#SoCS – Dreaming Reality

Burnin’ For Me #SoCS

Okay, I have to admit I was going to skate on this week’s #SoCS event, hosted by our wonderful writing friend Linda Hill. But I usually don’t get to the prompt page as soon as I get my load of weekly blog notifications, especially after this full moon crazy week. That is no exageration either. But, that is for another post. Since I do read Dan’s posts as soon as they hit the page, I am always able to know what the prompt is anyway. Check out his post today at the bar.

Now…about my last piece of mail, because that is what the prompt for today is. Talk about the last piece of mail you received. I’m just so excited (for once) about the mail. I guess I have crossed over into the ‘old habits are hard to break’ and ‘old people can’t move on’ zone. There are many indicators to confirm this notion for me and, once again, this post is not about those things today.

What it is about is my health-my physical well being-which, for me, is so closely related to my mental state. I have always been smallish but aging affects this so much, even in a work environment where I move around constantly. A body eventually becomes accustomed to its daily pace, and in order to increase its cardio workout, so must I. I prefer being outdoors and hiking, but it isn’t always possible, so I am revisiting an old and dear friend. I used to work out to Jane’s VHS tapes religiously, and to this day I prefer her methods over any other workout I have tried. There are varying levels and styles within her series that work for all ages and skill levels.

For a long time these videos were not available on DVD. Now they are and I am determined to be in the best shape I can be for my age and ability. Yeah…I bought it and it arrived yesterday! Woohoo! Imagine my excitement to get up this morning and get on that mat. 😳😁

I really was excited to workout with Jane again, those nostalgic memories of the 80’s filling my head. The sounds of Lionel Ritchie, Blondie, Survivor, Michael Jackson and so many others ringing in the jukebox of my mind while my heart wished I still had my mauve colored leggings-you know, to complete the outfit. 🙈

Ok, let’s go. I know, feel the burn…

Oh I burned..and burned…and burned..hell my body was on fire! I was amazed at how much more difficult much of the Beginner’s Workout was, although I was able to do about 90%of the workout without faltering. My stretch ability couldn’t match Jane or her cohorts but I did every section. Tomorrow I will add the Intermediate workout, maybe. If I can convince my body I’m really not trying to kill us.

The best thing about having kept in shape most of these years is that muscles do have memory. Every time I work at getting toned, they seem excited to remember their true purpose, even if I forgot for a time. Right now they are a bit wobbly though.

All hail the magnificent Jane! She still looks fabulous.

I’ll be turning 60 this year. Now, all you advertisement- for-seniors hounds, don’t waste your mail on me. Many people my age would ask why I bother, it’s not worth the time or trouble. To me, my health and fitness are the only things I have absolute control over, and I don’t plan on giving that up!

Happy #Free48 everyone. Take care of you!

Me, in my most Happy Place…outdoors.

The Soul of Spring #SoCS

#SoCS, #wahlburger’s, art, beauty, burgers, Dreaming, Georgia, mother nature, photography, Spring, Uncategorized

In these very troubled days for our world, life has become a roller coaster of emotions for many people, even those who perhaps don’t acknowledge such things. Depression, mood swings, panic attacks and listlessness are all signs of discomfort of the heart, mind and soul.

This prolonged Winter, along with its erratic weather patterns and anomolies, haven’t helped the situation much. We, as a species, are a contradiction of emotions and desires. While we love the freedom to explore at will and throw caution to the wind for a thrill when we choose, we also love and need constancy in our often fragile existence.

Things like the sun rising each day, our feet staying planted firmly on the ground, and the seasons changing on time are touchstones for the human psyche.

Besides the health benefits of sunlight each day, our souls thrive in the light. Studies have shown the negative effects that light deprivation have on both physical and mental health. This has been a long and trying dormant season for so many people. Even though we aren’t buried in snow here, there have been too many gray and gloomy cold days for this human’s soul.

Hope reigns supreme, however, as Ms. spring is trying to stretch her stiff and frozen fingers, stretching towards the light for energy and inspiration. I see glimpses of her smile.

Too many might not even see these tiny wild violets and tread upon their faces

I see their magnificence and want to peer into their hearts

Her sole purpose is to renew this world, to work her magic over the dead, brown earth and paint the landscape with beauty and color once more.

I know she’s near

so do not fear…

Perhaps her soul is weary

at the thought of what’s to come…

If the human’s don’t remember

where their sustenance comes from.

If every hair on every head

is numbered, as is said,

why is wisdom blind

and we can’t even find

a common ground?

No wonder She is timid, slow to come.

But come, she will, for Nature does not fail.

