Inspirational Quotes

#FDDA 22 writing matters a lot

/ lyncrain / 5 Comments

https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

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.
Regrouping©
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

#FOWC Design

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

Today’s word is “design.”

FOWC with Fandango — Design

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

#FDDA 18 first love

/ lyncrain / 5 Comments

Today’s theme is “your first love.” No matter how old we are or how long ago it was when we first fell in love, we always remember our first love.  Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about your first love.

https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

My first love happened at fifteen years old. I was pretty naive at the time and thought he was Mr. Wonderful. That didn’t go so well. Mr. Wonderful delivered a great spiel about how he got another girl knocked up while we were supposedly dating exclusively. His closing line was I have to marry her but we can still get it on, on the side. Except his spiel was more painful than ever. I had found out that I also was pregnant. I never told him. My father threw me out of the house for being pregnant. So I hitch-hiked to my grandfathers and with his help I put my daughter up for adoption. She needed to be in a secure home we people that could take care of her, unlike me a child with a child.

My second attempt at love didn’t go much better. We dated for a year, he was really nice. But the monster showed up after we said I do. He was a jealous man and every time he drank became physically abusive. Oh the promises he made, but it would happen again and again. Once his children were old enough to notice, his drinking stopped but the verbal abuse continued. I stayed until my youngest left home and then kicked him to the curb. He really thought the judge would see things his way but a picture speaks a thousand words and the evidence was pretty clear. He retaliated by spreading so many stories but it didn’t matter.  The people who knew me, knew better and the ones that bought his malicious garbage really weren’t my friends.

My third and thankfully final attempt has been amazing. Maybe it’s because we’re older and wiser, or maybe we’re more accepting of each other’s differences I don’t know. I value Vic’s friendship immensely. We didn’t meet in the traditional way, we met in a writing group online. He dared to critique something I had written and sent it to me. Initially, I was furious to see all the red from revision tracking but once I calmed down and accepted the fact that yes, I did need help. Our friendship grew and over time we finally did meet in person. That evolved into long distance dating and finally in 2008 marriage. He’s still my best friend in addition to being my love.

Third time is the charm they say. I’m inclined to agree.

 

img_0983

 

“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly,

and then all at once.” ~ John Green

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Song Lyric Sunday L’s

/ lyncrain / 3 Comments

“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.” ― Mary Oliver

img_0406

This week we have some general words that are used to describe colors, being Clear/Dark/Light and hopefully everyone will be able to find a song that utilizes one of these prompt words in the title or in the lyrics.  There’s a lot more to this I suggest reading Jim’s original post.

https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2020/08/15/pronouncing-ls/

There’s always a story behind a song and John shared this one.

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/john-legend/darkness-and-light#:~:text=The%20song%20finds%20the%20duo,the%20album%20after%20this%20tune.

 

