The Cats knew better than I that the morning was soon to come or detected a miniscule change in my slumber. Is I peered with eyes half closed through the darkness of my bedroom I detected a calming warmth lain across my back contentedly. My right arm moved to find a soft tail that could only belong to my little girl cat. As I repositioned myself again for comfort, she did so in kind, delicately lying her head back down upon the small of my back with paws outstretched, once more reverting to a somnolent state.
Within less than a minute a bounding weight could be felt upon the bed indicating that my Russian Blue had invaded our cozy space. Oblivious to my now awakened state, He curled next to me tightly embedding himself to my right side right side for warmth. It only lasted a moment before His curiosity was piqued and a familiar paw gently touched my face. I had been 'discovered' and there was no turning back. I was on the way to the kitchen.
Two cans of food were opened on the counter top as I unlatched the dishwasher to fetch three, clean, food bowls. Dancing around my feet I laid a bowl in front of each of these unique characters with My Alpha claiming to be served first. I'd performed this ritual for over twenty years to differing feline faces and it always delighted Me. For a few seconds I saw them all as kittens rolling upon each other to scurry towards their food. The memory quickly passed.
I put my shorts and top on and methodically tied the laces on my new shoes. With a turn to the thermometer to see a brisk 67 degrees I was out the door.
The moon still embraced this early hour and shone softly down upon me in full brightness not warming my body but rather, my Soul. I'm a creature of the night and probably always have been. I have taken delight in stars and meteor showers and feel an uplifting as the day turns to dusk. I have always, like my cats, have stood beside the darkness as my friend and reveled in it. Silence and stillness are a delight for Me where drama doesn't exist, only a Lunar peace sprinkled with Constellations that the Greeks thought So glorious that they told of Their legends a gods in the shimmering lights. It was a moment in time that had been repeated for centuries.
It had been a week since I had walked and tentatively started my stride with my once wounded knee. As it absorbed the pressure of each step, I confidently increased my stride. My calves were not as gracious. The left contracted and the right elongated sending signals of pain to my lower spine. As I moved to the center of the road it appeased the aching but my legs were unaccustomed to the burden and fought against it. It wasn't until I had passed the second road with the moon upon my left shoulder that all had commenced with their duty.
Like myself, this darkened time was silent except for the chirping of the frogs from the pond and creek as my feet hit my well worn path in the familiar 'heel, toe' fashion. I could finally breathe in the moment of cool air and perceive muted images against an ever increasing lightening sky. As I turned once more, I again saw the moon, reassured that it had still taken precedence over the sun and was not to fully relinquish it yet. I continued in my reverie as my footsteps marched to their familiar pace and the pressure of the soft inclines were communicated to my thighs as the weight was shifted back and forth. I was almost to the halfway point.
With a burst of flashing lights and an acrid scent of fumes, My meandering thoughts were interrupted by the first school bus of the morning. It roared past on It's well practiced route to gather the children of the neighborhood that had replaced mine. I turned back from where I'd just plodden to see It turn the corner in which I had just passed and disappeared on it's mission. I was once more alone.
As I proceeded back towards my home, the moon continued to bathe me in it's light as the forms of the trees and banding on the road had found a familiar light. I was now able to comprehend the stark white of the Farmhouse and barn across the pond. They lay perched upon the hill and each sported green, tin rooks. Below the pasture oaks that branched low to the ground, I could now make out mutely defined figures of horses as they snorted their 'Good Morning's' to me in acknowledgement. The cattle still lay upon the ground with a soft lowing beneath the trees reminding one of a manger scene. As I passed the pond completely, I could see the herons in the sky above flying towards it with moonlight still upon their wings for their morning forays. I made my turn.
As I once more completed the near end of my journey I could see the sky in multiple colors of purple allowing the pink to engulf it. The moons luminescence was being stolen by the light of the impending Sun but still held it's place stanchly in the sky. I was headed for my journey's end.
As I headed up My street I could find my body completely awakened and moving in a smooth, well practiced motion with each muscle and tendon communicating to themselves. They had come upon one more day and I could feel a glint of light emanating from My eyes. As I once more entered the garage and opened the door to the kitchen, my mind set itself upon the tasks that once more lie before Me. With a surety only given by grace, I approached the dishwasher and began to unload the contents.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Routine Revisited
I don't know why I awakened at 5am but awake I did. Not even the cat that was curled next to me on the bed was prepared for an early rising. He merely took over the warm spot in which I had lain, peered at me through half closed eyes and settled back to His Business of sleeping.
