Simply Kind Tuesdays - Poem

Doesn’t it sometimes

Happen that way?

Kindness

And you meant to say thanks

But life gets so busy

And something else

Outranks

And days go by,

Then weeks, maybe years?

And what was done for you

Nobody hears

It meant the world at the time

You should have expressed

How much it meant

And how you were blessed

Next time remember

How it would feel

If you had told them

It meant a great deal!!

~ Linda R. O'Connell

Found at Poems at The Poetry Showcase

Find other acts of kindness at On a Limb with Claudia

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY (Monday, March 30, 2009)

Outside my window...it is dark and all is quiet before the sun rises to wake the sleepy world.

I am thinking...that I would like to stay home and have a quiet, simple day, puttering around my house and yard, but I will get myself to work and make it a productive day.

I am thankful for...these quiet early morning moments when I can collect my thoughts and prepare myself for the day ahead.

From the learning rooms...I'm excited about the software I'm learning at work and the new forms and feature we'll be rolling out to the Firm this week.

From the kitchen...two brown sugar cinnamon poptarts and a glass of milk.

I am wearing...grey slacks and a grey sweater. Hey, monochrome is slenderizing! Besides, I love the color.

I am creating...a feature at work to honor and bring notice to LAAs.

I am going...to bring Devi in to the vet tonight to have her stitches removed.

I am reading...two books, Poltergeist by Kat Richardson, and The Right to Write by Julia Cameron.

I am hoping...that I find some missing documents at work today.

I am hearing...the kittens munching their breakfast and the clock ticking, telling me I need to shut down the laptop.

Around the house...the dishes need to be done and the folded laundry on the dining room table needs to be put away.

One of my favorite things...the stillness of early morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Clean house, sew some patches on my son's jacket, pay bills, and have family night.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Last year's peonies from the bushes on the east side of my house.

I'm looking forward to this year's beautiful blooms.

Please join Peggy Hostetler (creator of this meme), the other participants,

and me at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

See the Child

I loved Juliette West's painting "Inner Child" so much that I had to go back and look at her work again. I found the following and thought it tied in with yesterday's post and BlissChick's enCouraging Bliss question.

See the Child

Through my fantastic journey of the

soul,

I found a parable, both beautiful and

heart warming,

To see the child within my reflection,

And through the eternal process of

life,

Find forgiveness within my heart,

Through the simplicity and wisdom of

love,

Find compassion for those who

wronged me,

For there in my fanciful illusion,

Did I find peace.

~ Juliette West

enCouragingBliss!

Beautiful Blisschick (Christine) asks us to enCourage bliss. Her initial post explaining her weekly prompt to enCourage bliss can be found here, with an update here.

This week's assignment is: Tell us what you were like when you were six. Would that little girl be happy with your life now?

Six years old, eh? I remember that as being a fairly lovely time in my life...with a few hiccups. Christine mentions having the FisherPrice record player in her post and I remember having a record player as well but I'm not sure if it was FisherPrice. I had six plastic records to go with mine that were songs from Sesame Street. "I Love Trash" was my favorite, sung by Oscar the Grouch himself! I think I still remember the words.... "I LOVE TRASH! Anything dirty or dingy or dusty...anything ragged or rotten or rusty!...." Oh yes, loved that tune! One record has Kermit the Frog singing "It's not easy being green...." which always made me feel sad.

People have told me that I used to dance all the time, especially for my father. He's said I'd dance and dance, fluttering all around, and then I'd get in such a precarious position he was sure I'd fall down but I'd manage to maneuver myself out of it and dance on. I rarely dreamed of being in the ballet but I do remember dreaming of always dancing. I loved how music could make my body move, that feeling of sparkly magic in my belly flowing out to my limbs, making them jump and sway and wriggle. I still feel that way when the right music comes on. I imagine we all do.

In my younger years, I don't believe I had a good idea of what I wanted to do with my life other than that I wanted to be creative and do something with words. My first grade teacher gave me a storybook about fanciful creatures to entertain me when I was completed with my schoolwork before most everyone else. I loved reading those stories of different worlds and faraway places. I'll admit I was a dreamer and wanted so much for myself and the world. I wanted the magic to be real.

Even back then, I was a peacekeeper. My neighborhood was filled with children and I usually had a few "best" friends. For some reason, those friends never seemed to like each other. I was told it was that they didn't want to share their time with me. That sounds very egotistical but I guess that's how it was. I just wanted everyone to get along so we could all play together. Maybe I should have turned those peacekeeping skills into some type of diplomatic career. It's true that those skills have come in handy on many an occasion.

