Poetry written in 2020

EIF Poetry Challenge #4: The Elegy

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Like the Ode, the Elegy has its origins in Classical literature, where it was characterized by its elegiac metre (alternating lines of dactylic …

What Poetic Form Does an Elegy Take?

Early elegiac poetry was typically versed in couplets. But, dating back to the eighteenth century, an elegiac stanza has traditionally contained the following characteristics:

  • It is a quatrain (four lines)
  • It contains an ABAB rhyme scheme
  • Each line is written in iambic pentameter

This structure is only a loose guideline. Many contemporary elegies contain no set form, and even the nineteenth-century elegies by the likes of Whitman and Tennyson take ample liberties with meter and rhyme scheme.

One of my favorite elegy’s is by Walt Whitman as a tribute to Abe Lincoln.

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring; But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.

I took advantage of the liberty of two additional lines in my elegy for my grandson instead of staying with the quatrain but I did maintain the rhyme pattern.

Elegy of Johnny ( October 15, 2005- July 1, 2019)

Desperate to breathe, yet not one breath appears

Unable to scream, or even rage for the pain is so great

Our inability to function gave way to silent sneers

Holding his fractured body, crippled by the world’s weight

Branded all of our lives, to a slow drowning by tears

Because his young life was stolen by an act of fate.©

 

 

EIF Poetry Challenge #4: The Elegy

#FOWC

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Today’s word is “wanderlust.”

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.

https://fivedotoh.com/category/one-word-challenge/

 

Limericks are great story tellers. They’re always 39 syllables in their delivery and hopefully a smile.

Wanderlust  

She complained he just had wanderlust

He disagree, his poor shoes had dust.

It’s in my blood to roam.

I do always come home.

But I want a man who I can trust.©

Virtual Continent Hopping -Arusha Tanzania

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30 day-
We’re staying at Arusha Serena Hotel and Resort Spa.https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297913-d304446-Reviews-Arusha_Serena_H…

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d15883436-Miracle_Ex…

As dawn breaks over the horizon, we serenely drift over the magnificent marvel of nature, The Serengeti, enjoying an eagle’s eye view of the wildlife theater as it unfolds below. We have ample opportunities to spot wildlife from a different perspective. If we’re fortunate, we migh spot the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and a variety of bird life.We were assured out game viewing opportunities from the sky are endless. Following our balloon flight, we celebrated with sparkling wine and a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti, capping off what is sure to be a most memorable morning in the skies of Africa.

The Maasai called the plains of Serengeti National Park “the place where the land moves on forever”—so prepare to be astonished by its vastness. I have to agree wholeheartedly. It’s incredible. I can’t get over how playful the zebra. The zebra’s bushy tail seems to flicker steadily, I wondered if they’re swatting flies like horses do. I’ve seen giraffes in zoos but actually seeing them in their own habitat I understand better the challenges they face to exist. I was surprised how loud the elephants tusks were when they playing. I was so surprised by the little black marks on the water were actually hippos. Their ears are so small in proportion to their bodies. I chuckled at the antics of the leopards, reminded me of my own fur babies. Both trying to be in one spot at the same time.

The food preparation was really fast and tasted so good. Who knew riding in a balloon could make one hungry..

The afternoon we’ll be enjoying some of the awesome amenities at our hotel before the BCoF people take us to our next adventure.

BCoF Bonus:
With the help of local Maasai Mama’s we will be guided through a number of traditional Swahili recipes to prepare your own lunch. We will learn how the local Mama’s prepare food at home using traditional cooking equipment and methods. We will learn some Swahili words for different foods and be able to get hands-on help to prepare each dish.

During the food prep our conversation veered to why young women undergo excision (“female circumcision”, “female genital mutilation,” “emorata”) as part of an elaborate rite of passage ritual called “Emuatare,” the ceremony that initiates young Maasai girls into adulthood through ritual circumcision and then into early arranged marriages. I was relieved to hear that the practice has recently been replaced in some instances by a “cutting with words” ceremony involving singing and dancing in place of the mutilation. However, the practice remains deeply ingrained and valued by the culture. The Maa word for circumcision, “emorata,” is used for both female and male genital mutilation. Female genital cutting is illegal in both Kenya and Tanzania.

I’m glad our focus had to return to the food. Just thinking about the horrors women faced in this environment was making me very uncomfortable.  I’m glad the women made the food prep so much fun.The sweet potato omelet was so good. I tried the bean stew has well. Yummy!

https://africageographic.com/stories/six-swahili-food-dishes-wont-want-miss/

We will learn about how Maasai build their homes and how traditional Maasai homes are set up in a “boma”.
We will see inside the homes and how they live.