As I walked into the living room feeling my way through the darkness I could hear what had awakened Me. Outside the water was pouring off of the roof and in the distance was a low rumbling of thunder. I couldn't detect in the dimness the streams of water that I knew were running through my backyard but had been through this enough times to know that they were there. The alarm had not awakened me, Mother Nature had.
As is my morning routine I crossed into the kitchen to prepare the Cat's breakfast. The alpha was lying on my computer desk and raised His head only slightly as I proceeded towards the Pantry. It wasn't until a snap of the tops of cans could be heard that all aligned themselves at my feet for this unexpected treat.
My morning duty having been done, I pressed the 'on' button of my laptop then went in to make my bed and straighten the bathroom. As I was putting the finishing touches on my bedroom, I saw my 'walking clothes' set out from a week ago. Unwittingly I had 'pulled' my one knee last week and was officially on the 'injured list'. I had been making My way around only with the help of a well placed ace wrap on my knee to enable Me to move short distances. My 'morning walk' was going to have to wait.
This morning I didn't hesitate with pulling on capri's and a tanktop and tying on my sneakers. I flew out the garage door pressing the button of the opener and was greeted by a hazy sky that had exhausted itself of it's rain and a cool refreshing breeze. I took to the road.
Even though it had been a short while without this morning exercise, my body could feel it. My calves contracted in surprise pulling my lower back from place necessitating the need for readjustment. With that part finally in place, my knees scrambled for attention. I lengthened my stride to avoid putting pressure on them and they settled in nicely.
I had already traversed 2 streets as I saw the white figure of a crane spreading it's wings above me and flying towards the Cattle pond. I hastened my pace. As I approached the Pond, I could only see cranes traversing the shallows. The horses and Cattle had satisfactorily settled into grazing the field towards the Farmhouse and barn conveniently ignoring Me and taking to their morning meal. I pushed onward.
Making my swing at my halfway point I gingerly made it up the incline feeling a minute aching in my injured knee and took note that i would still need to wrap it for a few more morning forays. Within my head, I searched for where I could retrive the bandage. It came to light that it had been rolled up and put in the top drawer of my dresser. I would have to apply it when I got home.
As I once more journeyed past the pond to my final destination I surveyed the waters once more. To my ultimate Surprise I saw five of the Young Mallards at the side of the pool. I had thought them already grown and gone and yet this vision of brown feathers and ivory beaks held my attention. They had not all left yet! Perhaps they just needed that tiny bit of extra time to leave their beloved home and I was given the gift of seeing them once more before we parted ways. I breathed another "Thank You."
Making my way up my street, I stopped to right a Solar Angel that stood guard over my Geraniums and Roses. Satisfied with the positioning I approached the driveway and sauntered to the Garage stepping gingerly down on my one leg that held the fragile knee. Once inside I let out a contented sigh at my approval of this once more insightful Morning. May I enjoy many others.
As I walked into the living room feeling my way through the darkness I could hear what had awakened Me. Outside the water was pouring off of the roof and in the distance was a low rumbling of thunder. I couldn't detect in the dimness the streams of water that I knew were running through my backyard but had been through this enough times to know that they were there. The alarm had not awakened me, Mother Nature had.
As is my morning routine I crossed into the kitchen to prepare the Cat's breakfast. The alpha was lying on my computer desk and raised His head only slightly as I proceeded towards the Pantry. It wasn't until a snap of the tops of cans could be heard that all aligned themselves at my feet for this unexpected treat.
My morning duty having been done, I pressed the 'on' button of my laptop then went in to make my bed and straighten the bathroom. As I was putting the finishing touches on my bedroom, I saw my 'walking clothes' set out from a week ago. Unwittingly I had 'pulled' my one knee last week and was officially on the 'injured list'. I had been making My way around only with the help of a well placed ace wrap on my knee to enable Me to move short distances. My 'morning walk' was going to have to wait.
This morning I didn't hesitate with pulling on capri's and a tanktop and tying on my sneakers. I flew out the garage door pressing the button of the opener and was greeted by a hazy sky that had exhausted itself of it's rain and a cool refreshing breeze. I took to the road.
Even though it had been a short while without this morning exercise, my body could feel it. My calves contracted in surprise pulling my lower back from place necessitating the need for readjustment. With that part finally in place, my knees scrambled for attention. I lengthened my stride to avoid putting pressure on them and they settled in nicely.
I had already traversed 2 streets as I saw the white figure of a crane spreading it's wings above me and flying towards the Cattle pond. I hastened my pace. As I approached the Pond, I could only see cranes traversing the shallows. The horses and Cattle had satisfactorily settled into grazing the field towards the Farmhouse and barn conveniently ignoring Me and taking to their morning meal. I pushed onward.
