Continent Hopping Day 2

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

30DBC+Aug+2020

Zodiac Cruising – 30 day prompt

Go where your cruise ship can’t — hop aboard a small, sturdy inflatable boat and buzz between the icebergs and around the mountains. This is your chance to get an up-close look at some of the more cautious wildlife in the ocean, on land, and in the skies. It’s common for leopard seals, penguins, and other curious animals to pop up alongside to say hello. You’ll never feel so small in your life as you gaze up at the massive glaciers and icebergs from sea level. To call it a humbling experience would be an understatement.

Good to know: This activity is a big favorite of photographers. Zodiac cruising allows for more intimate viewing as well as an entirely different perspective.

Antarctica is the site of some of the world’s most cutting-edge research. There are dozens of scientific research centers here, and one of the most interesting things to do in Antarctica is to take a tour of one of these fascinating facilities. The Vernadsky Research Base on Galindez Island opens its doors to visitors all while studying everything from meteorology, ecology, biology, glaciology, seismology and physics. It was at this research station that the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered.

Another cool and unexpected aspect of this research center is the Vernadsky Station Lounge, one of the southernmost bars in the world. Try the vodka, which has been distilled on site. Bottoms up! We’re going to help examine green snow and check out the satellite studies of the visual evidence of climate change.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-bar-at-vernadsky-research-base-antarctic…

Good to know: The post office at the Vernadsky Station is one of the few places in all of Antarctica from where you can send a mail. Mailing a postcard will cost you around USD 2 while a letter (including stamps) is about USD 6*.

we’re still sleeping in our sleeping bags.

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My response:

I’m really surprised at how rested I feel after sleeping in the bivy sac. Here I was worried about having to go pee and never actually getting enough sleep. That wasn’t the case at all. Maybe it had to do with all the fresh air I enjoyed while I kayaked and using muscles I haven’t in a while.

I had a shot of vodka with my coffee this morning. Unusual combination but I was surprised by how good the vodka is here. When you’re in Rome do as the Romans do so here I did what the Ukranian do.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/antarctic-exploration-museum-post-office
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/base-w
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/deception-island-2

What a cool museum and post office. I mailed a couple post cards to my family. I figured the grandchildren would enjoy seeing where I am. Originally it was a base station, then abandoned and the eventually restored as a historic sight. It was kind of sad seeing the abandoned base on Arrowsmith Peninsula from our rubberized boats.

I’m so glad we docked for awhile by the hot springs. The landscape reminded me of the old martian movies of the 60’s. Who knows, maybe that’s where they were filmed them back in the day. The biting cold really got my attention but once I slipped into the steaming water and the weight of the world vanished.

Our visit to the research center Vernadsky was fascinating especially with the discussion about the green snow. Damn it why are people refusing to see all the signs climate change is a reality. This green phenomena is very visible from outer-space and has spread immensely since it was first noted.

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BCoF prompt:  Let this quote inspire your entry: 

“ I had a dream when I was 22 that someday i would go to the region of ice and snow and go on and on till i came to one of the poles of the earth”― Ernest Shackleton

Have you ever dreamed about seeing one of the poles?  Where’s your ideal dream place?  This entry needs to be minimum of 100 words.

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My response:

I never dreamed of going to the poles like Mr. Shackleton did but I did dream of traveling to unknown places. Antarctica does fall into the unknown category. Who knew there was so much to see? I’ve been enjoying exploring and reading all the different links. I was surprised that over 20,000 tourists a year do actually go to Antarctica.Not as many as my ideal destination.

My ideal dream place is still Jamaica. I fell in love with the island back in 2006. It has a diverse population, excellent rum and pineapple, (two of my favorites) and temperatures that I love. The only drawback for me at this time is the imposed quarantine for cats. I love my babies but I could never subject them to living in a cage for the extended time involved. Sadly, that is why we haven’t relocated. I’m hoping Vic and I will have one more opportunity to go there in our life time. The people and the food were awesome. I was very amused with the sim-up bars. My daughter and I floated from one to the next while we were at family owned hotel in Ocho Rios.

Jamaica is taking COVID-19 serious and right now it is closed to all international visitors. They’re making the necessary changes needed to handle social distancing.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/debbikickham/2020/05/25/jamaica-leads-the-way-in-pr…

letter c day 70

/ lyncrain / 3 Comments

This quote so fits this letter-c journey. “Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.”― Ernest Shackleton I couldn’t agree more.  The letter-c  doesn’t define me, it doesn’t control me nor will it ever be the end of me. Positive outlooks are key for any health battle. “Superhuman effort isn’t worth a damn unless it achieves results.”― Ernest Shackleton

On that note, I’m going to take you to my song choice for the day by Pink, A Million Dreams.  I think all the time about all the dreams I haven’t accomplished yet. I look at all the things I’ve collected a long the way but there’s still those missing elusive ones I want. Letter-c won’t deter me.

