December 1st-8th, 2013

December 1st, 2013

~

Advent

~

Thus begins another Christmas season~the first candle of Advent lit

starting the final journey toward the shortest day of the year

I light it in memory of a childhood long gone~years filled with seasonal magic

leading up to the big day when the Christkindl came

~

As the candle flickers delicately~throwing shadows on the wall

I drift back to a childhood filled with the singing of songs 

earnestly playing my wooden recorder~eyes following the musical notes

eating Lebkuchen~ the taste and smell of the season ~so well remembered

~

Nose pressed against icy windows filled with delicate frosty vines and flowers

breathing to make a small round peephole~watching the snowflakes fall

neighborhoods slowly changing as all is enveloped in a blanket of snow

sledding and snowman building~laughter all around~the sheer  joy of it

~

Simple pleasures that filled the hearts and nourished the soul

not this new rush with everyone pushing and shoving~frantic to shop

fighting in lines~running from sale to sale~ the season filled with stress

I am starting to understand the old ones~ as they look back wistfully 

~

Looking back to simpler times~hardships forgotten

just the remembrance of hearts filled with joy so long ago

dark memories pushed aside as we focus the light 

which glowed so brightly back then~ when we were small

~

May your hearts be filled with gladness and light

may your days glow~illuminating  these shorter days

simple pleasures can still be found~even now~slow down

this morning's lighting of a single candle led me back to peace

December 2nd, 2013
~
MM
~
Trusting eyes~depending on us to make things right

***

December 3rd, 2013
~
Broad stripes of clouds race across a pale blue sky
briefly embracing the morning sun~hiding her face
moments later they hurry on~eager to make their way south
oak branches shudder~releasing flurries of small coppery leaves
the year's first hard freeze will settle tonight~icy breath of  winter

***

December 4th, 2013
~
Cold December morning~warmed by happiness
our new girls are settling in~Petey, Tess and Poppy
race in wild panting circles~ around and around
snouts wide open~laughing~not feeling the cold
we watch from the window~sedate Sally by our side
they return with lolling tongues~taking turns~noisily drinking
collapsing into their beds they rest~toes twitching~recharging
it's early yet~stiff cold North wind rattles nearly bare branches
we sip hot tea~ savoring the warmth~courage will come soon enough
then we'll  bundle up and  head out~harnessing our team of four
leaning into the wind~striding out................but not yet!!

December 5th, 2013
~
Nearly midday~ yet at the creek Jack Frost still holds court
frozen pieces of art~ a tableau of his creative work on display
we admire the exhibition~rosy cheeked~moving from piece to piece
puffs of breath escaping into the chilly air~we linger briefly
then move on~eager to return home to another cup of hot tea

December 6th, 2013
~
Perched above the frozen fountain
two ducks huddle
birds fly in and out sipping ice water

December 7th, 2013
~
SWS
~
Snowy morning
color splash
Robin feasts

#2

Winter Wonderland
~
Just after dark~first whispers of snow
the gentle rustling of tiny flakes
as they drift through bare branches
and onto the carpet of fallen oak leaves
~
Early morning sun reveals a winter wonderland
boughs heavy with snow~glittering in golden rays
icing sugar everywhere~gentle sifting to the ground below
excited bird chatter sounds from every tree and shrub
~
We celebrate this rare event~snow in the valley
not on distant peaks~but right here~in our garden
dogs skeptical at first~cautiously tip toeing~sniffing
but soon they play like children~barking~whirling
~
Nearly a white Christmas~certainly close enough for us
this morning's splendor will see us through for many a day
the crunch of snow underfoot~bright blue skies above
gilded branches~ baroque palette of color~feast for the eyes

December 8th, 2013
~
Seven Word Sunday
~
Creek's edge~Icosaurus Rex hatched last night

