The Full Solstice Lunar Eclipse

So, here we are, just past mid-winter. The longest night of the year has gone. The shortest day of the year has ended. And we are on our way to spring, to light, to warmth and to faire. But I'm getting ahead of myself, I suppose.

I felt the power yesterday; did you? The power of the full moon, the power of the approaching solstice, the power of the nearing eclipse. It was a manic day, a flash of energy, a day of thoughts askew and emotions running high. And upon awakening this morning, I felt the calming, the smoothing of ruffled emotions, the bliss of the approaching light. I hope you did, as well.

And now, I give you....

Day 20~

Haiku:
Full moon under clouds,
hidden as earth's shadow nears;
yet power is there.

Journal Jar:
If you had to eliminate one emotion from your life, which would it be?

Hmmm, well, given the choice I wouldn't eliminate any of them. They are, after all, what makes us human (and what makes me, well, ME). Gemini are known for their strong emotions, their moodiness, their extremes of the heart and soul. I may bemoan the fact that I have these qualities, but to eliminate any of them would change who I am. And after years of exploration, creation, determination, hiding, praying, running, and finally standing strong, I like who I am.

That said, if I HAD to get rid of one, it would be the paranoia that strikes on occasion. It's not strong and it's not often, but it does happen. Especially when I start overanalyzing everything.


Day 21~

Haiku:
Really? Just 3 days?
That can't possibly be right!
I'm just not ready!

Journal Jar:
Did you wish you had more brothers or sisters? Why?

Having grown up as the oldest of two, I did sometimes wish there was an older brother or sister for me to lean on, learn from, be protected by and talk to. Not usually, though. I was pretty happy with things the way they were.

Thanks for listening!

Days 14-19, a fast catch up....

It's been a crazy and busy week. I have been shopping and cooking and entertaining and dreaming and wrapping and writing and cleaning and planning and laughing a lot this week. Hopefully I'll be able to stay more on track after the holidays pass on by. I really may have been crazy to start this project during the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

I shall endeavor to catch up, all in one posting. I'll post the haiku and journal jar from each day, but you'll just have to believe me that I have thanked at least one person every day. Most days, more than one person. A couple of days I thanked one person, many times. I actually think I am going to take the thanking part off the blog. The moments have been personal and private and a few have been emotional. I shall continue to thank someone every day, but starting in January, I am going to add in another daily task (to be announced at a later date) here.

So, on with the writing....

Day 14~
Haiku:
I've fallen behind.
Beginning in December,
not the best idea.

Journal Jar:
If you could forever eliminate one specific type of prejudice from the earth, which would it be?

The one that affects more of my friends than any other is certainly the one surrounding sexual orientation. That would go first.

***
Day 15~
Haiku:
A place that is peace,
calming the spirit, mind, heart.
A walk in the woods.

Journal Jar:
If you could accomplish only one thing in the rest of your life, what would it be?

Wow, I have no idea. I probably should say something like eliminate world hunger, or establish world peace, or promote literacy. They are all a little grandiose for just me, though. I think if I could do just one thing, it would be to be as honestly happy as possible while making others as happy. Because, really, that is what it is all about.

***
Day 16~
Haiku:
Smells like evergreen,
snow sparkles, frost decorates,
etches the windows.

Journal Jar:
Between the ages of 5 and 10, what was your favorite activity?

Reading.

***
Day 17~
Haiku:
Dreaming of days past,
a chance to relive my youth.
What fun this has been.

Journal Jar:
Who do you need to forgive?

Myself.

***
Day 18~
Haiku:
A Sunday evening~
thinking about the weekend,
tired but happy.

Journal Jar:
Where were you and what were you doing when you heard about the Challenger Space Shuttle Explosion?

I was in school and my mom came to get me. I remember she was crying.

***
Day 19~
Haiku:
All caught up for now,
'til time again runs away
and I fall behind.

Journal Jar:
If you were to name the single best deed a stranger has done for you in your lifetime, what would it be?

Many strangers sent assistance and aid when I had my house fire. One girl gave me a teddy bear that was given to her in a difficult time. I thank her every day, although I know not her name.

***

And so I am caught up. Until tomorrow....

Thanks for listening.

Lucky thirteen?

Well, I have always liked 13. Whenever anyone asks me my lucky or favourite number, it's the first one I think of, the first one I list. I love Friday the 13th (the day, the movie). I know not why, I care not why; it works for me. *grin*

So, I give you lucky post number thirteen....


~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Tired of writing
about the horrid weather.
Is that all there is?

