Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter X

"X" marks the particular spot

Where Cupid's arrows aimed, then shot,

Piercing the lovers' hardened hearts.


Her eyes eXamined his face anew.

EXcited, delighted, his ardor grew.

EXpectations eXpose a fresh new start.


In love's embrace their dreams become bold,

EXalting in one another's hold.

Two souls...eXorcised when demons depart.

Sensational Haiku Wednesday: Travel

The journey through life

along the road less traveled...

full of surprises!

Treasures to be found

surely around the next bend

should you dare to seek.

Give glory to God

for His majesty abounds

each step of the way.

For more haiku hijinks
please visit Jenn over at You Know...That Blog?

Tuesday’s Truth: The Tempest

Photo courtesy of The Informercantile

The frozen tempest foretold the story about to unfold.


In the farming community, along the northern plains of North Dakota, the normal time for butchering hogs is in the fall. For reasons unknown, Frederick and Helga had waited until January, in the dead of winter.

Butchering hogs is excruciating work and involved making sausage, smoking meat and rendering lard. Rendering lard was particularly tough as fat is cut into chunks and piled into a boiler and simmered over a hot stove. Grease permeates the air, covering walls, floors, ceilings and people with a thick, slimy film. Helga tended to this pot 24/7.


The blizzard raged on as the pace of this work reached a frenzied, feverish pitch. Helga, exhausted and delirious, could not take it anymore and suffered a mental breakdown. Frederick sent his eldest son, Erich (age 12), to the nearest neighbor for help…several miles away. When Erich returned with the doctor, Frederick and Helga hadn't slept in over 3 days.


Frederick signed the commitment papers. Helga was to be transferred to the insane asylum, about 100 miles south of their farm. Erich was sent to do chores in the barn to keep him from witnessing these events. But he couldn't help himself. He peered through the fence post and what he witnessed would scar him for life: he saw his mother, fighting with all her might, as she was being forcibly pushed into the police car.


Helga never made it to the insane asylum. The storm prevented that. The sheriff decided that she would spend the night in the county jail instead. It was there, on January 22, 1937, that she died sometime in the middle of the night at the age of 30. The official story is that Helga suffered a heart attack.


The above story is based on true events. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

Monday Musings: June 27, 2010

Dear Sanity,

I kindly look forward to your return. You've been missed.

A crazed 5th

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Dear Pizza Man,

Awesome job....outstanding crust, spicy sauce, superb toppings. Too bad there aren't any leftovers.

A stuffed 5th

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Dear Heat Wave,

You can go now. Anytime. Thanks and bye bye!

A sweltering 5th

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And now....notes to my garden:

Dear Cucumber,

What am I going to do with all your produce? I guess it's going to be cucumber week in the Sister house. Let's see: cucumber salad, tzatziki sauce, and maybe the "fried cucumber" recipe I found on All Recipes. Hmmmm.

An astonished 5th

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Dear Zucchini,

I am terribly sorry you are ailing. I do not know what I did or how to save you. I do appreciate the two, teeny tiny zucchini you were able to produce before you became ill. I will do my best to nurse you back to health but I am afraid that your condition may be terminal.

A sorrowful 5th

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Dear Cayenne,

Yikes! You are quite the spicy number aren't you? Mr. Sister only used 2 of you in his pizza sauce and let me just say: Bring on the heat!

A fired up 5th

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Dear Green Peppers,

Looking good. Just waiting for you to grow a bit more before I pluck you!

A salivating 5th

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Dear Tomatoes,

Ah...nice and plump...just need a little more ripening and then you can join your pal cucumber in a tasty Sister salad! Can hardly wait!

A patient 5th

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Dear Weeds,

Go away. You are not welcome around here. I'd much rather tend to my veggies than deal with the likes of you!

An angered 5th

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Dear Fresh Herbs,

You know I love you. Shhhh. Don't tell the produce but you are my absolute favorite part of the Sister garden! You make everything so fresh and tasty! And now that I know how to "flash dry"*(see below) you, you will play an even bigger role in meal prep! 

