Month: July 2020

letter c day 69

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

My snarky humor can’t let the number slide by without some comment.

“There were a number of particularly delightful incidents. There is, for example, the physicist who introduced me to one of my favorite laws, which he described as Murphy’s law or the fourth law of thermodynamics (actually there were only three last I heard) which states: If anything can go wrong it will.” — Anne Roe 

I bet you were expecting a kinky quote or some story recalling an experience. If you’re an adult you got your stories to recall, you don’t need my help.

I asked in the Blogging Award the question about a color to describe one’s self. I would describe myself with blue. Not your bold electric blue but like the ocean. For example, dark blue can be seen as elegant, rich, sophisticated, intelligent, and old-fashioned, whereas royal blue can represent superiority which is something I never see myself as, and light blue can mean honesty and trustworthiness which I do pride myself on being. Typically, when I think of blue I feel inspired, intuitive, happy, and confident.

Our fellow blogger  https://sandmanjazz.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/outstanding-blogger-nomination/  chose green. Yes, I can see him as growing, expanding. and nurturing just by why what I have read in his blog entries thus far.

I’ve been enjoying the interaction with other bloggers here on wordpress. I look forward to reading the different posts. I never know what’s going to be there.

Culinary:

Tonight we’re having Atlantic Salmon, with mashed cauliflower and a side salad. I can’t wait to enjoy more of the tomatoes I picked from the garden, they were so good with our blt’s last night. Yeah, I decided to toss the bacon on the grill, pick some swiss chard in lieu of lettuce and to use the tomatoes that were ripe. So technically we had bsct’s on wheat. So good! Better yet, we split the night on cribbage, I won the first one and he won the second.

For your cancer toolkit:

Oranges are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. They’re especially helpful against throat,mouth and stomach cancer.

Oregano is a digestive aid, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Oregano helps our taxed immune systems recover.

Updated on the Fur Babies:

Both cats chowed down their treats last night and devoured their breakfast. So whether it was something in the wet food that set them off I don’t know for sure but they’re definitely full of piss and vinegar today, especially Macavity. He’s been batting his bouncy ball around the dining room for a while now.

Song Choice:

My song choice today is by Scorpions, Wind of Change. My thoughts went with how different things are now.  Probably, didn’t help I just got off the phone with my doctor’s office reviewing my medical and what medications I can’t take prior to the procedures like my migraine med Diclofenac which is used to relieve pain, and swelling.  This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), so that’s a big no-nobefore surgery.

Between the phone call and what is expected of me and then seeing the children on our street playing wearing masks. I thought how  their world is so different than mine or my children’s. Will they ever remember the magic in the moments when their my age or will this virus shroud all the joy of being a child. I know my eight year old granddaughter hates the mask.

“But in the end one needs more courage to live than to kill himself.”
― Albert Camus

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Who knew this virus would make us question so many aspects of our lives? I know I didn’t expect to have think about my daily interactions before this anymore than you did.

“Wind of Change” is a power ballad by the West German rock band Scorpions, recorded for their eleventh studio album, Crazy World (1990). The song was composed and written by the band’s lead singer Klaus Meine and produced by Keith Olsen and the band.

“I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
An August summer night
Soldiers passing by
Listening to the wind of change
The world is closing in
Did you ever think
That we could be so close, like brothers
The future’s in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away (dream away)
In the wind of change
Walking down the street
Distant memories
Are buried in the past forever
I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams (share their dreams)
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night…”

 

 

 

Letter c day 68

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

What began as a mediocre day turned into a very happy one instead.  Thank you Ingrid. Sometimes,  we forget how much a simple act of kindness can make in someone’s day.

Cats:

I’m not sure what’s going on with our fur babies but both vomited today. I don’t know if there was something in their wet food that upset their tummies. I know cats frequently upchuck hair balls but this was simply food from both of them. I tossed the food down the garbage disposal but then later I wondered if I should have hung onto it just in case we needed to transport them to the vet. Hopefully, they will both be fine in the morning.

I was wondering what everyone’s reading. I’m reading Roald Dahl’s Switch Bitch, four adult short stories. Dahl has a notorious hedonist character named Uncle Oswald, in The Visitor and the Bitch. The other two stories are the Great Switcheroo and the Last Act which explores the darker side of desire and pleasure.I’m enjoying Uncle Oswald, he’s quite the character.

