Why do YOU read?

It's Book Fair week in the Children's Room. That means a lot of time at my desk. It also means a lot of time to catch up on things like professional journals and literary blogs. A lot of reading time, but also a lot of thinking and introspection time. And sometimes, just sometimes, I read an article or a blog post, or a sentence even, that gets me really thinking.

This time it happened to be a paragraph in Rogert Ebert's Sun Times Journal column. Of all things to happen, the king of movie reviews got me thinking about why we read. And why we read WHAT we read.

Here's the paragraph (and the link to the column, if you want to read what started me on this train of thought):

"There is no pattern. My only goal is to enjoy reading. I learned that the average American teenager spends 17 minutes a weekend in voluntary reading. Surely that statistic is wrong. Do they mean reading of "serious" novels? I would certainly count science fiction, graphic novels, vampires, Harry Potter, newspapers, magazines, blogs--anything. Just to read for yourself for pleasure is the point. Dickens will come later, Henry James perhaps never."

http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/04/death_disports_with_writers_mo.html

My first thought was ... Why do we read? And I didn't have an immediate answer. I still don't.

I know an awful lot of people who would answer that question, "Because my teacher (or mom, or tutor, or father...) makes me" It's only natural; I work in a public library, in the Children's Room. A lot of the patrons I see are here for "assignment" reading. But there are so many who are here just to find the next good book to read.

In fact, just a few minutes ago as I was typing this, a thirteen year old girl came up and asked for my help in starting a book club. She and a bunch of her friends want to meet monthly and talk about books. Just for fun. When I told her that made my day, she laughed. But I was serious. A group of teens who want to meet and talk about books. That's joy to any librarians ears. And it's absolute bliss to any reader's ears.

I keep hearing (and reading) about how books are dead, librarians are so last century, reading has gone by the wayside, we don't need libraries because we all have Google, and did I mention ... books are dead? Funny thing that, but they really aren't. I read them, I buy them, I collect them, I loan them and borrow them, I sell them, and I help people find them all day long. Yes, the format is changing for many of them, and I will be the first to admit that I love my Kindle. I love ebooks. They are so convenient. A little too convenient, one might say; it's just so very easy to buy one, read it, and buy the next one. So books are not dead. (Well, technically, they are dead trees, but that's a whole nother thing....).

This isn't about book, anyways. Its about READING. And I still don't have an answer to my question. I know why I read. There are a plethora of reasons, depending upon what reading material we are discussing. And there will likely be a future blog post about why I read.

What I really want to know is ~ Why do YOU read?

So leave a comment. Ask your friends, and have them leave a comment. Feel free to pass this question around. Tell me why you read. You can tell me what and when and how and where, too. But what I really want to know is WHY.

I look forward to the answers. Thanks for listening; and now ~ I'M Listening.

Whatever....

I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like to, or letter writing, either. I can feel the words and thoughts piling up inside my head and my heart. I just haven't had the time to sit and write; or more accurately, I haven't taken the time. And then when I do have a few free minutes, I just have no energy left. March is an obnoxiously long month. It's not fair, really; it's the longest month of the year. No holidays (well, no work holidays), no bonus days off. This year we don't even get Easter until April. Yeah, I know; life isn't fair, why should March be any different.

The busy part is my fault, actually. I'm the one who scheduled 27 programs in a 31 day month, and that's just work things. If I add in the fun stuff (not that the work stuff is all mundane, but still....), the friends and family and frolicking things, it would be a scary busy number indeed. It seems to be something I do a couple months a year; you'd think I'd learn. Ah well, I'll sleep sometime in April, I guess. ☺

But if you forget about the work stress, the wondering and fleeting angst, the mud, the snow, the long days and longer weeks ... ok, back to the positive, as I was trying to say ~ this is really one of my favourite times of the year; it always has been, and this year it seems even more so.

Today is the first day of spring, and it's almost really spring. I can feel it, I can smell it in the air. The geese are coming back, passing through; I heard them the other morning, early on a Sunday, and then again today ~ birds chirping and geese honking. The snow is melting, the ice is turning to mud. There is actual grass in the backyard. Ok, so there is a winter storm warning for this week, but still. It's spring. Well, it will be spring tonight at 7:20pm.