Her soul knows joy in Creation,

love of life, her sole motivation

and we should be ever thankful

for her grace- her place

within the dream.

As for me, I am heading into the #Free48 with my soul full of hope and my sole reason for getting up to find and appreciate the beauty in this world. Maybe do a bit of my own creating too. 😉

BB09D43E-3BF3-4A91-A41A-22F473419C7E — Beaded sculpture, maybe the next light catcher. I call her Mermaid Rising

2DA99DD7-C50A-4647-90A3-13BDD2BF1298 — Blackberry Mug Cake! So easy, so good

FBE31803-6388-4ECF-A55F-38DCE0F91AB0 — I love my coffee in the evening. Oh! That is a yummy Carrot Cake for two recipe.

Oh, and maybe to find some good food and a nice brew.

As always, thanks #Wahlburger’s at The Battery.

This post brought to you by Linda Hill. Her #SoCS prompt for today was soul/sole. Check out her blog for all the great prompts and posts from other bloggers there.

And if you need a cold brew and some techno talk, join Dan A of No Facilities. But, be warned, the good bartender is off today. 😏

They All Axed For You/#SoCS

#SoCS, Butterfly effect, Curiosities, Memories, moments, mother nature, nature, photography, poetry, Uncategorized

No, we weren’t at the Audubon Zoo. As a side note, I have never been to that zoo, though I have observed it from the park that runs beside it. And I have visited many amazing zoos as well.

Anyway, when I saw Linda Hill’s #SoCS prompt I could think of no better way to get the job done than straight forward and to the point.

With a little help from my new aquarium friends…

Mr Fish was quite abash

at the brazen, frank and brash

exhibition and fruition

of Mr Turtle’s non-contrition

as he dug with great ambition

for delights beneath the rocks!

While the Butterfly brigade

nibbling grapes and marmalade,

enjoying such a bash

nary batting an eyelash

at what happened in the deep

for their eating led to sleep

and sweet dreams.

Beware! Dear winged creatures

for the horrifying feature

in the land of swampy things

from Louisiana brings

Mr Gator, with his hypnotizing eyes

and he will grow to such a size

he could crush you in his jaws

as he strokes you with his claws.

In the land of Jambalaya

Mr Gator must beware

lest someone come and bash him

making him the evening’s fare.

Fried, boiled, stewed

over rice.

Contemplating an escape?

perhaps you should

think twice!

And if you’re thirsty, toddle on over to the bar for some wings and beer with Dan and his buddy But watch out. I hear the bartender might bite if you don’t leave a tip. 😉

Celebration! #SoCS

#Free48, #SoCS, beauty, creation, flowers, photography, poetry, Spring, Uncategorized

My soul soars with childlike glee

while every bush and sleeping tree

yawns with fresh humility

before the light that magically

wipes away gray dormancy

transforming with pure ecstasy,

its palette filled abundantly

with Spring’s unique majesty.

I hold my breath!

Lest jealous Death-

Old Man Winter’s anarchist-

arrange a final chilling tryst,

her miracles to strip and crush

even as the soft pink blush

warms sweet Camelia’s face

and leave instead to take its place-

but shrivelled hope.

The bitter sting

of lovely Spring

stopped

in her tracks.

Fight back!

Don’t tarry as our hearts quiver,

noses run and bodies shiver.

We wait in silent anticipation

for Summer’s warm emancipation,

our toes to curl in golden sands,

and fireflies snagged by expert hands

as sultry sunset tints the blue

in orange, rose and violet hue.

Sweet Spring,

I see your skillful hand

as you stitch the canvas

of the land-

a tapestry

so richly grand

I understand

why he is jealous.

Cheryl KP

I have been so inspired by Spring’s slow, jerky arrival and so hopeful for new opportunities. Creative juices flow this time of year and last weekend I made this little light catcher. It cheered me so that I kept it for myself and hung it in my bedroom window where the light at sunset falls just right.

Happy #free48 everyone! Celebrate Spring and do check out Linda’s page for today’s prompt and rules. Today’s word prompt was cele-

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 2/19

Affirmative, Captain #SoCS

#SoCS, Autumn, burgers, Butterfly effect, Camaraderie, closer walk, Costa Rica, creation, Dreaming Reality, flowers, Friendship, love, moments, photography, Rainbows, Random, Rod serling, Uncategorized

We need to get this straight. I will affirm here and now that I have felt less than inspired in the last week. I’m working on the novel-still…maybe forever..but really loving the progress. It is just not something one can easily do at the end of a work day or week, popping from pragmatic, ordered thinking into fanatstical dreaming reality.

