MEMORIES – The Unbreakable Bonds

[Photos:   30 Nov 1963--Memories of my wedding, my spouse, my Heart. (GROOM-Dale Russell Jones Shoudy, GROOM Mom in Dark Blue and blond hair- June Grace Wolfe Jones Shoudy; BRIDE-Dorothy Hazel Tarr, BRIDE Mom in Light Blue and hat- Dorothy Helen Scott Tarr]

(The memories are fresh in my Heart, yet the images are as faded as these photos.  So many youthful hopes – unrealized and unfulfilled.  Love lost in the wake of passing years and tears.  However, for the Heart, there is no timeline.  dht-21 OCT 2011.)

As I behold all my treasured keepsakes and mementos,

my sense of déjà vu deepens. 
My Heart lives in the bosom of my past,
where memories of Family and Love reside.

If I close my eyes, I am transported once again

to a Time and Place all too familiar –
for I'm a frequent visitor
that is embraced in Welcome by my memories.

My visits are more frequent and

prolonged with each passing year. 
The simple pleasures of Hearth and Home –
strong lures.

 My memories – the unbreakable bonds of Homecoming.

GRAM'S LARGE APRON PENNY

[PHOTO: Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Bennett Scott (born 1897 Missouri - died 1980 Oregon) holding my daughter Rebecca (born 1964) on the Higinbotham Farm in Central Point, Oregon, in August 1966.]

Submitted by: Dorothy Hazel Tarr. 

(I found this wonderful tribute on the Internet and it touched my Heart where memories of my BELOVED Maternal Gram live with her LOVING and gentle ways.  The picture of Gram that I carry in my Heart is one with her in her large apron penny that she always wore over her day dress.  When I 'helped' Gram, she would put one of her very large apron pennies on me, and roll up the waist to shorten it to fit me and use safety pins to hold it on my shoulders.  It was a REAL HONOR to wear one of her aprons!  When we wore those apron pennies, the world was a magical place!  In our apron pennies, we challenged yard chickens for their eggs, battled weeds when gardening, tussled with the dust mop when doing morning chores, dodged thorns when collecting fresh flowers for the farmhouse, and avoided spills-n-stains while doing kitchen duty.)

Grandma's Apron

When I used to visit Grandma.
I was very much impressed,
by her all-purpose apron,
and the power it possessed.
For Grandma, it was everyday
to choose one when she dressed.
The strings were tied and freshly washed,
and maybe even pressed.
The simple apron that it was,
you would never think about;
the things she used it for,
that made it look worn out.

She used it for a basket,
when she gathered up the eggs,
and flapped it as a weapon,
when hens pecked her feet and legs.
She used it to carry kindling
when she stoked the kitchen fire.
And to hold a load of laundry,
or to wipe the clothesline wire.
She used it for a hot pad,
to remove a steaming pan,
and when her brow was heated,
she used it for a fan.

It dried our childish tears,
when we'd scrape a knee and cry,

and made a hiding place
when the little ones were shy.
Farm produce took in season,
in the summer, spring and fall,
found its way into the kitchen
from Grandma's carry all.
When Grandma went to heaven,
God said she now could rest.
I'm sure the apron she chose that day,
was her Sunday best.

[~Author unknown]

REMINISCING A DISTANT DREAM

                                      [PHOTO SOURCE:  GOOGLE online images]

Submitted by:   Dorothy Hazel Tarr.

(I wrote this on 12 Sep 2011, a day just so full of thoughts about WHAT WAS, WHAT I HAVE NOW, and WHAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN.  Now, who among you can say you have NEVER traveled down the PATH of — Could-a, Would-a, Should-a !)  [dht-2011

How innocent and hopeful my bosom –

Overflowing to Love's Waltz.

Rescued moments caught in Heart's Webb –

Blurred now by Time's Hand.

As the years drop away –

Just once more to savor Youth's Day.

Never more the flicker of Youth's pleasure –

Or taste of Youth's hopeful zeal.

Long past – Now –

Just Reminiscing a Distant Dream – AGAIN!