~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Today I thanked someone privately (that is likely to happen now and then, but not often)

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: Describe a perfect spring day and activities on that day.

(Okay, first let me say that I do not open and look at the journal prompt until after I have written the haiku. This is coincidence? Luck? See, it's the thirteen effect!)

So, a perfect spring day. I think I'll brainstorm and dream this one as I go rather than thinking too much about it. It's late spring. Warm, sunny and green. There is a light breeze. I am walking Bailey in a park, a picnic awaits, with friends and lovers (like that wonderful scene in Camelot). There are flowers and trees, there is music, there is wine and laughter. The air smells fresh and clean and soft. There is a waterfall, a stream, a bonfire for later. There are no cares and there is not a cloud in the sky.

Oh, wow. I want that day!

Thanks for listening.

Day twelve.

Day twelve.

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Sometimes it's easy,
words flow like molten silver.
And sometimes, it's not.

~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Sunday, I thanked two of my favourite people, my favourite librarians, my favourite bloggers (Debra and Beverly) for their words of encouragement.

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt:
What is erotic for you? Use words to show what you mean.

Well, I have never been good at writing erotica (and yes, I have tried). I know good erotica when I read (or watch) it, but I just don't have the knack. Erotic to me is in a look, a touch, a taste, a scent. It is a single note of music that brings forth a flood of song. It is individual and encompassing, it evokes memory and creates fantasy. It is a dream when you cannot close your eyes and you feel flush start from the toes and flow through the fingertips. Erotic is knowing there is a spark, waiting for the flame and surviving the fire. Erotic is life and life is erotic.

Thanks for listening.

Day eleven

It's been a long and busy, but a very relaxing Saturday. I made soup today, lots of very good slowly simmered soup. The hibernation bug has set in apparently, and I am stocking my freezer for the long winter's cold. My house smells of spices and herbs, cozy and warm. I also sorted and organized and cleaned and read and played in the snow. And I stressed a little, and I worried a bit, and I let the angst wash over me until it was gone. Almost. I thought, a lot and about a lot of different things; but I didn't come up with any answers. I read some astrology and played with some tarot, but I didn't get any answers there either. I do know one thing, though. I am lucky. Life is good. Stress solves nothing, but it seems to be a good diet plan. Okay, that's three things (maybe four....).

So, we are at day eleven....


~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Dark, clear winter sky~
a hazy crescent pierces
the frost laden night.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Hmmm, it's interesting. I have spent this entire day in the company of only Bailey (my dog). It has been so long since I spent an entire day without any human interaction! I guess I have to thank the mailman for leaving my package on the chair on the porch, so the melting snow wouldn't get to it. (The UPS guy left my neighbor's package right near where an icicle is dripping; I was nice and moved it.)

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

What emotions surface when you see small children?

Well, that entirely depends. Most of the time when I see small children, I am at work and no emotions surface, really. I am glad for small children (job security), I am tired of small children (well, their parents mostly), I love small children (my nephews). And yes, when I see a baby, I get all gooey and have to hold him or her.

Thanks for listening.

A frolicsome Friday

Ahhh, Friday. Finally Friday. Frolicsome, fun, fanciful, foot-pampering Friday! I drove in to Syracuse last night after work, as Mom and I had early appointments for spa pedicures today. And it was bliss. We relaxed and chatted and were pampered. We went home through the snow in flip flops and let our toes dry and warm up. We went to Wegmans! (I miss Wegmans *sigh*). I was able to leave the stress and thoughts and worries and work and angst of the week behind and just enjoy some Mom time. Bailey got all dressed in his fleece jacket and boots and played in snow over his head, then he barked to come in, warmed up and dried off and went out to do it all over again. It was just what we both needed.

Then I came home and found that the stress and thoughts and worries and work and angst of the week had really been left somewhere along the Thruway, well most of them. I am at the end of day one of a three day weekend that is all mine. Bailey is all curled up and cozy in his warm bed, nose tucked under his tail, dreaming about the squirrels that got away; I can hear his little dreamy barks and yips and see his tail twitching and his legs wanting to run and run.

The house smells wonderful. I have a fridge full of turkey and broth and vegetables. Tomorrow I am making soup and making truffles and relaxing and writing holiday cards and playing in the snow with my dog and reading about Claire and Jamie and crocheting an afghan and enjoying ME time (and yet....). I shall enjoy me. For when I enjoy me, it is easier to let others know me.

And my toes are pretty.

So, on to day ten~

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Time with Mom, priceless ~
pretty toes and lots of laughs.
Memories that last.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Today I thank Dad. He took my car over to the garage and got me new windshield wipers while Mom and I were getting all pampered. Thanks! Really, what would we do without the Dads?


