Ancient Ones

I would like to thank Anvilcloud at 'Raindrops' for letting me use his stunning photo of an ancient, weathered tree for this painting.

Confessions

Pepek, at ‘My Uncle Pepek’s Jounral’ tapped me on the shoulder for this one and I thought I’d give it a go. It's my first.

The rules come first:

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their 8 things and post these rules.

3. List 8 people you choose to tag.

4. Leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.

OK, here goes…

1. I was a card carrying, fringe and bead wearing, protesting hippie in the sixties. No hard drugs for this chick, however, I’m allergic to caffeine, for heaven’s sake!
2. In sixty five years I have moved more than thirty times. I have a bit of Gypsy in my soul, but it was usually for other reasons, and no, I was not on the lam.
3. I have been drawing since I was very young. I hid in my closet and drew fanciful stories when the home front went to war.
4. I love to dance and took many styles of dance classes, but, alas, I was too short to try for a career.
5. My favorite footwear has always been western boots.
6. I ran for many years and preferred to run barefoot and at night. I liked to dance as I ran and the dark made for good cover…didn’t want anyone to think I was nuts as I gyrated and bopped along.
7. I have very little gray hair, it runs in the family. Our Holland Dutch heritage, we presume. What’s funny is that I’d love some white mixed in…I’ve earned it!
8. My favorite food group is…Nachos! Hold the beans (ugh) and throw on the black olives!

I am passing this on to: Tammy, my lovely partner at 'The Daily Warrior.' Ginnie, who has the most delightful stories, at 'Goldendaze-Ginnie.' Mama P, who's take on life delights me, at 'Pass the Zoloft.' Caroline, who's drawings and stories are captivating, at "Potato Prints.' Chani, who's posts challenge our every day thinking, at 'Thailand Gal.' Laurie, who's depth of feeling and kindness have touched me deeply, at 'Don't MAKE ME get my Flying Monkeys.' Bonita, who takes us on the most awesome trips, at 'Flitzy Phoebie.' And Kate, who's garden grows in her yard as well as her heart at 'Kate Smudges.'

Have Fun!

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and the day Will and I married, sixteen years ago. We had both recovered from failed marriages when we started dating and had known each other casually for some time. We started out as grand friends and from there love blossomed into a strong and lasting relationship.

We share a great sense of humor and laugh often, even through the difficult times. We work and play well together and love to sit and discuss the world around us at days end. He is emotionally reserved, I am excitable and open; we make it work.

We have always carried the load of work and home together until these last three years and now, with ALS in our life, he has taken it all on alone. He also cares for me, helping me dress, wash and eat and even in this we find laughter in the quirky things that can happen.

As I have said, my husband and family help me keep strong in my fight to win, but on this day I want to thank my husband for all we've had and all we will have.

I love you, Will!

Grandchildren Revisited

It's been awhile since I wrote about my incredible grandchildren, so I thought I'd bring you up to date. I'm starting with the girls and working down by age.


Paige is thirteen, the tallest woman in the family (this is relevant because our ladies are all VERY short and we find amusement in this fact) and is a very accomplished writer. She is writing a book, eight chapters completed, and it is nothing short of amazing. Yes, I am prejudiced, but the vote is in from many adults, including teachers.


Sarah, twelve, wants to be a fashion designer and has created, on the computer, some excellent designs. She has a definite flair for color and interesting combinations, and accessorizes with pizazz. She is learning Photoshop to give her a head start on the tech side of creating.

Emily is eight and loves to cook, is learning to play keyboard (she plays quite well) and is also on a baseball team. She's still young and is exploring her options. I say chef, but time will tell. She is most enthusiastic and will excel in whatever direction she chooses.

Alex is fifteen and has formed his second band, his instrument being the drums. He practices often and hard and is quite accomplished. The band recently played in a concert to raise money for the people in Darfur.

Hey, maybe Em will play keyboard with him one day!

Last, but not least, is Ryan, now three. He runs around being Batman, more often Spiderman, and if you pass too close you are liable to end up in a Spidey net! He's funny, as they all are, and keeps up with the gang when we are all together.

They are the most wonderful children; they are kind, honest, involved in the world around them and full of life. They are at ease with my illness and quick to help if I need them.

Thank you Big Al, Doodlebug, Shortcake, The Emster and The Ry Guy, for the love and light you bring into my life!

Love, Mimi

Solution

Our planet's weather has always fascinated me, from soft summer breezes and high, wispy clouds to the violent beauty of it's storms. I follow the weather religiously, which led me to the fact that we have had twice as many tornadoes so far this season than is normal.

Tornadoes have a stunning power that mesmerizes while they tear across the land leaving devastation is their wake, and I couldn't help but wonder if there wasn't some good use for all that raging energy. And then it hit me...a solution for a major problem.

Thought Process

A place of wonder is the mind

A record of life lived

Down to the last detail

Remembered or not

*

A place of light

Where ideas bloom

Music is composed

Art is created and words born

*

A pit of darkness

Where terror threatens

Panic lurks

Our monsters hide

*

Emotions flow from it's depths

Love consumes

Fear paralyzes

Peace liberates

*

Others are touched by our thoughts

As we move through time

But in our minds

We live alone

The Swimming Hole

Summer days, yellow hot and still
Warm the forest floor
Steep, narrow paths, like tentacles
Reach to the brook below

The ground, dappled with light
Gives way to the rushing stream and frigid pools
Sun baked rocks and deep shadows
Embrace dark green water

The hum of darting insects
Fills the dense air
As clothes are flung to the ground
And the body offered to silken depths