I mean I usually can, but lately the world has just felt so…heavy. I affirm I am not a fan of old Man Winter. And I love men in general. Just not sadistsic, self indulgent, harsh and cold troublemaking men. Just why Mother Nature has him in her circle is beyond me. But then, taste in friends is always quite subjective isn’t it? It takes all kinds of people to make a world. If we were all alike we would either be hugely bored or constantly fighting ourselves.

There’s Spring

Glorious Summer

Fleeting Fall

And WTF Winter!

I affirm that life is wearying at times, and when I was younger I held older people in the highest regard, seeking their wisdom, understanding and encouragement. For the most part I am exposed to situations in which older people are viewed and treated as outdated, stupid or at best uninformed, and gulity of some heinous crime of destruction that most of them are completely unaware. Perhaps the crime is just being older than 30. I thank God each day my children are not this way.

When I was in the Christian church growing up, we were taught to always put yourself in others’ shoes, to empathize and express compassion. There was a humbleness in being a child of God. I suppose there has always been a double edged sword aspect to religion..any of them, just as there is duality of spirit within each of us. I just know that I would rather stand quietly alone, with my hand in His, than stand with a mob of angry, accusatory, self righteous finger pointers whose main goal is to be the best, the biggest and the chosen. Since when did being a Christian become a popularity contest?

I affirm that God’s greatest gifts exist all around us, that peace can be found in the tiniest miracle of life, that entertainment is free in Mother Nature if you just take a moment to breathe and to feel her presence. Soul healing does not exist in a book or a prayer. It is in your own hands, the ones given to you in this life. Perhaps we should stop shouting, ”God, save us!”

Maybe it’s time to whisper, “God help us to save ourselves.” We have to stop making our own messes then blaming everyone else for them, which includes..

No, honey, the devil did not make you do it. We all have a choice and the light and dark exists in every one of us.

I affirm that when I love someone it is forever, even if you choose to cast me aside. Anyone who has ever found a place in my heart will remain there forever, and my family means more to me than anything. If they hurt, I hurt. When they are in pain, it is mine. When they are happy, my world is perfect. I know no other way.

(A light tap on any photo will show the caption)

Grandkids rock!

Cheers to beers!

I would be lost without this shadow

Love is all around

The face of pure happiness

My favorite place to be!

Friendships take time to become beautiful

Always my Dad

Through every thing

I love the friends I have made here, in this magical realm of blogging, where like minds can meet and feel less alone, share ideas and laughs. We all do such a wonderful job of encouraging, lifting one another up and being there. Thank you to any and all who have done this for me. And if you feel like a beer check out Dan’s frozen corner of the world. Now, he has some Winter tales…

I affirm that I am ready for Spring, budding flowers, buzzing insects and balmy breezes. Meanwhile, we can always dream..in fact I must insist that you dream with me, or we might not see her face again!

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What do you see when you step outside?

Thanks to Linda Hill and her #SoCS prompt, ‘affirm’.

Pinch Me! #SoCS and Jus Jo Jan

#SoCS, Television, Uncategorized

How lucky can one person be? Pinch me! This is the second weekend in a row that the #SoCS prompt has been right up my alley! Thanks Linda!

This week’s prompt is television. But what to choose? My mind is a traffic jam of excitement right now. Not that I couldn’t live without tv. When I am alone I rarely have it on, preferring music to the lull of voices that draws me from doing anything purposeful to sitting in front of the set as though I have guests that need attention.

My mother was ill most of the time in my teen years so coming home from school included chores, making sure she had what she needed and making tea for her. We spent a lot of time in quiet conversation, with me sitting on the floor by her bed. She would encourage me as no one else has ever been able to, and the feeling of her hand on my head remains the most comforting thing I know. I miss it so much.

The highlight of my afternoons was whatever was on tv and I watched until I was forced to go to sleep. Back then there was so much to choose from and always something new, especially when they added the new magical ABC network! It had all the fun stuff on it. The Movie of the Week, ABC After School Specials and so many tv shows in Prime Time. My high school years found me enjoying everything from the Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family to Chico and the Man and Welcome Back Kotter. Hellooooo Vinny Barbarino! Then there were Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley and Mork and Mindy. I stood in line in a Little Rock mall to get an autographed photo of Henry Winkler once.

What? Where? Why? Oh John…..