[dht-2011]

LOVE'S YOUNG DREAM

Submitted by: Dorothy Hazel Tarr 

(I wrote this on 12 Sep 2011 at my kitchen table, looking out at my backyard.  The day is overcast and gray, with a soft breeze, and a pleasant 72 degrees – such a perfect day for quiet reflections.)

OH, sweet dreams of youth --

Come lightly and ease Day's Tears --

As I slip into Nether's World --

Succumbing to well-traveled Dream's promises. 

Illusions of Love swirl about --

Seizing a Heart by deceit --

With promises pledged --

Of a faithful Heart. 

Fading echoes of endearment --

Mock Winter's shadows --

Smile's frequent visit to my lips --

Lost now -- Absent by misadventure. 

Only the sunrise and sunset --

Turn the pages of Life --

As one day meanders into next --

Whispers of Love's Young Dream – that never was.

[dht-2011]

[Photo Source: Google online images]

BY WHAT NAME

[PHOTO SOURCE: Google online images – fractal]

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

 Submitted by: Dorothy Hazel Tarr.

(I wrote this, 6 Sep 2011, thinking about what I did Yesterday and what I need to address Today.  All the while, I know there will be 'left-overs' that will not be done Today, and will have to be done sometime in the Future.  I speculated upon what keeps me from completing all the things on my 'DO TODAY LIST'?  Is it --  the over whelming tasks, energy levels, health issues, emotional baggage, AND/OR fear that I won't have anything to do when the 'list' is done?  Chuckles!  -- There are ALWAYS things to do on the
'DO TODAY LIST' !!!  )

BY WHAT NAME

By what name the Past --

    be Yesterday

By what name the Present --

    be Today (Now)

By what name the Future --

    be Tomorrow

[dht-2011]

Whole Wheat Onion Fritters

WHOLE WHEAT ONION FRITTERS

OKAY, time to confess the 'magic' that came out of my home kitchen today, 3 Sep 2011, because it was just an unplanned, cooking surprise that turned out GREAT!!!

But, I'm getting ahead of myself! 

Last week I got some gorgeous LARGE yellow onions!  NOW, these onions always entice me to get out my recipes for ONION SOUP, VEGIE CHILI, and ONION RINGS!  Well, the ONIONS have been on the kitchen counter for a week and I have had to walk passed them several times each day! 

Finally, today I could not resist anymore!  I made homemade ONION FRITTERS!  THEY WERE DELICIOUS (and so pretty) – the BEST I have EVER MADE !!!

So, I took some PIXs and want to share one with you.  Also, I modified the BASIC PLAIN FRITTER BATTER recipe that I have been using for over 40 years – how BRAVE is that !  MOREOVER, the surprise is that the modified recipe is now my FAV!!!!!

(The modification to the recipe was my substituting whole-wheat flour and corn meal flour for the usual WHITE WHEAT FLOUR.  So, if you prefer WHITE FLOUR, just use the WHITE FLOUR in this recipe -- 1 cup plus two T white flour.  Enough said on that.)

That being said, below is my NEW MODIFIED BASIC PLAIN FRITTER BATTER recipe with a PIX. 

Recipe Ingredients: 

(Yields about a heaping plateful of ping ball sized ONION FRITTERS – see my PIX.  But actually, I ate some ONION FRITTERS, before taking the PIX, so the yield will be more than in this PIX!

SPECIAL NOTE:  This recipe is also GREAT for fritters made with: zucchini, mushroom, fish, shrimp, cauliflower, or any of your FAV fritter-able eat-ables.)

MEASURE and sift together the dry stuff:

1 C sifted WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
2 T corn meal flour
1 / 2  tsp salt (or salt substitute)
1  tsp baking powder
1 / 4 tsp black pepper (optional)
        (I like pepper on most things)

MEASURE and beat together the wet stuff:

2 eggs
2 T canola oil
1 / 2 C milk  (I used reconstituted nonfat powdered milk—
  just cause I prefer it and it's easier on my budget)

Prepare the ONION:

Clean, pare, and cut up one medium gorgeous yellow or white ONION. 

(NOTE: If you slice the onion, you get onion rings.

If you cut or chop the onion into bits about the size of a nickel (that's right a USA coin), then you will get fritters looking something like those in my PIX!)

MORE MIXING and STIRRING:

ANYWAY, combine the WET and DRY stuff and stir to mix well (about 1 to two minutes by hand).