Oh pretty basil, sage, rosemary, oregano, chives and thyme! So savory and seductive!

An adoring 5th

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*Dear Blog friends,

Here is how I "flash dried" my herbs this weekend: 

Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees. 

Spread herbs out onto a shallow cookie sheet. 

Bake for approximately 10 minutes. 

Remove from oven and allow to cool. 

Now you can crush and place in a sealed jar or baggie for later use. 

How easy is that?

A helpful 5th 

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Bye friends! Hope your day is grand and a great start to your week. Happy Monday!

Flash Friday 55: He Came Home

He came home reeking of gin and vermouth
with a slight taint of Spanish olive and pearl onion as well.
His anger apparent by the blush of crimson upon his face and neck.
Maybe, just maybe, if she lay perfectly still, feigning sleep,
he would ignore her this time.
Unfortunately, that ploy almost never worked.

Although similar to yesterday's post, the 1st line of this poem came to me in a dream a few days ago. I apologize for the repetition of theme. I think I will take a break over the weekend.

I am participating in Flash Friday 55. This weekly meme is brought to you by G-Man, over at Mr. Know it All. The object is to write a story or prose in exactly 55 words. Come join us and link your 55 in Mr. Know it All's comment section. See you there!

Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter W

Warning: The following prose may be disturbing to some.
It is not intended to be autobiographical.
I must admit to being a bit perplexed.
How it came to be is really quite odd.
This poem just sort of "wrote itself" the other day
after I finished with my meditation and prayers.
I guess it's a story, a voice, that needed to be heard.

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Wary is the Winsome one
for Wronged by Wicked deeds he's done.

The Wounds she bears are hidden deep
Within her soul Where secrets keep.

He Wields his power, Wrenching her Wrist.
She Writhes beneath his clenching fist.

He Whispers, he Wheedles With Whiskey breath.
Weeping and Weary she Wishes for death.

Hopes Wither, as she Wails With Woe.
After the Wrath there's no place to go.

For trapped in this Wretched World is she.
It's her Word against his...and she's only three.

Sensational Haiku Wednesday: Challenge

The challenges faced

gives rise to our character.

How will you proceed?

As one filled with fear

and a "why me" attitutude

hiding in the dark?

Or with inner strength;

a calm determination

overcoming angst.

I propose to you

that with faith and fortitude

success will follow.

For more haiku hijinks, please visit Jenn

over at...You know...that blog?

Next week's theme: TRAVEL

Oh and remember...if you would like to participate please link up
at You know...that blog? and let Jenn know that I sent you!

Monday Musings: June 14, 2010

Dear Summer,

Yeah, it's about time you made it official, seeing how you've been hanging around the past several weeks. Listen, I know that generally you are all about sunshine and heat but I give you permission to take a break every once in awhile. We won't mind...honest! In any case, welcome back!

Warmly yours,

One Hot 5th!

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Dear Bethany,

Congratulations on landing your summer babysitting job! It will keep you busy and out of trouble. Listen, can I borrow $20?

Your cash poor Mama 5th

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Dear Ikea,

I love you! Where else could I have gone and picked up 14 storage bins, 20 wooden hangers and a full lunch for 3 for under $50? Awesome! Next time I promise we'll spend more time together...Bethany is in the market for a new bookcase.

Gratefully yours,

A Penny Pinching 5th

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Dear Boss,

I may be getting a wee bit too old for 36 hours, 3 days in a row, 12 hour shifts. Although we were steady and not overwhelmingly too busy, I'm unsure if my joints can handle it much longer! Let's suffice it to say that now that I am no longer a "home schooling mom" I have a bit more flexibility with the schedule.

A weary 5th

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Dear Right Knee,

What gives? I've never had an issue with you before. At 48 (nearly 49) you are way too young to begin giving me trouble. Now stop it. I mean it!

A hobbled 5th

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Dear Ben Gay,

Although you sure can be a smelly and greasy mess may I just say THANK YOU! You helped me forget about the trouble Mr. RK was causing. I hope you don't mind if I hold you hostage for a while longer. I'll release you to the comfy confines of your drawer as soon as RK starts behaving.