“As a historically nomadic and then semi-nomadic people, the Maasai have traditionally relied on local, readily available materials and indigenous technology to construct their housing. The traditional Maasai house was in the first instance designed for people on the move and was thus very impermanent in nature. The houses are either somewhat rectangular shaped with extensions or circular, and are constructed by able-bodied women. The structural framework is formed of timber poles fixed directly into the ground and interwoven with a lattice of smaller branches wattle, which is then plastered with a mix of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung, human urine, and ash. The cow dung ensures that the roof is waterproof. The enkaj or engaji is small, measuring about 3 × 5 m and standing only 1.5 m high. Within this space, the family cooks, eats, sleeps, socializes, and stores food, fuel, and other household possessions.”~ wikipeida  I looked at some of the dwellings, I am so thankful that I don’t live in one of them.

Maasai society is still strongly patriarchal in nature, with elder men, sometimes joined by retired elders, deciding most major matters for each Maasai group.” A full body of oral law covers many aspects of behavior. For Maasai living a traditional life, the end of life is one virtually without ceremony, and the dead are left out for scavengers.Just the thought of being eaten by whatever just horrifies me. A corpse rejected by scavengers is seen as having something wrong with it, and liable to cause social disgrace; therefore, it is not uncommon for bodies to be covered in fat and blood from a slaughtered ox. However, their pastoral lifestyle has become increasingly difficult due to outside influences of the modern world. I was surprised to read how many Maasai have actually moved away from the nomadic life to positions in commerce and government. Yet despite the sophisticated urban lifestyle they may lead, many happily head homewards dressed in designer clothes, only to emerge from the traditional family homestead wearing a shuka (colourful piece of cloth), cow hide sandals and carrying a wooden club (o-rinka) – at ease with themselves.” ~wikipedia
I know when I get home, it’s hello sweat pants and tee-shirt. My favorite home attire is so comfortable.

 

We will learn how Maasai create their own beaded jewellery and go away from the workshop with your very own bracelet.

“Beadworking, done by the women, it has a long history among the Maasai, who articulate their identity and position in society through body ornaments and body painting. Before contact with Europeans, the beads were produced mostly from local raw materials. White beads were made from clay, shells, ivory, or bone. Black and blue beads were made from iron, charcoal, seeds, clay, or horn. Red beads came from seeds, woods, gourds, bone, ivory, copper, or brass. When late in the nineteenth century, great quantities of brightly colored European glass beads arrived in Southeast Africa, beadworkers replaced the older beads with the new materials and began to use more elaborate color schemes. Currently, dense, opaque glass beads with no surface decoration and a naturally smooth finish are preferred.” ~wikipeida

Vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options can be catered for in the recipes. We’re cooking our dinner and learning how to make beaded jewelry together. How cool is that?

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d19076562-Swahili_Co…

August 17 Arusha,Tanzania‎
Prompt: Write a story or poem about your Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris | Serengeti https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d15883436-Miracle_Ex…

A poem, she says… a limerick will have to do.

Flying over the Serengeti
So much at once I drop my yeti
The guide said we no stop
It was to far to hop
Damn, I was so thirsty and sweaty.

* yeti=  https://www.yeti.com/en_US

#FOWC

/ lyncrain / 3 Comments

Today’s word is “finish.”

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.

https://fivedotoh.com/category/one-word-challenge/

Drying Moment- I Exist

White sterile bland walls
behind the white appliances
make this task even drearier.
At least when the door is open
the heat permeates my body.
While I bend up and down
reaching for one more thing
to fold with my trusty hands.
While my restless mind wanders to
places I long to explore far away.
So many chores left, I’ll never finish
at least, this stack of clothes show
my dull, empty life briefly existed today.
for everything else remains lost among the chaos.©

 

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and the finish says it all.

Virtual Continent Hopping – Cairo

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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

 

Virtual Continent Hopping- Halong Bay, Vietnam

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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

Limerick fun with Esther Chilton

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The prompt was spell, I decided to play it with some more since the original post.

https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com/2020/08/10/laughing-along-with-a-limerick-20/

 

Hocus pocus, that’s hardly a spell

At least, not one a good witch could sell

Did you come to tumble

Ditch the mumble jumble

The way he’s shaking it’s hard to tell.