November 25th-30th, 2013

November 25th, 2013

~

Yellow

delicious island

delightful fragrances rises 

on a sea of tea

Lemon

~

On a sea of tea

fragrant yellow island floats

Meyer lemon harvest

***

November 26th, 2013

~

Dog walk along the creek

collars jingle merrily

excited snuffles accompany as they explore

~

Trio of buzzards

above our heads in the blue sky

follow us home

~

Morning ritual complete

dogs curled in their beds

our day moves on

***

November 27th, 2013

~

Early morning

twinkling stars in velvet sky

owl hoots softly

***
November 28th, 2013
~
Coyotes sing
under a setting crescent moon
Orion's Belt sparkles

November 29th, 2013
~ 
Once again our little creek sings it's sweet song
as it makes it's way toward the Sacramento
~
Across the creek cattle dot the hills
their lowing blending with creek's song
~
Last leaves quiver on nearly bare branches
brilliant sunshine spills unseasonal warmth 
~
Our morning walk after Thanksgiving
so much to be thankful for each and every day

November 30th, 2013
~
SWS
~
Cold and clear
yet still tempting
***
Creek is running cold and clear
Petey doesn't mind~cheerfully taking the plunge
racing in and out~exuberant in his joy
the girls stand and watch~no doubt fueling his bravado
but then again~his big grin tells another story
crazed wild abandon shines on his face
as he comes tearing out~one more time
exhilarated he shakes~eager to share his joy
arcs of sparkling diamonds radiate around him
then fall~finding their mark~soaking us all
infected by his happiness we head home smiling

November 18th-24th, 2013

November 18th, 2013

~

CCN

~

A gliding of buzzards

November 19th, 2013

~

Rainy morning~ fine delicate shrouds of moisture

spill from pale silver skies~saturating the earth

last colored leaves glow brightly~lit from within it seems

delicate droplets hang suspended on jeweled Hawthorne

Nature drapes herself in simple elegant splendor

November 20th, 2013

~

Outside the window

eagerly scratching and pecking

Rufous-sided Towhee

~

Towhee pauses~tilts head

red eye looks up at me

such a charmer~out in the rain

***

A brief offering brought about by a challenge on SS to write about someone we secretly admire
~
I secretly admire those who in a few words
can bring across a sense of peace and comfort
a sense of being seen and heard
~
Those who can see past negatives 
and bring the good out in most everyone
thus spreading a sense of rightness and joy
~
The ones who can make us feel cherished
who can soothe and hold us in their hearts
giving us hope in a sometimes unkind world
~
Those are the ones I secretly admire
because they not only make our world a better place
they infect and inspire us all to be our very best

***

November 21st, 2013
~
Nearly empty trees dance wildly in the howling gale
flinging off the last of their colorful autumn attire
exotic dancers~they gyrate and twist~baring all

November 22, 2013
~
A bowl of conkers
not quite the deep mahogany 
of the horse chestnuts of my youth
yet the fat brown fruit of California Buckeye
take me instantly back to my childhood
all that's needed are toothpick legs and acorn heads
for a herd of deer to appear

November 23, 2013
~
SWS Trio
~
Big changes today~new dogs arrived
~
Rescue Remedy will ease their hearts
~
Venturing forward bravely and with love

November 24th, 2013
~
The adventure begins~our pack has grown
this morning's walk~ enjoyed by all
each blade of grass eagerly sniffed 
trails of night wanderers explored
alert they listen and look
senses alive~ ready to go
but leashes keep them safe by our side
two can be trusted to run free and return
but the newcomers have much to learn
for now the leashes represent safety
returning home~dog beds are found and sorted
then gentle snuffles and snores fill the air 
NAPTIME!!

