Category Archives: poetry

Writing-101 Assignment 8: At the Wrong Super8

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Hooray my big day has come. And I will soon be on my way to Washington.

But first, I’m to ride a shuttle to the big Super 8. Oh, I hope it isn’t late.

So anxious to be on my way, I cannot wait!

 I glance at my cell checking the time. Oh my, it is past five.

I should be on the shuttle by now but lo, such misfortune, I soon found out!!

They said they’d come; they said they wouldn’t forget me.

But they turned left instead of right heading to the cities.

Phone calls were made and they sent me a taxi instead.

Which wouldn’t take me to the big city; in dismay I shook my head.

So here I am stuck at the wrong Super 8 without my suitcase

Therefore no clothes, no hairbrush, and no medicine to take.

Oh yes, my luggage made it on the shuttle but not I

For I needed to store my car and then wait for my ride.

They told me to wait in a certain spot and so I did only to be hidden and forgotten by them.

So now, I am stuck in this blue room with a feeling of dread and doom.

A small desk, a TV, and one queen bed with three pillows for my aching head.

I glance out the window where the view is green; a park across the road looking serene.

But none of it is comforting as I now wish for that busy city scene.

A few cars, trucks, and semis drive and rumble by this quieter stretch of highway.

I call my  cousin who hears an earful, “He forgot me; that unthinking driver of the shuttle!”

She is kind suggesting a sandwich and some food but I wouldn’t listen: I was in no mood.

in this quiet guest room I sit slumped in my chair thinking how life isn’t fair.

Somehow, I thought with a furrowed brow, I must journey north and fly out tomorrow!

I make phone calls and send emails for transportation to the big city

But no one is answering so for tomorrow, I will have to wait and see.

The Fireplace

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Now that it is Father’s Day, and I am once again thinking about my dad. He once built a fireplace which added extra warmth  in the old house during the many cold Wisconsin winters. And stretching on the couch, feeling it’s warming glow, and watching the dancing flames was one of my favorite things to do on a cold winter evening. I’m still going through my photos to find a pic of it and when I find it, I will post that too.

The Fireplace

There once was a fireplace built by my father’s skillful hands
And not another was like it; not one in all the land.
It filled an entire wall, an awesome sight to be behold;
Made of gray and white bricks and many large stones.

The sight with all its warmth invited and having nowhere else to go,
I’d gladly sit and watch the flames emitting that brilliant orange glow.
I’d hear the crackles, watch sparks fly and see the flames stretching high.
Only to shrink again, to almost smolder but never really die.

The crimson flames would rise again trying to reach higher than before.
The swaying fingers had a life of their own as they shrank and rose some more.
As a young girl I felt warm and safe there and deeply loved
As if someone was kindly watching over me from above.

Often at night I’d stretch out reading a favorite book and soon fall asleep.
I wonder how often mom or dad tiptoed by that fireplace quietly checking on me?
That old house stands empty and the fireplace but a dark shadow of its previous days.
I hope another young girl will one day watch and rest in its warm and brilliant sway.

Writing 101 Assignment 7: The Battle Between Summer and Winter

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“I like summer!”

“Well, I like winter!”

“What’s so great about winter?”

“What’s so great about summer?”

“During the summer, the temperature is warm

And I can stay outside all day long.”

“Winter is an adventure when that mighty wind blows

And I bravely trample through drifts of snow.”

“But that northern breeze is just too much for me!

Soon I have a cold as I start to sneeze and sneeze.”

“You know, summer is no picnic either

With the pollen, the weeds, and flowers in bloom, I soon have hay fever.”

“Winter is so white and bleak with no vivid colors to see.

But summer is a vibrant rainbow of red, orange, purple, yellow, and green.”

“Summer is sometimes too drab with brown grass and dry dust floating in the air.

Winter ushers in the purest breezes which filter and clean the atmosphere.”

“Winter lasts too long, those months and months of snow seem to go on forever.”

”Summer drags on too when heat and humidity rise I just perspire and swelter.”

“In the summer, birds gladly sing while grazing, strolling wildlife can be seen.”

“Winter has its own wonder and surprises like seeing a brilliant sundog in the sky.”

“You know this battle between summer and winter can go on forever:

I know, let’s just talk about the weather.”

“That is fine with me but what about autumn and spring?”

“Well, I like autumn.”

“and I like spring!”

“Oh, no, here we go again.”

Sunday Drive Round Up for June 8, 2014

 

 

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Finding Hope and Inspiration in Poetry, Writing, and Genealogy

Oops!! A day late but I am determined to write a little round up of some interesting blog sites and articles I visited this past week:

Here is yet another touching and self-searching poem by Source of Inspiration. The writer reminds us to look to our Creator who wants what’s best for us:

http://patcegan.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/what-does-he-want/

In relation to the art of writing and publishing, I came across this very timely and interesting article written by author David Guaghran:

http://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/whos-afraid-of-very-cheap-books/

Here is another interesting article about the fun in discovering family stories in genealogy research. It also includes useful links related to ancestry research:

Genealogy with Valerie:

http://genealogywithvalerie.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/they-were-only-farmers-take-the-challenge/

 

 

 

Writing 101 Assignment 2: A Hidden Gazebo with a View

 

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I like to go on hikes and long nature walks. I like exploring new trails just to find something new and interesting. On one such walk, I found this wooden gazebo on the edge of a small meadow and behind a small hill of trees. I have visited it a number of times. I would sit there reading, writing, and just enjoying the view from there. But one day an unexpected intruder, a creature of the woods, came to briefly visit me:

Evergreens, elms, and maple trees are all around me.

