APRIL 2015

Prompt:  PROCRASTINATION

~

Spring is here

no time to 

procrastinate

next year's

young depend

on timely 

mating rituals

no time to 

fool around

soldier beetles

gather making

love....not war

Six Word Saturday Duo
~
Unveiling her
face just
before dawn
~
Predawn delight
shimmers softly
morning blessing

Prompt: PATHWAYS
~
Twice yearly they make the long arduous journey
following invisible pathways
instinct urging them to head south each autumn
far away from their Northern homes
traveling for weeks down toward milder climes
flying high overhead their calls
filter down to us as their arrows pierce
the infinite skies stretching north
on the move again traveling aerial pathways
eagerly winging their way toward home
ready to raise a new generation of travelers

***

Two
slim
cypress
embrace
Luna's
pale
face
d
a
w
n

Yesterday golden ruffles glowed
heads held high skirts spread
but on this gray rainy day
they are bowed in humble gratitude
as sheets of rain saturate
the land ensuring nourishment
for blossoms yet to grace our
gardens on sunny days to come

***

Storm finally passed
above roseate clouds
a pale morning moon

Delicate droplets
nature weeps
crystalline tears

Headed out to town 

just a mundane outing

list of errands in

hand guiding our path

~

Yet how often have we

found that even 

these planned trips

can hold blessings

~

Never boring these jaunts

along our rural roads

spring roundup is on

tall cowboys riding high

~

The Wild West is present

here holding on tight

this romantic view brutal

to our city slicker eyes

~

Headed north on the freeway 

alongside towering trucks

brief glimpse into a valley

a herd of Bison with calves

~

Errands run truck loaded

we retrace the earlier

path taken toward town

relaxed now headed home

~

One final blessing found on 

this bright spring day our

Eagles perched on their nest

feeding one gray fuzzy chick

~

Nature's magic transforms the

simple pathways of our days

unexpected wonder and joy

around every turn of the road

***

Prompt: HOW DO WE LISTEN

~

How do we listen

do we listen with 

wide open hearts 

and minds caring

deeply for those

who speak to us

for this is as

it should be

or do we listen 

only to our own voice

chattering in our heads

while tuning out

those who want and

need to be heard

hearing only a droning

noise rather then

painful words and

confidences shared by

someone needing a friend

needing to matter 

or do we judge silently

hearing about struggles

we cannot imagine

or maybe having experienced

our own troubles 

and hardships along the way

can we empathize

allowing us to truly 

listen letting 

those who need us 

know that we are

here for them always

by their side

sharing their troubles

feeling their pain

holding a hand or

speaking words of 

comfort and support

maybe thus lightening

their heavy load

validating their pain

offering words of comfort

that this dark path

will once again bring

them to a clearing

where the sun shines 

and birds sing and 

soaring hope fills 

heavy hearts once more

how we listen matters!!!

Prompt: HOW DO WE LISTEN

~

Listening to the roar 

of traffic

yet focusing on this

small paradise

at the edge of a paved

parking lot

miniature world

where tiny bugs

go about their daily

lives and cheerful

flowers shine brightly

listening for 

the hum of the bees

coming upon this

minute oasis

in the urban desert

most welcome break

from harried shoppers

my mind takes off

on a flight of fancy

 Stepping into the garden
flooded with lush scents
subtle song as the wind
teases melodious chimes
busy chattering of birds
squabbling at the feeder
observing busy comings
sparrows followed by
pairs of cooing doves
arriving on angel wings
soon pushed aside by
arrogant jays screaming
in victory as they scatter
timid flocks at the feeder
delicate goldfinches feast
on plump rosemary seed
above it all high pitched
squeaks of the hummers
flying their aerial battles
diving battling whizzing
past our heads then scolding
angrily the feeder drained
of it's sweet nectar
hurrying inside to replenish
their syrupy banquet
then watching them settle
sweetly side by side
content once again
sharing a meal together
battles forgotten
peace returns for now

***

Azure

glowing beauty

tasty leaved herb

invites busy foraging bees

BORAGE

Prompt: IMPACT

~

Looking back over the last few years I can't help

but think of the IMPACT is has on my life when a dear

friend, known to you all, took a moment to hit the send

button, inviting me to a writing challenge. I thought 

"WHAT!? What on earth will I write about?? Of course that

negative voice was immediately heard in the background,

whispering words of discouragement. You all know the one

I speak of. It's not for you, it said and I thought and

thought and decided.........WHY NOT??

Hadn't I always loved the written word, though never 

having written myself? Did I know come from creative stock,

my father loving to write and doing so? It seemed someone

had faith and felt all I needed was a gentle shove to 

help me soar, seeing myself in a way I had never thought of

before.

A creator of not only words strung together as poetry to be 

shared, but also discovering a new joy, capturing the beauty

found in our simple, rural lives with my camera.

Once taking the plunge and accepting the challenge how often

have all of you been the wind beneath my newly found wings?

How often on sad days have your kind, caring words, your own

wonderful writings and sharing of your lives in both word

and image made dark days a little brighter?

The IMPACT this group and it's support has had on my life is

so tremendous and the fact that others feel the same way just

gives me a feeling of belonging. Of feeling understood, of being

among kindred spirits. Leaving me no longer isolated, but a part

of something bigger, something amazing, something to be treasured

always. 

Scrolling through the pages of my blog which documents the journey

along the river of stones alongside new friends found, all made

possible by feeling heard and understood. Trusting myself to dabble

in paints, even finding the courage to share at times, such a wonder.

My days are filled with mindfully noticing so many things unseen or

passed over before. Now examined, made note of, pondered over and

maybe shared. 

As I sit here in my Mindful Owl Studio, sharing these thoughts I am

thankful! Thankful for the support and encouragement. Thankful for 

your own brave sharing thoughts and feelings most generously, good

and bad, bright and dark. And in doing so, weaving a shining tapestry

for all to enjoy, to be part of something bright and positive.

It has impacted us all, has it not???

Delicate blossoms unfurl
on gnarled venerable trees
come winter transformed
into culinary liquid gold
~
Holding tight to the jug
we're homeward bound
eager to refill the Fusti
our table again blessed
~
Drizzling golden drops to
anoint simple foods
fresh asparagus roasted
sighing in culinary bliss

***

Prompt: FRIENDSHIP
~
This space we've created
warms our collective hearts
precious friendships held dear
~
This space we've created
offers warmth and care
in our often troubled world
~
This space we've created
nourishes and comforts us
cocoons and holds us safely
~
This space we've created
our harbor when life's storms
leave us breathless and uncertain
~
This space we've created
carefully nurtured globally
this wonderful web spun together

 Last year's disaster
this year's oasis
fractured Hawthorne
carefully splinted
tenderly wrapped
tears flowed freely
as I spoke words of
encouragement hoping
to save this young tree
finally first small buds
appeared delicate leaves
formed on the pruned
branches and now once
again wide open blossoms
offer up their nectar
let the gathering begin