~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt:
If you could eliminate one cause of death on earth, what would it be?

Cancer.

Thanks for listening.

To regret or not to regret....

I've got nothing clever to say about Thursday. It was a day, unlike any other. And yet, it went on, like any other. So, with no further ado, I give you day 9.

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Some days are just meh.
This was not one of those days.
But now it's over.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

I thank Tara. She is one of the moms who has been coming in with her kids for story time, and we have become friends over the past few years. She always has a story, a laugh or a smile; I look forward to her visits every week, and her kids give the best hugs and high fives. (And she gave me the most gorgeous bracelet for Christmas.) So, I thank Tara for her smiles and her friendship.


~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: What one thing in your life do you regret the most?

This is a tough one. I really don't have any regrets, per se. I have learned that they are really a waste of time and energy. Regrets are a force of negativity, and this project is geared to positive energy. That being said, I guess if I had to pick something I would say I regret any hurt I may have caused people over the years, any heart I may have broken, any tears I may have brought on. There is no way to go through life undamaged, and there is no way to live and love without inflicting pain, but I am sorry for any I have caused. And for any I may cause.

Thanks for listening.

I like to play

And this time I am playing catch up. I have a feeling I'll be doing that at least a few times over the next year. I shall endeavor to keep up as often as I can, but there will be days. And these have been days....

So, Wednesday. Day 8. The start of the second week. It's been a strange and rambling week full of extreme highs and deadening lows with lots of meh time in between. These shall be rambling posts, I fear; it's probably a good thing I have set a 17 syllable limit on the poem part. :)

Wednesday was the slow end of a week of snow, and we have a grand total of... are you ready? 4 inches. Yes, that's right. Syracuse, just 26 miles down the Thruway, has over 4 feet; Rome has just over 4 inches. Weird. I find myself wondering if this will be the way of the winter ~ backwards, twisted and a little uncertain. Is it a harbinger of the time to come, a sign of the turmoil? Or is it just a fluke of the season? Only time will tell. (Yeah, I have been doing deep thinking lately *grin*)

Okay, on to day 8....

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day. (this one is for all the kids in the Rome/Utica school districts who had to watch as EVERY other district was closed at least one day this week. I remember those days)

Watching, is school closed?
It's been snowing for 5 days.
Still just four inches!


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

I thank a stranger (probably actually someone I know ~ a kind co-worker, or a patron maybe) who brushed my car off for me on Wednesday. It was all set for me to drive home. Very nice. Pass on the kindness, and not just at this time of year.


~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt:
Woud you prefer a girl or boy child? Would you like to have the choice to determine the gender of the child?

Hmmm, this is one that has definitely changed over the years. If asked this question ten years ago, I would likely have said definitely a girl. Now, after enjoying my nephews so much, I would really have to say it wouldn't matter. I can see the positives (and the negatives) in raising both boys or girls. If I were to have a child, I'd definitely let the fates, the powers that be, and the chromosomes decide the gender.

Bonus: a picture of Bailey in the snow (in Syracuse....)



Thanks for listening.

Let's go SU! Ahem, sorry, back to the blog....

Ah, Tuesday. Day seven. A whole week I have been at this project, and I feel it has already been good for me. I am thinking about the weekly projects I am going to add in January, as well as the monthlies I'll add in February. I have also been more aware of the people to whom I might owe a thank you, and there are a lot of them.

Okay, on to day seven....


~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

The season begins,
time for cheers, yelling and hope.
Ready for the game!


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

I thank one of my neighbors, no idea which one, for shoveling a nice path from the porch to the garage. It made the walk to my car much nicer, easier, and less snowy this morning and ditto back to the house again this evening.


~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: If you were to be cremated, where would you want your ashes scattered?

This is another easy one, because I have actually given it some thought. One part I would like scattered on Fern Lake, one part in Ireland, and another part in the HIghlands.

Thanks for listening.

Happy Monday!

Yes, I said Happy Monday; of course, it's easy for me to smile, as I had the day off. It was supposed to be a day of being pampered by my friend Tanny at her new spa. The weather, however, didn't cooperate. The snow fell, the wind blew, and I stayed home. I puttered, cleaned, did laundry, ate soup, walked in the snow with Bailey, read, relaxed and rested.

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

As the snow falls swift
blanketing the world in white,
I snuggle, cozy.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

I thank my Dad for brushing off and warming up my car this morning after nearly a foot of snow fell. Sometimes the little things are actually the big ones.


