Write a post using that word. It can be prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction. It can be any length. It can be just a picture or a drawing if you want. No holds barred, so to speak.
did you say rocket I want to fly away, too one gazing moment
I wasn’t going to respond to this word choice because my group meets tonight but then as darkness fell I saw a streak across the sky and it looked like a rocket flare and a haiku came to mind.
Today’s theme is “create a character.” Create an interesting character and describe him or her? Tell us a little something about your character. Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about the character you created.
Have you ever wondered what a pumpkin might think about his role after being picked at harvest? I chose to write from the pumpkin’s s point of view. His wanting to be part of the celebration of Halloween.
Big or, little each a different one,
Pick me; pick me, I hope
From one to the next, the excited children run.
The unlucky gourds left behind mope.
Yay, I’m the pumpkin a child chose.
I think golly what kind of a face will I be?
So much better than being left for the crows
Will it be happy or scary? I can’t wait to see,
what the children will create with their knife.
Once a simple pumpkin in the field
Now it’s my moment to come to life.
As a jack o lantern, my true glory revealed
as I shine boldly from my special place.
creating the magic of Halloween night.
I am radiant in my chosen state of grace,
happy to have a Jack o Lantern’s exclusive right.
I wrote a poem for my grandchildren. My intent is to publish it as a children’s book . I have some fun sketches drawn to go with the different lines.
This week we have some general words that are used to describe object placement, being Above/Below/Between and hopefully everyone will be able to find a song that utilizes one of these prompt words in the title or in the lyrics.
Above makes me think of Lady Gaga’s Sine From Above.
Songwriters: Stefani Germanotta / Vincent Pontare / Salem Al Fakir / Benjamin Rice / Rami Yacoub / Mike Tucker / Axel Christofer Hedfors / Ryan Benjamin Tedder / Johannes Klahr / Elton John
I found the lyrics interesting because of the way Lady Gaga and Elton John chose to present them. There’s no doubt in mind they approached it with awards in mind. Elton John singing with an EDM background is iconic.
My second song is I See Fire by Ed Sheerhan which he also wrote. The word below appears in the very first line but it’s further in song that appeals to me. And I see fire, hollowing souls And I see fire, blood in the breeze And I hope that you’ll remember me. because of when I heard it in the Hobbit, The Desolation of Smaug. It’s placement added a thought provoking conclusion to the movie.
My third song is In Between by Scott McCreery. He’s also one of the songwriters. Songwriters: Jonathan David Singleton / Jessi Leigh Alexander / Scotty McCreery / Frank Rogers. My favorite lines are I ain’t all holy water, and I ain’t all Jim Beam. I’m somewhere in between. I can relate. I’m a mix for sure.
But then I remembered the song I heard with my granddaughter, the Prepositions Song. She’s seven and love listening to all the children’s song on youtube that are educational.
talk about the things you discovered at the hotel or the garden.
We have been told so many times that Cape Town is the most popular city in South Africa. Yes the crime stats show the city has the highest recorded rates of murder, robbery and non-violent property-related crimes in the country. The urban and metropolitan regions continue to be disproportionately affected by crime and violence although it seems major crime is drug-related.
The hotel’s very difficult to leave, that infinity pool with the perfectly adjusted temperature and the incredible view. I’m glad I saved it for this morning I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much as I did soaking in the tub with the wine. I slept so sound. I hadn’t realized just how tired I was until I hit the bed. I’m positive once I get home again I’ll probably sleep for 2 days straight.
Speaking of home, we’ve been virtually gone for 22 days now. I’m glad it’s virtual because in real life I would never leave my fur babies for a month with anyone. It’s hard enough on me just for a week.
