At first, I was uncertain. How would I live with my own personal white noise tailing me like a spy? I couldn’t make a James Bond escape. A daunting shadow stalked me for days because the constant hiss felt claustrophobic though I’ve never been…but then time doesn’t concern itself with rest, and I learned to tune it out (the irony). So, to you who reassured me that life goes on despite the hiss, I offer my deepest gratitude. And then I rotated my thoughts, tumbling them in the frontal lobe like clothes in a Kenmore dryer, until my attitude experienced a transformation. My personal noise became protective gear, shielding me from unwanted hubbub in the world, carrying a more soothing cause than threatening.
We deal with the hands we’re dealt, but some take more grit than others to navigate. This should be acknowledged, so navigation time is subject to personal situations. Yet, in doing so, we create our own rules, bringing a whisper of warmth settling over us like being wrapped in the comfort of a cashmere blanket.
try inviting in a positive perspective to alleviate
This 4th of July carried a less celebratory tone, although freedom isn’t to be taken for granted. Consequently, we continue to honor those who serve in the U.S. military, both in the past and present, in order to protect our freedoms. I don’t normally ‘talk’ politics here, so I’ll leave out the gory details of our emotions. But if you felt the same this weekend, then you’re able to read between the lines. With this being said…
Fun at the county fair deflected unsettling thoughts as we immersed our minds into the ‘bug-tastic’ theme. Ladybugs, bees, butterflies – a terrific trio that does good for the ecosystem – deserved to be in the spotlight. A beautiful butterfly landed on my husband’s sleeve, such a remarkable moment that it brought tears of joy. And there are no words to describe what it feels like when one of these graceful insects rests on your finger. One thing for sure though, breathing is paused. Our early arrival meant a short Ferris-wheel line. Pod #1 was our ride in the sky. I held my hat for fear of the sun-protecting accessory flying into the wild blue yonder. My hair blew every which way, but miles of smiles also took flight. The views were spectacular, a painter’s masterpiece of an annual county fair with humans looking like armies of ants. Once on solid ground, the animals called. How could we not feel love? Tiny, cuddly, furry babies to ooh and ahh over. A sheep got a haircut, “baa-ing” because maybe he didn’t like the experience. But he probably felt relief in the summer sun once that thick layer of wool was removed. Dollars evaporated as we supported cool vendors. Bonsai trees received our admiration – lovely in their miniature forms, especially, two gorgeous bougainvillea. Once a year fair food entices, a savory and sweet indulgence for the palate. We even bought a funnel cake to go so that smaller portions would be possible. Just a taste is all it takes. A summer strawberry sinfully delicious delight! The sun watched over the crowd that would grow later in the day, but the golden orb complied, didn’t smother with intense heat. A little breeze shadowed us from here to there, keeping pleasant company. A margarita and rum punch hit the spot when the sun sat higher. Picnic tables with a sea of umbrellas in lime greens, petunia pinks, and turquoise invited us to sit, enjoy, and people watch. Time mystifies, because hours later, all the desired stops were checked off, so it was time to walk through the exit gate, no hand stamp. We were good for the day.
county fairs welcome all ages one to beyond free your inner child
My souvenir, a Henna tattoo. I love butterflies, so it fit with the theme. 🦋
We didn’t stay for the fireworks show, but we have many times in the past. So, the fireworks photo is from a July 4th show on TV. 😊.I hope you enjoyed this haibun/prose, along with the photos from our 4th festivities. And if you live in the USA, I hope you had a fun and safe celebration. 🎆 As always, thanks for popping in to my corner of blogland. Have a wonderful week ahead! 💙🤍❤️
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 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. ♥️
It was just the two of us for Easter, and we were running on spontaneity, but the day turned out to be lovely in so many ways. It began with an hour bike ride in the morning around the neighborhood and back to our kids’ elementary school. We have a lot of hills near our house, so we head for the flats! Although, we attempted more hills in the midst of the flats, executing them perfectly! We’re a little out of shape because of knee and back issues, but cycling is good for both, so we’re taking baby steps. But yesterday was a work out and it felt great! And we love this cool bench that sends a vital message for children…
After the ride, we headed south, enjoying a scenic drive along the San Francisco Bay. A seafood lunch called us, so we accepted the invitation. Afterwards, we walked around town, and for Easter, it was surprising to see all the shops open and the town hopping! (no pun intended) Spring flowers smiled at us around each corner, the sun was shining, but the temp wasn’t hot, even a bit cool with the breeze at times. It was sweet to see little children dressed up in their adorable Easter outfits. We saw a cute little girl in the restaurant randomly wish a stranger a Happy Easter. She had the biggest smile on her face. Precious! A beautiful day on the bay! And, we saw the Easter Bunny! How lucky, right? 😁
Redwoods on campusView from our table on the patio for lunchFerry ride, anyone? The fountain and sculpture in Tiburon’s Main Street plaza is called “Coming About“. It’s a kinetic sculpture with a nautical theme, featuring five abstract forms that move over an infinity-edged fountain. Tiburon in Spanish means shark, so these fins are representative of the town. A sight for smiles! 😂
And now for spring haiku:
warm temperatures grace our days with smiling blooms pass the tissue, please!
sending wishes for a bright, ‘sunny side up’ cheerful day for you!
I wish you a great week ahead, and as always, thank you so much for popping in to my little corner of blogland. ❤️
I am honored and grateful to be included in Gabriela Marie Milton’s upcoming anthology of haiku! This is the second anthology I’ve been part of following the beautiful Petals of Haiku released in May 2024. Thank you again, Gabriela and Literary Revelations for believing in my work. 🙏
From Gabriela’s blog post:
@LR_Publisher, just sent out letters of acceptance (or rejection) for our upcoming book Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku. Congratulations to everyone who was accepted. Please help me spread the news. Soon, we will send you the whole design of the cover – as you know, the art on the cover belongs to Japanese artist Hikari and the fine art photography included in the book to Japanese artist Naoki Kimura. Over 240 authors were included.
All photos courtesy of Literary RevelationsPublishing House.
For more information and gorgeous photography by Naoki Kimura, and to read beautiful and evocative poetry by Gabriela and other poets she features, please visit her site by clicking the link below.
Yes, November has arrived, but I have a belated Halloween share, and last week was a whirlwind! 👻🎉😁
These are chocolate chip cookies I baked for the spooky occasion. So, let your spirits return to All Hallow’s Eve… if your nerves get jittery when the sun sinks behind hills and the wind begins to whistle and owls screech from high in looming trees and shadows follow you down the street...
cookies make the ghouls vanish when the sky turns black chocolate magic
But be on your guard since…
eyes watch intently when you indulge in first bite taste with true caution
crossed or not, they spy as you move around the house bewareof cuteness
On the other hand…
chocolate chips whisk worries away in the wind take one, two, or three!
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 