November 11th-17th, 2013

November 11th, 2013

~

Like dark ominous fruit vultures flock

sitting in the trees ~quietly announcing death

we slow~uneasy~searching the woodlands

and there it is~a deer~stuffed hastily into a bag

then thrown out like unwanted garbage

our hearts break as we stand helplessly

all we can do is send words of blessing

to honor a life~cut short for naught

we walk on slowly~our sunny morning walk

darkened by sadness~such wanton cruelty

such disrespect of nature and her creatures

yet from this act of terror comes sustenance

for the vultures~ who will erase this evil deed

life and death~side by side~loss and gain

we find some comfort  in that thought

November 12th, 2013
~
Heart of burnished gold
trembles in the breeze
so delicate~yet so strong

November 13th, 2013
~
Early morning sunrise~fragrant wisps of coffee rise
warm comfort of a purring cat in my lap
looking out into the garden I watch first rays
kiss autumn leaves~they glow in appreciation
~
Birds land in Mulberry's branches~chattering~flitting
as they take to the air~leaves are released one by one
gently twirling~drifting down~then settling
Mulberry stands serenely~a pool of molten gold at her feet

November 14th, 2013
~
Across the creek~basking in the sun
berry bounty glows 
how the birds will feast at harvest time

November 15th, 2013
~
Season's wheel slowly turns
moving toward the end of the year
bringing with it shorter days~ cooler nights
everywhere leaves are turning~ then falling
~
Yet already the promise of renewal is evident
Alder trees~ while readying for rest~ are quietly preparing
knowing that renewal will come as the wheel turns yet again
the dark months are here~but so is the promise of spring

November 16th, 2013
~
SWS
~
The Mothership approaches~beam me up

***

November 17th, 2013
~
Mid~November~early mornings now spend in the dark
huddled over my cup of tea~waiting for the house to warm
candle flame flickers~ illusion of fire~satellite heater glows warmly
bravery consisted of a simple act~ peeling back  toasty duvet layers
~
 Bare feet find cold slippers ~I venture forth into the chilly house
swiftly putting on the kettle~eager to replace the warmth left behind
 body and soul yearn to return~ into the cozy cocoon recently shed
not yet ready to fly~needing the sun's warming rays for courage
~
Hands wrapped around the hot mug~ drinking in welcome heat
sipping slowly~ savoring the warming of body and soul once again
finally first golden rays appear~morning sun rises and illuminates
breathing deep~my wings unfold~ready to seize the day

November 4th-10th, 2013

November 4th, 2013

~

MM

~

Pink Flamingo Sunset

November 5th, 2013
~
Striped cloudy sky
rising sun peeks through layers
kisses pine briefly

***
November 6th, 2013
~
Delicate sliver of silver
against an indigo velvet sky
waxing moon glows radiantly

November 7th, 2013
~
I sit~sunshine streaming through the window
watching a polarbear mother and her cub rambling along
making their way through a wintery landscape~far up north
on the other side of the country~three thousand miles away
What marvels there are to be seen as we can 
bring these live streams and images into our homes 
Now owls, eagles and polar bears are daily visitors
technology allowing me a close up and personal view
bringing nature's marvels~ a world away~into my life
They seem so close ~I can almost feel the cold air
hear the wind whistling~see the snow falling
their icy breath~the crunch beneath their giant paws
as winter settles on those far lands and they migrate
in search of ice and sustenance~such a blessing
that we can still experience this~but how much longer
with the race for oil and the every growing population
changing their world and ours~can we stop it in time????
I pray we can and will~such treasures must be saved
for future generations to view and experience 
first hand~close up and personal~LIVE!!!

***
November, 8th, 2013
~
Soul Searching
~
Have I done my job too well?
Have I learned to hide my true self for protection
for so many years that no one can see me any longer?
All they see is a brash, outspoken, no-nonsense person 
with a mind of her own ~never showing fear 
It troubles me, because inside I am the same
tender, romantic, easily wounded~ absorbing energies
around me~ be they good or bad~lover of animals
and nature~yearning for peace and a better world
But it's a tough world out there~I donned my suit of armor
long ago to keep myself safe and sane~untouchable
Only here~in this safe space do I allow myself to be
who I am inside~sharing the soft center~hidden under a hard shell
forged by life over the years~new layers added with every hurt
Yet I feel hopeful~sure that slowly~ as I share my inner world
with words and images~ the shell is cracking~letting in light
allowing that person in the shadows to grow and emerge
like a butterfly from a chrysalis~taking flight~feeling safe
leaving the shell~which served it's purpose behind
I am finding courage~writing my way home

