I recently spent a few hours at one of our county parks located in a cove off of San Pablo Bay. A beautiful day, but a little windy. Regardless, I enjoyed a deli lunch, a walk on the pier, the tranquil scenery, reading beautiful poetry by D.L. Finn, and of course, writing some haiku. Hope you enjoy the pics and poems:
a gaggle playing sunbathing and conversing year-long residents
sun comes out to play wind joins in summer respite hooded walk on pier
Observations
(a)
pickle ball on court tennis in shorter version healthy exercise
(b)
lost in the repose boats floating on bay look like dots in the distance
(c)
water entices let’s take a refreshing dip cold down to the bones
(d)
children dig in sand for shells, stones, and crustaceans treasures for their hearts
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An older photo courtesy of my son.
By the way, today is the last day to vote if you haven’t already. My poem “I Am From” is a nominee for Publication of the Month at Spillwords Press. Please click here to read the full poem from my last post.
So, if you have time, you may vote here. A Huge thanks to you who have already cast your vote. I’m honoredby your support. ❤️
Image courtesy of Spillwords
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Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you a fabulous week ahead! Can’t believe July is just around the corner! 💖
I am thrilled to share with you that my poem “I Am From” has been nominated for Publication of the Month by Spillwords Press! This recognition is an honor, especially, to be in the company of many talented writers. A huge thanks to Dagmara, her team at Spillwords, and to you for your amazing support by visiting Spillwords and giving my poem a ❤️ and/or leaving a comment. I appreciate you! 💝
Voting has begun and will conclude on Sunday, June 29th. I am asking for your support, but in order to vote, you’ll need to log in or register here: https://spillwords.com/vote/.
The winning publication will be prominently featured on the Spillwords.com sidebar throughout the entire month of July, gaining well-deserved recognition from our global audience. Below are the nominees:
I Am From
I am from my mom’s emotions that had a mind of their own so wild at times emulating a summer storm I am from my dad’s humor where smiles bloomed but his temper too in my less patient moods
I am from flower petals I did not plant Mom’s were nurtured – my thumbs weren’t green yet the petals’ beauty is always seen I am from butter, sugar (granulated and brown), vanilla, baking powder and soda, and nuts, yes, sometimes this is the case, and chocolate chips in their tantalizing ways
I am from the moon in her mystery The sun in his radiance The lake in its serenity
I am from the well-liked and the shunned the self-doubt lodged on my shoulders the redwoods standing tall I am from planned and spontaneity clarity and ambiguity
I am from the Big Bear cabin on the corner from laps and splashes in Orange County pools I am from “When you have children, you’ll understand” I am from two sanctuaries for finding God to discovering faith near mountains and sand
I am from me unique, quirky, strong, kind, a used-to-be people-pleaser the third of three daughters I am from knowledge still pouring in like a flood of surging waters I am from gratitude for every little blessing from those I love, from being loved I am.
(Inspired by the poem “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon)
It’s never easy to ask for support, but I hope you’ll take the time to vote by June 29th, which you can do here. Thank you in advance, and I express my gratitude again to Dagmara and her amazing team at Spillwords for continuing to feature my work. It’s a privilege to be a part of her wonderful literary community. ❤️🙏
This positive potato is a tiny little guy with a big smile and round, black eyes. Have you seen him before around town or in a store? On a spring day is when we met, a moment I’ll never forget. He lifts spirits if they are low making things bright and all aglow. He’s a simple potato without complications, and he never asks for any explanations. I actually enjoy his company, his jolly, friendly vibe – better than any med a doctor would prescribe!
First of all, a huge thanks to you who left encouraging words on my prior post. I appreciate you so much, and the insight I gained provided relief for any future thoughts as I move forward. 🙏🤗 And now as promised, I’m spotlighting 4 books that I recommend adding to your towering TBR! They’re all poetry collections but touch on different topics. Enjoy!
Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy by Joy Neal Kidney
I was introduced to Joy Neal Kidney’s family history by reading Leora’s Letters, which is a book that touches on love, family, faith, loss, and resilience. Beautiful and heartbreaking. Meadowlark Songs offers the same effect: a culmination of excellent research into the depth of the women in Joy’s lineage. Through elegant poetry, prose, and priceless photographs, I was presented a window into seven generations, including the author who became “The Memory Keeper.” Guided by faith, each woman inspired the next, celebrating victories while encouraging strength and tenacity through loss and hardships. Every generational memory is one of love, admiration, and honor.
This book covers stories of farm life, of “Women in long dresses,” of good times and unimaginable sufferings. The genealogy began in Virginia but landed in the west where the Motherline planted roots in Iowa, the 29th State – five of the women lived in Guthrie County. Kidney’s account of her Motherline is poignant and highly recommended. A lovely example of her poetic voice is:
I Inherited Iowa
from ancestors’ long-ago decisions to settle here, a land of small towns, gravel roads to hike, meadowlark songs, the chirre of redwing blackbirds,
lilacs in spring, wild roses, lilies of the field, the call of pheasants, a neighborhood barred owl, a pork chop on a stick at the Iowa State Fair,
the Milky Way sprinkled across night skies, bur oaks sheltering pioneer graves, bountiful autumns, the hush of snowy Januarys.
The American flag gained two stars while I was in high school, the Pledge of Allegiance added two words, “under God.”
Though I’ve traveled the nation and abroad, I’m blessed by the choice of those long-ago pilgrims of Iowa, Beautiful Land.
Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt by Dawn Pisturino
Ancient Voices by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful, unique, and educational collection of poems and poetic tales expressing how “The Ancient Egyptians loved life and celebrated it with joy.” I researched along the way to appreciate the full essence of this informative compilation, hence, the educational element. And I appreciate the extensive research that was necessary for Dawn to create this book. Reading about other cultures and accumulating more knowledge is always satisfying. Her expertise of the Egyptian society is remarkable. I could spotlight many favorites, but I’ll share some lines from a couple that stood out:
Shu’s Breath
Shu’s light, airy breath curls around my feet, Warming my toes, Tickling my skin, Breathing his life-giving force into my body. I step boldly into the sunlight, Feeling his gentle kiss against my face. The sands stir softly as he walks beside me, Shielding me from the wrath of Ra. Sweat drips from my temples And rolls down my cheeks, A reminder of Tefnut’s tears As she trails behind us – her brother’s twin – Who shares his bed and bears his offspring: Nut, who stretches her body across the heavens, Catching the stars…
Ra’s Night Journey
The Ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun as the origin of all life and illumination and the Nile River as the source of all fertility and abundance. Keen observers of nature, they focused their attention on the revolving cycles of life: the changing seasons, the rise and fall of the Nile River, and the blossoming of new life after death….
If you’re a poetry fan, an Egyptian aficionado, or simply love learning about other cultures, I highly recommend this amazing collection.
Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle
Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle takes the reader on a journey through Southern African Flora & Fauna. This book is a lovely and eye-opening collection of poetry, photos, artwork, and video clips. Robbie’s paintings are stunning and augment her many talents. She is fortunate to have a front row seat to the precious African wildlife. Her poems are not only entertaining, but there are many details for the reader to learn. I always take away something new when reading about her African adventures. The photos continue to be awe-inspiring, while others are beyond endearing, such as a mama lion and her cubs lying in the sand.
Robbie is steadfast in her advocacy for these animals whose future remains grim, which is one of the qualities I admire about her. It’s appalling to be reminded of human greed and no respect for living creatures. Then factor in climate change where natural habitats are being destroyed, which affects the ecosystem. The entire collection either touches the heart or stirs emotions with a vital message that needs to be reiterated. Highly recommended. And since I have an affection for elephants, any type of artwork or poetry about these magnificent animals appeals to me.