 Then stir in the ONION-chopped-bits, until each bit is coated — and so NOW you have the ONION-BIT-BATTER ready for the cooking.

COOKING in Canola Oil

In a deep saucepan (I use my small saucepan that hold about SIX CUPS of water—is that a QUART or PINT) anyway, add about TWO cups of oil to the saucepan and bring up to a high heat (just before it starts to make 'smoke'). (HINT:  TEST the heat of the oil by dropping into the hot oil,  one TABLESPOON of ONION-BIT-BATTER , "carefully" using long handled spoons.  If this TEST droplet does NOT brown and sizzle right away, WAIT until the oil heats up a little more; because when you add lots of droplets, the oil temperature will, of course, drop.  So, get the oil temperature up to begin with.)

NOW, I only put about EIGHT droplets (about the size of ONE TABLESPOON) of the ONION-BIT-BATTER in the saucepan at a time and turn them over ONCE. ( HINT:  Use a LONG pair of kitchen tongs, for the oil is hot and there will be some platters!!!!)

REMOVE ONION-BIT-BATTER droplets from hot oil when golden brown on all sides. (HINT: This happens FAST, so keep constant 'watch'!)  PLACE these 'beauties' in one layer (so they stay crispy) on some paper toweling.

SERVE 'EM UP HOT!  (HINT: I freeze the extras / leftovers and they are GREAT to use on another day!! IF there are any leftovers!!!!)

ONION DIPPERS

NOW, I don't use anything special for a dip.  I have been very happy using my usual dip of just PLAIN KETCHUP with a few drops of TABASCO (any flavor, color) stirred into it (about 1 / 4 tsp to each 1 cup of ketchup).
 
***************

COMMENTS and suggestions welcome!!

PLEASE leave a comment(s) with any suggestions for variations as time permits; or, just if you feel like it!!

[PHOTO SOURCE: My camera, my photo, my kitchen, my recipe--YUMMY!]

JUST DOWN THE ROAD OF LIFE

(I wrote this today, 1 Sep 2011, thinking about how the seemingly
IMPORTANT things and events in my Life, were but a faded memory
that only came to Call when a song, sound, smell, or visual brought
it to the Fore.)

*** JUST DOWN THE ROAD OF LIFE ***

"As I Travel farther Down the Road of Life, the view in the rear view
mirror takes on a different perspective.   What seemed a major event
at the Time, now seems but a 'bump in the road'!   I am what I am
Today, because of all the 'bumps' that challenged my Mind, Heart,
and Patience!"

{SPECIAL NOTE: Be careful what you ask for or pray for,
because if you PRAY for patience, in my experience you may
most definitely get more 'trials' and 'bumps' to weather,
to Test your Patience (and thereby give you more Practice).
Practice makes perfect - Practice makes Patience.
(AND, more Practice means you will get better at what
you strive for or pray for!!!) } !!! [dht-2011]



[Photo Source: National Geographic online images - Bodie, CA]

[Location Info for Bodie, CA, you can use this link
http://www.google.com/ to do an internet search for Bodie, CA ]

BY WHAT NAME -- TRUTH

*** BY WHAT NAME -- TRUTH ***

(On 30 Aug 2011 — Just thinking about the many perceptions that exist within my logic and Heart; then thinking about the many perceptions of others through Time and the Ages. What is absolute for one in a Time, can be known by a different name by another. "Truth" is but a myth transported by Time and borne on the 'wings' of Eternity.)  
[dht-2011]  


Truth — is as old as God —
His Twin identity
And will endure as long as He
A Co-Eternity —

And perish on the Day
Himself is borne away
From Mansion of the Universe
A lifeless Deity.
[~Emily Elizabeth Dickinson, #836]

"Yet, Truth and God exist on a different 'Plane',
Whence Time and Nature portent."
[~ dht-2011, DNA Cousin of Emily Elizabeth Dickinson]

(SPECIAL NOTE:  Emily Elizabeth Dickinson is my DNA Maternal Cousin)

