Saturday Centus-Sunday 160: July 31, 2011

Chef Marcel,

a man of literal sorts,

finally realizes his dream

Today is the day

he opens his very own

sidewalk café

Sacré bleu!

He has forgotten

the non-stick spray!

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This weekend, Ms. Jenny challenged us with a photo prompt and was generous enough to give us up to a full 100 words to capture a story. Well, I kind of got use to the "flash fiction" posts of late so I combined her photo with Monkey Man's Sunday 160 meme, where you have to use 160 characters, exactly, to write your story. The above was my attempt. 

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Flash Friday 55: Expectations vs. Acceptance

Expectations are my downfall.

They, most certainly,

lead to disappointments,

to self-pity.

Instead, I’m learning,

trying something new,

(at least for me):

Acceptance.

A loaded word for sure.

Accepting life on life’s terms;

people for who they are...

realizing I am powerless

and have no control

over anything

or anyone

but myself.

Freedom through serenity.

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Okay...so this is not a poem or a short story but rather something that has been weighing heavily on my mind lately. I am working hard on changing how I personally respond to situations rather than reacting, as was my old pattern of behavior. I find it really does work and I am truly finding inner peace and tranquility through the process. 

Microfiction Muse #17

Cinderella!

Get me a snack!

Do the dishes!

All I ever do around here 

is work, work, work!

Someday,

just you wait,

my prince will come

& rescue me.

(140)

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Micro-fiction Muse involves writing a very short story (140 characters max-including spaces) based upon a photo prompt. I make it my goal to always try and use 140 characters exactly. Diane Estrella is our host for this weekly meme. Please be sure to visit her blog for complete rules and to visit other participants. 

Monday Musings: July 25, 2011

Lately, I've been dreaming of elderly woman in need of some help or assistance. Last night I was carrying a particular lady, suffering from dementia, in order to keep her safe in the mechanics shop. Whenever I set her down, the ink would flow, staining the linoleum.

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Dear Bonus Room,

Thank you for complying to my wishes. I am pleased with my private space and hope to finally get serious about my writing and my art.

A grateful 5th

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Dear Heat and Humidity,

I have training to do if I'm ever going to be ready for the Primal Challenge in September. You are hindering my efforts and I'm politely asking you to leave now. So long. Bye bye. Adios.

A wilted 5th

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I have discovered that the key to unlocking the door to serenity is acceptance. I can accept people and situations for what they are. I have no control over them. What I do have control over is the way in which I respond. Those doormat days are over. And I am stronger because of that.

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I have also discovered that, in a pinch, I can cut hair to buy some time until I can get Munchie Boy to the barber. Poor shaggy boy...he couldn't see because his hair was blocking his vision. He couldn't hear because his hair covered his ears.

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Dear Harry, Hermione, Ron, et all,

Thank you for the hours of entertainment you brought to my family. The books and the movies were an absolute delight. The classic tale of Good vs. Evil with good triumphing is a welcome escape from the reality of the ugliness, wickedness, corruption, and perversity that can be found in many corners of today's world.

Your muggle friend,

A non-magical 5th

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Dear Daisy,

Come on. The morning walk wasn't THAT bad. Okay...so I pushed your limits. You'll thank me for that later.

Your mama 5th

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Oh dear, look at the time. I'm getting off to a very late start today. Gotta go as it is a typical Monday filled with appointments and many chores. Have a terrific week one and all!

Saturday Centus: Too Late

Oh that Ms. Jenny! What a taskmaster she is. This week, rather than 100 words to work with, in addition to the prompt, she has only allowed us 15. Normally, I try to write my story in exactly the number of words she dictates but I could not this time. So I added my 15 word allotment prior to the prompt below (in green). 

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Straining to be heard

over cacophony of alarms,

from monitors 

at her bedside,

she whispers:

“Before I die I want to….” 

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Sunday 160: Dream #7-Tough Job

I’m Agent 5^th:

your top secret super spy

My job: dispose of

highly poisonous thumbtacks

without luxury of

disposable gloves

Oops…

I dropped one

in a hospital bed

Damn!

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Monkey Man is host to Sunday 160: where one must write a story or poem in EXACTLY 160 characters (spaces included). Please visit his site to read other entries and complete rules.

I've Been a Very Busy Woman...

