~ this too, shall pass ~

The devastation is alarming. Over 200 tornadoes in a 24 hour period. Six states are now under a 'declaration of emergency'.

The photo, above, is from a beach that is three hours from my home. That tornado tail is really kicking. I understand it acts like a whip... one lash and your building is gone. Have you ever played "Tiddly-winks"?

Watching a news update, I could not figure out what I was looking at. The camera was in a helicopter flying over a city (??). Yes, a city; I was looking at concrete foundations that resembled kitchen tiles.

Like any event that brings devastation and loss of life, we hope for comfort and a return to daily tasks. We try to try. If you cannot 'try' what is yours to handle, reach out your hand to another and help them try.

Sometimes the only thing left standing is the soul of humanity. "Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it, come the issues of life." (a proverb)

Fairy Tale Girls

~And today is the wedding...

Four o' clock A.M. will find me in front of my television.
Hot tea, crumpets, and other similar snacks are waiting.

My sister-in-law will call around the same time.
We'll gab about the guests, the groom, the MUM, and on... & on.

Why?
Because we're 'Fairy Tale Girls'.

Every good fairy tale girl knows 'they lived happily ever after.'

Sigh ~ past the tissue please... here comes the bride!





Image credit:
free-vintage-valentines-clip-art-doves-red-hearts-pink-flowers-key-wedding-ring1

~and now it's spring

Cool mornings, and a freshness fills my lungs...
with the urgent need of spring.

A pale light casting across the garden...
I wait for warmth, the sun will bring.

The morning doves gather for their calling...
and cooing, for the urgent need of spring.

A path of dampness invites a journey...
with bare feet, the grass begins to cling.

Sheltered in this early morning beauty...
a grateful voice within me, begins to sing...

~and now it's spring...

Our Lotus Life

Our life is like the lotus flower,
Waiting for the birthing hour
We float in water, in joyous mirth,
To share our beauty in the earth

While in the womb, we often sing,
Then popping out with leaves of green
Such tender buds point to the sky
To drink in light as we float by

We're given years to equal petals.
Our hearts grow up among the nettles.
But we survive to seize the day,
Allowing love its joyous way

Our years pass by and as we fade,
The lotus once so gently made,
Is traveling through the thick of night,
Arriving in a different light

A different light of golden measure
Our faded petals are now a treasure
We stand in awe of light we see
And dwell with love’s eternity

sung to the tune of "Oklahoma!"

OHHHHH~the daffodils are growing up around my ears,
and they smell so sweet, it's a springtime treat
and I hope they never disappear.

OHHHH~the daffodils are swaying gently in the breeze,
and I'm loving this, most alluring bliss,
but I feel as if I have to sneeze!

Thanks, that's it.(sniff, sniff).

there's always a camera... smile

From what I can tell of history we're not learning to negotiate. Or maybe the heads of states decide how many airplanes to give up, to keep it going. We've shared a bunch of planes, weapons and things, so both sides of a battle can fight.

Over here, we're being told that the biggest concern is internet addiction to games and connections? Really, that's it?

What if heads of state had to play games to determine the outcome of negotiations? Ha ha, sorry, you're right; they already do that. Of course none of them are addicted to internet so it's okay.

Well whether or not you're dying in a war zone or playing 'Blitz' on "Facebook", please remember... there's always a camera... smile.

:(

Sunday funny

Comic Source:
http://xkcd.com/

storms and inspirations

There was a time when I hated storms. The morning walk from car to workplace, in heels, made no sense at all. Couldn't we simply cancel work or have a personal taxi pick us up? My poor water-dirt spattered legs. Rubber booties weren't available unless you were nine years old. Cutting out the toe area of the boot would have 'defeated' the purpose. No, not for the purpose of staying dry, but to make that long, stupid walk to work! Alas I was much too young to feel inspired; too old to appreciate a 'class A' mud puddle. But then I became disabled and could no longer work. You don't know how many times I watched the morning lineup of cars heading to work in the rain... and wished I could join them. I'd take that walk, smiling, thankful, for the joy of working.

Fast forward to today, some eleven years later. Life is so different because I've grown in understanding of God, self, others... and storms. There are things I call 'my work' that give me peace and happiness. I'm inspired by those who face this dilemma and find their treasure. Without their inspiration I might have kept watching storms in vain. (I used to hear a song in the back of my mind: “Rainy days and Mondays, always get me down.”)