~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: What would be the worst torture for you?

Anything involving watching (or knowing of) the pain of a loved one would be the worst torture I could imagine. (or something with spiders .... or fire.)

Thanks for listening.

Snowy Sunday, perfect for tea.

Yes, it was the day of my aunt's wonderful Annual Holiday Tea. We socialized and sipped tea and drank kir royales and ate tiny foods and laughed and chatted, many of us wearing silly or outrageous hats. The perfect start to the Holiday season.

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Warm laughter and hugs
fill the air as tea is poured.
Smiles and kir royales.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Betty and Kathy do such a glorious job with the holiday tea. Every detail is checked and checked again, the food is delicious, the tea is perfect, the house look wonderful, the laughter fills the air like warm hugs. I'd like to thank them both for their love and hard work which makes all feel so special.


~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why.

Ah, this one is easy. I'd be a sugar maple tree. I love the gorgeous fiery red leaves they don every fall, and they put forth the wonderful start to maple syrup every spring. Summer brings a canopy of dark green leaves to shelter a picnic, perhaps. And in winter it is stark and bare and yet still gorgeous.

Thanks for listening.

Fore! (um, I mean four....)

No, I didn't go golfing on Saturday. I did watch a few minutes of the most gloriously sunny, green, tropical golf being played with my dad, though. It made me remember spring.

I am catching up a bit as I was gone the past few days on holiday adventures. Saturday was a visit to the nephews, a shopping excursion at the big Craft Show and an exciting (too exciting) game at the Dome. It was also day four.


~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Remembering green,
warm breezes drift through my mind.
Outside, the snow falls.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Saturday was a wonderful day with my mom. We laughed and shopped and played and yelled and cheered and dropped exhausted at the end of the long day. For Saturday, I'd like to thank her for the best friendship I could imagine.

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: Would you stay in a marriage if you could not have sex?

This is such a loaded question. There are so many factors to consider, and sex is such a subjective word. Is there desire, but no fulfillment? Is there nothing but cold rejection? Is there a physical difficulty? The answer concerning each of these would be so different, and when you add in factors such as emotion, long-lastedness, companionship, other physical intimacies....
I am fully unable to give a yes or no answer to this prompt, and thus leave you with the first (but probably not the last) "It depends...."

Thanks for listening.

Day three....

I almost forgot! This doesn't bode well for the project down the road, but I almost forgot already! :)


~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Heart beats in my throat.
Wondering, waiting.... Refresh.
tingles.... There it is!



~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Today, I thank the unknown patron who, when seeing me with my hands full walking up to the door of the library, stopped in the cold to hold the door for me. It was a nice gesture made with a smile. I thanked her and we went on our way, but the small things have a way of staying with you.

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt:
What are your favorite colors, flowers, foods, activities, hobbies?

Hmmm....
Colors: greens, dark purple, dark blues
Flowers: carnations, wild flowers, sunflowers
Foods: Chocolate
Activities: Faires and festivals, movies, music
Hobbies: Cooking, sewing, reading, crafts

Thanks for listening.

What a difference some sunshine makes

It's been a crazy few days, and the weather has certainly not helped. After two solid days of rain, it froze yesterday and began to snow. I should say right up front that I get seasonal blues; I get them badly sometimes, and it really seemed like they were starting early. Yesterday (and Tuesday to a certain extent, as well) was definitely a bluesy day, full of ups and downs and tears and laughter. Today dawned bright and clear and cold and, best of all, SUNNY! And like a miracle of human nature, my mood was improved.

Life really is good, and I need to remind myself of that every once in a while. Luckily I have bunches of wonderful friends who will keep me on track and not let me take myself (or anything else) too seriously. I guess that's one of the goals of this project, too. And so with that, I give you day 2.

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Blues come with the rain;
the world floods with tears. And then
the sun brings a smile.


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Today, I thank Merlyn. You were really here for me this week when I thought the blues were going to make me insane. You sent little notes, you tapped me with hugs and smiles, and you called me just when I needed to hear your voice and laugh with you (not once, but twice). You are the best girlfriend a girl could possibly have, and I love you. Thank you.

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar every day.

Prompt: If you could personally see one natural phenomenon that you have never seen, what would it be?

This one is very easy: the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, the Dance of the Spirits. Call it what you will, it's magical and spiritual and beautiful; and it draws me like a moth to a flame. Someday.


Thanks for listening.

And so it begins

Today seems to be a day for beginnings. The start of December, the beginning of the snowy season, the genesis of my new project. The first of 365 days of self-discovery. So, let us begin....