I’m exploring different short story presentations to help me find the best way to present my vignettes. I don’t about you but for years I read for enjoyment because poetry was my focus for writing. Now that I’m expanding my writing styles I’m dissecting everything I read so I can improve my writing. I’ve heard at conferences that imitation is the best flattery, and if we find a style that really fits our work go for it but don’t plagiarize. Duh, but I guess if it’s still being stressed at conferences it must still be happening.

Writing for me is self discovery. We all long to return to those days of innocence. Or at least what we believed it was.

Return To Innocence

Enigma
Love
Devotion
Feeling
Emotion
Don’t be afraid to be weak
Don’t be too proud to be strong
Just look into your heart my friend
That will be the return to yourself
The return to innocence
The return to innocence
And if you want, then start to laugh
If you must, then start to cry
Be yourself don’t hide
Just believe in destiny
Don’t care what people say
Just follow your own way
Don’t give up and use the chance
To return to innocence
That’s not the beginning of the end
That’s the return to yourself
The return to innocence
That’s return to innocence
August is almost here and I’m looking forward to it. Closer to the next tests and my 64th birthday. Yes, I’m a Virgo. We’re notably impatient among other traits.
Dear Johnny,
I had coffee today in the mug you gave me for my birthday. I miss you so much.
They had the memorial football game and Jacob scored a touchdown. I wish we had been there with your Mom and Dad to see his face.
Love, Gramma

 

 

Outstanding Blogger Nomination

/ lyncrain / 12 Comments

original-outstanding-blogger-award-nin-chronicles-

 

Award Nominations!

I’m very honored to be nominated by Ingrid.

The Rules:

  1. Provide the link to the creator’s original award post.
  2. Answer the questions provided.
  3. Create 7 unique questions.
  4. Nominate 10 bloggers. Ensure that they are aware of their nomination. Neither the award’s creator, nor the blogger that nominated you, can be nominated.
  5. At the end of 2020, every blog that ping-backs the creator’s original post will be entered to win the 2020 Outstanding Blogger Award!

This award was created by Colton Beckwith.

https://coltonbeckwithrpc.wordpress.com/2020/05/08/the-original-outstanding-blogger-award/

Ingrid’s Questions:

What is your ideal holiday destination? 

Halloween is my favorite holiday and our wedding anniversary. We both enjoy all the different creepy things, and costume parties. My ultimate favorite place to spend it is in Salem, Massachusetts because they know how to get the creepy on.

For how long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a child, I fell in love with poetry initially and only recently have I expanded to short stories and memoirs. I believe my poem Introspective is what caught Ingrid’s eye.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?

Martin Luther King was my earliest inspiration. I was fortunate as a child to hear him speak live. I saw how his words moved people. Later reading his speeches along with Syliva Plath’s, Shel Silverstein’s and Maya Angelou’s poetry I understood how powerful a words could be. I wanted my poems to be like that.

What would you eat for your last meal?

I would go with my ultimate comfort food macaroni and cheese with a side order of brussel sprouts. My grandmother always made this for me as a child, I made it for my children and I make it for my grandchildren.

Are you a cat person, a dog person, or neither?

I’m a cat fan. My cats are named after poets I enjoy W.B.Yeats and Macavity, the rambunctious cat in T.S. Eliot’s poem Macavity.
If you could fix one thing about the world, what would it be?

That everyone would be held accountable for their carbon footprint. I am always appalled at the way people treat their home, our home. Recycling shouldn’t be an option.

Have you ever/do you plan to publish a book? If so, give details.

I did self publish a poetry book based on Domestic Violence. In My Shoes, My Poetic Journey from Abuse to Victory. I chose poetry because it’s easier to handle such a devastating life event in smaller doses as a reader than it is to be immersed fully. It’s available on Amazon.

My nominees:

https://desireebsilvage.com/

https://yochet.wordpress.com/

https://photopaulm.com/

https://jilywily.wordpress.com/

https://thesoundofonehandtyping.com/

https://vlcrain17.wordpress.com/

https://forgottenmeadows.wordpress.com/

https://lancesheridan.com/

https://sandmanjazz.wordpress.com/

https://www.jessicaelarsen.com/

 

My questions are:

  1. If you could time travel where would you go and why?
  2. If you had to describe yourself by a color, what would it be and why?
  3. What is your favorite place to go on a date and why?
  4. What’s your favorite genre and why?
  5. Do you write with outlines or are you a fly by the seat of your pants writer?
  6. Where’s your favorite vacation destination?
  7. Do you prefer your nachos with or without sour cream?