...these past few days designing my own office/studio space. After speaking with Mr. Sister it was decided that I will take over half the bonus room. Up until now, this room had been our catch all room. Munchie Boy's computer is there, my sewing table, a futon for overnight guests, a TV center, along with a gym of sorts to include a treadmill, free weights, and a "total body" system. It was also where I home schooled the kids for several years. So carving out a unique, personal space was difficult at best.

The first thing I did was to move Munch's computer desk perpendicular to the wall in order to segregate his space and the gym area from the rest of the room. Both the treadmill and the home gym fold up for easy storage. There is plenty of storage space for the free weights in the nooks created by the dormer windows.

 

I then rearranged other furniture in so many different variations until I achieved a workable space. After which I had the best time digging through my treasures to give the room personality and a cozy feel. Let me share with you the result of this undertaking.

First, we shall walk past Master Munch and turn the corner into the entryway of the new space.

See the dresser? I purchased it at a Habitat for Humanity auction. The dresser is from the "Empire" era of the mid 1800's. It is solid mahogany. I spent next to nothing on it and am using it to store my fabrics and art supplies. 

The sunflower pillow on the rocking chair is called "Poet's Song" and is a gift from 4th Sister. The pottery is my own piece when I was into my "clay phase". And I took an antique frog and added some silk flowers I found when I was cleaning out a closet. 

This next photo is of my office/computer/writing corner. I put up art work that makes me happy. The banner is another gift from 4th Sister and is titled "Raven's Song". I adore the sunflowers and the ravens remind me of a particularly poignant dream I had this past spring. 

Moving along the wall you will find my sewing table and the entertainment center. I used another antique frog to hold the Gerbera daisies in place within the pretty blue vase. 

Looking back at Munchie's computer station, I notice that I need to add fabric panels, to the back of his computer desk, for more privacy. Hi Munch...I see you peeking at me!

This is the fabric I plan to use, thanks to the generous donation from 2nd Sister.

I still have lots of work left to do. Eventually I'd like to paint the walls from a "builder's white" to a soft sage, buttery yellow, or toasty brown. 

It feels good to finally have a space of my own. I am tired, sore, and bruised. I think I shall now soak in some epsom salts and call it a night. 

I hope that this new space will give me the boost I need to get back into my writing and art. 

Good night!

Microfiction Muse #16

Hey kids

could you do me a favor

please

Tell this lady

to quit following me

& blowing in my ear

She’s causing 

my gears to shift,

torque, & engage

(140)

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Micro-fiction Muse involves writing a very short story (140 characters max-including spaces) based upon a photo prompt. I make it my goal to always use140 characters exactly. Diane Estrella is our host for this weekly meme. Please be sure to visit her blog for complete rules and to visit other participants. 

Sunday 160: Coming to Light

When the time drew near

a heavenly white light,

so bright, 

approached

Unfortunately,

it was unable to

retrieve the child’s soul

for he had built his wall too high

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The above is based on a recent dream

Monkey Man is host to Sunday 160: where one must write a story or poem in EXACTLY 160 characters (spaces included). Please visit his site to read other entries and complete rules.

Saturday Centus: I'm Not Getting Any Younger

Miss Jenny is stirring things up over on Saturday Centus. This week the rule is 25 words to use with the 5 word prompt (30 words total). Since I'm on my way into work I had to come up with a quick little ditty. I hope this is Jenny-worthy. As always, the prompt is in green.

gray hairs grow longer

old times to ponder

while sipping miralax in morning coffee

I’m not getting any younger

the lost years I hunger

the closer I get to 50!

Flash Friday 55: July 15, 2011

Growing Pains

is today the day

I run away

filled with fear,

with worrisome strife?

or do I face

that deep, dark place

detracting from a

tranquil life?

standing ground

seems so sound

though there’s always

a price to be paid

That price is plain

for it’s emotional pain

upon which

spiritual groundwork is laid

Microfiction Muse #15: Track and Ballet

While no one was looking

Billy Elliott took the opportunity

to practice his

grand jeté en avant

Pirouette practice to follow

at the discus throw

(140)

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Micro-fiction Muse involves writing a very short story (140 characters max-including spaces) based upon a photo prompt. I make it my goal to always use140 characters exactly. Diane Estrella is our host for this weekly meme. Please be sure to visit her blog for complete rules and to visit other participants. 

Tuesday's Tidbits: July 12, 2011

I'm not sure if there is any worse place to be than stuck behind a manure truck, in a traffic jam, on the hottest day of the year. 

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Let's see...Code Orange with a heat index of 110. What was I thinking when I volunteered to help load a truck at high noon? 