Fire and the ice colliding
I wanna go deep and dive in
It’s heaven on Earth but hell of a night
To melt into one
She’s never been afraid of sirens
Head down but keep drivin’
Damn we might crash moving so fast but baby
Don’t stop, I need it
Release me, it’s too hard for me to hold
My heart beating
Your touch
It thrills me to the bone
Oh Lord! Forgive us
Alas, we’ve lost control baby
Nothing can stop this love
Nothing can stop this love
Never gon’ get enough
Nothing can stop it, oh
Darkness and light, streaming
The end of our life beginning
No longer alone, my will become gone
We melt into one
Both hands on the floor, you go low
Who was I before? I don’t know
And who am I now? Your body shows how
The past just has no meaning
Don’t stop, I need it
Release me, it’s too hard for me to hold
My heart bleeding
Your touch
It thrills me to the bone
Oh Lord! Forgive us
Alas, we’ve lost control baby
Nothing can stop this love
Nothing can stop this love
Never gon’ get enough
Nothing can stop it, oh!
Yeah
Oh, oh!
Don’t stop, I need it
Release me, it’s too hard for me to hold
My heart bleeding
Your touch
It thrills me to the bone
Oh Lord! Forgive us
Alas, we’ve lost control baby
Nothing can stop this love
Nothing can stop this love
Never gon’ get enough
Nothing can stop it
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: John Stephens / John Henry Ryan / Will Oldham
Darkness and Light lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Domino Publishing Company
What works for me about this song is the undercurrent of desire between them. As a writer trying to find the right words to describe passion often falls short for me. Yet, songs like this make it seem so easy. I’ve begun collecting songs and creating my own soundtrack when I’m writing.  I looked at my list today to see what song I had that would fit Jim’s prompt to discover I have quite a few song by  John Legend and written by John Stephens.
 Conversations in the Dark~
Talk
Let’s have conversations in the dark
World is sleeping, I’m awake with you
With you
Watch
Movies that we’ve both already seen
I ain’t even looking at the screen, it’s true
I got my eyes on you
And you say that you’re not worth it
You get hung up on your flaws
Well, in my eyes you are perfect
As you are
I will never try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won’t break your heart
On
Sunday mornings we sleep-in ’til noon
Well, I can sleep forever next to you
Next to you
And we
We got places we both gotta be
But there ain’t nothing I would rather do
Then blow off all my plans for you
And you say that you’re not worth it
And get hung up on your flaws
But in my eyes you are perfect
As you are
As you are
I will never try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won’t break your heart
When no one seems to notice
And your days, they seem so hard
My darling, you should know this
My love is everywhere you are
I will never try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won’t break your heart
I won’t break your heart
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: John Stephens / Gregg Wattenberg / Jesse Fink / Kellen Pomeranz / Chance Peña
Conversations in the Dark lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Another beautiful song about the connection between lovers.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

#FDDA 16

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

Today’s theme is “your favorite TV show.” It can be a current TV show, or one you watched in the past. What was it and why is it your favorite? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about your favorite TV Show.

‘ Lucifer is an American urban fantasy television series developed by Tom Kapinos that premiered on Fox on January 25, 2016. It is based on the DC Comics character created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg taken from the comic book series The Sandman, who later became the protagonist of a spin-off comic book series, both published by DC Comics‘ Vertigo imprint. The series is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Television, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The Lord of Hell, Lucifer, became bored with his life,  so he abandoned his throne for five years, becomes a civilian consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department while running his own high-end nightclub called “Lux” ~ wikipeida Lucifer finds a way to make whatever case Chloe is working on to be about him in some way. His arrogance is over the top but by the time the episode is over he has discovered things that he didn’t learn in heaven or hell. I laugh every time he does his thing asking people to tell him their deepest desire… and the truth spills out.

“Why do they blame me for all their little failings? They use my name as if I spent my entire days sitting on their shoulders, forcing them to commit acts they would otherwise find repulsive. ‘The devil made me do it.’ I have never made one of them do anything. Never. They live their own tiny lives. I do not live their lives for them.” ― Neil Gaiman

The show amuses me on so many different levels. I find it quite enjoyable that heaven and hell are clearly fucked up not that I ever had any doubt. My early experiences with religion drove me to follow the Wiccan path I am on. My spiritual rejuvenation happens where ever I am outside, preferably under a tree that I can touch not inside some building that has over the top aesthetics. I can’t support religious leaders that protect pedophiles while making false promises of redemption nor can I follow any faith that spews the male-focused crap in bedded in the Bible.

I’ve read the Bible, and yes some practices recommended have merit but unfortunately not enough to sway me.

“Yahweh: You’ve been unhappy because you’ve desired things that cannot be.