Elephant
Elephant, you rise out of the veld like a mountain Spouting water and mud like a fountain People think your nature is gentle and kind But those who act inappropriately, trouble find
Your thoughtful eyes are brown, honey, or gray In puddles and rivers, you love to wallow and play Consuming vegetation in enormous amounts Any opponent, including a lion, you’ll trounce
You are known for your impressive memory And will do anything to protect your family With your trunk so clever and sensitive Saving your impressive species is imperative
An end to your days on this planet is approaching Due to human encroachment and mindless poaching It’s hard to understand the penchant for hunting tournaments Even less, the human desire for ivory ornaments
I can only pray for some sort of intervention That will give African wildlife much better protection Otherwise, the animal kingdom that’s existed for centuries Will continue only in the elderly’s faded memories…
Ink Stained Love by Ernest Federspiel
Ink Stained Love is the first book I have read by Ernest Federspiel, and now I know it won’t be the last. The poems in this beautiful collection speak of the many layers of love: loss, vulnerability, hope, and despair – all relatable human emotions. While engaging myself into Ernie’s poetic voice, I felt my heartbeat pulse with joy, but I also felt it shatter. His emotions evoked my own memories of past love that wasn’t meant to be, and of the love I share now with my husband of almost thirty-seven years. Reading through this collection was a moving experience, but to give you a peek into Ernie’s talent, I pulled some verses from poems that stood out:
Behind a Cloud
I know that when you see me I am the star behind a cloud And if you were my sunshine My star could shine so proud
The warmth that you could give me Would make a garden grow In the middle of that garden A rose that is my soul…
And yet, romantic love isn’t Ernie’s sole focus in his collection. He beautifully pens about his love for his mother, which I found to be endearing.
Dear Mom
I thank you for life lessons, and your kind and gentle heart For always being there even when we were miles apart I thank you for the forgiveness when I was caught doing wrong I want to give you the love that I have neglected for so long…
Remember
Simple things are no longer simple, fear has now taken their place But your love for me still brightens your beautiful face You’ll find sweet lady that I will always be right here To fight for you the battles of confusion and terror You brought me into this life and helped me to see Not everything is right or wrong, dementia scares the shit out of me!
This poetry collection will resonate in some way, so if you’re a poetry lover and appreciate verse that touches the heart, you’ll want to read this book.
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I hope you’re not leaving here empty handed. 😉 Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Reading! ❤️
Dear Friends, I apologize for my silence this week, but it’s not because my world has been silent…
Dear Tinnitus,
You arrived like an earthquake without warning. One day you simply shook my essence. You could be birdsong, a river flowing, soft rainfall, a symphony, a beautiful melody, but instead, a low hiss.
A negative mind could say like a punctured tire. A positive mind would say like soothing white noise.
I’m thankful you don’t roar like thunder. I’m thankful you don’t steal my ability to function… to live.
But sleep? Laying my head down on the pillow with you beside me is anything but relaxing.
Everything unpleasant requires mind over matter, so, I repeat, “I’m fine, I’m fine!” Eventually, my mind falls into a slumber.
Things can always be worse.
The pros:
I can still hear the sounds I love. You’re not horribly loud. The train of life moves forward. You didn’t bring pain with your baggage. Your visit could be temporary. It’s not life-threatening. You’re common.
The cons:
I feel trapped inside you. No escaping. A sense of claustrophobia. I’ve had enough. Let me out! Falling asleep is challenging. Your visit could be permanent. Living with you is life changing.
I miss the solitude of silence, and now masking your constant presence is a must.
It is a privilege to blow out birthday candles each year, but with aging comes possible bumps in the road. So another bump may have tripped me up, but it won’t keep me down!
Mind over matter…
I hope your stay is temporary but knowing you could decide to hang out with me for the duration of my life, I might just need to get used to you. So, I (once again) take One day at a time.
Note: We experience things in life that we don’t always welcome, but life inspires writing – the reason for sharing my experience. I’m also open to any encouraging words.
Working on my Copper book and book reviews were paused this week because of this new diagnosis. Learning about tinnitus and how I can manage it has taken precedence. But soon I’ll post reviews for the following books: Burning Butterflies, Ink Stained Love, Ancient Voices, and Meadowlark Songs.