I decided to check out the gift shop, oh my what an amazing collection of post cards which I did have as an option for the BCoF prompt. I’m sending one to Ellie I just received one from her.Sounds like she had a grand time where she was. I need to go read her blog so I know what Moeraki Boulders are or for that matter where they are. I think I’ll send one Phoebe and Jack, our fearless leader’s children here on WDC. Hard to believe this group has been going 20 years. I briefly considered joining in on the celebration with some kind of activity but I need to redirect my focus on packing so we can do our move. I’m ready for the next step in our lives. Anyway, the kids will enjoy getting mail from South Africa. Of course, I’ll be sending family and friends post cards as well but I’m doing theirs a bit different. I’m adding the post cards to a scrapbook along with a lot of the photographs I’ve taken. I’m going to call all of the scrapbooks “Can you guess where Gramma is now”. I’m a huge fan of Where’s Waldo? so I think they’ll enjoy my humor.
BCoF Prompt: Pick out one of these things to do in Cape Town https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312659-Activities-Cape_Town_Central_Wes… and write a story, article, or poem about it.
Neva wanted us to write about some of the other attractions. I chose the Botanical Garden the other day which made me late for the Mystery Ghost Tour which was so much fun. I decided to check out the Iziko Slave Lodge because it’s one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town and was previously known as the South African Cultural History Museum. It was built in 1679 by the Dutch East India company to house slaves. I was surprised how much information had been accumulated documenting slave’s history. I felt sick inside reading what slaves endured because of some of our ancestors. I felt a strange kind of relief knowing my ancestors were never slave owners. My family comes from the British Isles and didn’t come to the states until we were well past the Civil War. I won’t say my heritage was perfect but I do feel a sense of pride knowing we never owned another or thought we did. It’s appalling to me. I’m overwhelmed I think I’ll head back to the hotel and maybe write some on my post cards or get back into that pool. Who am I kidding, you’ll find me in the pool. I’ll work on the cards before we get on the plane.Early flight ladies, we’re heading to Johannesburg.
Blog City: In 30 Day we’re doing a virtual blogging trip hopping from continent to continent. We just left Lesotho up in the mountains where at one time cannibalism was practiced. In conversation it came up what seasoning would be used for our bodies if they did seasonings The prompt is for you to decide what seasoning would suit you personally the best? Just think of it as an unusual meal preparation.
That stuck in my head. I’m an older person, they’re probably going to cover me with meat tenderizer for a bit before seasoning me with Peri-peri peppers and blend of dry spices that includes lemon peel, black pepper, and paprika. Peri-peri peppers are moderately hot with a savory and slightly grassy flavor. I bet parts of me will have Braai salt which is a dry rub that can include ingredients such as mustard, coriander, and cumin. I bet they’ll put my hindquarters (upper thighs) in a pot with some bay leaves and curry powder. If it wasn’t my body, I might actually enjoy sampling some of these combinations but on beef or maybe chicken.
Today’s theme is “why writing matters to you.” Nearly everyone reading this post is a blogger. And, by definition, bloggers write posts that they share with others. Why do you do it? What do you like to write? What kinds of things do you write about? Fiction? Poetry? Current events? Personal stuff? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about why writing matters to you.
Writing helped/ helps me process life. I tend to rely on my love of poetry for unbearable pain, it’s been my crutch and it’s cathartic for me.
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”― Anais Nin
When I received the face time call from the doctor with the results of the biopsy back in May, I turned to my blog to keep my sanity. Writing does that for me. Sometimes, we just can’t bottle up anymore personal stuff without losing it. I chose a song of the day to help others judge understand where my head was at. Like the song by Simon and Garfunkel writing helps me with the darkness. Words like raindrops need to fall .
PS. I’m still waiting for the last biopsies to come back. They’ve already scheduled my next endoscopic procedure so at least I’m on the calendar. Hopefully, covid won’t mess with the appointment.
Shattered dreams, broken promises,
furious screams, hands over my ears… no more!
What to believe, trembling chin.
Something’s up his sleeve, I’m sure of it.
Wet, dull eyes, I grab the flimsy tissues.
Stop, don’t pacify… I twist my ring.
I study his empty stare, his relaxed posture.
He doesn’t care…he’s bored.
Shattered dreams, more broken promises
fatal blow to my self-esteem, I shrug, sigh
then rub my forearms. my stance rigid.
In-explicitly filled with alarms …his long exhale.
Life was directionless, nothing will be the same.
