Writer's Workshop

Have you ever really listened to the mourning dove call for his mate?

Have you ever closed your eyes and felt the power of the ocean tugging at your ankles as the warm sand squishes between your toes?

Have you ever realized what you've been searching for has always been within your grasp?

Have you ever wondered if you chose the correct path and then realized you are exactly where you are supposed to be?

Have you ever seen the entire universe reflected in one sparkling grain of sand?

Have you ever felt the breath of God playfully rustle your hair only to realize there is no breeze?

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child and seen all the generations that came before her looking back at you?

Have you ever retreated within yourself and attempted to just be?

Because, when you can achieve this, everything else will come to you.

This post is inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop, prompt #4, "Begin each line of your post with, 'Have you ever...' "

Poetry

Okay, so I don't usually get a good response when I post serious stuff. I know everyone loves the humor. I do too. Therefore, I've been holding off on posting this but I decided, hey, this blog is for ME too.... so.. here is something I wrote in January:

I am the mighty pine.

I’ve seen the forest burn below me.

My foundation is scarred but still I stand.

The winds toppled the giant oak beside me

but I bend and sway

never breaking

never falling

high and mighty above the rest.

I am the rock

nestled beside the raging river.

I’ve weathered her anger;

allowing the torrent to

smooth and soften me

but still

never breaking

never falling

I become more beautiful

as the waves polish and make me shine.

I am the tiny crocus seed

beneath the frozen earth;

waiting to spring forth and bloom

alone in the barren winter landscape

never breaking

never falling

I flower against the odds

a symbol that there is hope.

I am hope.

My past does not rule me.

My family does not dictate me.

I am my own spirit

free and loving

never breaking

never falling

always choosing

peace.

Lighthouses

I am not sure exactly when my love of lighthouses began, but I suspect it began because of the movie Pete's Dragon. I loved that movie as a child and watched it every time it came on television. I have had a romantic perception of them as long as I can remember. It is very hard to put into words that which is not meant to be put into words, but the best I can do is to say that I find them romantic, lonely, haunting, everlasting, comforting, warm, strong and beautiful.

I grew up near the Bolivar Lighthouse on Bolivar Peninsula in Texas and always looked forward to passing it when we were waiting in line for the ferry to Galveston.(this is not my photo, I got it from an internet search for images)
The summer after I graduated college, I was fortunate enough to go on a month-long trip and see many lighthouses that dot the west coast from the border with Canada down to Los Angeles. What a trip that was!!

Our visit to the Cape May lighthouse on Sunday just reaffirmed my love for them and I wanted to share the pictures I took of it as well as a poem I penned about lighthouses some years ago.

Last night I had a moving dream

of a lighthouse by the sea.

It's beauty and it's aura

seemed to call out to me.

For I was a ship lost at sea

in a horrific torrential storm.

I prayed for something to save me

for something to keep me warm.

Weathered and beaten I struggled and fought

to keep myself afloat.

But the angry surf tossed me about

No mercy for this pitiful boat.

Just as I had given up

surrendered to the relentless tide.

I caught a glimpse of safety

a beacon as my guide.

It's flawless beauty beckoned me

steering me away from harm.

The waves around me seemed to disappear

as I moved towards its outstretched arms.

The amazing strength of the structure

took my breath away.

I was challenged by the sea again and again

but never falling prey.

Mesmerized by its beauty,

I wanted to stay awhile.

For it mended my heart, it filled my soul

And colored my world with a smile.

I'm comforted by it's promise

to faithfully provide me with light.

And I hope that love will forever shine

as my beacon in the night.