***
November 9th, 2013
~
SWS
~
Forgiving and blessing freed me

November 10th, 2013
~
Scanning the bleak wintry landscape
a head lifts briefly~scenting the air
then disappears~melting into the background

November 1st-3rd, 2013

November 1st, 2013

~

Mindful Writing Day Contribution

~

Early morning the house yet dark and chilly

Reluctant to rise I linger in bed

Savoring the delicious warmth a little longer

#2

~

Grumpy cat stares silently ~eyes narrowed

dismissive of his autumn crown of color

his only concern "Where is dinner?"

Chastened I cap my camera and do his bidding

I hear him snicker as I pass~he wins again

November 2nd, 2013
~
SWS
~
Park outing~so appreciated~thankful smile

#2
~
Easy Rider~not easy on me

***

November 3rd, 2013
~
7WS  Trio
~

Chilly north wind~briskly blowing away summer
~
Wild wind howling~it is snowing leaves
~
Last acorns raining down~run for cover

October 28th-October 31st, 2013

October 28th, 2013

~

MM

~

Fallen gold~held tenderly

October 29th, 2013
~
Tufted Titmice circle the young tree
branches dip and dance as they land and depart
small heads wearing a pointed cap tilted ~bright black eyes shining
they chatter and squabble~plucking the ripe Hawthorne berries
will there be any left  for the Waxwings?

October 30th, 2013
~
Shyly hiding ~veiled by leaves
blushing bashfully~ their hearts crack open 
revealing tart jeweled treasure~inviting all to feast
we rejoice with the birds at the generosity of their gift

***

October 31st, 2013
~
Insomnia
~
SLEEP!! Where are you??
Why are we playing hide and go seek?
Tossing and turning for hours now
blankets in lumps~pillows pummeled
bed clothes twisted into knots
I have looked for you everywhere
I don't like this game~please show yourself
I am so weary~have mercy and come to me
Oh, there you are~embracing you I start drifting
sinking deep~under your spell at last

October 21st-27th, 2013

October 21st, 2013

~

MM

~

Silvery light

buzzards soar

October 22nd, 2013
~
Chilly morning walk ~wild wine wrapped tree wears coat of generous
warming colors~ as if trying to keep the cold at bay
blue clear water is frigid~dogs barely dip~ today paws only
then out again~ racing along wildly~ trying to stay warm
we return back home with cold fingers but warm happy hearts

October 23rd, 2013
~
Morning moon's reflection
shivers on cold water
ripples spill across the creek

October 24th, 2013
~
Reaching  into a cloudless sky
flickering bonfire flames 
licking and tasting the cool blue

***

October 25th, 2013
~
My day in a trio of Elje
~
Bandaged
walking funny
moving much slower
but not standing still
Mummy
~
Colors
swirling madly
distorting the view
have to act quickly
Migraine
~
Noisy
no rest
tossed and turned
now headed back home
Relief

October 26th, 2013
~
SWS Trio
~
Oh bliss
sinking into
my bed
~
Waking rested
savoring cool
autumn morning
~
Golden light
illuminates brilliantly
colored leaves

October 27th, 2013
~
October trip through the valley
plowed fields, changing leaves
harvested nut trees look defeated
their crop knocked down by noisy machines
in the distance huge plumes of smoke are rising
staining the pale blue autumn sky with a glaze of amber
rice fields are burning ~as are our eyes and throat
still the harvest goes on~we had hoped it was done
the paddies flooded by now~dabbled with squabbling fowl
newly arrived migrants from the north to please the eye
but all we see is the occasional Great White Egret
thoughtfully poking through newly harvested fields 
he too wants the water to return and with it tasty bites