Lucifer: That’s what desire IS. The need for what we can’t have. The need for what’s readily available is called greed.” ― Mike Carey

Virtual Continent Hopping – Cairo

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

We’re staying at Heliopolis Towers Hotel. I’m hoping for some pool time after we check out the pyramids.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294201-d754516-Reviews-Heliopolis_Towe…
30 day
https://travel.usnews.com/Cairo_Egypt/Things_To_Do/Giza_Pyramids_62479/

we’re doing the 8 hour private tour and riding a camel..woohoo. Let’s hear what caught your attention? Talk about what you saw and learned about the pyramids or the artifacts or the crafts.

https://www.viator.com/Giza/d23032-ttd/p-8243P13?eap=ttdpw-cairo-15861&aid=v…

Experience Cairo’s very best on a private, full-day tour that takes in ancient sites, artifacts, and a bustling bazaar. Ride a camel through the sand beside the soaring pyramids at Giza and go toe-to-toe with the enigmatic Sphinx. Pause for lunch before visiting the Egyptian Museum and explore the stunning collection of artifacts, mummies and royal treasures with your guide. Then continue to the Khan el Khalili bazaar to browse vibrant displays of fabrics, handicrafts, and antiques.

We’ll be dining at the hotel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqTSB9I5_FU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do3oFnaoYCM

I’m happy we’re only on the camel a half hour, my last experience on a camel I felt like I was jostled on the camel’s back and couldn’t find a comfortable position for my back. I was happy the camels were trained to lower themselves it made it so much easier than my other experience where there was steps but then you had to pull up and swing your leg over while being quite a ways off the ground. I felt safer not being on the block stand. With that said, camels don’t smell nice either especially when its warm. But once I saw the pyramids I was distracted by the structures I totally forgot the camel’s odor.

Looking at the pyramids I am in awe of the size and the actual structure. Why would anyone want to build such intimidating structures to house their dead. In the video the narrator said, the pyramids were actually the first skyscrapers of history. The structure was 481 feet high, with each side is 755 feet, the accuracy is within 2 inches. That in itself is amazing but then you consider that there is two million blocks estimated to weigh six million tons or approximately sixteen Empire State buildings. Crazy huh?

I loved seeing the different artifacts but when we arrived at the bazaar it was like we stepped into a whole different world. The creative genuis of the craftsman, the food samples even the conversations we overheard were incredible. The words spiraled so fast I couldn’t process half of it especially when the haggling took place.

Neva’s BCoF Prompt: Check out Fifteen best things to do in Cairo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294201-Activities-Cairo_Cairo_Governora… pick one, and write a story or a poem about it.

I chose walking along the Nile River until I met this interesting character with a huge basket and a sign hanging beside it. Did you ever wonder about the story of Cleopatra’s snake? Foolish me I stepped closer. I greeted the man as recommended when you approach any individual or a group of people for the first time, the best thing to say is the local variation of the Islamic form of greeting “Es-Salāmu-`Alēku” which literally means “Peace be upon you”. This is the most common form of saying “hello” to anybody. But then I heard…

Cleopatra’s basket with a snake
Rattles and shakes hoping for a break
my neck recoils in fear
I’m not happy it’s near
reality check, it’s not a fake *Rolling*©

A snake slithered up and I ran… I don’t think he cares if I say goodbye.

Lyn’s BCoF: What is Cairo known for? In the video, it discussed typical etiquette protocol..
What did you think of the etiquette discussion versus what we’re used too before COVID-19 changed things?

What did you like looking at the pictures of thet Nomad Galleries?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294201-d7370603-r454066213-Nomad_Ga…

I was too tired to really enjoy the art hopefully before we depart tomorrow I’ll have a chance but knowing our crazy tour guide probably not.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Cairo#:~:text=It%20is%20also%20the%2019th,Coptic%20sit…

Since covid-19 shaking hands seems to be avoided, which works just fine for me. I never was comfortable with touching other people’s hands. I’ve always been a bit phobic shaking a man or a woman’s hand because of what I’ve seen in public restrooms and the lack of hand washing that occurs. Hopefully, people are more conscious or at least more concerned about germs.

I have to admit it is so nice not to have hear discussions about politics here. Social etiquette says not to engage in conversation hence no difficulties or offense given. We already were warned about public displays of affection since we’ve been in Asia so this was no surprise. It’s fine, I’m good with waiting to hug my hubby once we’re back in the privacy of the hotel after a hot shower and we’re both clean. I’m definitely glad I wore the light clothing but I’m still warm. I’m not doing well in this hot and arid climate.