Writing has always felt elusive to me because I was guilty of looking at myself through the eyes of others, judging instead of appreciating every word I did put on the page in spite of the situation. Many of you aren’t aware of  the darker times of my life, the demon aka my first husband, who took great pleasure in undermining me. He wrote his name on everything I wrote. When I’ve told people that, they looked at me like I have three heads but then when I hand them my journals they hang their heads because they had no idea what kind of man he was.  It took a lot for my muse to gain the confidence to break free of the toxin. Now, when I look at these journals, I see documented proof I wasn’t diminished by his actions instead I became stronger.

 

 

I put the words on the page. They’re not perfect but they’re mine. I said to a good friend, “Art isn’t clean… if it is then you have a blank canvas, you haven’t painted yet.”~ Lyn Crain. Occasionally, I have gems.  Or in my case, my pages aren’t written yet. I know how destructive that self-critic is, but thankfully the letter-c has given me a nudge. Writing the vignettes isn’t always fun but then I’m reminded of Hunter S. Thompson’s quote, “writing is the most hateful kind of work, I suspect it’s a bit like fucking, which is only fun for amateurs. Old whores don’t do much giggling.”

I didn’t understand love when I  first began writing poetry but I knew it offered me a means to express my fears, my dreams even my anger. This one is from 2003 when I was feeling conflicted about the direction life was unfolding.

Love denied me,

 offering instead sharp and bloody thorns

hidden behind fragile blooms.

 Its flattery prose was spoken softer

than a petal’s caress teasing

my smoldering heart to waken

before dousing it with

despair.©

I’ve never chosen a name for it. There are times when I simply think Reality Check works as the title but the less skeptical me knows love exists but at that time I didn’t believe it was possible.

 

Continent Hopping Day 1

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30DBC+Aug+2020

So the references make sense I’m a leader in three different blogging groups on Writing. com. In 30 Day Blogging Group, I’m only a leader in August because I host this crazy travel adventure whereas  in the other two groups I send out writing prompts along with Neva, Joy, and Megan. We’re an awesome team.

The August adventure I compile all the research and then send out everyday, the prompts for each group, which are broken down into sections so each blogger has the option of doing one or both.

Day 1

30 day Activities :Kayaking with the whales and watching penguins and sampling local cuisine.

30 day Camping in Antarctica isn’t an activity for everyone — cozying up on the frozen ground in sub-zero temperatures isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice the luxuries of a comfy bed surrounded by four walls, you’re in for one of the coolest sleepovers you’ll ever have. While every boat tour company’s “campground” varies, one option could be Hovgaard Island on the west-facing side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Some outfitters provide tents while others opt for a more au natural experience of only a waterproof, cold weather sleeping bag (bivy sack) and thermal mat. Sleeping under the infinite number of Antarctica’s twinkling stars is a surreal experience and knowing there’s nothing between you and all of Antarctica’s frozen glory is truly a magical feeling. I’ve chosen the au natural for us.
https://www.2foodtrippers.com/antarctica-food/#:~:text=Oh%20Pemmican%2C%20the%20…
Men need to increase their caloric intake to 4500 and women to 3900 to handle the temperatures. I’m assured we won’t gain weight.

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My response to the prompt.

It’s exciting to see what I’ve missed on my unlikely to do bucket list at my age. If I was younger and this was in my price range for vacations, oh I would have definitely done this. Being a Mainer, cold didn’t deter me so sleeping under the stars is extremely appealing especially with aurora borealis or actually since we’re in the south aurora australis as a backdrop. Southern auroras are not often seen as they are concentrated in a ring around Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. So this experience is beyond amazing for me. Did you know the name Aurora in Roman mythology means Goddess of the Dawn> Many cultural groups have legends about the lights. “In medieval times, the occurrences of auroral displays were seen as harbingers of war or famine. The Maori of New Zealand shared a belief with many northern people of Europe and North America that the lights were reflections from torches or campfires. The Menominee Indians of Wisconsin believed that the lights indicated the location of manabai’wok (giants) who were the spirits of great hunters and fishermen. The Inuit of Alaska believed that the lights were the spirits of the animals they hunted: the seals, salmon, deer and beluga whales. Other aboriginal peoples believed that the lights were the spirits of their people.” ~

My experiences in a kayak until now were always on a lake or river. I’m not worried about navigating the kayak only the possibility of being that close to a whale. Part of me says, Oh yeah and the other part says no f-ing way. But then you’re also talking with the girl who met a moose that had just surfaced in the middle of the lake. The moose was devouring the green algae from the bottom of the lake and came up for air right in front of me. I did some serious back stroking, and it kept on munching totally unfazed. Yes, they can swim and do go under water quite frequently to get food especially during the heat of the summer.