As if the equinox isn't enough for one weekend, there was a "super moon" last night, and it was pretty amazing. It was big and bright, and we actually had clear skies; that so rarely happens when there's a sky-gazing event. I could feel the power of the moon building all week. There was a little extra stress, a bit more angst of the unknown, and the people were a touch crazier than usual. It seems as if that all melted away overnight. Today is feeling like a day of release, of contemplation and introspection, of letting go of the past worries and accepting the challenges of the coming days, weeks, even months.

I made a decision this afternoon. I am going to get the word "whatever" out of my head. Well, I am going to get the word "whatever" ~ said in a resigned and somewhat unconfident, sort of sad and slightly sarcastic tone ~ out of my head. I have been saying it a lot lately, mostly to myself; and I have been thinking it even more. I don't like that attitude, and I refuse to live a "whatever" sort of life. I may not know exactly where I am going or how I am going to get there, but I am going to take charge of my own direction. I am going to work on becoming as confident, strong, and self-assured as the image I have been projecting; and I will do so throughout every aspect of my life, personal and professional. If I have a question, I will ask it. If I have a doubt, I will express it. If I have a smile, I will share it. If I have a dream, I will strive to make it come true (as long as there are no tap-dancing spiders....).

My life has been filled with possibilities lately. New friendships with old friends, ideas for explorations and adventures, new chances to smile and laugh and play. New eyes for some (my thoughts and heart are always with you, Merlyn ~ wait until you see what color my hair really is! ☺), new ways to listen for others, new steps in different directions. Maybe even a new life direction, a new career; time will tell, and when it does I will tell. For now, it's enough that I am keeping my mind and my options open. And I am enjoying the ride.

In other news ... National Poetry Month, otherwise known as April, is fast approaching. I tried a plan last year and fell far short of the goal. I'm going to try this year to pick it back up and see if I can really write a poem, and read a poem, every day. I shall strive, I shall attempt, we shall see....

This has been a bit of a ramble; that seems to be what I am best at lately. It's a good thing. I am discovering that only when you ramble can you get there from here, and sometimes not even then. I am also very happy to have recently learned that I am not the only one who thinks that way. (Bonus: R.E.M. agrees.)

So with these final thoughts, I shall leave you for now. Happy Spring! Go 'Cuse! Be Happy!

Thanks for listening.

On my mind....

Yeah, so the whole forced writing thing just isn't working for me these days. I'll address that at a later time in another post, but suffice it to say that I just haven't felt the pressure lately. Maybe I am just one of those people that can either live life or write about it, but not the two at the same time. These past weeks and months I have been busy living my life. I'll try to do better. I promise I'll try.

I have been writing blog posts and poems and stories in my thoughts, but never seem to find the time to post them. I know that's a lame statement (not really even an excuse), but there it is.

I have had a lot on my mind lately. Things in the news, things in my life, things at my work. Good things, bad things, and things in between. Maybe it's just that there are so many "things" I can't form thoughts about any one of them. It's ironic in a way; here I am trying to live as simply as I can, and my thoughts are becoming so confused and complicated and tangled that the last word I'd use to describe them is simple. So, I'll ramble on here a bit and maybe it will help straighten things out. I hope you'll stick with me; it gets better at the end. :)

First of all, Charlie Sheen. I will rant briefly and then he will forever be banned from my thoughts and my blog. I just have to say that I am disgusted that he is the top news item every day. He is on every show, every news cast, every radio talk show, every newspaper, every magazine, and most websites (and I do see the irony of him now being on my blog). What I don't understand is the world's aghast and surprise at his behaviour. Why is this news?? He is a sleaze, hired to play a sleaze on tv. It was perfect casting; I know lots of people who liked the show while saying in the same breath, "even though I can't stand him personally." He did his job so well that it was the number one show, both new episodes and in syndication. He was making barrels of money, for himself and his people, his fellow cast member and crew, his producers. They were all raking it in, and probably still are (after all, syndication isn't small time). So why is everyone acting all offended that he acts the way he does? He's always been that way; he likely always will. It's not news. There are so many other newsworthy people, places and things. So can we move on now?