Overall, the social guidelines to me were reasonable. A simple bowed head acknowledging another’s presence is reasonable. I’m not always sure here in the States that when you join a group or a conversation your presence is acknowledged especially as a woman. And I swear if I hear one more thing about that orangutan posing as a president I’m going to puke so I would be quite happy knowing parts of my day would free of political commentary.

“There is neither water nor air here, its depth is unfathomable, it is as dark as the darkest night, and men wander about here helplessly. A man cannot live here and be satisfied, and he cannot gratify the cravings of affection” ― E.A. Wallis Budge, The Egyptian Book of the Dead

 

“May I look upon my soul and my shadow?”
― Anonymous, The Egyptian Book of the Dead

 

The pieces in our lives that really matter

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

And as imagination bodies forth
The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
– William Shakespeare (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

I was talking with a good friend this afternoon. Our conversation wandered to the different levels of friendships we have in our lives.  His role in my life evolved from a poetic ray of sunshine to a very dear friend.  Our relationship began because we share the love of language in a very precise manner. I think very highly of his work. He prefers haiku’s and senryu’s where as I prefer writing limerick’s and acrostics and found poetry but I have written haiku’s and senryu’s.  We’re both expanding our writing styles. I’m guilty when I’m stressed of falling back on my poetry. It’s my crutch at times.

I appreciate the way his brain. He helped me when I’ve struggled getting just the right word in a poem  when I lost my grandson. I needed the exact word in the poem. He was so helpful because when he writes a poem every word is carefully chosen. I knew once he looked at my poem, it would be alright. He’s a master of vocabulary especially for such a young man.

Which reminded me of this old song because at its foundation, it’s a tender love song but it’s actually more than that. It’s a great example what can happen when people collaborate. Did you know the whole morning theme happened by accident because the band was suffering from writers’ block while trying to compose the lyrics. And one of its co-writers, Pete Brown, happened to be gazing out the window at the time and penned the opening line, “it’s getting near dawn”, which gave birth to the lyrical composition of the rest of the track.

Read more at: https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/sunshine-of-your-love-by-cream/

It’s getting near dawn,
When lights close their tired eyes
I’ll soon be with you my love,
To give you my dawn surprise
I’ll be with you darling soon,
I’ll be with you when the stars start falling
I’ve been waiting so long
To be where I’m going
In the sunshine of your love
I’m with you my love,
The light’s shining through on you
Yes, I’m with you my love,
It’s the morning and just we two
I’ll stay with you darling now,
I’ll stay with you till my seas are dried up
I’ve been waiting so long
To be where I’m going
In the sunshine of your love
I’m with you my love,
The light’s shining through on you.
Yes,…

 

It is perfectly okay to write garbage—as long as you edit brilliantly. – C. J. Cherryh

and have great writing friends double check those edits. 🙂

 

Virtual Continent Hopping- Halong Bay, Vietnam

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

30 day
Halong Bay, Vietnam

We’re doing a 2 day/2night cruise Day 11 and Day 12 will be in Halong Bay.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293924-d20211050-Halong_bay…

Kayaking, swimming on the beach. learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and after dinner squid fishing.

Let your imagination get carried away, discuss what fun things you’ve experienced.

It’s a good thing they allowed us to buy the vacancies so our cruise didn’t get cancelled. That would have been heartbreaking. It’s sad we had 18 responses of yes but only 8 participants regularly respond. I guess it is what it is. I remember the first year I did this virtual traveling we had 17 regular participants in Maine and then we went back-packing across Europe and we had 34 participants. South America had 20 participants. It’s sad to me that blogging seems to be falling out of favor. Anyway, that’s my thoughts on the matter.