My parents argued and didn't seem to know how to communicate with each other. Quite often, I felt like I was the adult and they were the children and I had to find a way to bring them together, help them to understand each other...and stop the arguing. That, of course, is not a child's role but it felt like mine. Hmmm, diplomat and psychologist. I'm in neither profession but it's felt like a life-long career.

We want to blame our parents for why we turned out the way we did or why we didn't do something we wanted to or should have. Their words and actions certainly affect us, mold us to some degree. I do believe, however, that we make our own choices and are ultimately responsible for who we become. Once we realize this, we can hopefully break free from any negative thought patterns and cycles we've been caught in due to whatever influence they've had over us. We can receive so many beautiful things from our parents but as they are not perfect, their faults are bound to touch us.

My parents, like their parents, were not free with praise. I'm sure they found it difficult; not because they didn't want to praise us but because it didn't flow naturally from their lips. I was always a high performer in school, labeled as high-potential, and saw the whole world before me. I could do almost anything. There was one particular incident, however, that comes to mind as being a catalyst in the direction my life took after it. (Jumping forward a bit in years...)

The eighth grade students at my school were participating in individual science projects. The top chosen projects would move on to a regional meet which in turn could go on to state. Wanting to be different, I chose a social science project and focused on abuse, child abuse specifically. I did the research, read the horrible stories, and presented a fairly decent project to the judges. I was happy to be chosen as having a top project that would move on to regionals.

Coming home that night, my mother was in the kitchen and dad was sitting in his favorite chair in the living room, watching T.V. I was not one to boast, feeling embarrassed, but I hesitantly and hopefully told my parents the news about my project and its high rating. Their actual words escape me but they were something like, "That's nice," and "Oh, that's great."

I don't know what I was expecting but I guess I hoped for a more enthusiastic response. My spirit plummeted. It wasn't that they didn't care, I just wanted them to care more. My brain took over my injured heart (or maybe it was the other way around) and I decided from that day forward, I just wasn't going to try anymore. What good would it do? It didn't get me the good feelings I so desperately longed for. (It seems like such a silly event to make such a drastic decision.)

The next few years were spent caring more about who was dating whom, and if I did this or that, would that boy like me? What did his look mean? You know, teenage girl stuff. It wasn't until my junior year that I realized I'd wasted so much time and should have been trying and giving life my all; for me, and my future, regardless of what praise or feel good vibes I received from someone else.

As I said before, my parents' actions affected me and my outlook but I can't blame them for my choice to give up. Thank goodness I came to my senses and realized my mistake. As children, we always want our parents' praise and for them to be proud of us, that's just natural. I guess this was a lesson for me on finding my own value in my actions.

Christine asked what we were like at six years old, and would that six year old us be happy with who we are today.

I might not be a dancer or international diplomat, but I shake my thang on the dance floor and in the privacy of my own home; and I still play the peacekeeper between family members, friends and at work. I've learned a few lessons over the years and I try to be a good, polite, forgiving, non-judgmental and accepting person. I enjoy encouraging others and find that I receive so much more in return.

While I think my six-year-old self would tell me to lighten up a little and find my inner child more often, I think she would be happy with the me I am today.

Thank you, Christine, for bringing me back and forward again with enCouraging Bliss!

My objective this week is to find my inner child and ask her out to play.

"Inner Child" painting by Juliette West.

Interview and A Quick Note

My interview with author Melody Lane is now up at Texty Ladies. If you stop over and visit, I hope you'll give a shout so I know you've been there. :)

Speaking of comments, I have not yet visited everyone's blog from the past few days and will do so sometime later today. I do so enjoy all of your online homes; they fill me with ideas, hope and inspiration!

I'll also be responding to Blisschick's (Christine) call to enCourage Bliss in a post this evening.

Hugs to all!

Pamela

Wishcasting Wednesday - Money

Rub the Money Buddha

Whispering your wish

Expect results tomorrow

So make your wish delish!

Jamie has a knack for asking the question that needs to be asked.

This week, she asks: What is your money wish?

I've been in a particular funk the past few days over money issues. I even gave in to a pity party yesterday afternoon but it was short-lived. Like others participating in Wishcrafting Wednesday this week, I wish to be financially secure, enough to cover debt and have a little extra left over. We don't need millions, although it would be grand! ;)

There are so many worthwhile causes and people we could help with a little extra cash and I'd love to get moving on that as soon as possible. We do what we can but I'd love to do more.