 

letter c day 67 and migraine hell

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Today, was my monthly excursion to Jefferson Headache Center for my nerve block. I have a nerve block every month in addition to the Botox injections I have every three months to control these migraines. Without them and the medication  lasmiditan I take daily for the auras I wouldn’t be functional. When the aura begins it’s wavy lines  which then leads to extreme sensitivity to light and noise and sometimes smells, my balance is off and I get very nauseous. Usually, within an hour of the wavy lines my migraine skyrockets to a 10 on a 1-10 scale. Once they’re there its difficult for me to form words, because its like I’m having a stroke. So I stay on top of my meds, take naps daily to minimize the sensory overload and wear the prism glasses which really do help. All of this began with something as stupid as a fall on ice. The occiptal nerve cluster hasn’t been the same since. So frustrating!

Anyway, the trip to Philadelphia and back is exhausting because the motion of the car plays havoc on my senses. I can’t look out a window. So this day ended up with a nap after and then time kinda slipped away and I accomplished nothing I intended to do. No writing in the vignettes, nor I read in the diyMFA book. Although, the highlights of the day were a good conversation with a friend and the writing group meeting. I couldn’t linger after though with this heat wave I’m watering my garden every night.

I don’ t think I remembered to tell you what was happening with my kale. I couldn’t see them until they got bigger. My kale was being devoured my cabbage worms. I picked like 30 off my plants. I treated my plants again with vinegar and dish soap, hopefully between the handpicking and the treatment they’ll be gone. I don’t believe the kale is salvageable but my Swiss chard and beet greens are looking mighty fine. I’d hate to lose them too.

https://www.therusticelk.com/natural-cabbage-worm-control/

Which makes me think of a song I heard awhile back, it’s like the cabbage worm… annoying…. so if I’m going to be tortured. Misery loves company.

I’m looking forward to the virtual continent hopping trip I’m leading on WDC. There are location inspired prompts with links for everyone to see to help them actually experience the locations. Everyone blogs about what appealed to them whether it be the sights, the food available or the culture. People respond and the conversations add to the experience. It’s a great distraction for me so I won’t be dwelling on the tests and the doctor appointments upcoming.

Anyway, I’m glad you stopped by. Sorry I don’t have any great news or poetry to share.

Blessed be.

 

Introspective

/ lyncrain / 5 Comments

 

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Me, Myself and I
Sought a new direction yet
unable to conquer our fears

because those haunting fragile songs
from our bewildered youth
defy all whimsical promise
love exists.

Those seductive lyrics linger
like decrepit dust
coating passionate shudders
embracing our woeful remorse.

We’re  tossed into a sea of uncertainty
or insanity
because love rendered us fearful
with knotty nightmares
that only the wild things answered
with masses of memories
suppressed into life’s book.

An alleged illumination
filled with earth born eruptions
as the wars waged into
composed silent paths
with declarative signs.

Paradise denied
Me, Myself, and I frozen
in shackled lurid pages
always the same in our storied land of woe.

Guilt doesn’t speak the same language
as mythical songs of love
it violates any embraced isolation
blackened by illusions
until me, myself and I realize
we’ve been beguiled.
once again.©

 

“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.” ― Lewis Carroll 

Letter c day 66

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

I wish my 66 was as entertaining as Route 66 was. In case, you don’t know the history behind my reference to it. My first introduction came in the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, he called it the mother road. Did you know part of Route 66 overlaps with the Trail of Tears, which documents the Cherokee Indians forced relocation in 1838 from their traditional homelands in the southern Appalachians.  I later learned the history of the road while traveling on it with my daughter Amanda. There was an information sign telling about Cyrus Avery (1871-1963), the Tulsa businessman, that championed the establishment of the highway and helped promote it, earning him the nickname “Father of Route 66.”  I vaguely remember a television show named Route 66 when I was young about two young men traveling on the infamous road with different people.My favorite and best exposure to Route 66 comes from Nat King Cole with his  version of the song Route 66.  Wow, looking for the clip on Youtube, I was surprised to see how many covers of the song there are.