In our cabin was posted this list of do’s and don’t’s in Vietnam. I’ll definitely have to rein Vic in, he’s always showing public displays of affection. Apparently, their frowned upon here among other things.

https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/dos-and-donts-when-tr…

It’s hard to believe its been ten days since I was last in a kayak. It’s one of my ultimate favorite things to do on the water. So once I drained the coffee pot, and emptied my bladder for yet another time I hit the water racing initially just to stretch my arms out. My legs got quite a work out yesterday climbing around the falls and the day before pedaling my butt off on the bike.

I can’t help but wonder if my eyes are playing tricks on me but the guide assures Hạ Long Bay, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rain forests.  He suggested I check out the islands Stone Dog and Teapot islets. He said, I would know by their shapes.
I navigated my kayak around to both islands.They’re indeed beautiful, but I was disappointed when I was told out that I cannot swim in the water. But once I learned why, I was glad I passed. The party boats and cruise ships dump their waste in the bay.

I learned later there are beaches that offer swimming that don’t have the same issues and are tested regularly for swimming safety. Carly raved about how nice the water was. Dang, I wish I had known. Oh well, maybe tomorrow since we’re here for two days.

I don’t know about you ladies but my tummy is growling, those rice cakes didn’t hold me after all the paddling. I’m hungry.

Lunch was  banh xeo, it’s origin was from a French dish, the iconic crepe. The name banh xeo translated to English literally means “sizzling cake”. Banh xeo is made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk and seasoned with turmeric which creates the yellow color. Inside, the crepe is packed with slices of boiled pork, shell-on prawns, bean sprouts and sprinkled with a handful of mung bean.

To fully experience banh xeo, you’ve got to be a vegetables lover and ready to “get down and dirty”. The reason is because you will be wrapping these slices with some fresh herbs and of course use your hands to eat. After wrapping, you will be dipping it in watered down fish sauce. Unlike cha ca or bun cha, banh xeo is widely popular in Southern Vietnam.

Since we’re all gathered in the kitchen we went onto our afternoon lesson of creating spring rolls. Yummy. more veggies for me.

The afternoon slipped away and it was time for our squid fishing. Yup, we’re fishing for part of our dinner. I did ask what happens if we don’t catch any the guide laughed said you eat veggies. I’m good with that. I do like batter fried squid occasionally but actually catching and killing it… not my cup of tea. Maybe after it’s cooked I’ll change my mind, I do tend to be fickle.

BCoF:
Prompt: Pick out one of the five legends/myths in this article: The Legend of Halong Bay: Discover Myths Behind The Names https://www.visithalongbay.com/insight-guides/the-legend-of-halong-bay.html and write a story or poem based on the legend/myth.

I was fascinated with learning more about The legend of Trinh Nu (Virgin) Cave. It’s a tragic love story. The cave is located on Bo Hon Island which is also where Sung Sot (surprise) Cave is located.

“The story goes as follows: once upon a time there was a beautiful fisherman’s daughter. She came from a poor family but one day a rich man, upon seeing her beauty, proposed to marry her. The girl was already engaged to another fisherman whom she loved dearly, so she declined the rich man’s proposal. Outraged by her dismissal, he banned her and her entire family to a desert island.

The girl’s fiance scoured the bay trying to find his long lost love but all to no avail, and on a rainy and stormy night, starving and exhausted, the girl turned to stone.

The fiance, who was still searching for her, got caught in the storm and his boat capsized. He washed ashore on the same deserted island and in a glimpse, he saw her. He tried reaching out to her, to talk to her , but it was no use: the wind swept away his words. He tried to get her attention by slamming rocks into a cliff, all to no effect. The boy tried and tried until he was too exhausted and he himself turned to stone as well.

The place where the girl turned to stone was Trinh Nu Cave. Nowadays there is a natural statue of her in front of the cave. The statue of the petrified man facing the Trinh Nu cave is also still there to this day. Since the two lovers never had a chance to marry, locals decided to call the cave ‘Trinh Nu’ or ‘Virgin’. ”

https://www.visithalongbay.com/insight-guides/the-legend-of-halong-bay.html

I can’t wait until tomorrow, we’ll be seeing it up close and personal. I’m going to take lots of pictures.