How did we get in this mess? My fragile voice quivers…
I pull my hair across my face …my eyes can’t look
Leave, I need space. His smile and nod said it all.
When I was struggling with a disastrous first marriage, poetry kept me sane. The poem above is one from that time. Some I have published, some I have ripped to shreds because the memories are just to painful. But what still holds true for me when I am really struggling writing poetry eases the pain that even blogging can’t touch.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou
As a child my mother raked the brush through my fine hair with a fury ripping loose all the snarled messes free. You would think my hair would learn not to snarl but along the back of my neck all these years later it still does.
There are moments when I brushed death with a tantalizing tease that left behind scars. Some say the scars indicate a life well lived and others say they’re a badge of courage but sometimes I see them as reminders of how stupid and careless I once was.
Some I’ve tried to brush out of sight with makeup to no avail because our bodies radiate a lot of heat. Some I’ve chosen to grow my hair differently which involves another brush activity to my day. And then there are the scars no matter what brush is involved they simply want to show everyone they’re an indication of survival.
Oddly enough yesterday morning there was a spot on my neck that had become red and irritated, I tried brushing it with alcohol to cleanse it and if it was simply a zit dry it out. But that didn’t work so I made a baking soda paste and applied that to it with one of my eyeliner brushes hoping to draw whatever was irritating my skin.
Late yesterday, I brushed my hand across my neck absentmindedly and something sharp pricked my pinky finger. I went to the bathroom of mirrors to look at what could possibly be sharp. Surprise, it was a piece of glass that had finally worked its way out after twenty one years.
You’re probably thinking how the hell does she know how long ago. In October of 1989, I hit a moose with my 1989 Monte Carlo. That was one of my near brushes with death. I have numerous scars on my neck and chest from the windshield. This red area with the sharp point was right smack in the middle of one those scars on my neck. I’m glad I was able to extract the glass rest of the way with tweezers and today there’s no pain. I think carrying it around 21 years was enough.
Now if you’re wondering why I said bathroom of mirrors, that’s exactly what we have. It’s an oddity that we acquired with our stone house that I’m going to miss immensely when we move. I can adjust my clothes, check my hair to make sure I didn’t miss a spot with my brush. And the other bonus, its a great deterrent for those days when I simply want to mindless binge. It shows everything with all the mirrors, even on the back of the door. There’s nothing hidden in that room of reflection.
At Halloween, with my twisted humor adds jiggly eyes everywhere to add to the creep factor, not only are you seeing way too much of yourself but so are the eyes. 🙂
Speaking of Halloween, it’s only 70 days away. My favorite holiday, our 12th wedding anniversary. This song inspired our costume on our 10th anniversary.
Did I remember to tell you about our 10th, we went on a riverboat cruise Halloween costume party on the Mississippi River with friends that live in the St. Louis area. I went as Marie Laveau and my hubby went as Handsome Jack. I can do her cackle mighty fine.
Today’s theme is “a lesson you learned.” What is a lesson that you learned along the way? How did you learn the lesson? Who did you learn it from? How did that lesson change your life, it at all? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about a lesson that you learned.
There was a time when I was very young
that my life paralleled so many songs sung.
His temper flared and his hurtful words stung;
I envisioned him without a tongue.
There was a time when I was a foolish teen…
partying all the time in peasant shirts and low rise jeans
I knew somewhere, there was a much better scene.
He led me to believe life with him would be green.
There was a time when I reached my mid life,
I had more than enough of this continuous strife.
The day had come; I wasn’t going to be a battered wife.
It was my freedom, or it was going down with a knife.
There was a time when magic happened, I was fifty two
Life for me changed, I was happy in love, I said, I do.
Everything around me was vivid and bright, oh what a view.
My past was past, my future new, gracefully then, I said adieu.
There was a time that I looked around and saw no way out.
Now, I know what real love is and I have no doubt
how wonderful life can be with someone so devout.
He will even eat veggies, like kale and Brussels sprouts.
There was a time my life seemed so hopeless.
Now, it is filled with laughter and sweet caresses.