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day.

Trying to begin~
a simple haiku to write.
Now comes writer's block?


~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day.

Today, I thanked Lisa K at work for the inadvertent and jolting reminder that I have a presentation to give on my Scotland trip. Tomorrow! I completely let it slip my mind, even though it has been on my calendar for months now. So today has been spent remembering the trip, selecting the photos, writing the text and dreaming about Scotland. For that, I truly thank Lisa. :)

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar.

Prompt: If you found out there was no afterlife in any sense, how would you change your life?

This is a strangely appropriate prompt for the first day of my new journey. Part of my exploration shall be spiritual in nature, and thus I'm likely to face this kind of question more than once over the next year. It's a simple question for me, though. I wouldn't. I don't live my life in fear of hell, and I don't live my life in longing for heaven (insert your chosen names for said places). I'd like to think I lead a pretty good life, I am kind to people (and other creatures) as often as is possible, I try not to hurt intentionally (either others or myself), I hold to a personal code that I hope would stand up under pretty strong scrutiny, and when I do harm I try to make it better. But I am not perfect, no more or less than anyone else. So, i think I likely wouldn't change much of anything in my day to day life. It would make part of this spiritual searching easier (or at least shorter) though.

Thanks for listening.

Life, simply by the numbers.

I have been working on putting together a new project for the coming year. I really enjoyed my 2009 simplifying project, and I have been feeling the loss of creativity the past year or two (or three....) So, I have decided that 2011 is going to be my year of internal, creative and spiritual exploration.

Thanks to the inspiration of my wondrously creative friend Lynnie (how is it we haven't known each other forever??), I have decided to do a daily, weekly and monthly series of explorations. I am beginning the dailies (the 365s) on December 1, the weeklies (the 52s) on January 1, and the monthlies (the 12s) on February 1. I was originally going to start them all on the first of the year, but I am not good at keeping resolutions, and that's not really what this is all about. I am not looking to change myself, but learn about myself; so I am spreading them out over the next three months to begin. (plus, I am still working on the final details of the 12s....)

The project is going to be an internal exploration more than anything else. I really want to learn about me, discover who I am and what I believe. Thus, the project will be mainly writing and reading and thinking. And blogging. I figure if you are reading this, either you already know me (maybe better than I know myself these days) or you are interested in learning who I am. So, we shall explore together.

I shall have three tasks for each, which will be unveiled as the time for the beginning each project nears. As next week is December 1, I figured I should put my thoughts for the 365 daily projects together: haiku, thank you, journal jar.

~*~ First, I will write an haiku every day. I have been doing Haiku Monday for a while now, and I love that so many of my friends have picked up on it and have been writing them, as well (especially my best girlfriend Merlyn, who took over and ran with it so gloriously when I faltered. I love you huge!).

~*~ Second, I will thank someone for something every day. Maybe at home, maybe at work, maybe at play; maybe something huge, maybe something small, maybe something that is everything. I have a billion blessings in my life, and rather than just count them, I think it's time I start thanking people for them.

~*~ Third, I shall use my journal jar. I have a wonderfully simple, square glass jar with a glass lid that has bunches of slips of paper with journal prompts, collected over the years and never used. Every day, I shall draw a prompt from the jar and journal. I shall continue to add to the jar as I discover prompts I like or that intrigue me, and my journal will be posted here; so if you have a prompt you like, or a question you want answered, or a thought you want pondered, I am open to suggestions. Make a comment, pop me on FB, or send an email....

Well, that's it for the 365 daily projects; I shall start on Wednesday, December 1. When we get closer to the end of the year, I shall post about the 52 weekly tasks I am setting for myself.

As always, thanks for listening.

Why I love what I do

I truly love my job. It may not always seem it, and I may need reminding of that fact every now and then. But I LOVE my job.

My work day started with my monthly visit to a local preschool. As I entered the room, a chorus of 4 and 5 year old voices was raised, all saying,"She's here! She's here! She's really here!" They were so excited to see me, and they wanted me to stay and read the books all over again when I had finished. They were attentive, interested and excited. There's nothing like a class of 22 adoring kids to make a person smile inside.

The day finished with a 2 hour long, intense and emotional discussion of Gone With The Wind with a group of people whom I consider friends. I started my Connect With the Classics group over 3 years ago, and we have grown and developed into a literary family. Tonight was a fabulous discussion and I left work with the same wonderful feeling I had started the day with.