************************************************

Hocus pocus, that’s hardly a spell

At least, not one a good witch could tell

Ditch the mumble jumble

Or we’re gonna rumble

For a hefty price I’ve got some to sell

*************************************************

did I tell you about that last man

he really messed with my  game plan

I perfected a spell

and I sent him to hell

cos he wanted me to join his clan

************************************************ 

Marie and I leaned back in our rocking chairs, cackling  like two old crones with a secret.  Marie started humming another man done gone. Guess, he should have asked the right question.

 

Letter c day 75

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So this day has just officially gone to crap. I reached over in the flower garden to straighten the decorative flag pole the wind had blown over. That got my left ear, head, a couple places on my neck and arm stung by yellow jackets. Arm, neck and head hurt but the ear is ridiculously painful. Meat tenderizer did help some once Vic was able to find it. Wegmans no, Target no, ShopRite yes. I’ve iced my ear several times thus far and taken the benadryl as advised by my daughter-in-law and Dr. Lee. Bee stings are so much easier in places that have some fat involved, my little ears don’t. 😞

Tonight those nasty creatures are going to regret stinging me.😞Game on!

Why are grocery stores so f-ing behind on stocking their shelves? Wegmans has epically failed on so many levels since COVID 19. They seem to be able to restock their product but not the competitors for one, two the amount of vacant shelves compared to other stores is not acceptable. For the life of me why are spices, teas, and condiments like ketchup and mustard so difficult to replace. I have never been one to go to multiple grocery stores but since this crap has unfolded it’s becoming the new norm.

The dirty deed is done with minor setback one of the yellow jackets stung Vic while I was spraying in between the patio pavers where I had seen them earlier going in and out.

************************************************************************************

I told you yesterday about my appointments getting changed. Annoying but not impossible.  It feels more like a Tzu moment especially since there is forward movement.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”― Lao Tzu

The wall reminds me of Pink Floyds, Another Brick in the Wall. I had a teacher like that back in high school that mocked my early poems. She didn’t succeed I still love poetry. I write poems almost everyday. Mrs. Davis should have listened to Nelson Mandela and encouraged me to write instead of embarrassing me because her droning was so boring I escaped into poetry.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
― Nelson Mandela

This is one of my favorites about the lake I lived near at my old home. I have so many positive memories of that lake. My children and I went there from the time they were born until they each had left home.

I used to go there after I finished the night shift when I worked stocking shelves and swim alone before going home. Once the weather got to cool to swim I would simply sit there with my coffee I had grabbed at Dunkin when they were still 24 hours and contemplate my future. That lake was my haven.

 

At The Lake’s Edge©
The long rocky shoreline had rough water tonight
this breezy spring twilight in April.
I came to watch the evening sun set on the water.
I heard the loons crooning to their mates.
My tranquility was disrupted by a child’s screech and
two young people paddling hard in a canoe.
An elderly man fished on the opposite shore while
a woman read a book in her chair on the dock.
I shivered as the waves swished against the beach
and the cold spray hit my leg as I sat on the rock.
I struggled to regroup my thoughts, to close this day
The peace in my world was jeopardized so
I sought the calm of my beautiful beach haven.
I ached to find my composure once more
As I immersed myself in the beauty at the lake’s edge.
My mind rambled to the times when I brought my children
to swim and play in the chilling water in the summer’s heat.
Those moonlit nights on my way home from work when I swam
successfully working out stress in my own way.
I committed to memory the reasons why I must pick me up once more,
I need another sunrise, to gaze at another sunset on the lake’s edge.
The troubled emotions, I felt when I arrived have dissipated because
the lake’s rippled water refreshed my essence.
I heard the soft call of a loon, the woeful song was
a gentle reminder of my lover who waits for me
Good night, my lakeside haven!
Thank you for giving me sanctuary,
I am okay now because of you.
*************************************************************************************
The one I wrote today I tossed into the Virtual Blogging Adventure I’m hosting on WDC and sharing here. It’s now in both places.
My Grandpa said I would want to stay
once I commit to Katherine’s way
Nope, I have things to do
He handed me a chew
and shook my hand, you’ll be back someday©
a limerick about Katherine Australia
******************************************************************************

 

For some frigging reason every time I go to cut and paste the link into my blog Wind of Change by Scorpion appears instead even though I cut and paste the right one.

I’m too tired and uncomfortable to keep frigging around with this tonight. It’s easy enough to google.  My ear is throbbing intensely. Apparently wordpress has a lot of quirks not worked out as Marilyn Armstrong pointed out.