World Within Words – Unraveled

(I wrote this tangle, 24 Aug 2011, while trying to order my thoughts and realizing there are so-o many mysteries in Life's vast Realm that can never be understood, from the hollow pledges of others to the strange 'ports of call in the waters along our Life's Journey'. One thing is constant, though, and that's the 'last port' is the same for all. [dht-2011])

*** World Within Words – Unraveled ***

Day's Mysteries an intricate knot,
Whence attempts to unravel,
Prevail ere unresolved eclipse,
Whence nag Troubled Heart,

Whether confidences of Others,
Shared kindnesses of Kindred Spirits,
Whether hollow pledge spoken,
Or pledge rendered as token,

We yet go forth our Ports of Call,
Whence the Herald's Call,
We know the Tune,
Whence Journey's End looms.
[dht-2011]

[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

The Fabric of our Ever Changing Lives

(I wrote this thinking of the many ways our lives unfold and SOAR with moments of joy that may be misspent or missed altogether, and seen only as reflections through OTHER'S expressions and experiences. Seems SOME are lost to us, yet we spend our Life searching and wondering how the pattern was set before we knew how to set a stitch. How now to gladden a sorrow and sooth a loss?)
 
Woven of woe and joy,
Designs unique to each life,
Whole united to enjoy.
Each joy a trio of good, two bad.

First New, Warm and Rich,
Then Carrion, Cool and Poor,
First ASCENDING light as a BUBBLE,
Then BURST in Winter's SILENCE.

Simple pleasures bright in our Spring,
Soar in Summer with delight,
Shallow humbly in Fall, and
Shadow in Winter's Solace.

When the wildflowers wilt,
And angels visit,
Regret and Grief,
Stitch the final binding.

[dht-2011]

[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

MEMORIES OF THE HEART

(I wrote this, 11 Aug 2011, thinking of my Life's Journey as a course with a beginning, middle, and ending, with each port in the course full of joyful and sad memories that I hold close in my Heart, each port in the course holding its unique essence—the whole making up the phases and faces of my Life.)

*** MEMORIES OF THE HEART ***

MEMORIES laced with Joy and Love tease,
as if having a tendresse for my Heart.

A smile of remembrance countered,
a faint melancholia, not wholly concealed.

TOO SOON Spring's Essence
so lush with rainbow delights,
melds into Summer's threshold.

Fall's Bounty yields a Harvest resplendent
at Winter's Tranquil possession.

The course complete—now
only MEMORIES OF THE HEART.

[dht-2011]

---------------

[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

[Photo Notes: CAN YOU FIND ... ?
Look closely at this photo to see if you can find
an elder male in Winter's shroud,
a grim reaper,
a young girl in Spring's delight,
a youth taking leisure,
5 shy Spring observers,
5 shy Winter observers,
a village,
some ships,
and two in a boat.]

WHERE DREAMERS WALK

(I wrote this, 10 Aug 2011, thinking of remembered days gone by and yet to come, where the DREAMS and hope of youth were full of sinew and vigor, enough to withstand the frailty of today, if I hold THEM close.)


*** WHERE DREAMERS WALK ***

 In the dark mist of night, my DREAMS are alive,
where sweet Promises of Love and Romance thrive.

 As a welcome visitor, I walk pathways of lore,
where once Life's Promises held treasures galore.

In the light of day, my DREAMS survive,
where day's bitter struggles threaten, yet revive.

 As Tomorrow draws near, I hold dear to my heart,
where once wistful reflections, delayed my start.

In the nostalgia of days bygone, my DREAMS mourn,
where hope's bounty deep, so spent on morn'.

As ever faith in Future's turn, I yearn for that missed,
where museful pondering, render potential's remiss.
[dht-2011]
 

[PHOTO SOURCE:  GOOGLE online images]

After the Storm – Come the Tears

(I wrote this, 10 Aug 2011, thinking of the many losses in our life—Loss of youth, health, money, safety, privilege, prestige, respect, honors, LOVE, spouses, children, and family -- as a special tribute to those in my circle who feel their loss so keenly.)


*** AFTER THE STORM – COME THE TEARS ***

The poetical world is as a lyrical preface to Life's SCRIPT,
where light illuminates the STAGE,
with a jewel-like iridescence,
flickering over the richly embroidered PLAY.