Warm sunshine above filters through the towering green leafed trees.

The black dirt trail before me leads through this spring green forest

Where wildflowers grow and unseen birds sing from their nests.

Ah, I found the lush green meadow, a small clearing, you see

Where the uncut grass swishes my bare legs and brushes my knees.

The morning sun brightens the clear, turquoise sky

While a lone rabbit appears and silently watches as I stroll by.

Along the path, up a small woodsy ridge and round the bend I go

And there I found a hidden, wooden gazebo built so long ago.

With contentment, I reach the steps and soon find a seat inside.

Here I can watch nature, happily read, or quietly write.

I relax and read in hushed silence enjoying the natural beauty surrounding me

I look up from my book and find a light brown fawn watching ever so keenly.

The young deer creeps closer reaching the edge of my temporary gazebo home

I could almost reach him and almost caress his quivering wet nose

Face to face, eyes to eyes we watch the other with lengthening intrigue

This young visitor seems to view me with intense yet quiet curiosity

While I remain as still as a lifeless statue, barely breathing

And soon a doe appears summoning her wayward, spotted offspring.

And so into the woods the mother and child gracefully and quietly disappear.

What a wondrous treasure to see them as I silently sit and ponder here.

Too soon its’ time to go home, and back to living in everyday reality

But I will be back to view what other beauty nature will gladly reveal to me.

Sunday Drive Roundup June 1, 2014

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Finding Hope and Inspiration in Poetry, Photography, and Genealogy!

Time once again for another Sunday drive around the blogosphere looking for blogs which are inspirational and hopeful. This past week, I looked at various posts centered on photography, poetry, and genealogy.

To begin with I have found some inspirational poetry on these two blog sites:

Here is a blogger, John Thomas Dodds, who is committed to writing a new poem every day. He has quite a collection of poetry and photographs. To me each poet I have found while cruising around the blogosphere is incredibly unique and one can catch a glimpse of the writer’s personality when reading their creative work:

http://johnthomasdodds.com/daily-postings/

Another blogger, Shawn L. Bird, who’s an author and poet also her has own hopeful and inspiring collection of poetry and you can find some her wonderful work here:

http://shawnbird.com/category/pondering/poetry/

Now on to photography; I just simply admire beautiful and unique photography and found myself gazing at the work of these talented bloggers this past week:

Here is a very unique photo artist who specializes in beautifully unique photography. This blogger is truly an artist behind the camera:

http://mfunkart.eu/

And finally, a new category! I have an interest in genealogy research and have found several blog sites about it:

Here is a blogger who shares informational tips, his insights, and his own family research. He also includes links to other genealogy sites:

http://genealogyadventures.wordpress.com/

Here is another blogger who has conducted extensive genealogy research and has discovered some very interesting family history. He shares some of family stories here. His research discoveries are inspiring me to resume my own family research which I am taken a long break from. Enjoy reading:

http://thelivesofmyancestors.wordpress.com/

Well, that concludes another Sunday drive around the blogosphere, hope you enjoy these sites as much as I have.

 

Guest Writer: Kathy B May 31 2014

Every so often, I plan to let a guest writer or blogger share some of their creative writings on my blog. I asked my cousin Kathy if she would like to share because she is a talented poet and writer who clearly writes with her heart. Today, she had been fondly thinking of her parents who both have passed away and wrote this heartfelt poem as a special tribute to them:

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Special Memories

By Kathy B:

Lord, bring to my mind memories sweet and precious that help me see Your hand at work in my life over the days and years gone by. I praise You today for memories that make me smile – I will never forget.

I recall when you sat up with me night after night when I was ill,

I recall the healing touch of your motherly, gentle hands on me still.

Dad, I recall your roaring laugh when I said or did something to tickle your funny bone,

It would rise above the noisy din as if it were for my ears alone.

Take care you both until we meet again in our eternal home.

Daily Prompt: Weather Weather Affecting Me

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Weather, weather, whatever it may be

Sometimes has a deep and profound effect on me.

If the wind is howling and it starts to snow

 I become Irritated if there is any place that I have to go.

If the rain is falling and the skies are dark and gray

Then I want to stay in bed and read the day away.

If crashing thunder and flashing lightening should come

Then I want to safely hide beneath a blanket in my tiny home.

If walking at twilight when the sunset is warm and brightly glowing

Then I want to hear the birds sing and the bullfrog’s deep throated croaking.

If late in the dark when the sky is clear and the moon is full and bright

I want to gaze and wonder about the stars and planets shining in the night.

If I awake and find warm sunshine brightening a vivid blue sky

Then I want to especially enjoy this day not letting it slip by.

Edge of the Forest

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Slender birches and elms tower in the blue lit sky

Quietly displaying their dainty green leaves

As their long armed branches silently

Wave In the gently blowing breeze.

A lone songbird chirps and sings deep

In the quietly sprawling woods

A sad and lonely melody which perhaps

No neighboring creature understood.

Like a dampened sponge, the lush grass green

Grass sinks beneath my bare, sunbathed feet.

As the sun’s warm and transparent rays

Wrap my arms while tinting my face and cheeks.

The  soft aroma of sun warmed pines, wildflowers and

other woodsy scents drift with the quiet breeze.

Such a tranquil and peaceful, summery day

Just sitting by this swaying forest of trees.