Then there was nighttime. So many to mention, but recently I watched a marathon run of Here Come the Brides. Bobby Sherman was cute but I always loved the older guys too. Jason Bolt was a hunk of a lumberjack. When Night Gallery came along I was glued to the set. We had always watched reruns of The Twilight Zone which was awesome. Just ask my friend Dan. He never misses the yearly Zone marathon sessions. He is a true fan. Most people don’t remember Kolchak, the Night Stalker series with Darren McGavin. It was a one season wonder which I loved. Now that I look back I think it must have paved the way for me to be obsessed with The X-Files and Grimm. I miss them all. 😞

Now, with the advent of Smart tv and Roku, I am back in tv bliss so I don’t mind so much spending time in front of the set in the evenings. I can revisit old friends and check out the newest films and made for video shows, like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. You have to check her out. It is the funniest show I have watched in ages. And it speaks to social progress over the years for ethnic groups and women in show business. I would hate to see us slide so far back into darkness and ignorance…

Okay, enough I know! Who would think I have time for photography, jewelry, art, excursions and cooking? Suffice it to say I don’t “veg out” very well.

Happy #Free48 everyone. I hope this storm does not cause harm to any of you. Stay warm and stay in touch. 😘

PS OMG! I forgot to mention The Carol Burnett show. Flipper. The Monkees and Gilligan’s Island. Wonderful World of Disney. We can’t even go into the reruns that I didn’t even know were reruns and not of my age which I loved as a child…and still do! Lucy, Andy, Laurel and Hardy, Saturday with the Little Rascals and the Three Stooges. If I left you out, I’m so sorry! Eddie Cantor! Okay, I hear the cue music for me to stop talking now…..

Art Matters/#SoCS

#SoCS, art, Atlanta, Autumn, Bourbon, creation, Dreaming, Dreaming Reality, Envy, flowers, Free 48, humor, mother nature, photography, Uncategorized

When I saw the SoCS JusJoJan prompt for today I was nearly giddy with excitement. Finally something easy. But, wait, what kind of art to post about.

You see, I am kind of an art ADHD, in that I am not committed to one thing. I am sort of an artsy Jane-of-All-Trades and perhaps Master-of-None. I love creating but am constantly moving from project to project. It isn’t that I get bored. I just feel maybe I should move on or that time is wasting. I haven’t figured out yet what this semi-neurosis stems from but will keep you posted should I work it out. Maybe it will come to me in a dream. Many of my dilemmas are worked out during dreams.

Meanwhile, what to choose…so difficult! Since I am currently working as feverishly as I can on my Dawn of the Dream novel I think I’ll post a snippet. And maybe a photo or two of projects. I hope you enjoy them.

No matter what, I hope you find your own artistic outlet. Don’t even try to say it to me. Everyone has an artistic vein. It just takes something special to pull it out of us sometimes. Just ask anyone who has done a Cork and Canvas class. 😉

Okay, from the journals of my mind wanderings which will hopefully cohese into a novel. Someday….

from Dawn of the Dream…

Inside the Sorceress’s hut, the Hunter and Ella were not thinking of sleep. It was awkward, so long since either had known passion; and Ella tentatively worked at conversation. “Eolas, do you think Saol is comfortable in the cave, without..” Eolas put his finger to her lips and pulled her close to him.

“There is no need to worry about Saol. She is well cared for. Now, there is only us and we have so little time.” The Hunter took a deep breath, as though inflating his courage. The smell of lavender wafted across the room like a breeze. In times past this would have given him pause for sorrow; but in that moment, he felt comforted. It was as though Eagna was reassuring him.

‘Live, my love. Show our daughter what love can be.’

Eolas wasn’t sure exactly what the journey would bring; but he knew in that moment, for the first time since his world crumbled, he felt an almost overwhelming desire to love again. Ella pulled his hand from her mouth and slid it down to her breast. “I know we have both been here before, but I feel so…” Eolas silenced her again, but this time with his lips. There were no more words as they recalled the fire and desire of physical union, making the most of the moments they had to share. Neither worried for the lost sleep or when the sun would rise-only that it rose on them lying together…..

To be continued..

A bit of sizzle for your Saturday. And hop over to the bar. Our buddy Dan is back on his feet and having a beer!

Here are a few more of my happy distractions…

Seeing living art and saving it for posteruty

Cake making used to be a favorite

Tree of Life jewelry piece. One of many I have done

Music and movie watching

Capturing Nature’s emotions

In the most amazing places!

Making food is a favorite art form

Finding art

I love making jewelry

My latest watercolor adventure!

The sky is Mother Nature’s canvas

Caprturing Earth’s handiwork

Tap lightly on an image to see the caption. Happy #Free48 everyone! Be your creative, artistic self. Oh, and if you haven’t already, try to catch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Netflix. It’s fantastic!

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