I truly love my job. And you know what? I am damn good at it. :)

And now, a couple of haiku:

This one was written last night in a fit of insomnia while looking out the window:

Haze over moonlight
obscures all but fiercest dreams;
starlight brings the frost.

And this one was written this morning after hearing the news:

Snow in the forecast~
blustery, windy and cold.
It's snuggle season!

Enjoy your Tuesday night!
Thanks for listening.

And so begins a new week.

A busy week ahead. Book discussions, midnight movies, and pajama parties. Time with family, time for friends, a little play and lots of work. A good week ahead.

And it's Haiku Monday!

Quiet Monday morn,
shaking off hazy dream swirls.
Time to start the week.

Well, it's several hours later now, the sleep has been shaken off. And I was inspired to write one more:

Mischief on my mind;
mundane worries miss the mark.
Merry, not maudlin.

More later, maybe. :)

Thoughts askew

I have been thinking about this post for several hours. It's very important for me to set a routine and stick to for a while so the writing starts to flow naturally again. Parts of that have been easy. I love my haiku writing, and I have very much enjoyed getting back to Haiku Monday again. I even wrote one today, although it's not Monday.

Thoughts all jumbled up,

like fall leaves in a whirlwind.

Too much to ponder.

It's just been that kind of day. I have been thinking on what to write, and the thoughts are battling with each other for the forefront. Each wants to be the important one, the topic of a blog or a poem or a story. This is new, sort of like the anti- writer's block. And I am finding it no less frustrating than when my mind was a blank slate, ready for the thoughts to flow and they never came forth.

So, I suppose the thing to do is just to write. And so, here I am. Writing.

It's a gorgeous fall day, warm and yet a bit crisp, sunny and golden. I have the housework done, the soup is defrosting for tonight (I just couldn't get motivated to cook today), Bailey is brushed and frisky, the windows are open to the fresh air, sweaters are being washed for the soon visiting cold weather, and it's Veteran's Day. That's a lot to pack into one sunny Thursday. It's probably a good thing I have tomorrow off, too.

I have a million things I want to do, and at least a thousand that I should do. There are projects I want to start, projects I have started to which I should return, books to be read, movies to be watched, pictures to be sorted, music to be organized, and a spare room that need to be gutted and reorganized.

And yet, all I can do is sit and think. About life, love, friendships, family, winter, steps to take and when to take them, pestering and not giving up, playing and being serious, awkward moments, unexpected delights, chocolate cake, loneliness and recipes. That's a lot of thinking to pack into one sunny Thursday. Again, it's probably a good thing I have tomorrow off.

Falling out

Ahhh, November. Autumn has always been my favourite of all the seasons. It is the reason I put up with the snow and ice and cold and hibernation that I know will soon follow. Spring is gentle and bright and welcoming, and summer is my playground. But fall is like a comfortable love, a passionate embrace of warmth and chill and surprise and plans and glory.

November is a strange bedfellow, though. The world isn't sure if it should be golden or grey. Leaves have mostly fallen and while the trees are bare and barren, there are still piles and sweeps and miles of brilliant color around. We know the snow is just a breath away, but we hold out hope for that last warm afternoon (did you hear? it's supposed to be in the 60's this week....). We scrape and defrost and shiver every bright morning and drive home in the dark every night.

The time change is the one part of the fall I don't like. It changes the boundaries of night and day at a time when we are already trying to adjust to the change in temperature and preparing for the coming winter. It depresses the soul, even as it allows one precious hour more for one lousy day. I'd much rather leave things as they are. Let the school kids wait in the misty dawn; we've earned the sunshine, we should keep it as long as possible.

Fall has always been a time of preparation. The slow cookers come out, along with the quilts, the sweaters, the woolies, the footballs and the snuggle urges. It is a time of rest, of readiness for the holiday daze (note, I said preparation. I still believe in holding the yule and christmas and solstice celebrations until their due time), of unpacking and repacking, of reflection and rejuvenation as we ready ourselves for the long darkness.

The autumn brings a certain longing. For comfort foods and comfort clothes and comforting friendships. And I count my blessings every day that I have the friendships that comfort my soul and my heart.

This November I wish for you all the joys of the autumn. I am feeling the longing for connection, for comfort and for my friends and I count my blessings, each and every one of you, at every day's dawn.

Blessed November wishes to you all.

Thanks for listening.

Starting over

It has come to my attention that this poor little blog has sat here, unattended and unloved, for far too long. I have been writing a little more lately, and it is time to get back to being organized. I am working on new projects for next year (which actually starts sooner than it seems possible). More on those later.

For now, I will try to post some of my haiku, some of my thoughts, and some of my ideas here.