Two stones monuments immortalized
like the mythical gods of old
their glorified struggles for love
refused to die but instead
stood as a reminder
love cannot be destroyed if true
it will find a way to exist
inspiring each of us to dare
to love and to be loved.©

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ― Lao Tzu

Virtual Continent Hopping

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

30DBC+Aug+2020

 Hello Cambodia, We’re staying at the Viroth Hotel

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d9514361-Reviews-Viroth_s_Hotel…

Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village.

Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious.

https://inspitrip.com/blog/8949/things-to-do-in-angkor-wat-and-siem-reap

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297390-d11466657-

Private_Full_Day_Angkor_Temple_and_Sunset_Viewing-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html

Our guide was insistent that the temples were unlike any other in the world. Well, he’s right about one thing no other temple have we explored cover 390 miles. The artwork is beautiful. We didn’t land in time to get the best photographs at sunrise but I’m happy with the ones I did get. Neva, Judy, and Sand seemedy very happy inside the temple whereas I needed to be outside more. Fresh air is good for the soul.

But I’m ready to check out the landmine museum. I don’t know much about Cambodian history so this is fascinating to me. I try to focus but my tummy is rumbling. The guide recommended the bugs at the market but I think I’ll stay with the vegetarian options. Yup, I’m whizzing out. I did take him up on the fish massage. I couldn’t stop giggling. Guess, I’m more ticklish than I knew.Wow, my feet look a newborn babies now. I feel surprising engerized going to take in a little of the pub scene before hitting the hotel.
I decided a quick dip in the pool before sleeping.
That bed looks so inviting but knowing our blog guide Lyn, (me) we’re off to another country tomorrow.


BCoF:Educate us about famous musicians from Cambodia. I’ve given you one resource, feel free to expand with more information for us. Make us want to see one of the artists.

I didn’t have any trouble opening the link but I did see Willie did.  There’s some interesting songs performed by Cambodian artists which are lovely. I liked Sinn Sisamouth because he experimented with his sounds. Melissa said, “Sinn paved the way for a modern wave of music, Sinn traded in the traditional wind instruments that accompanied Cambodian music, experimenting instead with blending Western sounds with Khmer music.” Though I don’t agree with the author of the blog link, Melissa about Sinn’s voice being equal to Nat KIng Cole. I can’t help but wonder what his musical career would have been if he hadn’t been killed under the Klmer Rouge. Artists were part of their genocidal regime. Wikipedia said Sinn’s stage presence was similar to Frank Sinatra. According to Wiki,”Many of Sinn Sisamouth’s master recordings were either destroyed by the Khmer Rouge regime in its efforts to eliminate foreign influences from Cambodian society,] or were lost due to decay. However, collectors and entrepreneurs located and reproduced copies of some of his recordings after the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=19&v=qVyewnYdKtc&feature=emb_logo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=DpVQBn6bsW8&feature=emb_logo

or discuss a shopping experience

Shopping Siem Reap can be as rewarding as exploring Angkor Archaeological Park’s exquisite temples—and there’s no need to wake at the crack of dawn. Siem Reap is home to craft markets, stylish boutiques, artisan workshops, and artist’s ateliers, all filled with treasures that you can take back home. They’re open well into the night for those who made it to Angkor Wat at sunrise.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297390-Activities-c26-Siem_Reap_Siem_Re…

I did enjoy exploring the craft shops with Helen, I took lots of pictures much to the disappoint of the vendors. I decided to get a necklace, out of recycled trash in shades of blue and green.  I don’t wear as much as jewelry as I used to do. The style of necklace is similar to what my friend, Char makes. I wonder if she saw these markets when she was in Cambodia. The people are so energetic in their pursuit to get tourists to shop. I’m a tough sell which she soon discovered and moved onto another tourist.