Recently my home state experienced a horrible storm. I listened to 30mph winds race around and over my house. Thunder rumbled, and it was hard to tell that from the limbs falling onto the roof. My first reaction was to grab the safety candles in case the power went out. This went on for hours and I hoped, hoped for others. I thought about those people without homes and their long walk to find shelter. How would they stand up against the wind? I felt inspired to hold positive thoughts... although I wavered a bit in the beginning. Ironically I was reading, “Never Ever Give Up!,” when the storm arrived. In my own fear I found strength for other people. No... I think God took my fear and made it a positive. I cannot explain this conclusion; most might say it's a matter of personal choice. I believe that “God within me” gives the ability to make that choice. (No... there's a scripture that comes to mind: “I can do all things, through Christ, which strengthens me.”) So when, out of fear, I asked for the safety of others, I received strength to hold them in positive thoughts. This doesn't mean no lives will be lost, no houses damaged, or no limbs piled high in the yard. This is what I see that helps me. Just a thought, but how often are we inspired by the storm in someone else life? Answers are not required, but welcomed, here.

The storm passed over and I 'returned' to my work. Chapter one of “Never Ever Give Up,” seems to be moving right along. Thank you :)

Fashion for the rainy season

I hope you won't allow the gray skies and rain to always ruin your day. Once in a while it's okay to feel blah and duck into a corner of your couch. Keeping in mind that ducks love water; so probably adore rain. Just pretend your a duck.

For those souls who have no choice but to brave the outdoors... I offer you 'fashion for the rainy season'. Just the thing to uplift your mood and others around you. Think of the intriguing remarks from co-workers:

Tom: Hi Sara... love your heeled boots!
Sara: Thanks Tom... I borrowed them from my husband.
Tom: Ewww.

Okay, if you feel inclined to add something, then leave it in the little box. It's rainy out and I'm bored.

Pain in Japan: Shedding

(Japanese tulip tree near my home ~ dc)

Pain in Japan

"RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan (Reuters) – In a devastated landscape of splintered homes, rotting bodies and twisted cars, an elderly man walks with stooped shoulders searching for any object that can bring back memories of his daughter.
"Her home used to be there but that is gone," the man who asked to be called by his family name Kikuchi said, pointing at a spot in the town of Rikuzentakata, leveled by the tsunami of nearly two weeks ago.
"My daughter is missing. She is gone. I was up in the hills above town and couldn't get to her in time," Kikuchi said in a steady voice.
"I am looking for something that can remind me of her. There must be something here," Kikuchi said and then resumed wandering through the mud-strewn debris in the town of broken buildings erased by a giant wall of water."

[This story touched me and I felt compelled to write a poem with a different ending. The father will find a tree he gave her years ago. Fictional, yes, however it seems likely to happen... somwehere. What terrible pain and a long time of shedding tears.]

Shedding

A tulip tree is shedding flowers ~
like shedding tears.
'Cause nature came in awesome power ~
igniting fears.

A tulip tree yielding to the wind ~
without any pain.
A father's heartache will never mend ~
his search in vain.

A tulip tree is firmly grounded ~
with roots that ache.
Her home is gone from being pounded ~
from wave and quake.

A tulip tree is what he bought her ~
a simple pleasure.
The only thing left of his daughter ~
his greatest treasure.

The tulip tree was moved to his yard ~
shedding flowers ~
like shedding tears.
He continues smiling but it's hard ~
lonely hours ~
memories dear.

Almost

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Another chance to rise

“When the odds are stacked against us, we often rise to the occasion and surprise people... including ourselves!” ~B.J. Gallagher

In the last few months challenges have appeared for me to solve. Often times I cannot do it alone. I turn to friends to hear about their experiences. I've also found solace in reading blogs. It is a real treasure to have sources of experience and love so close by. Isolation has never been the answer for me.

Lately I'm studying formal portrait painting. I've done portraits but relied on a self taught process. Having listened to the best, and observed their talent, I shall attempt to give it another go.

My Dad's estate is taking some time to be resolved. You might recall, he passed last October. But more than the issue of the estate is the issue of feelings I do not have. Unfortunately we had a turbulent relationship; never did resolve our differences. As a result I am resolving them as best I can. Oddly I find I don't care what happens to any property. I'm not a coveting sort of person. It's surprising to me that I must have let go a while back. I thought I might feel guilty for not missing him, as much as I miss my Mom, but that hasn't happened.

My husband is still unemployed. Since April of 2010 we've taken life one day at a time. On the upside he's become quite the chef! After seventeen years of him tolerating my cooking, he finally agrees that I'm best at cleaning up after meals ~ hahahaha! Oh, I had trouble relinquishing control of 'my' kitchen, but not for long. When he returns to work I'm going to miss the 'happy meals'. I'm so addicted to his fresh vegetable blends.