I have a few projects in mind to help special teenagers in our community. There's that age group of kids who are too old for daycare but too young or immature to be on their own for lengthy periods of time. What to do? What about kids with special needs who are in the same predicament? Community centers, after school activities and part time jobs will fit the bill for most teens, but many are not set up for teens with special needs.

I would love to provide a place for these kids. A second home they can go to where they can learn job skills and social skills, participate in fun activities and hang out with friends, grab a sandwich and contribute to a positive, nurturing environment. A place where they can get the encouragement they need to build a more independent life. A place I wish could have been there for my son.

I believe that God has given me this wish and desire for a reason. What role I will play in its manifestation is up to Him. My wish is to secure our financial position so I can focus more clearly on the bigger wish.

Wordful Wednesday

My husband returned to Indiana for his grandmother's surprise 80th birthday party where he'd visit with family and relatives he hasn't seen in many years; some he's never even met.

I sent along the digital camera so he could make sure to take lots of photos and come back and tell me all about everyone. I've only met his immediate family.

When he returned (a good time was had by all and yes, his grandmother was surprised!), this is one of the three photos he had taken:

Lucy

the family dog

Two photos of Lucy and one of a cat who may or may not still be living with his family. No human photos whatsoever. Sigh. I guess he was having too much fun. :) You've got to admit that Lucy, in all her scruffy cuteness, is quite photogenic!

For more Wordful Wednesday photos and fun, go to Seven Clown Circus.

Simply Kind Tuesdays - The Simple Things

Life has been crazy lately, for all of us. We get so busy, it's hard to squeeze in a moment to sit down, let alone a grand gesture of kindness.

You know, it really doesn't have to be much... a smile, an opened door, a pat on the back...or a kind word. It's wonderful to orchestrate big, elaborate surprises or group efforts to benefit another, but those opportunities present themselves less frequently than the small, quiet moments that can mean the most. I believe that giving our time to another, being completely mindful and present, is one of the greatest gifts.

Claudia's "Simply Kind Tuesdays" helps me to slow down, quiet my mind and reflect on any kind acts I witnessed over the last week, and reminds me to find opportunities, no matter how small, to show kindness to another.

Thank you, Claudia, for this weekly gift and reminder. Thanks to the other participants for inspiring me with their kindness posts. :)

I hope you'll be inspired by the SKT participants, too!

Sleeping with Bread - Lists

This past week has been a bit stressful and has had its highs and lows. I'm stealing Tara's idea and creating a list for today's post for Sleeping with Bread.

Not So Good:

Being expected to play entertainment director 24/7.

Worrying about Devi until I got the good news that she came through her surgery just fine.

Financial issues.

Exhausting my patience and flipping out on my son.

Being uncertain about whether or not I am reading certain situations correctly.

Good:

Having time off to spend with family.

Getting a good walk in while visiting the MOA.

Witnessing my son and a new friend getting along just fine.

Discovering a new (to us) restaurant/bar with excellent food AND excellent service!

Not waking up at 5:15 a.m. six days in a row!

Warmer days and clear skies at night. Don't you just love gazing at the moon and stars?

THIS WEEK'S GOAL: Examine negative or harmful thoughts then focus only on what is nurturing and productive.

Updates

My interview with talented romance author Melody Lane will post this Thursday, March 26, at Texty Ladies.

Poetry Play Thursday will return the following week, when we'll start our celebration of National Poetry Month.

The Texty Ladies are publishing a free ezine (through free subscription) in May and are accepting submissions of the following:

paintings

drawings

photographs

flash fiction

poetry

essays

writing and art tutorials

writing and art workshops

and more...

related to Spring, beginnings, fresh starts, growth, new love, renewed love...you get the idea.

Send submissions and/or questions to: textyladies@gmail.com

Submission deadline: April 15, 2009

Compensation: As we are unable to pay for your work, compensation will be in the form of advertising and promotion. We hope to be able to compensate monetarily for future work at some point.

Devi, You're a Woman Now.

Devi, a literary cat already

(Neil Gaiman, eh? Good taste, girl!)

Our little miss Devi was spayed this week and has now joined her sister in kitty womanhood. The act of having what would be the equivalent of a hysterectomy has made me think of them more as mature women (cats). Like a rite of passage. They came out of the fire stronger, resilient, brave.

I, of course, was a complete mess the entire time the kitties were separated from us. They've become such an important part of our lives, so dear and lovable; I couldn't bear to lose them. Why do we imagine the worst happening, almost prepare ourselves for the event, when it is so unlikely?