I appreciate you, and I hope life is treating you well! Love and hugs, Lauren ❤️
This post honors all loving fathers who do their best ‘to be the best’ for their children. To begin with, for my husband, our fathers who have passed and are missed more than I can express in words, and to my brothers-in-law…The poem below was written about my husband, Matt, from my poetry collection, Ever So Gently.
Beneath the Big Golden Sun
He was their hero when they were young, teaching of nature beneath the big golden sun. They tried on their packs before feet hit the trail. He’d say, “Be prepared or else you could fail.”
The trio trekked down paths and up inclines too, pausing along the way to admire a flower or two. After arriving in camp, they helped pitch the tent, stakes in the ground, windows unzipped to vent.
As an Arborist, he educated them about trees under the blue sky beside the buzzing honeybees. They explored the ground seeking burrowing bugs. He expressed praise with words and loving hugs.
When the sun faded at the end of a day, they roasted marshmallows, found dominoes to play. His first goal was fun in nature, then came self-reliance. Their minds were like sponges, soaking up the science.
Now they reminisce for the best teacher he was and recall the bonding with the deepest of love. Now he’s proud of them, adulting and doing it well, honored with the memories, the special stories to tell.
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It’s always fun to take a walk down memory lane…
A younger FIL, who taught his son (Matt) about hiking and the great outdoors.
A fave of hubby and my dad after Mom passed.
My mom passed in 2012, Dad in 2017, and Wil (FIL) in 2023. I don’t know where the time has gone for life to continue without our parents. But like all loved ones who leave our earthly world, they live in our hearts. And the photos we have become more precious each day. It’s just that these special holidays that pay tribute to them are spent differently. I miss the noisy, family get-togethers. We’d gather at our house, or Mom and Dad’s, or one of my sister’s homes. Those days remain only vivid memories. My sisters live in So. Cal. And our son and daughter live in CO. and TN. so we won’t see them in person, but a video chat will sustain until the next plane flight.
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By the way,DNA doesn’t make a good father. Actions Speak Louder than words, as we’ve heard before. A biologically connected man who neglects his children isn’t a good dad. A great father is a man who is emotionally available and actively involved in a child’s life.
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SO HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO THESE SPECIAL MEN IN MY LIFE AND TO ALL THE FATHERS AROUND THE GLOBE! MAY YOU HAVE A FABULOUS CELEBRATION! 🎉
“The greatest gift a father could give to his children is his time.”
Enjoy your weekend, and Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you! ❤️
I can reach her. She waits for me, gently hanging in the sky as black as the ink bleeding from my pen. But not so high that I can’t stretch and acquire, placing her in the palm of my hand. Now that I am in possession, I offer him the moon because he’s given me his heart from the very first date. We sat across from each other – only a white silky tablecloth separated us. December brought a magical evening. The moon had a hunch the night would become the foundation, so she illuminated for us, a couple whose lives were about to change in a magnificent way. But we knew, didn’t we? Young, yet old enough to know.
And I’ll leave the stars as they are, because even in the dark sky, he brings light to everything I learn, everything I know, and everything I touch. What is love without sappy sentiments? Language flows from my heart for only him to hear. A love back then before our eyes met that I wasn’t sure possible, and yet here we are, decades later, still feeling the fire. I can’t imagine the planets aligning without his soul. I can’t envision a forest without him as my redwood. I can’t picture sunshine without his laugh. I can’t imagine the calming of rain without him beside me. He says I’m the best thing that ever happened, but the same words tumble from my lips for him.
Into the future moving forward hand in hand love deepens with age
This haibun was inspired by our fast-approaching engagement anniversary. It’s been a while since I’ve written romance, so I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for gracing me with your presence in my corner of blogland, and have a wonderful day! 💖
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, but click on the image to purchase your copy through Amazon.💜
we gaze in wonder textures and hues entertain in nature’s artwork
(b)
emotions layered piled on top of each other leapfrogging through heart
(c)
devoid of blossoms beauty in its own manner eyes appreciate
On a bike ride over the weekend, I had to take a photo of this beautiful cactus. I hope you enjoy my Monday haiku musings.Wishing you a fab week ahead, and thanks for stopping by. ♥️
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 