And, as it is Haiku Monday, here's one for today, and the few before that, as well. Enjoy!

This one really expresses how I have been feeling these past days:

Sunshine in my eyes~

A bright beginning energized.

Life makes me aware.

And here's one from last Monday, November 1:

Frost is in the air.

The time for sweaters is here.

Darkness approaches.

That shall do it for this Monday night.

As always, thanks for listening.

Bailey's haiku

Fuzzy, wet nose ~ kiss.
Let's play! Let's snuggle! Out please!
Oh, joys of a cairn.

Bring on the Haiku!

I am bringing back Haiku Monday.

Crisp, bright, bracing wind.
Scarf and gloves to walk the dog.
Heat came on. Wait.... It's May?!

Falling off the wagon....

It seems I have been falling off lot of wagons lately. Two in particular come to mind.

I fell off the fitness one in April. I had massive allergies that turned into a horrid head cold and dropped into my chest. And now? All healthy and yet still not back at the gym. I am, however, determined to get back on the wagon ~ the elliptical, actually ~ this week.

The poetry wagon stalled at the same time as the fitness one. Between exhaustion, stress, sneezing and cold meds, I just fell into a writer's block. Ah well, my actual goal was to get writing again, and here I am! Watch for Haiku Monday to be back tomorrow....

It's been a crazy few weeks of work and preparing for the big trip ~ Ireland in 17 days!! I'm going to try to blog ~ write, express, vent, diary, whatever you call it ~ more. I have a few projects in mind. I just need something to keep me on track.

Once back from Ireland I plan to go on an Oscar film exploration. Reviews, thoughts, sneers and other musings will most likely follow....

It's Haiku Monday!

Put the kettle on.
Patient anticipation.
Finally, coffee.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Disaster averted

At times the words flow like melted chocolate,
thick and sweet and smooth,
covering everything.
They dash and
dip along
in and out of
thoughts and touching
emotions sometimes best left
alone to ponder their own thoughts for a while.
And then, with no warning,
they stop. No thoughts, no
words, no attempts to write
will bring the rhythm back.
The world closes in, shuts
the process down with its
demands of life and work.
Nothing inspires, nothing
allows a spark to light the
fire, and nothing blooms.
But one day, the sun seems to rise a little more
brightly. Music travels along with the
pollen and the flowers grow
wild with joy. As the day
moves along
the world smiles.
And the thoughts begin to flow
once more, bringing a relief, a release;
and I write.

We walk together

This is a French Rondeau. I remember it as a favourite form from years ago. Missing friends and family at faire, I wanted to explore Sterling in poem.


We Walk Together

We walk together down a winding lane,
with every step, a step from the mundane.
Greeting friends and family of the heart,
we've waited long for our time to start,
and now we're back where fantasies do reign.

With joy we play in sunshine and in rain,
the reasons we return become so plain
when frolicking doth make our woes depart.
We walk together.

In bodice, bloomers, kilts and maille of chain,
velvet tights do seem to entertain.
We hoist our ale, a toast to health impart,
to rogue and wench, to pirate and to tart.
This is where our hearts do e'er remain.
We walk together.

A bit of nonsense

A Whimsy

If I could catch butterflies on my tongue
and fairy dust in my dreams,
I'd bottle the taste of rainbows and polish
the moon until it gleams.

If I could float with the guardians above
and dance among the stars,
I'd plant a forest of lemon drop trees,
jelly beans and chocolate bars.

If I could play music with the gnomes
and ride upon a dragon's wing,
I'd paint the world with melted jewels
and teach caterpillars to sing.

With angel feathers to pillow my head
and blankets of velvet sky,
I'd drift to a magical world and dance
to a lavendar lullaby.


Sweet dreams! :)

Night Life

A ballade. A very untraditional ballade, but it follows the form. Maybe the result of a combination of Sookie Stackhouse overload and a good dose of allergy medicine. Maybe I really need to move my dreamcatcher. :)


Night Life

Evil sounds find their way
into my dreams at night,
where demons love to play
far from the burning light;
they fill my mind with fright
and draw me close to tears;
it's a bewitching sight
that plays upon my fears.

The spirits rest by day
then dance with morbid might
to music filled with grey.
Upon the starless night
the witches take their flight;
their cries fill frightened ears.
To my savage delight
they play upon my fears.

Lost souls in disarray
descend from unknown height
to where the timid pray
and shiver in the night.
Unholy fires burn bright
and glow in eyes that leer;
unknown terrors take flight
and play upon my fears.

