One Deep Breath - "Mud" Haiku/fib

Helen of the Yellow Rose has been a participant of One Deep Breath for awhile now. Her ALS has progressed to the point of needing a feeding tube, losing her voice and struggling to be able to type. One Deep Breath has kept her connected to a community. She has recently been moved to another state and removed from her home due to her progression. She had to leave her church family, two of her children and most hurtful, her grandchildren. She will continue to fight but the fear of the unknown brings with it emotional times. I wanted to let her know that even if she can not comment she will remain in our blogging community and thoughts. I will continue to help her participate. The theme this week is mud and that is exactly where Helen is right now, feeling stuck. I'm there to pull you up dear friend.

Scared
lost
alone
getting by
helplessly watching
reaching out from mud that binds


Communication
frustrating to relay needs
words stuck like in mud

To read other poets visit One Deep Breath

Sunday Scribbling - "Superstitions"

I'm not a big believer in superstitions but I do believe there are signs everywhere if you pay attention. I think we make our own luck with the choices we make in our lives.

On my wedding day we had a native Hawaiian singer serenading us on the beach. After our vows the singer pointed behind us saying "look, a double rainbow, this is a sign of good luck." We looked at it as a blessing on a very important day. Another couple in full wedding attire had left earlier due to a slight shower but I'm sure their day was just as wonderful.

I see signs in nature. Like a sunrise reminds me of a new beginning, the rain is cleansing and blooms speak to me of growth. If I was superstitious my mother's back would have been shattered into pieces with all the cracks I've stepped on.



I found a few superstitions I had never heard of so I thought I'd share a few.

Animals can talk at midnight on Christmas Eve
To cure a sty, rub it with a gold wedding band
An acorn at the window can keep lightning out of the house
It is unlucky to rock an empty rocking chair
Smell dandelions, wet the bed
Wearing an opal when it is not your birthstone is bad luck
A sailor wearing an earring cannot drown
After receiving a container of food, the container should never be returned empty
Tying a knot into a handkerchief wards off evil.
The spouse who goes to sleep first on the wedding day will be the first to die.

To see other scribbles visit Sunday Scribblings

Photo from StockXpert

Friday Favorites

This is a digital art piece done by my friend Pam. She took our latest backyard snow fall and combined it with my B&W SPC . It's amazing to me how the two images reflect my trepidation in leaving my first home. She is an amazing artist, writer and friend. We share every aspect of our lives, almost on a daily basis and have a bond so strong it surprises even us. We are family! Pam and I will probably never meet because we live on opposite ends of the country, but I'm so grateful for the Internet in connecting us. I do pray that one day I can hug her in person, but we both share in the battle against ALS making it harder with time. We understand how it feels to have ALS like no one else can, even our families. We share similar history and speak the same language. Pam can no longer use her pastels and pencils, but she has kept her passion for the environment through digital art and writing. I am so proud to have this mighty warrior as my friend. I love you, Spike.
http://capeandtights.blogspot.com/index.html

For Photo Thursday we were asked to take a picture of something we treasure in our home for Create A Connection hosted by Swampgirl. I chose this picture of Nikki trying to find a place to pee so she can return home.

Create a Connection-"Challenge to Stretch"

1a. What is one thing about your body that you hate, deny, talk trash about?

My tummy because since my rear went south I need smaller jeans which creates the famous dunlop disease ( tummy lops over your belt).
1b. What can you do to make friends with this part and show it a little love?

Buy bigger jeans while looking like I have a load in my butt or I can see it as a trophy for two births and good food. Wear elastic and set it free ;)

2a. What is one thing about your home that doesn't feel good?

My current home has single pane windows and was built in 1961, so it's freezing.
2b. What is one thing you can do to change that?

I'm moving this summer which is way out of my comfort zone. I'll be warmer :)
3a. Is there a relationship that you have difficulty with?

My father has always been in my life but not emotionally. I call him ghost dad because he was there, but not there and I call him every so often to check in. I only have him and my brother left, but my brother is like my dad.
3b. What is something small you can do to either salvage it or come to terms with the way it is now?

I came to terms with my family years ago. I guess you can't miss what you never had. It's something I wish I had but understand it's just who they are. I feel adopted and yet because of it I'm still not a family person.
4a. Is there something you are afraid to do, but would like to try it?

I grew up on ski's and would like to try disabled skiing, but the cold might effect the ALS.
4b. What can you do to begin a plan to try it?

I'm moving near Tahoe, so I can go during the week, on a sunny day and sit ski. If I get cold I'm close to home and they have a variety of disabled opportunities.

Photos from http://www.achievableconcepts.us/usa_snow.htm

To visit other Create A Connection answers visit here

Poertry Thursday - "No Names, Please"

We have been asked to write a poem about the thing we find most beautiful in the world without giving away what that thing is. A person, place or thing ;)



You dwell within my heart
patiently waiting
for lessons yet to be learned
watching proudly
as my purpose is fulfilled

I am welcomed with love’s
overwhelming peace
reunited with those I’ve lost
in joyful exhilaration
with new eyes I finally see

Surrounded by endless majesty
weightless with wonder
landscapes of cherished fantasies
Senses come alive
Filling me with every answer

My journey will continue on
leaving all desires behind
A piece of you was always there
in every sunrise and sunset
bringing hope to carry me home

To see other poems visit Poetry Thursday
Photo from StockXpert

Self Portrait Challenge- "Black & White" Glam

I let my oldest have free reign over my last B & W self-portrait for February. I wanted to try glamorous this week but I found at 45 I had forgotten what hard work that actually is. The make up and hair was easy enough because I just sat there and let her go. She had to mention how hard it is to put make up on eyes with lots of wrinkles though, as she stretched my eyes into my ears. The hard part was getting that glam feel in my face for the shot. If I looked serious, I looked pissed and if I smiled, it was too much. I just finally said I'll work with what I have so far and photo shop I did!

This was my family's pick but I did not see glam...sorry guys!

This is me being a smart ass while Michelle was frustrated at my lack of a sexy look. I told her it's hard to look sexy for my daughter. The one where I stuck out my tongue I deleted but this one I kept for her :)

To see other B&W self portraits go here

One Deep Breath - "Color(ful)" Haiku

Clouds parting the sky
sun pushing its way through grey
rainbow creates hope

For more color haiku visit One Deep Breath
Photo from StockXpert