I'm just happy to report that Devi bounced back quickly and endured the two days of hissing and pseudo attacks she received from Kali until the vet scent disappeared and Kali recognized her once again. Now, she's back to being herself, a nurturing sister and sweetie pie. :)

(Pre-surgery. A current shot like this might be indelicate.)

A Quick Note

I hope to get caught up on my blogs this weekend, the ones I visit and my own. I'm feeling depleted of all energy tonight so I'll be turning in early and hitting the blogs in the morning. I hope your evening is dreamy! :)

Dreamy Twilight by Narco

Poetry Play Thursday

It's Poetry Play Thursday over at Texty Ladies today. Each week we explore a different form of poetry. Can you guess which one it is this week?

Smart Bitches Trashy Books
A blog by chicks with brains and looks
We love their bit on cover snark
But is their bite worse than their bark?

Click on the badge above to find out. :)

Wishcasting & Wordful Wednesday

I'm so glad I started participating in Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesdays. Her prompts are so thought provoking. I always find discover a new perspective while contemplating my answer. Today's prompt is:

What do you wish to say yes to?

I wish to say yes to the promises of Spring: beginnings, growth, fresh starts, wondrous discoveries and life! Not only do I welcome warmth after a brutal winter, the beauty of green grass and budding leaves, petal blossoms and sweetly singing birds, but also the excitement of new projects at work and home.

The protective shield I've surrounded myself with is melting from the fire that's been ignited inside me. I'm ready to take risks and refuse to miss another opportunity to follow my dreams. I say yes to doing all the things I've always wanted to do but was too fearful to try. Perfectionism is overrated. I will enjoy the journey and not worry about the end result.

I say yes to the friendships I am building both in the blog world and physical world. I am hesitant to say "real" world because my blog friendships are real to me.

Oh, I could go on and on... Thank you, Jamie, for a prompt filled with so much promise!



You'll find more wishes at Starshyne Productions and Worldful Wednesday photos at Angie's 7 Clown Circus.

Will the real Pamela please stand up?

I'm not myself today. Hopefully, I'll be me tomorrow.

UnSettled by Mira Torres

SWB - Love, Family & Money

Taj Mahal

(Click on photo for a close up and just look at that price!)

We spent the day at MOA and I discovered beauty at LegoLand. We haven't been to the MOA in a few years and this lego creation wasn't there at our last visit. It got me thinking about what someone will do for love.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in loving memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their fourteenth child, Gauhara Begum. It took about 16 years to complete with the landscaping, gardens and surrounding buildings taking another five years. Emporer Shah Jahan used these words to describe it:

Should guilty seek asylum here,

Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.

Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,

All his past sins are to be washed away.

The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;

And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.

In this world this edifice has been made;

To display thereby the creator's glory.

I can't help but think about the word "favorite" when referring to wives. Obviously, it tells us there were others. Being who I am, I can't help but struggle with this, but clearly, Emporer Shah Jahan had a deep love for Mumtaz.

While gazing at the lego version of this beautiful mausoleum, I asked my husband if his love was such that he'd build a Taj Mahal for me. His response was, "I would if I had a lot of money and a lot of servants." He knew he was off the hook knowing my thoughts on servants. I truly believe, however, that he'd build me the lego version in a heartbeat! ;)

The real Taj Mahal

What would you do for love?

~*~*~

In Sleeping with Bread, we're to talk about the highs and lows of our previous week and focus on something we have held or can hold onto to give us strength and carry us through the tough times.

This week's lows:

1. Feelings of uncertainty about my job.

2. Struggles with my son and some of his vocal tics and demand for constant, and I mean constant, attention.

3. Thoughts of despair and wondering if some things will never change.

This week's highs:

1. I kicked butt and completed some projects at work that were nagging at my brain.

2. Warmer weather!

3. More sleep.

4. An exciting project I'm working on with my fellow Texty Ladies!

I held on to the knowledge that my husband loves me and, I think, had some idea of the challenges we'd face when he moved up and took on a ready made family. With regard to my job, I'm telling myself every day that I can only try to do my best and nothing more. Get involved, acquire new and marketable skills, and do my best.

If you're hungry, go here for more bread.

Sacred Life Sunday - Comfort Food

It may be a little late in the day to talk about comfort food since Spring has almost sprung, but we had chili and cornbread for dinner tonight and I want to sing its praises; not mine specifically, but comfort food in general.