And now, it's near daylight.
Images grow unclear,
'til ghouls again, next night,
will play upon my fears.



side note: For selection of poetic form each day, I am using an updated edition of my old college poetry text "The Book of Forms" by Lewis Turco.

A Monday Haiku

What a great weekend! I do realize that I have not yet posted a poem for Saturday and Sunday. I am working on a "weekend poetry event" that I will post at the end of the month. For today, I have a haiku:

Wake to Bailey's bark.
Blue skies; watch the clouds roll in.
*sneeze* Must be Monday.


I think I am going to focus on a different form each day, but Mondays will always be a haiku.

Ode to Spring

Following in the far distant footsteps of Keats, I present my Ode to Spring. Keats, ironically, died in Rome (not NY but Italy, of course, but still).

To Spring

A spring dawns bright with skies of sapphire hue;
the sun presents itself with watery rays,
a promise of the golden power due
as morning grows into the warmest days.
Windchimes present the saucy songs of spring
with gentle nudge from pollen-laden breeze.
A gust, a snap of winter not yet passed:
a bit of snow to melt, a springtime sneeze.
Just hints of what the season'll often bring:
A pretty bonnet; listen ~ church bells ring,
as we give praise and hope the warmth will last.

On grass so green as to make Ireland proud,
a robin frolics with a mallard duck;
the geese have passed on their return, so loud!
The rain brings worms for early birds, what luck.
The energies abound, they overflow
like streams from melting ice do swell the banks
and lakes and rivers run to swiftly meet.
The first of April brings the happy pranks,
the fun and joyful tease of those who know
that laughter helps the winter blues to go
and smiles in springtime always are so sweet.

It's time to say hello, as days grow long,
to daffodils and tulips on the stem,
to peepers as they sing their morning song;
as we awake, we smile and sing with them.

April is National Poetry Month!

There was a librarian in Rome,
surrounded by books in her home.
When spring rolled around,
a longing she found,
to express herself in a poem.

And with that I am kicking off my month of poetry. I will read and write a poem every day. (They might even get better. We can only hope....)

I hope you enjoy! :)

Success and a Happy New Year!

How wonderful to enter a new year, a new decade on a success! When I started this project, it was almost a lark. I was desperate to get some order in my apartment, and so made a rash decision. About a month into the year, I decided to really dedicate myself to completing the task. I slipped along the way, had two major shopping sprees and a few good jags at bookstores, but I always managed to get myself back on track. I am actually beginning 2010 with at least 365 fewer items in my possession than I had when 2009 began! I had my doubts (as did many others, I know *grin*), but I DID IT!!!!!!

And now, I have for the last entry: 4 days, one new coat, a digital video player and a dashboard mount for my GPS.

Thus, I am getting rid of one coat, one robe, a sweater, a broken CD mount, 2 shawls, and a pair of gloves. Just to be on the safe side, in case I have missed a day or two (or an acquisition or two) I am also getting rid of a few pairs of pajamas and five books.

And so we begin a new year. Be happy, be healthy, and be wonderful!

I'm going shopping....

The very merry Christmas issue

This is exclusively for Christmas Day. There will be another final issue later today.

Yes, I am blessed. I realize that every day, and never more than at Christmas. This year I was gifted by many people with CONSUMABLES! Wine, chocolate, dip, temporary tattoos, cookies and candles. And gift cards, oh wonderful gift cards. And a great set of purple socks.

I also, however, got a lot of stuff.
To be specific, and in no particular order: 2 pint glasses, 2 wine glasses, 2 casserole dishes, 2 sweaters, a t-shirt, a jersey, 3 pair of earrings, 3 books, 1 bread plate, 2 DVDs, 2 CDs, 1 paperweight, 1 foot stool, 1 curling iron, 1 gps case, 1 SU snuggie, a tea towel, 2 sets of napkins, a candle trimmer, a bell, 2 ornaments, a mug, a wine stopper, a wine vacuum set and a scarf.

So, I now have to account for 37 things. We'll call it an even 40, as I most likely forgot to list something. So, I have gotten rid of:3 pair pants, 1 gps case, 2 sheet sets, 3 pair pillowcases, 4 holiday sweaters, 6 pair jeans, 4 holiday fleece, 1 pair boots, 1 glove, 1 curling iron, 2 pins, 2 pair earrings, 8 broken pieces of jewelry, 1 wine rack, and one SU doll. And what wasn't tossed is packed into one old suitcase to give to the rescue mission.

That covers Christmas. And now the strata is done and it's time for brunch. I'll be back this afternoon to finish up the year.