A sadness imbues the atmosphere
with a sense of time and space,
whispering of generations past and lost
and PREVIEWS of generations to come.

The PLAY rages in a tempest at Life's Zenith,
as the Storms of Life forge a Path,
leaving behind loss of Love and Hearth in their wake.

As of a sudden, the Storm passes
and the Tears fall as gentle rain upon the SET.
After the Storm – come the tears.

[dht-2011]

[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

A MERMAID'S TALE

(I wrote this, 6 Aug 2011, on the closing of a beautiful warm summer day, with cooling breezes softly caressing the tender leaves in my Dry World—no rain today!)


*** A MERMAID'S TALE ***

IF I were a Mermaid, I would sit on a coral perch
and tend my garden of waterweeds.

Perceptions of the Dry World above  -- Mute,
as the serene waters enclose me in my liquid cocoon.

My Cousins flashing silver among the coral,
as they dance a water ballet to the trumpeting music of seashells.

IF I were a Mermaid -- Safe and Happy
and Content in my Watery World.

[dht-2011]


[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

Just A Candle's Aura

(I wrote this, 15 Jul 2011, thinking about how bright Future's venue from my youth's portal.  The visions of hope from my girlhood, were tarnessed and faded by the reality of Life with all its challenges, disappointments, and distractions.  Now, in the winter years, the bright aura of my youth does not burn as blue a hue.)

There gathered a sense of sharp anticipation
as I stepped through Folly's Door,
to find Future's Embrace.

The brilliant Aura of Youth,
now harnessed by Life's Distractions
and Time's Passage -- fades
until No More.

The Ending of the Day,
has mellowed to a fine Hue,
the sharpness of a stormy Passage.

There a momentary madness
burning high in Youth's Abode,
Now extinguished in Elder Days
of unrealized Wishes, Hopes, and Dreams.

The moment –
Nothing more remains --
Just A Candle's Aura!

[dht-2011]

[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

In God's Hands -- Father's Day

Introduction

There are three kinds of family, those you are born to, those that are born to you, and those you let into your heart.

Family Short Story

“As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.”  
[~Leonardo da Vinci]

This quotation message says to me that life is best lived in all its richness and fullness, so that at life's end there are no regrets or "I wish I had's".

My prayer for those who have finished their life's journey, is that they went to their rest in peace and with no regrets or unfinished business.

I have lost so many family members and dear friends over the years (through death and otherwise) and I still feel the grief deeply today. It is a great comfort to me to know that you are all there for me whether in spirit or heart.

I have such wonderful memories of those I loved so dearly and I cherish the moments I had with them. They are always in my heart. I feel a sense of peace knowing that they are at rest on their Celestial Porch.

God knows when to call his children home, unfortunately we are never ready when He is.

I know that the pain of losing someone can be almost too much to manage, but I also know that those who have passed at life's end are at peace now and are no longer suffering.

Perhaps we can all take some time today and let the people living, who are dear to us, know that we Love and Cherish them.

For all those Loved ones, who have passed and are lost to us in body and spirit, let's take a moment to let them know we have never stopped holding them in our hearts and memories; and, Thank them for the legacy of love left us.

I am truly blessed to have had so much support through the difficult times.

May God Bless You and Your Families -- Today and Every day.

Love to my dear FAMILY and dear FRIENDS, both here on Earth and those who sit on their Celestial Porch.


Closing Thoughts

Here you have a Family Short Story, which began before we were born and continues after our passing, with our predecessors and our descendants, and the many lives, and hearts that are "touched" by their passage.

We are the legacy of past generations, and all that we have is due to their passions, laughter, and tears during their passage through this life. They gave us the gift of freedom and sit as angels on our shoulder as we walk through the weeds of yesterday and into the garden of tomorrow. When we stumble and fall, remembering past generations lifts us and strengthens our resolve so we can better weather the storm and see the waiting rainbow.

However, this is not the end, for there are other family members and new generations to come. This is just a short story for those family members that are interested in OUR FAMILY STORY and HISTORY.

I feel very honored to be a part of this FAMILY TREE.

I love being a part of the history of this land.

I love that my family were here before me ... and will be here after me.