It reached a balmy 52 degrees here today which was a welcome relief after below zero temps and bitter winds in the last few weeks. It seemed a little strange making this meal with the weather so lovely outside; almost like a last hurrah for winter.

There's just something about chili and cornbread, warm soup and crackers, mashed potatoes, casseroles (hot dish here in MN) and anything cheesy or gooey that comforts us and lifts our mood. I don't know that you could call it sacred but comfort food is definitely a happy place for many.

I've made a promise to myself to try to eat healthier foods this year but I don't think that means excluding these foods. Moderation is key, right? And many of these foods do hold nutritional value. During my few months with WeightWatchers, I learned oodles about portion control and that it is okay to enjoy what many would consider "non-diet" foods as long as it isn't too often. When you do decide to splurge, enjoy every minute of it. Turn off the television, put on some lovely music, light the candles, and savor every bite of those chocolate chip cookies. Mmmmmm....

Now that we're heading into Spring and salad season, I doubt that cornbread and chili will be on the menu again soon. I raise my wineglass high and salute the goodness of comfort food...until we meet again. (Okay, so I'm a little silly today.... sue me.)

A Home for Fairies

Fairy Gardens

Fairy Garden Pedestal

I don't know if I'll ever get my garden to where I want it since I'm one of those people who will pore over gardening books in the winter, imagine an incredible oasis in my own backyard, plant a few flowers...and then not feel like watering. I love the idea of it but when it gets right down to it, I don't want to put in the effort. I've been wanting to create a fairy garden for a few years now and haven't done so but maybe that's where my efforts should lie this year. Try for small scale.

Celtic Fairy House

I mean, how cute is this? Can't you just imagine a little fairy living here? Heck, I want to live here! So charming.

I'll let you know if I actually make my fairy garden fantasy a reality. It's only March....I've got time. :)

(Clicking on the photos will take you to enchanted places.)

Rest and Relaxation

Ahhhhhhh....decompress.....relax....hop on the couch and read a magazine....

That's what I'm gonna do in the next few days. I'm finally taking a few vacation days and have only one appointment scheduled during that time. Usually, my vacation days consist of cramming in as many appointments (for my husband, son, self and cats) as possible so I can reduce the amount of PTO I need to use later.

We're not traveling anywhere but plan to hit the MOA, take in a movie, visit a museum or two and try not to spend too much money. We hope to visit my in-laws in Indiana this summer so this vacation will be more low-key. It usually takes a few days to decompress so by the time I'm finally relaxed, I'll be close to heading back to work but that's okay. I'll enjoy the reduced responsibility and no commute.

It's not say I won't be working some. The Texty Ladies are putting together a newsletter and ezine so I'll spend time on that but it's something I thoroughly enjoy doing. I'm so excited about this ezine and will share more about it at a later date.

I hope all my blogosphere friends have a lovely weekend filled with fun and relaxation. Ahhhh... My shoulders are slowly starting to settle and thoughts of work are slipping away....

News & Contest

Poetry Play Thursday is on today at my group blog Texty Ladies.

Look for my upcoming interview with talented author Melody Lane, which will post at Texty Ladies. I'll let you know when I have a confirmed date.

I also wanted to let you know that my friend and author Jane E. Jones is hosting a contest at Texty Ladies where she's giving away a romance themed gift bag filled with all sorts of groovy stuff! The details can be found here.

Wishcasting Wednesday

[For WORDFUL WEDNESDAY - Please scroll down.)

Our beautiful and inspirational Wishtress Jamie asks today:

What do you wish to change?

My dreams.

More specifically, my night dreams. I will go into this further when I finally post my first Full Moon Dreamboard but right now I'll just say that for many years, at least all of my adult years, I have not looked forward to going to sleep. My dreams are odd or disturbing, as my husband can attest to after listening to some weird stories from me, and I rarely feel rested in the morning.

I'll say more in another post but for now, I wish to have more pleasant dreams.

By Josephine Wall

Visit Wishcasting Wednesday by Jamie's Starshyne Productions for more wishes.

Wordful Wednesday - WTF?

"WTF!"" My faith in humanity has been restored!

My husband and I stumbled upon this very unique car at the B&N parking lot. Everyone who happened by did a double take. Let me just ask one thing. Why reptiles, amphibians and rodents?

Go here for more Wordful Wednesday posts.

Simply Kind Tuesdays - Facebook Experiment

Over at that incredible time suck of a social network, Facebook, I discovered the Karma Experiment - Pay It Forward.

Objective:

Start something positive by sending good karma to every one of your friends by inviting them to this experiment.