A stinky 5th

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Dear Monday,

It felt good to sleep in until 6:30 am. I was hoping to stay in bed a wee bit longer but 6:30 is better than 4:30 any day. Could you tell your buddy Tuesday to not disturb me until maybe after 7:00? Thanks. I appreciate it.

A weary 5th

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Wishing you all a great week this 1st day of Summer!

Sacred Sunday: June 20, 2010

"I'm certain I've become a nuisance" is her fear
For she grew used to the Love found here.
"I shall step back, though difficult it may be"
This was the silent promise she made to He.
Although plans often go awry (her experience has taught),
"This should be easy, keeping distant," or so she thought.

How often do we feel unworthy of love?
When things get tough, how often do we turn away, shutting down?
This is true in love, in life,
and in our individual spiritual journeys as well.

When I am filled with the Spirit I sometimes sabotage myself
with thoughts of how could Christ love me, a sinner?
When I am in my spiritual desert I find that
I have a tendency to feel abandoned by God.
So I run, I hide, praying for mercy.
But you know something?
The Lord is always there, ever vigilant.
His love is always there as well, if you choose to accept it.
And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Flash Friday 55: Brawling

The violent pummeling he receives is quite brutal.

And yet, he continues to come back for more!

Sometimes he is victorious; often times he is not.

What would make someone subject himself

to this kind of torture day in and day out?

It could only happen in this fantasy world called:

Super Smash Brothers Brawl!

Image is surely a copyright of Nintendo Inc.

although I found it under Google Images

I am participating in Flash Friday 55. This weekly meme is brought to you by G-Man, over at Mr. Know it All. The object is to write a story or prose in exactly 55 words. Come join us and link your 55 in Mr. Know it All's comment section. See you there!

Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter V

Wearing Vestments the Vicar raises the Vessel for all to Venerate.

Veritas.

Vast my hopes; Vigorous my prayers...longing for Virtue.

Veritas.

But I Vacillate, bearing Vestiges of sin (Venial they may be)
staining my soul.

Veritas.

Vital is this Visible sacrament...participating of my own Volition.

Veritas.

Vanquish the Vipor's Venom Vexing my spirit.

Veritas.

A Visceral Victory to be won.

Veritas.

Vindication in the Vestibule.

Sensational Haiku Wednesday: Fathers

Longing for Father

Searching for His only Son

Guided by Spirit

Papa forgive her

She's handing over the pain

Time has come to heal

For more haiku hijinks, please visit Jenn

over at...You know...that blog?

Next week's theme: Haiku Challenge (the theme word is challenge as well) From Jenn's blog:

The Challenge will be to bring in the most new Haiku-ers (ideally people who will join us and stick around). Please have your new Haiku-er identify themselves as coming from you in the comments, and use the proper graphic and link (below) on their blog. The winner* of our challenge will get a $25 gift card to your choice of Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or iTunes!

Please join me next Wednesday!

A Tuesday Tidbit: June 15, 2010

I hate to say it but you had it coming, you little freak!
You got what you deserved.
Crawling out of your hiding spot and scaring me like that!
Any critter who frightens the bejeezus out of me instantly goes SPLAT!
Unfortunately, I wasn't wearing shoes at the time.
Eeew. Bug guts.

(Sorry gang...this is what happens when you "got nothing"!)

Monday Musings: June 14, 2010

Dear Weekend,

Could you have been any more hectic?

Still recovering,
A frazzled 5th

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Dear Swim Meet Host Facility,

As always, you picked the hottest weekend of the year to host this annual outdoor meet. I am surprised we didn't melt away into unrecognizable puddles!  Oh and thanks for allowing us to set up our tent! Don't know what we would have done if we didn't have shade!

A sweaty and dehydrated 5th

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Dear Coaches and Officials,

Please watch more closely the swimmers at the start of the individual heats...especially for swimmers who are out of place and take over heats/lanes that don't belong to them. Unfortunately, because this happened my Munch, who was ready to swim his heat, had to swim in a later heat with swimmers who were more experienced and quite a bit faster than him all because a misinformed swimmer insisted it was his event. Kind of discouraging to a kid, even though he improved his time, to finish in the back of the pack.