Secondly, the Westboro Baptist Church. Or, more specifically the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning said "church" and their actions. Let's get one thing straight right off. I hate their behavior, I disagree with everything they stand for, I think they are the antithesis of Christians, I think they give the word human a bad rap. They are the embodiment of hate, of closed mindedness, of ignorance and of despair. I think the picketing and demonstrations and actions and signs and chanting are horrific, and I wish with all my being that they would stop. Having said all that, I also have to say that I will defend their constitutional right to do so until the day I die. It is free speech. It may be hateful and hurtful and disgusting to most of us, but it is free speech. If we start disallowing people from saying things we disagree with, where do we stop? It is a basic right in our country. It is what this nation was built upon; and without those basic building blocks, we'll all come tumbling down. Next will come censorship; "Hmmm, I don"t like this book (insert title here); I think no one should read it, so I won't buy it for the library, or I'll steal it or I'll burn it." Where will it end? You may disagree with me here, and I'll defend your right to do so until the day I die.

Thirdly, funding of LIBRARIES. This one has been on my mind, and in my heart, a lot lately. For obvious reasons, I suppose. I'm actually kind of tired of talking about it, and I'm really not even sure what else I can say about this one except, "WHY?" I had a patron come in today while I was on the Information Desk. She requested three books, used an internet computer, asked for help finding books on her new puppy breed, took a few tax forms and then looked at me and said, "I love this library so much. You have everything that any one could ever need. You are all so wonderful." All I could think was that I hope we are able to still be here in a few years to help her, people like her, and even those who haven't a clue.

(I was going to go on about the elimination of funding for Planned Parenthood and the DOMA, too. I think I'll save those rants for another post....)

You know what, though? Despite all of the bad news and the bad projections and the court battles and the funding crises, and the snow and ice and cold ... life is pretty good. Okay, life is really good. I find myself smiling at everything and nothing. I am so busy I almost don't have time to breathe sometimes, but it is a good busy.

I have a great family that I actually like and enjoy spending time with, not because I have to but because I want to. Not everyone can say the same. That always makes me a little sad, when I talk to someone who doesn't have a close family. I am planning another wonderful adventure with my mom ~ England and Wales ... Sherwood Forest, the Moors and the Lakes District, Dover, Hadrian's Wall, York, Hatfield House, North Wales, and so many points in between. Mom is a great friend and a wonderful travel partner. (and yes, there will be posts and pictures, even of the food....)

I have the best friends anyone could ask for, and I make sure I let them know I think so. (At least, I hope you all know so. Hmmm, maybe I'll redouble my efforts there again.) My friends are truly part of my family, and I love you all more than I can ever express. Although I miss so many of you in faire's off season, it is becoming a sweet missing, knowing I'll be seeing and hugging and playing with so many of you soon.

It's almost spring. Someone told me today that the geese are coming back! The sun is shining warmer and longer every day. I long for the green, the birds, the buds, the flowers. The time for faire is fast approaching, with three garb events before my trip and Sterling shortly thereafter.

My social life is full and fun and busy. I laugh a lot and smile even more these days, more than I can remember doing so in a very long time. I am reconnecting with old friends, making new friends and having a blast. There are dinners and movies and wine and play and music and sandwiches and parties and snuggles and laughter and frolicking and plans and so much fun. I'll admit that it is hard sometimes, though. I am so far in miles from my closest friends. An hour is a long drive, especially in the winter; but the things that matter are worth the effort, and these friendships are of the heart and mind and they are so incredibly worth it (and I am blessed that those who matter to me think so, too). Sure, there is a small measure of uncertainty, a little angst at times, some communication stress. But without those things, I suppose we wouldn't know how good we really do have it. Besides, I am a gemini and this is my life. :)

Plus, I have the best damn dog in the world.

I know that I started out this post with the awful, the dregs, the depressing. It doesn't mean that the bad is the foremost in my mind; just the opposite actually. I wanted to get the negative out so I could focus on the positive. Consider it this way ... I saved the best for last.

So, now you know some of what's been on my mind lately. I'll try not to stay away for so long next time.

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.

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.

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 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.