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

SPECIAL NOTE

I post this, for my Father who is ill and probably will not be living to see another Father's Day. I mailed him a letter today at the assisted living facility where he lives (he is age 91) to tell him I am thinking of him on this Father's Day and that I LOVE him.
It is not always a simple or easy thing to 'let go' of past memories, loves, hurts, loss. AND, for some the past has such a strong hold, that it makes the struggle of daily living very difficult. Many feel the 'pull' of past regrets, transgressions, strife, war, and the 'cut' is so deep that there is never a salve to ease the pain or a 'bridge' to help cross from the past to tomorrow. I think of those who serve in the military and who for some the overwhelming demands of war leave a mark on their 'soul' that can never be erased and a burden that must be borne for their lifetime.

This, then, is my tribute to my Father on this Father's Day!

[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images --Begonia flower - "Angel Wing"]

WHERE ONLY SHADOWS DANCE

(I wrote this, 13 Jul 2011, in a gray frame of mind, all too frequently occurring.  The "good times" in my life so far removed and their memory fading, seemed to go by too quickly.  Only now as I re-play those favorites,  do I feel I was not prepared to savor the precious few bright and clear moments. With misty eyes and wet checks, I try to recall happier times, despairing at the barriers that the 'bad times" cloud with melancholy.  SPECIAL NOTE --  My own writing offerings, I call " The Unrhyme Prose Poem Style". It is often serious, whimsical, thoughtful, fanciful, full of shadows and light, and of course Nature (birdies, flowers, and such). 

"Which of us, in his ambitious moments, has not dreamed of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical, without rhyme and without rhythm, supple enough and rugged enough to adapt itself to the lyrical impulses of the soul, the undulations of the psyche, the prickings of consciousness?”
[~ Little Poems in Prose, Charles Baudelaire])


The days at times are shrouded 
in unremitting shades of gray.

Dark shadows obscure
the corners of my life.

MELANCHOLY is as a shroud
that allows only gray scales of color –
NEVER the rainbow
rues of LOVE, JOY, HOPE, BELONGING...

The edges of memories blur –
their shape and texture mute –
with a blink of the mind's eye –
they recede.

How strange it seems
they happened Just As Quick
in their Time.

Now replaying those moments
over-and-over,
thoughts drift through Barriers
 NOT even Time's Gate Keeper can Deny.

The vast darkness
 so dense at times, 
the light cannot invade the Expanse
WHERE ONLY SHADOWS DANCE!

[~dht-2011]


[PHOTO SOURCE:  GOOGLE online images]

JUST DAY DREAMING

The skyline is a Mocking reflection
of my Day Dreamer's Passage.

My thoughts wander
chasing butterflies
in the Garden of my mind.

Graceful waves of ferns
emote a welcome greeting
on my Sojourn.

Glimmers of blue and green
sparkle at the edges of my Dream
off the cool waters
catching the sunlight.

My Day Dreamer's thoughts
feather to nothing,
burdens of the day,
easing the Signs of worry
from my brow.

A brilliant smile lit from within,
hints of the whimsical fancies
that dance to a tune
only this Day Dreamer hears.

Mysterious thoughts
challenge and inspire
and excite my Day Dreamer's Nature.

Lack of coherent order
releases the Bonds
that shroud the Boundary
of my senses.

Reflections of a secret romantic,
flicker as patterns of mist and fog,
smoke and shadow,
sun and moonbeams,
and fall across
my Day Dreamer's imaginary Landscape.

Warmth, laughter, and LOVE --
all welcome ingredients
for Today's Illusions
and Tomorrows Hopes.

And, the polly wogs in the Pond
all turn into Princes,
as the Day Dreamer's interludes
slip by-the-by.

The drab sparrow drops its cloak,
revealing beneath its brightly feathered finery
in a Peacock's plumage; 
But, Beware
the hidden heart of a Hawk!

A profusion of flowers
array in drooping sleepy splendor
along the Day Dreamer's Path.

Candle flames dance merrily
into the evensong of the Sunset.

Flickers of moonlight
beckon the Day Dreamer
to witness its play
on the garden Steps.

Overhead the stars in the night lit heavens,
shine as celestial beacons,
softly guiding this Nocturnal Traveler.

Whispers of a soft summer evening
drift on a gentle breeze,
ruffling the rhythms of my Flight.