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, why did God invent captions?”
― David Mellonie,

FDDA#3, letter c-day 72

/ lyncrain / 2 Comments

Today’s theme is “Monday.” Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to about your Monday. What do Mondays mean to you. Do you hate Mondays? Love them? Do you not care, one way or the other, about Mondays? It’s up to you. #FDDA or Fandango’s Dog Days of August.

https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

I’ve never been a fan of Monday especially when I was working outside the home. I had lots of nicknames for the day Mundane Monday, Maniac Monday, Moving Monday, Make Me Monday…sometimes even Musical Monday or Magical Monday all of them were the result of my weekend whether I hoped it wouldn’t end, or there were just too much or too little to make me want to participate. I know its all about attitude but when you’re young and naive you don’t see yourself as having attitudes and after awhile all those Motivational Monday quotes run together.

In this stage of the game Monday is just another day, they tend to run all together now especially with COVID and being retired. They’ve simply become Montage Monday.

I’ve chosen to share a Dr. Suess style acrostic poem I wrote called Nonsense. I enjoy writing acrostics because they force your brain to think outside the box and tell a story differently in a poem. Acrostic Poetry is where the first letter of each line spells a word, usually using the same words as in the title. If you read it out loud you’ll hear the Dr. Suess’s voice creep in.

Nonsense©

Nickel Jefferson jumps up
Only the FDR dime lies flat
No, no we count, count
Says, says who, who
Everybody at the bank
Nay says Washington quarter
Smiling Kennedy flips up
Every Lincoln copper penny!

What is happening today for me. I’m mulling over lots of things like what I want to sell to reduce the clutter before our move. A lifetime of stuff, guilty as charged because when I left my old house I didn’t downsize very much I simply took it with me which unfortunately is now biting me in the butt as I look around. We combined two households into one and now it’s got to go to reduce the cost of move. So another m word comes into play must go or sell.

Thinking of another m word, memory. Back when I was married to my first husband we didn’t have a lot of money for furniture. So we had bought two Adirondack chairs that we sat in at night outside in the yard because we didn’t own a television so our entertainment was cribbage around a fire in the yard. If it was rainy, we’d sit at the kitchen table. Once the nights started getting cooler we lugged our chairs inside for the winter. They became our living room furniture. You make the best of what you have. I remember how excited we were when we bought our 19 inch black and white television the chairs ended up being inside more than out. We ended up getting inside and out Adirondack chairs because they cost a lot less than a living set. We saved up and bought the living set, we eventually owned for 20 years.

Which reminds me of a song from those old days by William DeVaughn, Be Thankful for What You Got. I’ve come a long way from those days but reality is certainly reminding me that Gratitude will only get me so far. I’ve got to get rid of these material excesses and move on. Will I really re-read all of these books? Stop mulling girl and Make it Happen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvtlt-p7vB4

Culinary addition should be meatloaf Monday to stay with the m theme but I’m craving Mexican so I’m going with enchiladas… I have lots of freshly picked banana peppers to add some heat. Mexican Monday, yummy!

Garden:

I picked a colander full of tomatoes and peppers so the tropical storm doesn’t damage them. I was pleasantly surprised to find cucumbers ready to pick so I grabbed them too.

Cancer toolkit additions today:

Quinoa is anti-inflammatory.

Radishes are also anti-inflammatory and improve digestion but did you know the sulfur goes right to the liver and gall bladder increasing the flow of bile to aid in detoxifying treatments.  I’m all for getting toxic crap out.

Quinoa

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/the-benefits-of-radishes#:~:text=Eating%20cruciferous%20vegetables%20like%20radishes,substances%20and%20preve

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon

In my virtual travel blog on WDC, we’re now in Sydney Australia. I’ll be posting that in a separate entry.

Guess my Monday isn’t as mundane as I originally thought when I set down to write this post. I didn’t dwell on the letter c or let the rescheduling of my primary care doctor’s appointment become the focus of this entry.  Life is what it is. Magical ❤

“Once cancer happens it changes the way you live for the rest of your life.” – Hayley Mills