Kayaking in a group is novel to me, my past experiences have been with one person or alone so I’m enjoying myself. I have to agree about getting a camera out of a dry bag isn’t easy. I’m so glad I opted for the disposal water proof cameras. Hopefully, I don’t drop it in the water, too dang cold to want to make a dive for it. I tucked one of my cameras inside my wet suit on a neck chain so I could get to it quicker so I could get pictures. The seals are amazing thus far, really hoping we do see a whale. I didn’t know how playful penguins are until now, we’re the least of their concerns today. I still can’t get over how clear and smooth the water is when we sit still, it’s like we’re looking a large glass windows with our reflections.

https://www.adventurouskate.com/kayaking-antarctica/#:~:text=Kayaking%20in%20Ant…

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BCoF Are you familiar with any of these authors or books? or discuss one of these quotes:

“Antarctica. You know, that giant continent at the bottom of the earth that’s ruled by penguins and seals.” ― C.B. Cook, Twinepathy

“I want to visit the snow in Antarctica before global warming turns it into a tropical paradise.”― Steven Magee

https://www.wayfairertravel.com/inspiration/books-about-antarctica/

I’m not familiar with any of the authors but after glancing at the list, there’s a couple I have added to my reading list. First would be, Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, by Alfred Lansing. I can’t imagine the horror Shackleton must have mentally endured knowing his ship was stuck in the ice. Just thinking about how does one motivate one’s self to keep doing everything possible to stay alive versus simply accepting death. His actions set the pace/ mindset for his crew.
According to wikipeidia, “Disaster struck this expedition when its ship, Endurance, became trapped in pack ice and was slowly crushed before the shore parties could be landed. The crew escaped by camping on the sea ice until it disintegrated, then by launching the lifeboats to reach Elephant Island and ultimately South Georgia Island, a stormy ocean voyage of 720 nautical miles (1,330 km; 830 mi) and Shackleton’s most famous exploit. In 1921, he returned to the Antarctic with the Shackleton–Rowett Expedition, but died of a heart attack while his ship was moored in South Georgia. At his wife’s request, he was buried there.” Shacleton was never at ease at home with his family. Antarctica was in his blood.

“Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.”― Ernest Shackleton

The second book that captured my interest was Alone by Richard Byrd. In 1928 Byrd’s photographic and geological studies got him promoted again to Rear Admiral. He had already earned that rank in WWII but had taken a demotion to be involved in the Cross-Atlantic studies being conducted by the Navy. He was hooked, his love for Antarctica continued forward. However according to wikipeida, this is where the story gets dangerous and became the base for the book. “On his second expedition in 1934, Byrd spent five winter months alone operating a meteorological station, Advance Base, from which he narrowly escaped with his life after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning from a poorly ventilated stove. Unusual radio transmissions from Byrd finally began to alarm the men at the base camp, who then attempted to go to Advance Base. The first two trips were failures due to darkness, snow, and mechanical troubles. Finally, Thomas Poulter, E.J. Demas, and Amory Waite arrived at Advance Base, where they found Byrd in poor physical health. The men remained at Advance Base until October 12 when an airplane from the base camp picked up Dr. Poulter and Byrd. The rest of the men returned to base camp with the tractor.[3] This expedition is described by Byrd in his autobiography Alone. It is also commemorated in a U.S. postage stamp issued at the time, and a considerable amount of mail using it was sent from Byrd’s base at Little America.”

I’m looking forward to experiencing these men’s journey through their eyes. I wonder what they would think about what is happening now with climate change.

“Half the confusion in the world comes from not knowing how little we need.”― Richard E. Byrd

 

If you’re interested and want to respond, feel free to join in. Just put the link to what you’ve written in the comments.

letter c day 69

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Culinary:

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

For your cancer toolkit:

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

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

Updated on the Fur Babies:

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

Song Choice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Letter c day 68

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

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

Cats:

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

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

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

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

Return To Innocence

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

 

 

Outstanding Blogger Nomination

/ lyncrain / 12 Comments

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

 

Award Nominations!

I’m very honored to be nominated by Ingrid.

The Rules:

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

This award was created by Colton Beckwith.

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

Ingrid’s Questions:

What is your ideal holiday destination? 

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

For how long have you been writing?

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

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

What would you eat for your last meal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

My nominees:

https://desireebsilvage.com/

https://yochet.wordpress.com/

https://photopaulm.com/

https://jilywily.wordpress.com/

https://thesoundofonehandtyping.com/

https://vlcrain17.wordpress.com/

https://forgottenmeadows.wordpress.com/

https://lancesheridan.com/

https://sandmanjazz.wordpress.com/

https://www.jessicaelarsen.com/

 

My questions are:

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

 

letter c day 67 and migraine hell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessed be.

 

Introspective

/ lyncrain / 5 Comments

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Letter c day 66

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gone with the Wind

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

cineworld_30_day_film_challenge_new

https://sandmanjazz.wordpress.com/

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

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

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

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

Ignorance is not bliss.

Black Lives Matter.