If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way
Take the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to LA
More than two thousand miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66

Now you go through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty
You see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernandino

Won’t you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66

Won’t you get hip to this timely tip
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66
Get your kicks on Route 66

I told you Route 66 was more interesting than my 66th day of the letter-c.
Reading:
I started reading Roald Dahl’s Switch Bitch. I’m enjoying the writing style immensely. His initial opening story was an added bonus with my own writing project. The story is based on diary entries not as brief as I’ve chosen my vignettes to be but equally as engaging.
Culinary and Cancer tools:
Today’s dining pleasure is already prepared, we’re having left-over meatballs but not on pasta (poor Vic) but on zucchini noodles. Yummy!  A side salad to compliment with cherry tomatoes from our garden. Perfect:)
While we’re on culinary, I’ll give you more cancer fighting tools
Olive oil is  anti-inflammatory and antibacterial but many people voice concerns about heating it. Snopes burst the myth, it’s not toxic.
Onions are also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. I wish I could eat them, I love the flavor but they’re particularly brutal to me. The reflux isn’t controlled by meds.
Lammas or Lughnassadh
The Wiccan in me is looking forward to enjoying the first grain harvest recognition on August 1st.  The word lammas originates from loaf mass, which recognizes wheat. Lugh is the Celtic Sun King and God of Light. We’re grateful for the abundance of light for our crops. It’s also a sad reminder that the days are shortening and the growing season is going to end for another year. Make the most of the harvest, plan for the future.
This will be the first year, I won’t be tossing as much as possible into the freezer for the winter. We’re moving and frozen food doesn’t transport well. Nor is it crucial as it used to be with our ancestors.
I don’t know how many of you remember your parents canning and freezing for the winter. I learned from my grandmother and did it myself for my own family.  Yes, there was a lot of work involved but the payoff was incredible. Picked and canned or frozen right from the garden with no additional additives.
I know I’m making Irish soda bread for hubby and me. but I haven’t decided what else we will have with it. The moon will almost be full, that comes on August 3rd. I need to make sure I recharge my crystals and my tarot cards in my garden altar. I don’t know where my next altar will be yet. I trust Morrighan will guide my way.
And, once August arrives we’re much closer to the next round of diagnostics.  slower than molasses…
hmm,  but did you know it is good for us.

Gone with the Wind

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cineworld_30_day_film_challenge_new

https://sandmanjazz.wordpress.com/

For SandmanJazz’s 30 Day Film challenge, the prompt today asks for a film that changed your life.

1940 is when Gone With The Wind was released in the theaters. I read the book when I was about 10 years old (1966)  but I can’ say my young mind processed what it should have because Scarlett’s love for the unattainable Rhett captivated me on the page. What did I know about love? Relationships? Life? Poverty? All I knew was my Grandmother was letting me read adult books.

My exposure to the movie was on television in the early 70’s after my involvement in the racial riots in New Haven and Bridgeport. My opinion of Scarlett did change immensely because I now understood it was a glorified portrayal of the south and history but didn’t really focus on the injustices. Mitchell skirted around the truth of the matter to paint a picture of the south in a better light rather than upset the wagon cart.

My involvement in the protests wasn’t because of the movie. It impacted my friends and that was unacceptable to me. I knew white entitlement was wrong, it still is. Humans are all created by sperm and egg.

Ignorance is not bliss.

Black Lives Matter.

me

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

https://sparksfromacombustiblemind.com/2020/07/27/share-your-world-july-27th-2020/

 

Questions:

Are you a clean or messy person?

I’m a neat pack rat. Yeah I know, there’s a bit of a contradiction here. Pack rats tend to have things every where. I do but I’m OCD about it being organized. Everything in my world has a place.

I don’t function well with chaos whereas my hubby’s desk looks like a hurricane blew through. 🙂

If I asked you to describe yourself in five words – what would they be?

Follower of the old ways.

Do you enjoy being out in nature?

I’m a tree hugger, avid gardener, bird watcher and I have a huge fascination with the ocean at sunrise. My hubby wishes I was fascinated more with sunsets, he’s not an early riser.

What could you spend all day talking about?

I can’t decide. Tarot cards, writing, crocheting,  my fur babies, gardening, roses. my children, my grandchildren, and yeah my awesome hubby too!