Making my swing at my halfway point I gingerly made it up the incline feeling a minute aching in my injured knee and took note that i would still need to wrap it for a few more morning forays. Within my head, I searched for where I could retrive the bandage. It came to light that it had been rolled up and put in the top drawer of my dresser. I would have to apply it when I got home.
As I once more journeyed past the pond to my final destination I surveyed the waters once more. To my ultimate Surprise I saw five of the Young Mallards at the side of the pool. I had thought them already grown and gone and yet this vision of brown feathers and ivory beaks held my attention. They had not all left yet! Perhaps they just needed that tiny bit of extra time to leave their beloved home and I was given the gift of seeing them once more before we parted ways. I breathed another "Thank You."
Making my way up my street, I stopped to right a Solar Angel that stood guard over my Geraniums and Roses. Satisfied with the positioning I approached the driveway and sauntered to the Garage stepping gingerly down on my one leg that held the fragile knee. Once inside I let out a contented sigh at my approval of this once more insightful Morning. May I enjoy many others.
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Circle
As I set my feet onto the driveway today for my walk I could feel that "Wind of Change." It was not accompanied with bright lights or fanfare, rather, it was a subtle feeling as a light breeze brushed across my body. Unlike the smouldering and sultry wind of Summer, this one brought a hint of cooler times approaching with the Florida humidity having been whisked from it. My Autumn reverie had begun.
The Brightness of a New Day had acquired the Sky and I detected just a hint of a darkening blue. this deep hue is a product of the low humidity where the saturated air has been swept of the dampness and presents now an unblemished vision in it's unencumbered clarity. My eyes gleaned the landscape for signs of Summer passing onto the Fall and I noted a yellow cast beginning to encompass the lower foliage of the vining in the trees. I took note of that discovery and proceeded down the road to see what the creek and cattle pond had in store for me in it's inevitable, changing venue.
The field surrounding the stream had given up much of it's lushness with only wild daisies to be sprinkled upon and through it's tall grasses. These daisies were the hardy ones and would not give up easily. They would continue their blooms until the frost. As the field would change to a straw color the flowers would continue and eventually match their surroundings. They were harbingers of the Fall.
I crossed the road towards the cattle pond and beheld the vivid white of the boarded fence against the Blue sky that was mirrored in the pool. Both the Horses and Cattle took in the cool waters for sustenance as they lazed through the grasses and the newly bailed rolls of Hay. The cranes were undaunted by their presence and stood their ground at the very edges of this creek and rain fed lake. They also had claimed authority over it.
As I strained to see this pool more closely, I could make out lazy circles from fish rising to the top for their morning meal. I was reminded that a completely different society held court below the gleaming top of the waters and held rule in the depths. It was then that I saw more movement in the waters emanating from below unlike the tiny nibblings of the fish. With a sleek cutting from the deep, a Mallard emerged. I focused upon it and scoured it's immediate surroundings for more forms of brown feathered life and saw none. This Mother had performed Her duty and raised Her ducklings to let them go repeating an age old circle. My Heart caught in my throat. I had also completed that same circle. I had raised My Young and sent them on their way with the talents that they would need to also succeed in their newfound environment and to raise a Family. Brushing tears from My eyes, I continued my walk with the thoughts of those bygone Days when a smile of delight from a Child could move You to your very Soul. It had been and continues to be the Greatest Blessing ever bestowed upon me, dwarfing all others. Unwittingly, My Children had been My greatest instructors teaching me the purest value of selfless love and unremitting acceptance. I would be forever Grateful to them.
As I wound my way back home, I was immersed in seasons gone by and grasped at this instant of the day as an exchange in Climate would soon be at hand. In one morning's walk, I had traversed many paths from the past to the actual moment and was spent as I turned back onto my familiar street. We are not only a product of the here and now but of the then and there. Proceeding into my living room I beheld the rainbows of color that were cast from my crystals upon the ceiling and walls as a way of welcoming Me home. I grasped the sight tightly in my mind to perhaps in the future that I might resurrect it during a Cold day of gray clouds and turbulent winds. It would serve to bring back the warmth and the wonders of these sights and thoughts that I had pondered on this Glorious and Insightful Morning.
The Brightness of a New Day had acquired the Sky and I detected just a hint of a darkening blue. this deep hue is a product of the low humidity where the saturated air has been swept of the dampness and presents now an unblemished vision in it's unencumbered clarity. My eyes gleaned the landscape for signs of Summer passing onto the Fall and I noted a yellow cast beginning to encompass the lower foliage of the vining in the trees. I took note of that discovery and proceeded down the road to see what the creek and cattle pond had in store for me in it's inevitable, changing venue.