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It's so steamy and oppressive out that I can hardly breathe. I cannot imagine being asthmatic or suffering from a chronic lung condition in this weather.

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Bethany, I'm sorry about guilting you into a morning run with me...your subsequent asthma attack scared even me! I don't think I've ever ran so fast (at an end of a run) to bring the car (and inhaler) to you! I'm grateful you are feeling better.

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Wishing there was a pool in the backyard for some respite...think I'll go nap instead.

Dear Prairie,

Thank you. My visit was phenomenal. You were a most gracious host. I hope to return to your heart someday soon.

A sincere 5^th

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Dear Cozy Inn,

The burgers haven’t changed a bit. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.

A satiated 5^th

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Dear Gals,

It was so much fun reminiscing and catching up. Next time, let’s make it a girl’s weekend!

A nostalgic 5^th

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Dear Senior Center,

The bierock was perfect. I’m glad that, although I’m not quite old enough for membership, thank you very much, you were willing to feed me.  I’ll be sure to drop by for lunch on my next visit “home”.

A stuffed 5^th

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Dear Old Friend,

Your words meant more than you will ever know. Thank you. I will keep you in my prayers.

A grateful 5^th

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Dear Sisters,

I love you and miss you more than you know. 4th Sister: I love the works of art you gave me.  3rd Sister: your generosity will most definitely be rewarded. 2nd Sister: your willingness and graciousness to host our annual weekend is not unappreciated. 1st Sister: is it okay to mention how I shall be forever grateful that you've always been there for me? I sometimes wish that I lived closer for I do miss you all and once a year just isn't often enough.

Your little sister 5th

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Dear Ice Cream,

I can’t seem to get enough of you. You tempt me with your wholesome goodness.  You are simply good as is or dressed up in an assortment of accouterments.  I shall never tire of you and look forward to seeing you again my next trip down the freezer aisle.

A stalking 5th

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Dear Primal Challenge,

Having never met you before, I have no idea what to expect.  I have begun morning training runs and some weight training at the gym for improved upper body and core strength. Please let me know what else I can do in order to make this event a successful one. And by successful I mean just let me finish this race in one piece!

A fretting 5^th

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Dear Munchie-Boy,

I am very proud of the advances you made at your most recent swim meet. I do believe that as you gain height and muscle mass you will continue to improve by leaps and bounds.  And kudos to your coaches!

Oh…and the term is pelvic thrust, not public thrust, and not to be confused with public trust. Regardless, you are henceforth forbidden to ever attempt that move ever again.

Your stunned Mama 5^th

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Dear Bethany,

Today is the day we go get your UNRESTRICTED license. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. How about next week instead? Was that a scream, just now, coming from your room?

Your “just kidding” Mama 5th

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Dear Readers,

That's all from the pen of 5th Sister. I'm beginning to get writer's cramp. Until next time....

The 5th Sister

Sunday 160: Dawn's Interlude

(photo courtesy of www.inmagine.com)

morning dove croons

as busy squirrel chants

a lonely dog lending voice

a runner’s stride

and rhythmic breaths

providing accompaniment

a percussion

to morning’s melody

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Monkey Man is host to Sunday 160: where one must write a story or poem in EXACTLY 160 characters (spaces included). Please visit his site to read other entries and complete rules. 

Microfiction Muse #14

Listen up kid

I’m the top banana

around this place

Don’t you forget it

From now on

you’ll be known simply

as the red-headed step-child

Got it?

Good

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Micro-fiction Muse involves writing a very short story (140 characters max-including spaces) based upon a photo prompt. I make it my goal to always use140 characters exactly. Diane Estrella is our host for this weekly meme. Please be sure to visit her blog for complete rules and to visit other participants. 

I Must Be Crazy

It's official. I've gone off the deep end. Tell me what you think, okay.


About a year ago I had to deal with a few personal issues. During that time my weight dropped dramatically and my physician forbade me to do any aerobic exercise. My weight loss has since stabilized and I'm itching to be active again. So what did I do? Did I enroll in a beginner's yoga class? Or begin a body toning/strengthening course? Of course not. What I did, however was sign up to participate in this years Primal Challenge (aka "mud run", obstacle course). I have 72 days to train for this event. My family must be nuts, too. Mr. Sister and Bethany will be joining me as well. With that said, I'm heading out the door for my first run in months. If you don't hear from me again, send help, okay?