Such are the Meanderings of my mind.

I am – A DAY DREAMING TRAVELER!

[~dht-2011]

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

(Just being and writing on 11 Jul 2011, for some days are just easy and made for lazy-ing around and JUST DAY DREAMING about your Life, Yesterday, Today, and pondering Tomorrow!   My life is a river that flows, I know not where, With eddies for reflecting, and swift currents gone too quick, Past the 'Shores' of my life. Yesterday's youthful dreams, Today's hopeful goals, Float on the water without anchor, Toward Tomorrow's Destiny.) [~dht-2011]


[PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE online images]

Everyday Words - Everyday Thoughts

Your thoughts don't have words every day
They come a single time

Like signal esoteric sips
Of the communion Wine

Which while you taste so native seems
So easy so to be

You cannot comprehend its price
Nor its infrequency

[~ Emily Elizabeth Dickinson, Poem #1452]

***************
DEF: "esoteric" Adjective: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

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

In this poem, my Maternal Cousin EMILY Elizabeth Dickinson (10 Dec 1830 - 15 May 1886), says to ME that there are NOT words enough to describe every feeling and emotion that float through my mind every day. Moreover, that the meaning of some thoughts is confusing to some who do not know my circumstance or me. In addition, some 'words' when said or written have a 'price' that is a toll paid by the author for their effect on the emotions and attitude of self and others.

EMILY did not follow the typical path of a woman of her time for she never married. She lived a solitary life in her parent's home taking care of the household and her parents during their lifetime and illness and after their deaths living alone in the homestead in Amherst, Massachusetts. She spent many hours in conjugating the mental processes and writing down some of her feelings and thoughts about her life, nature, faith, love, death, and other topics. In over 1700 poems and writings, that are known about, she recorded on paper by hand (no computers or MSWord) her thoughts in 'words'. Today she is considered a genius with the use of words, and there are college course, books, museums, and historical societies that are dedicated to reading her 'words' and analyzing each punctuation, phrase, topic, and nuance.

For myself, I believe EMILY'S 'words' and her poetry and writings can be best enjoyed when applied to my own life and experiences. In this way, I am internalizing her whispered words that murmur to my heart and that put a 'period' to my feelings and thoughts. Sometimes, I find that by reading something she has written, I am better able to gain clarity on a point in my life. Clarity helps remove the confusion and shadows that intrude and hinder the 'walk of life'. There are enough 'boulders' and 'rough seas' that make the journey difficult!

I am reminded of a time that a DEAR FRIEND helped me to reach clarity at a time, a couple of years ago, when I was baffled and confused. My friend listened to me describe my status and said that it sounded like I was experiencing DEEP GRIEF. This was a welcome realization and helped me put into perspective the many confusing feelings and thoughts that floated through my mind and heart and fell softly on to my wet cheeks. Grief is a personal process that no 'words' can explain, but 'words' in a Poem, a Prayer, or from a DEAR FRIEND can help the healing process through the solitary feelings from loss of loved ones.

[~ DOROTHY HAZEL TARR, dht-2011]


[PHOTO SOURCE; GOOGLE online images]

DANCING DANDELIONS

(As I was walking, 6 Jul 2011, on the 'Beaver Pond Walk' in the Senior Community where I live, there was the softest breeze that teased the wild grasses and and swayed the blooms of the yellow Dandelions that bordered the walking trail. It was a magical moment that I enjoyed and captured in several photos.  I could almost hear the 'Waltz' in the air that the blooms were dancing to.)

Yellow Dandelions border the trail,
their blossoms dancing merrily
to a tune only Nature plays. 

Suddenly Day's Passage changes the blooms
to white seeded spheres. 

Be QUICK to make a WISH
and use your BREATH
as the feathery seeds fill the air. 

Watch in wonder
as the seeds take flight
and drift far and wide
on a summer breeze.

[~dht-2011]

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A few WEB SITES for DANDELION info:
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Dandelion.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/dandelion/



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

               [PHOTO SOURCE:  My photo, My Camera, 2011 on 'Beaver Pond Walk']

[AND, here is a short video of the DANCING DANDELIONS

 that I took with my camera on this walk. ~ dht-2011]