My spine is not attached at the hip bones, or lower lumbar region. A fall many years ago broke my back and the result means my spine can move out of place. For three months I've been in therapy, hopefully to reverse the issue of late; my lumbar area has moved 5 millimeters forward.; another 5mm and I'll be paralyzed. Not to complain but I'm trying to surprise myself. As each issue presents itself I look to rise and claim success.

Thank you for reading what appears to be a self-absorbed blog post. Then again, as I said, isolation has never been the answer for me. And maybe, just maybe, as 'they' say... I'll feel more resolved by letting some of the craziness out in the light.

Shared

A small world ~ this drop of water upon a flower.

I marvel at the color and the balance ~ the joy of the petal.

A fleeting embrace ~ a capture of nature's beauty.

Life touching life ~ a moment is shared.



Image credit: T.J. Marlin (Thank you, T.)

Borrowed humor

http://xkcd.com/

Fringe

I watch a television show called, "Fringe"; basically it's about a parallel reality. Indeed, over there I might be a real writer!! I might paint the best acrylic canvasses in the world. I might tell funny jokes and short stories that rival Robin Williams. Or I might actually be sane!

A friend sent me this photo and I have no details to share about it. To me that's sad because I'd love to see this metallic art piece. I would find it unique to be standing beside it in the city, while seeing the same city in it.

Well, I like it and had to share it. Whether or not you watch the show, it's an amazing piece of work in the photo. It makes me feel as if I'm standing on the 'fringe' of something bigger than myself.

whether or not to be vain ~ a question

Are we vain when we brag about good weather? Whether vain or not, we need to be grateful when the weather is nice.


"Just let your smile be your umbrella on a rainy, rainy day?" Might as well as these umbrellas aren't performing.



Good weather is a gift. Enjoy it because you never know when it will be gone with the wind.



Image credit:
Graphics Fairy
My pictures 2005
Movie still, 'Gone with the wind'

a child's world

A new generation of nieces and nephews have invaded my world. They descend upon my heart like gentle doves, soft and cooing. They conquer my mind with their laughter and smiling faces. And now I prepare to enter a child's world and produce another 'masterpiece' that teaches family names and positions.

My last book was about a rocking horse for my niece, Kaitlyn. Each family member did some task to help build the horse. By the time the book was finished, Kaitlyn knew the names and positions, (aunts, uncles, cousins), of her family unit. I understand that Kaitlyn keeps her book in a special box so no one can touch it without her permission. That's quite the compliment to me. I'm so glad she likes it.

Okay, now to write something cute and meaningful for her younger brother, Adam. He's the little fella pictured in my previous blog. His Mom says he's into wheels and the color green. Here's the challenge then: finding something that the family can build for him. The object must have enough parts for everyone to have a task. If you think of an object, feel free to let me know.



Above Image: 'The Graphics Fairy' - see my reading list

Pinch me?

There are those who say they will pinch me if I don't wear green clothes on March 17th. Yep, they call the day, St. Patrick's Day. I don't know about your saints but I hope my saints don't go around pinching people. But just in case I had my Mom buy a bunch of little green shirts.

Now if only the wind would stop blowing so my hair will lie down. It looks like a lion's mane. Oh, maybe that's okay, doesn't March come in like a lion and go out like a lamb?! And if so does it mean I need a white shirt for the lamb look? Pink is out as I'd rather be pinched than wear pink.

I'm hungry, so I'll write more later :))

The Reflection

In the coolness of a morning
My sweet cubs come to drink
And ~
They see themselves as I was
Recognizing the reflection

I am rare and some would seek me
For trophy’s gain and outer beauty ~

In jungle brush and flowered tree
They make-believe it is my duty ~

To stand and roar but never flee
For the shot that rings incessantly ~

And takes me down
Where my cubs mourn
Until ~
In the coolness of a morning
My sweet cubs come to drink
And ~
They see themselves as I was
Recognizing the reflection

Morning Forest (reposted)

On mountain morn I watched the light
The sun arose with awesome flight
Across the snow, rays fell in lines
Creating trees that looked divine.

The sky was red, then turned to pinks
The fog did flirt with several winks
A line of green did peek and leave
A sight so rare, I now believe.

The bitter cold against my face
I longed return to warmer place
I sketched the sky and then the sun
Included trees and I was done.

Arriving home I warmed my hands
To paint the scene of lovely land
When I was done the painting showed
An early sun with beauty glowed.



(Painting and poem by dcrelief.)