Tomorrow’s a new day and hopefully a less painful one.

 

 

 

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.

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

 

Fandango’s Dog Days of August, & letter-c day 71

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

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

#FDDA  Prompt is Blog

I began blogging back in 2012 initially on blogger. com but then I switched to Writing.com because I felt like I needed inspiration and the prompts offered that. I then became a leader and haven’t looked back. I run two different blogging groups there. With that said, I still found myself seeking inspiration so I joined the WordPress community. However there wasn’t many prompts available as there is now. I find the prompts take me in different directions which lead to new friends. That’s a bonus. Interacting with people from all over the world is fun as well as inspiring.

My blog serves multiple purposes for me. One, it gives me a place to share how my day is going and things that I have learned on this cancer journey. I find it very helpful connecting with others. Two, I get to share my poetry. Three, it gave me a place to process my grief after my grandson died. Four, I’m expanding my network with my attempts of the different blogging prompts.

What I’ve discovered from other bloggers is music that I wasn’t familiar, life styles,  cultures, social commentary, and even some great book reviews.

Reading:

Speaking of books, I’ve just started reading Mexican Gothic by Silva Moreno-Garcia. Woohoo, not to give any spoiler alerts but the family intrigue is awesome.

I’m still plugging my way through diyMFA and Steering the Craft, two books on writing. I believe authors should always be looking for inspiration on improving their craft.

Culinary:

This is where I share what I’m preparing for dinner in addition to helpful tips for fighting cancer that you have already in your kitchen. Today, we’re having basil pesto on pasta with garlic toast. Nothing spectacular today, trying to multi task all over the place.

Parsley is an appetite stimulant no wonder restaurants put it on almost every dish that comes out. But did you also know it was a digestive aid and it was anti-inflammatory.

Peppermint is a also a digestive aid in addition to its other charming traits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. I know with my first cancer peppermint helped a lot with the nausea. I suck on peppermints when I have indigestion or gas because it helps me.

Pineapple is anti-inflammatory.

Potato is an anti-oxidant and are loaded with loaded with Vitamin B6.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284490

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/peppermint

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/bromelain

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-pineapple

https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/potatoes-bad-guys-or-cancer-fighters/

Everyday, I pick a song that gives an indication of my mood overall. It helps my family and friends judge their interaction. Overall, thus far I’ve only been angry a few times and it’s been more because of how frustratingly slow the medical community works. I’m ten days out from the next diagnostics, this covid crap has really played havoc on scheduling.

This song appealed because I feel like I am stuck in a world where I’m looking in but not actually participating on the same level but my work is equally as important to me as it to them.. This emotion is driven more by recent conversations about accountability to our craft (writing) and silent partners.

I have lots of poetry, there’s no doubt I do dedicate serious time to my craft but, yeah there’s always a huge one of them looming. I’m expanding my core by writing vignettes in addition to my blogs. I don’t have the same confidence level when it comes to my vignettes as I do my poetry. However, when I do share it with my writing group, it’s clear they’re not able to critique it or offer valuable input. Then when I’ve shared some of my vignettes again there’s a huge disconnect with my intent versus how they see stories should unfold.

My blogs are simply me writing. I typically use them as warm up writing but there have been times when I use them as a closing to my day. I have no desire to bring them into the writing group for discussion. Nor do I want anyone making edits. GRRRR, they are what they are…. unedited stream of consciousness.

So this is where I feel like I dwell in a ghost town because I’m not sure if I’m really their people or if some of them are really mine.

 

 

The Rolling Stones
Whoa, oh, whoa, oh
I’m a ghost
Living in a ghost town
I’m a ghost
Living in a ghost town
You can look for me
But I can’t be found
You can search for me
I had to go underground
Life was so beautiful
Then we all got locked down
Feel a like ghost
Living in a ghost town, yeah
Once this place was humming
And the air was full of drumming
The sound of cymbals crashing
Glasses were all smashing
Trumpets were all screaming
Saxophones were blaring
Nobody was caring if it’s day or night
Whoa, oh, whoa, oh
I’m a ghost
Living in a ghost town
I’m going nowhere
Shut up all alone
So much time to lose
Just staring at my phone
Every night I am dreaming
That you’ll come and creep in my bed
Please let this be over
Not stuck in a world without end
Whoa, oh, whoa, oh
Whoa, oh, whoa, oh, oh…
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Keith Richards / Michael Jagger
Living In A Ghost Town (Remix) lyrics © BMG Rights Management