Yes, there are some days filled with too much stress
I remember the past briefly; thankful I am truly blessed.
There was a time when I was a wee one in age.
Life was happening; good or bad, it was my stage.
Now, that I am older, I realize only I can write the page
before life ends and I will have lost the chance to engage.
I think my poem answers your question about lessons learned in life, Fandago.
I was Maid Marion and Vic was Robin Hood. We were married on Halloween.
There’s lot of things on the itinerary. Check it out and talk about the things that appeal to you. The link has 100 pictures available for your perusing enjoyment on tripadvisor. And there’s more pictures on travel and leisure. I’m sure you can weave a tale by looking at the pictures.
I kept looking at the mountain in the distance, what an interesting shape. I asked one of the locals what it was named. Table Top. But once he said it, man it made sense. It looks like a table top. Very literal people. Oh my the seals were so adorable swimming in the arbor. I’m glad I opted for walking along the board walk by Boulder’s Beach. Wow, so many penguins sunning themselves. Standing there observing, I sensed they weren’t very happy birds.
The ledges overlooking Cape Peninsula gave us such an interesting view of the ocean. The water is such a beautiful turquoise.Cape Point borders Cape of Good Hope which is a nature reserve. Chapman’s Peak Drive reminded me a little of the roads we just left in Lesotho but the view was a heck of lot prettier. The peaks we saw in the distance are called the Twelve Apostles.
I decided I had to put my toes in the ocean, enough looking at it. Clifton Beach looks so pristine, the sand is almost white unlike the dark tan I’m used in New Jersey. I decided to wander a bit. Hmm, there are four coves. I wonder why no one is swimming but after sticking in my toes in the water I discovered the reason. Man is that water cold. I decided to wander some more when I reached Camps Bay. There’s something interesting restaurants but I really want a margarita. I’ve seen a lot of sunsets in my lifetime but this one is frigging incredible.
Oh shit, I lost track of time. Some tour guide I am. I quickly grabbed an Uber to meet the crew for Mystery Ghost Tour. On the ride over I thought about the day, man how does anyone keep all the Cape’s straight. Phew, I arrived at 7:05 thankfully they were all waiting for me.
BCoF: We’re doing a mystery bus tour. You get to put your thinking cap on and write a flash fiction ghost story. 100 words or less.
The tour begins at Ferryman’s Tavern at the V&A Waterfront at 7 pm. I was so relieved they didn’t start without me. Our group was so large they didn’t add any other people for tonight.We were driven to Simon’s Town before we began our walk, the guide told us about a mass murderer, baby killer, a mysterious Lavender Lady who haunts the museum, an unsinkable coffin, butchering barbers, exhumed skeletons plus a host of other interesting tales of the unknown. On our ride back a large cat appeared in the fog. All of us screamed.
The guide recommended we purchase the Cape Town Magazine as a souvenir before we leave. We can learn a lot more about this area. I know I can’t wait to read more about THE LEGEND OF THE FLYING DUTCHMAN.
The guide said,”For centuries, seafarers have reported a spectral ship sailing around the tip of Cape Point on stormy nights. Witnesses say that if you hail the ship, it releases rowboats with phantom men who approach you with letters to deliver to their loved ones.
These accounts are linked to the tale of a vessel called The Flying Dutchman that was caught in a storm in 1641 near Cape Point while journeying to Holland from Indonesia. The captain reportedly refused to turn back, swearing he would round the jagged tip of Africa if it was the last thing he did. It was. The boat was destroyed and all the crew drowned that night.
There have been sightings from Cape Point and Cape Agulhas, but don’t be so keen to see for yourself: witnessing the Flying Dutchman is said to be a bad omen.” I’m psyched, stories like this are right up my alley.
The bonus surprise of the day is actually our hotel. Wait until you see this incredible pool. We’re staying here tomorrow too so don’t worry about missing out on the amenities.