The field surrounding the stream had given up much of it's lushness with only wild daisies to be sprinkled upon and through it's tall grasses. These daisies were the hardy ones and would not give up easily. They would continue their blooms until the frost. As the field would change to a straw color the flowers would continue and eventually match their surroundings. They were harbingers of the Fall.
I crossed the road towards the cattle pond and beheld the vivid white of the boarded fence against the Blue sky that was mirrored in the pool. Both the Horses and Cattle took in the cool waters for sustenance as they lazed through the grasses and the newly bailed rolls of Hay. The cranes were undaunted by their presence and stood their ground at the very edges of this creek and rain fed lake. They also had claimed authority over it.
As I strained to see this pool more closely, I could make out lazy circles from fish rising to the top for their morning meal. I was reminded that a completely different society held court below the gleaming top of the waters and held rule in the depths. It was then that I saw more movement in the waters emanating from below unlike the tiny nibblings of the fish. With a sleek cutting from the deep, a Mallard emerged. I focused upon it and scoured it's immediate surroundings for more forms of brown feathered life and saw none. This Mother had performed Her duty and raised Her ducklings to let them go repeating an age old circle. My Heart caught in my throat. I had also completed that same circle. I had raised My Young and sent them on their way with the talents that they would need to also succeed in their newfound environment and to raise a Family. Brushing tears from My eyes, I continued my walk with the thoughts of those bygone Days when a smile of delight from a Child could move You to your very Soul. It had been and continues to be the Greatest Blessing ever bestowed upon me, dwarfing all others. Unwittingly, My Children had been My greatest instructors teaching me the purest value of selfless love and unremitting acceptance. I would be forever Grateful to them.
As I wound my way back home, I was immersed in seasons gone by and grasped at this instant of the day as an exchange in Climate would soon be at hand. In one morning's walk, I had traversed many paths from the past to the actual moment and was spent as I turned back onto my familiar street. We are not only a product of the here and now but of the then and there. Proceeding into my living room I beheld the rainbows of color that were cast from my crystals upon the ceiling and walls as a way of welcoming Me home. I grasped the sight tightly in my mind to perhaps in the future that I might resurrect it during a Cold day of gray clouds and turbulent winds. It would serve to bring back the warmth and the wonders of these sights and thoughts that I had pondered on this Glorious and Insightful Morning.
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Morning Breaks
This happens to be one of the first short stories that I have written and was published in Indiesmiles.com. My inspiration for short stories comes from what is around me. I am not a Believer that small things cannot have an impact. Sometimes a well placed smile can have the power to entirely change a Stranger's Day or holding a door for a Mother laden down with Children and Groceries can serve as a lifelong lesson in the Power of Courtesy. These are the things that Mean the most to Me and that is why I write of them. They are truly not to be left Unnoticed.
THE MORNING BREAKS
As is now my habit, I awaken as the night and day divide, pull on my spandex and sneakers and venture out to see what the morning holds. My clothing is not made to impress but rather to facilitate the task before me. Fashion is not to be dealt with yet.
When my feet hit the pavement, my muscles awaken from their reverie in a confusing sequence of synaptic balance sending signals to my brain that all is not right. My calves and thighs pull back as I stride forward but their efforts are fruitless. For my newfound ritual they reward me with twinges of pain that I am now able to ignore for I am in the moment and have become a part of the day.
I swing the first corner and I head for the center ‘crowning’ of the street, to aid my balance and set my center of gravity. It is now that my body reluctantly follows perfecting each step into a rhythm and retrieving the memory of my days as a runner.
As my pace progresses, the cool morning air rushes in and out of my lungs holding court with the cadence of my footsteps. It is now that I am truly able to see my surroundings and keenly take them in.
The solar lamps still hold a glimmer as I approach the end of my property to illuminate my way at this time that has no name, not being able to claim the title of day or night. It is uniquely it’s own as I drink in it’s unnamed essence.
To the right of me I can make out the outlines of the “House of Broken Dreams’. It’s a large, impressive structure with turrets and gingerbread detailing that was only lived in for a year. The family that once resides in it broke apart and the house was soon to follow. Just as the owners dreams had crumbled, the house follows suit as the porch falls into decay and the driveway buckles allowing the weeds to spring from the cracks. The trees reach closer to the siding and the vining takes over the railings where it will progress back into the woods long forgotten as the persons that once inhabited it.
I pass the cattle pond and the egrets take great amusement in skimming across the water each taking It’s turn. Herons ignore their antics and gingerly navigate the shallows to find any prizes in their wake while the mallards paddle aimlessly into the depths oblivious to the activity around them.