Keeping a close watch,
A concerned 5th

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Dear Munchie Boy,

We are very proud of your results at this 2 day meet. Despite one disqualified heat (his goggles fell off causing an illegal stroke as he tried to adjust them) you were able to improve your time in every single event! I am most proud of the 20 seconds you shaved off of your 100 meter backstroke. Way to go!

Sleep in this morning...you deserve it!

With love,
Mama 5th

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Dear Bethany,

You may drive this week. I am tired of  being on the road over 6 hours to and from the Hickory swim meet. Yeah, I thought you'd appreciate this!

What am I thinking?
A travel weary 5th

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Dear Cast and Crew of Wicked,

Bravo! It was a wonderful performance! We all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Standing O!

In defiance of gravity,
A captivated 5th

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Dear Mother Nature,

You can stop with the hot and steamy any time now. Seriously. Don't you think a nice little cool front is called for? Please? Well, at least think about it.

With the utmost respect,
An overheated 5th

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I am off to slay the laundry beast...have a wonderful Monday my friends!

Flash Friday 55: Summertime

The tell-tell signs of summer:
The early morning cacophony of birdsong...
Hot and steamy Carolina days...
The ice cream truck serenading its way down the street...
The laughter of children waving their dollars for a treat...
The smell of barbecue permeating from backyard oases...
And the annual ritual of Munchie Boy's summer "buzz cut".
Sweet!

Before

During

After

I am participating in Flash Friday 55. This weekly meme is brought to you by G-Man, over at Mr. Know it All. The object is to write a story or prose in exactly 55 words. Come join us and link your 55 in Mr. Know it All's comment section. See you there!

Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter U

Unforgiving of herself, she feels like a fraud.

"I'm Undeniably Unholy!" she Utters to God.

"This Ubiquitous Undercurrent is causing much strife

Underscoring my Uncertainties...Upsetting my life!"

"Unto My will, if your choice is to be bold;

Understanding will Unveil a future to behold.

Your spirit Uplifted, Unbridled and Brave,

makes you a soul worthy to save."

Sensational Haiku Wednesday: Freestyle

DREAMS

Hidden clues, secrets,
Bizarre scenarios, too.
Welcome to my dreams.

Nightly trysts seduce
the dreamer desiring truth...
Subconscious puzzles.

I have often said:
"God speaks to me within dreams"
Bewildered by signs.

For more haiku hijinks, please visit Jenn

over at...You know...that blog?

Next week's theme: Fathers

Tuesday Tidbits: June 8, 2010

You'd think I'd learn. If I want to run I need to do it by myself. But no, I thought Daisy might enjoy some exercise as well. All was well at first, but the she would suddenly stop to sniff at some odiferous scent thereby causing me to about trip over her. I ended up "walking" my run instead. At least no injuries were involved this time. Oh well, 3 miles is 3 miles no matter what form it takes.

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I read the most amazing book on my trip to and from Kansas. It is called The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. It is the story of a man of questionable character: a self serving pornographer, who, in the beginning pages of this book suffers horrific, disfiguring burns in an automobile accident caused by delusions due to his intoxication on booze and drugs. He is not likable at all. But this is a tale of the power of  love and redemptive suffering for along comes Marianne Engle,  a sculptress of gargoyles who claims the narrator was her lover back in medieval Germany. She weaves convincing tales spanning the centuries of true, abiding, unconditional love. To quote Text Publishing: "The Gargoyle explores the things that give life meaning: love, friendship, art, story, God. It explores the Hells that people experience: loneliness, addiction, fear, powerlessness, poverty, heartbreak and discrimination. It shows that the soul is never beyond redemption." For further reviews and information on this book, check out the book on Amazon.com  You should be able to take a peek at the initial chapter. But reader beware...this book is very graphic, especially when describing burns and the treatment of this type of injury within a Burn Unit (I did a "tour of duty" within the Burn Unit at the KU Medical Center so I had an advantage of knowing what to expect...the author's descriptions are very true to life indeed)

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It is day 2 of summer vacation and the kids are already bored. I have tried to convince them that cleaning their rooms is a fun activity but they are not buying it.

