as well, I am taking a bit of a break. Not from writing of course, nor from taking photos, but from the daily commitment I'd stuck with for 2 whole years. So this year I'll keep my posts to months, rather then then days or weeks. Sharing thoughts, images, poetry, whatever comes to mind. 
I hope those of you who have followed my blog, looking forward to the news of my written and photographed life, will be patient and keep stopping in  to see what's going on.
We had a very busy holiday season, with wonderful company. Got some of my images blown up and framed, setting up a small studio space in what was once the cattery.  Just keeping busy and playing catch up at the moment. I am just needing to take a little breather before jumping back into the flow of words...................................HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!



Suspended in the crescent
of the Sundial bridge
succulent slice of half moon



***


Such joy crossing the river 
touched by sun's first rays
tender gilded apricot skies
reflected back in endless
subtle shades shimmering
deep peace filling the heart
as eyes follow the gentle flow
toward the far horizon
as the river makes it's long
winding journey to the sea
often wildly roaring along
this morning gliding gently 
well mannered within it's banks
is it not often so with life
periods of violent upheaval 
followed by gentle times
when once again all settles
becoming still and peaceful
as the storms of life move on
finally leaving us once more
able to find that still place
where peace settles softly
around our shoulders
like a comforting shawl



Last night her gentle glow
followed us home
up through the valley
when first she rose
partially hidden by clouds
finally shrugging off the shawl
rising up golden at first
then silvering with her ascent
riding high up in the sky
glowing pearl shimmering
casting her milky light
upon the waters below
small wavelets glimmered
paying homage at her feet


***


Fairytale moon rises
in the forest tonight
strangely shaped
specters reach out
grasping her tight
she's smiling serenely
up up and away
illuminates the forest
it's soon bright as day
no specters to fear
it's now clear to see
the specter I feared
was merely a tree
so yet once again
her magic appears
her silvery touch
allays nighttime fears
she now keeps on sailing
all through the night
bathing those down below
in her bright healing light


This watery avian wonderland
sprawled endlessly at our feet
reaching to the far horizon
upon it~bopping peacefully
thousands upon thousands
wintering waterfowl~endless shapes
colors forms and species
peacefully chattering feeding
side by side~this scene of peace
interrupted at measured intervals
by a sudden rising of  huge flocks
as Snow Geese take flight
filling the skies~feathered blizzard
whooshing of countless wings
enthusiastic honking as they wheel
above the waters~then as if in
concert~wings wide~orange footed
landing gear ready for descent
down they come~graceful reentry
accomplished once again they feed
heads dip~butts up in the air
then heads emerge once again
faces ringed in reddish mud
words alone can't do justice
to this most marvelous sights
leaving reluctantly planning
our next visit on the way home



***


No Name
~
What draws them here
why do they come
shyly sneaking around
winding between pots
hiding behind shrubs
watching us carefully
is there a sign someplace
invisible to us~ a marker
indicating "Enter here"
written in stray cat code
if only they could talk
able to tell us the story
of their sudden arrival 
as the old ones leave us
does the "VACANCY" 
sign suddenly light up
do they know we're unable
to turn our backs 
will they stay or stray again
maybe only the Universe 
can answer these questions


Prompt Response
***
John William Waterhouse
~
Soul of the Rose
***
She rises ~lays down her pen
leaving behind her writing
rich scent of roses drawing her 
out through the French doors
stepping onto the warmed stones
down into the summer garden
her colorful embroidered slippers 
sink into the rich soft grass
sighing deeply she gives herself
up to the many delights all around
silence broken only by birdsong
and the droning of contented bees
visiting flower after colorful flower
heavy pollen sacks on their legs
flashes of color flicker as birds
rise from the stone birdbath
leaving droplets shimmering briefly
in the still balmy afternoon air
settling overhead bright eyes watch 
as she passes slowly drinking it all in
deep peace and tranquility 
settles around her slim shoulders
envelops her like a silken shawl
approaching the high stonewall
her slender hands reach out
bracing herself she leans forward
tenderly cupping a sun warmed rose
her face sinking deeply into the
velvety heart of the fragrant blossom
inhaling the very soul of the rose