On the white fenceposts perch the crows let out their shrieks of disapproval as I enter their newly claimed space. As I invade their territory, I can feel the burn in my legs as I as the muscles strain against the incline. My breathing pattern changes as I garnish more oxygen out of necessity and patiently await for the next turn that will be a soft decline. I am now fully awake and am able to process the true glories of an unfettered morning. The smell of magnolias rushes to me, evoking memories of years gone by and the cardinals greet me with lyrical tones as they play tag with me hopping along my pathway and rushing to the trees at the last moment.
I take my turn back when I can see sunlight touching the very tops of the trees and wonder what it really feels like to come in first. The creek throws up a light haze as it adjusts itself to a newly found temperature which will disappear as soon as it finds its balance just as I have.
I finally begin the end of my journey as I place my feet back on my street and spy the vastness of the property and my home. The Great Oaks stand mightily adorned with the Spanish moss that gives them a lace like quality and I spy the oldest one of 200 years and see my children playing in it one more time yet knowing that they are now grown. My morning purpose at an end, I begin the walk up the driveway and ponder the moment that I was once a part of and now is past. I’ve been given the great gift of another morning. I pray that I hold it close and keep a tiny bit of it’s glory for this present of a New Day.
Article by columnist Diane of Artemis53
THE MORNING BREAKS
As is now my habit, I awaken as the night and day divide, pull on my spandex and sneakers and venture out to see what the morning holds. My clothing is not made to impress but rather to facilitate the task before me. Fashion is not to be dealt with yet.
When my feet hit the pavement, my muscles awaken from their reverie in a confusing sequence of synaptic balance sending signals to my brain that all is not right. My calves and thighs pull back as I stride forward but their efforts are fruitless. For my newfound ritual they reward me with twinges of pain that I am now able to ignore for I am in the moment and have become a part of the day.
I swing the first corner and I head for the center ‘crowning’ of the street, to aid my balance and set my center of gravity. It is now that my body reluctantly follows perfecting each step into a rhythm and retrieving the memory of my days as a runner.
As my pace progresses, the cool morning air rushes in and out of my lungs holding court with the cadence of my footsteps. It is now that I am truly able to see my surroundings and keenly take them in.
The solar lamps still hold a glimmer as I approach the end of my property to illuminate my way at this time that has no name, not being able to claim the title of day or night. It is uniquely it’s own as I drink in it’s unnamed essence.
To the right of me I can make out the outlines of the “House of Broken Dreams’. It’s a large, impressive structure with turrets and gingerbread detailing that was only lived in for a year. The family that once resides in it broke apart and the house was soon to follow. Just as the owners dreams had crumbled, the house follows suit as the porch falls into decay and the driveway buckles allowing the weeds to spring from the cracks. The trees reach closer to the siding and the vining takes over the railings where it will progress back into the woods long forgotten as the persons that once inhabited it.
I pass the cattle pond and the egrets take great amusement in skimming across the water each taking It’s turn. Herons ignore their antics and gingerly navigate the shallows to find any prizes in their wake while the mallards paddle aimlessly into the depths oblivious to the activity around them.
On the white fenceposts perch the crows let out their shrieks of disapproval as I enter their newly claimed space. As I invade their territory, I can feel the burn in my legs as I as the muscles strain against the incline. My breathing pattern changes as I garnish more oxygen out of necessity and patiently await for the next turn that will be a soft decline. I am now fully awake and am able to process the true glories of an unfettered morning. The smell of magnolias rushes to me, evoking memories of years gone by and the cardinals greet me with lyrical tones as they play tag with me hopping along my pathway and rushing to the trees at the last moment.
I take my turn back when I can see sunlight touching the very tops of the trees and wonder what it really feels like to come in first. The creek throws up a light haze as it adjusts itself to a newly found temperature which will disappear as soon as it finds its balance just as I have.
I finally begin the end of my journey as I place my feet back on my street and spy the vastness of the property and my home. The Great Oaks stand mightily adorned with the Spanish moss that gives them a lace like quality and I spy the oldest one of 200 years and see my children playing in it one more time yet knowing that they are now grown. My morning purpose at an end, I begin the walk up the driveway and ponder the moment that I was once a part of and now is past. I’ve been given the great gift of another morning. I pray that I hold it close and keep a tiny bit of it’s glory for this present of a New Day.
Article by columnist Diane of Artemis53
Gunne Sax Lace Wedding Dress
This is just anither reason that I love these dresses So Much! check out the link http://www.zibbet.com/artemis53/artwork?artworkId=588528&action=status&status=active
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