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Leftover meatloaf: it's what's for breakfast.

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I need to finish laundry and clean up from the run that never happened. My wish for you all is that this day be one filled with love and wonderful surprises! Ciao! 

Monday Musings: June 7, 2010

Dear Mr. Sister,

Thank you.

With gratitude,

Forever 5th

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Dear Sister Sisters,

I am forever grateful for your show of support and for you hospitality during my stay at home last month. It was a much needed visit that I hope we can repeat soon.

Love always,

Your little sister

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Dear Little Sisters,

It is good to know that you can survive without your mama for 10 days. You tackled laundry, kept the house, were well fed, etc... Let's try to keep that up, okay?

Love,

Mama 5th

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Dear Mom and Dad,

I am heartened to see you both doing well. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers. Even though I do not call everyday, know that you are in my heart.

Always your,

Baby girl

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Dear Colleagues at work,

I need to thank you as well for your support and good wishes while I was away. I work with the best bunch of people and am proud to call you friends. Just call on me if I can return the favor.

Proud to be your friend,

5th

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Dear Fellow Bloggers,

I realize it has been "hit or miss" these past few weeks. I've both lost and gained followers in the meantime. For those that come by everyday...Thank you! I am going through some rough waters right now and I realize my poetry and stories may reflect this. Bare with me, okay. I know things will get better and having all of you along for the ride actually has been helpful. It kind of makes me accountable for my actions so that is always good. Again...I don't think there is a better group of bloggers anywhere! I love you all!

Forever yours,

A grateful 5th

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Flash Friday 55: Working Hard

I worked so terribly hard.
I was spinning my wheels.
Never did I get to the scheduled therapies
as every type of emergency situation imaginable
kept me from my appointed rounds.
Shear exhaustion took hold of me.
It's a darn shame I had to wake up
and get ready for work in the real world!


I am participating in Flash Friday 55. This weekly meme is brought to you by G-Man, over at Mr. Know it All. The object is to write a story or prose in exactly 55 words. Come join us and link your 55 in Mr. Know it All's comment section. See you there!

Alphabe-Thursday: The Letter T

Tempest approaches at furious pace.

Turbulent winds lead The Timorous race,

bringing Terrifying Truths I must now face.

For This Trial is mine, alone, To embrace.

With Temerity I never knew I had gained,

I Tread The Terrain Transformed by storm's reign.

Trampling upon The Terror sorely disdained

Only To learn That These efforts were in vain.

Memories, un-Tethered, now Tattered and Torn,

Trembling I remove Their Tortuous Thorn,

Whose Toxins slain The child I now mourn.

The pain is The Tonic for The wounds I have born.

Sensational Haiku Wednesday: Milestones

"Daddy? Can I date?"

First words were, "Who is the boy?"

Then, "when thirty-six".

She's turning heads but

No boy will be good enough

in her father's eyes.

For more haiku hijinks, please visit Jenn

over at...You know...that blog?

Next week's theme: Freestyle

It's Tuesday and I Am Back!

I am now officially back.
I had a very meaningful trip back home.
The flight was uneventful except for a minor storm delay in Dallas on my return home.
My rental car was kind of cute but not really suited for the Kansas winds.

I got to spend time with mom.

Virgil was in rare form.

I met Mom's pig, hog, dog, Penny.

I spent time with Dad as well.

The sisters and I used this opportunity for a rare weekend get together.

Oh, and I got to meet my blog friend Erin, from The Mother Load! There she is, on the left. She calls herself Amazon Woman but in reality, everyone is tall when standing next to me! And I was wearing heels!

As you can see she is a real beauty. She is terribly sweet as well. She took the afternoon off to cart me around town. Funny story that is. Let's see, 2 navigation systems and a "mapquest" and we still managed to get "lost". Here. take a look.

All being said and done, it is good to be back.