Prompt Response #2
***
John Singer Sargent
***
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose
~
Such a special treat for the girls
allowed up late this night
first strains of violins 
drift down into the garden
above the house~windows
wide open ~welcomes guests
with open arms as dusk
settles gently on the gardens
pale blooms glow brightly
sweet scent of stock mingles
with rose, lily and spicy pinks 
first bats appear~wheeling
swiftly through the treetops
crickets strike up their song
as girls spill into the garden
adorned in festive dress 
they flutter among the shrubs
like delicate Luna moths
solemnly turning their hands
to this most cherished task 
swiftly lighting Chinese lanterns
now small golden moons
illuminate the nighttime garden
high above slim crescent moon 
rises into the darkening skies
countless stars shimmer bright
this magical Midsummer night


Six Word Saturday
~
No name~no home
cautiously hopeful


Seven Word Sunday
~
Artistic expression
first timid effort
finally artfully framed


Suitcase Prompt Response
~
My suitcase once packed long ago
so eager to leave ready to
sever ties to that old world
seeming so faded and worn
blurred around it's aging edges
~
Tugging much hope and dreams
next to my meager belongings
ready to start over in what
seemed the promised land
to my then younger naive self
~
While it kept many a promise
and I learned to love this
beautiful bright new world
troubles must have found
space in my suitcase as well
~
Not all was perfect and easy
making a life as best I could
ending one marriage starting over
finding the peace and love
I had travelled so far to find
~
These days my suitcase waits
patiently ready to travel again
often making the trip across
that very same sea to savor
all I missed which wouldn't fit
~
Back to the land of my birth
a place eagerly left behind
so long ago not knowing then
that as I grow older my roots
would tuck at me so fiercely


New Moon Trio
~
Shrugging off black chiffon
sky goddesses appear
golden smile shining brightly
~
Luna and Venus embellished
tonight's delicately
streaked silvered blue sky
~
 Once again newly born
 she appears drawing
our eyes to the night sky


Woodland spirits raise
gnarly arms high
farewell sun salutation
***
Blackbird Mantilla
parts fog
three crows follow


7WSunday
~
Sunny day
going to look
for adventures


Desk Topography
~
My desk is my little kingdom. A creative space where I can visit with friends
around the world, without ever leaving my chair. Surrounding me are some of my
favorite things. Books, photographs, a few stuffed furry friends. Creative supplies
such as my newest addition, a wonderful horned owl sitting on a stack of books
stamp with a brand new coppery inkpad to go with it. No doubt by the time my
birthday comes around all presents will already sit right here, being used :-) To my left
the camera rests ,after sharing another large numbers of captured memories, now
safely tucked into my computer. Two of my favorite Tarot Decks in their colorful bags,
waiting for me to shuffle through and admire their beauty.
Of course useful things such as tape, envelopes, pens,erasers, staplers, all those things
needed to work and create. As this is my old desktop computer desk, it also has a
handy pullout drawer that I can use to spread out my bills and paperwork for the not
so desirable tasks of paying bills.
A favorite paperweight which states "A room without books is like a body without a soul."
Note the empty space above the desk, waiting for a few more shelves, as the small
shelves and stands on the desk are slowly filling with books. Beneath the desk are
my printer and paper supplies, at the ready. And no, I didn't stage any of this to take
the picture. I am just naturally cluttery and love being surrounded by my treasures. To
the back of me sits a bag of knitting with several shawls begging to me finished. Sorry
you have to wait another little while, so much to do and never enough hours in the day.
Next to it the wall is covered in photographs and my framed Sun-Moon creation.
From it, looking down on me are the furry faces of our beloved cat family who once
called this room their home. While the last of them left us late last fall, their spirits
surely still skip through here now and then, curiously exploring desktop and cubbies.
Why else would I find stuff in strange places at times? I am not that absentminded, am I??


Creating at my desk
~
Hidden deep
within this tree
small brown snail
appeared to me


Sunny winter day almond unfurled
her diaphanous organdy skirts
shook them out in the warm breeze
no doubt this gray foggy morning
she's regretting her unseemly haste
feeling this morning's chill deeply
not even bees will nuzzle her this morn
with their warm honeyed breath
standing by the roadside trembling
did she only dream spring's first
warm tender kiss waking her too soon ?


Gazing
outside longingly
from winter quarters
can't wait any longer
BLOOM


Nourishing
garnet red
full of goodness
enhanced by jellied chia
JUICE


Last leaf
first blossom
seasons connect


Dainty beauty unfurls
defying January wind


Several desks
spread throughout
my small world
not enough hours
in each day
to savor and enjoy
each of them
yet just knowing
they are there
waiting patiently
filled with treasures
to be savored
gives me deep comfort