I can’t wait to explore the infinity pool. What an amazing view. I want to take a dip before bed, I’m to exited to sleep yet. But once I got in my room and saw the deep tub in front of the window. Hmmm. On second thought soaking in the tub in front of the window with a glass of wine or three. I hate wasting. At least we can sleep in a bit because we’ve got an 9am flight, much better than the crack of dawn balloon
Write a post using that word. It can be prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction. It can be any length. It can be just a picture or a drawing if you want. No holds barred, so to speak.
Sometimes, I follow a pattern as I did with my colorful mandela. Other times I simply start crocheting and decide as I go like I did in the upper corner with my healing shawl ( grays, creme and pink) and with the baby blanket (powder blue and medium blue) that I’m trying to finish before the baby comes. (A first time Mom often comes before the due date so I’m feeling a bit under the gun.)
What I love about crocheting is the creativity to design, but I also see it as part of my witchcraft practice. The crocheting itself is not a form of magic, I’m not doing knot magic or anything like that although it can be done.Rather, I use crocheting as a way to connect with Venus as a part of my planetary magic practice. Venus, among other things, rules the arts and crafts, particularly women’s crafts like fiber arts. This makes crocheting a devotional, meditative act that I use to further my relationship with this planet. I do some of my best thinking while that crochet hook whirls along.
Gardening involves designs because that determines what can grow where and what purpose it will serve. It’s another way I make connections with Gaia or as some call her Mother Earth. I feel gardening enhances my connection to the natural world, this communion is important between a witch and her plants is an inherently magical practice. I feel it applies well beyond gardening. I have always had a strong connection with trees, and water. So every time I go for a walk or a hike, spend time dabbling my toes in the ocean I’m building on those connections by becoming more familiar with the plants and the other parts of nature that I utilize in my life, I’m engaging in witchcraft. I’m always learning. Not only am I learning consciously about nature but I’m building an energetic bond and rapport between myself and this natural entity.
I’m sorry. I realize it’s probably more than you ever wanted to know about Wicca or Paganism or witchcraft but both prompts fit perfectly with my life style choices.
Each of us is like a seed, planted by the good gardener so we might grow into something majestic.”
I have rail planters around my deck, larger pots on the lower level patio, and in the front of my home as well. (1st. is oregano, 2nd is kale, 3rd is basil) There’s nothing more enjoyable to me than to pick fresh veggies just before using them. No chemicals, not additives completely organic because I even compost my own soil. Ultimately my life’s design is to leave this world a better place than when I arrived.
“Gardens are a form of autobiography.” ― Sydney Eddison
“The earth is a man’s garden to tend.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
Today’s theme is “your temperament.” What kind of temperament do you have? Are you easy going? Are you high-strung? Are you logical and pragmatic, or are you run by your emotions? Do you go with the flow or are you quick to anger? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about your temperament.
I’ve been told I’m very laid back but that’s not true. I consider myself as very logical and pragmatic at this point in my life. I’m good with the flow. But that wasn’t always the case because the younger me definitely ran on sheer emotions. I’m Irish and a red-head that should give some indication about temper. Then life happened and I learned soon enough you get more with honey than vinegar.
I would save the majority of my inner peace began when I started following Wicca but than I evolved to practicing witchcraft and followed the ways of the old. Some call it the Pagan path, I’m not one really into the label thing either. I am who I am.
I’m a firm believer in following the cycles of the moon, keeping one’s chakras balanced, I do meditation, I read tarot cards and use crystals to keep me and my loved ones safe. My home is saged often and surrounded with salt. I don’t do practice the darker arts or use spells. I’m more in tune with nature and reducing my carbon footprint. I grow herbs, and veggies like most green witches. My altar is a tribute to Morrighan, a Celtic warrior goddess who I believe watches over me. My spirit animal is a crow.
I live by the Wiccan rede : Do what you will, so long as it harms none.
But does mean I’m not Christian. To me that’s another one of those label things. I’m just not one of the flock who follows the Bible verbatim, I feel it has failed me many times especially after the loss of my grandson. I believe one can be spiritual but not necessarily religious. Will that change I don’t know, right now I feel the path I’ve chosen gives me the balance I need in my life to have an even keel temperament.
lyncrain 