Experiment:

To increase a person's karma by doing a random act of kindness.

In the instructions, it says not only to invite all of your friends to participate but to also commit one random act of kindness and grade your life improvement after participating.

How is our life affected by sprinkling random acts of kindness all around our individual worlds? We should be commiting these acts with the receiver's benefit in mind but after doing so, how has it changed us? What have we learned from it?

Go on, give it a try this week and report back with what you have discovered.

Happy sprinkling!

Sleeping with Bread - In Troubled Times

What do we hold on to when times are tough and life is uncertain?


FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

"There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God...shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7

We must believe that our struggles will end. Maybe this recession was meant to happen as a monumental correction to what men have created. It's time to "let go and let God," as "they" say, and have FAITH.

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow." ~ Dorothy Thompson

"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." ~ Lin Yutang

We can not succumb to the negative forces all around us. We must not give up but know that our troubles will not go on forever or defeat us. He has said He will not give us more than we can handle. It may not always feel that way but I know that it is true. Look forward, not down. Claim HOPE.

"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment." ~ Barbara de Angelis

"Love, like truth and beauty, is concrete. Love is not fundamentally a sweet feeling; not, at heart, a matter of sentiment, attachment, or being "drawn toward." Love is active, effective, a matter of making reciprocal and mutually beneficial relation with one's friends and enemies." ~ Carter Heyward

During difficult times, it is easy to think about ourselves, what we need to make things right, what God and the world need to give us to change our situation. Why not step outside ourselves and think about what we can do for others; how can we ease their suffering? How can we do this without seeking reward? Let's look to LOVE.

Click here for more nourishment.

Sacred Life Sunday

Tonight,

I need a little down time.

No,

Sacred Time.

Tomorrow,

I'll be back with bread.

Blogthings seems to think so

You Are a Playwright

You are a highly literate wordsmith. You love both reading and writing. You are also a natural storyteller. You can turn a mediocre anecdote into a riveting tale. You find people and all aspects of life fascinating. No topic is off limits for you. In modern times, you would make a good filmmaker or novelist.

What's Your Medieval Profession?

Now, if I can only make it a reality!

Haiku Friday - Dirty Snow

dirty snow crunches

beneath my worn boots, winter's

tarnished finery

It seems like winter will never end. My friends, co-workers and I walk around in a funk, waiting for something to happen, something to change. Could we be experiencing spring fever? To make it bearable, I tell myself that the dirt and muck and ever changing weather patterns are a sign of what's to come. Spring is just around the corner. For now, just enjoy the fresh, crisp air and crunch beneath my feet.

<-Click here.

Photo taken from Montreal's Daily Photo.

Poetry Play Thursday Starts Today

I hope you'll head over to Texty Ladies today where I'm posting my new meme, Poetry Play Thursday. We'll start off easy and move on to more difficult forms as we gain confidence.

Why not give it a try?

Wishcasting Wednesday - Help

(PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO PRIOR POST FOR WORDFUL WEDNESDAY.)

Wishtress Jamie asks the following question today for Wishcasting Wednesday:

What help do you wish to receive?

Hmmm, this is a tough one. I have a difficult time asking for help. Seems to me I should be able to handle things on my own but I know I want to be there for others. Why I am having such a hard time with this?

I could say I'd like help with freeing my creativity or furthering my career. I could ask for help with a number of things but I think I'll make this a practical wish.

I wish to receive a boon to our finances. We were going along fine, meeting our bills and on time, stashing away a little for the future when this whole economy thing happened. Now we're turned upside down. I'm not whining. Worse things could happen. We're certainly not the only ones in this rocky boat. But, it would ease our minds and lower our stress level immensely if we could just get a break in this area. Soon.

I'd like to wish this wish for everyone struggling with their finances (which might just be everyone!).

Click on the photo above or link to Wishcasting Wednesday to read more wishes.

Wordful Wednesday - Sisters

Devi ** Kali

I love this photo.

It was taken the day after Kali was spayed.

We could see in her face the pain she was experiencing,

and were thankful when the painkiller took hold.

What I love about this photo

is the tender look on Devi's face

as she gazes at her sister.

My husband said that Devi followed him around all day

when Kali was at the animal hospital.

I'm sure she wondered why her sister was away.

When we brought her home that night,

Devi watched her sister's every move with concern

making sure to do so from a distance.

The next day,

Devi ventured close

and hissed because her sister had a different scent.

As the day wore on,

Kali was accepted again

and Devi's love for her was captured here.