Battlefield: A Flash Friday Offering

anxiety

declares war…

ego trips,

detonating

mines

planted within

emotions

clandestinely hidden

below

conscious thought…

sanity wounded,

embattled,

enslaved,

prisoner of war…

cunning enemy

masquerades

as gilded

bottles

bewildering 

captive victim

until courage,

strength,

empowerment,

found when,

out of desperation,

upon humbled knees

defeat's conceded

upon whispered prayers…

only then 

victory,

freedom 

come

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Our Week of Miracles, Birthdays, and Passings

"Mrs. Sister? This is Grace's mom, the one whose car Bethany ran into?"

"We've been expecting your call. My husband isn't home right now but let me get a pen and paper so I can take down the information."

"There'll be no need for that. There's a reason we delayed in calling you back regarding damage repairs. You see, we knew the transmission was about to give out on the car. It finally did and we decided it wasn't worth it to spend the $3200 to replace. We just now traded it in for a new vehicle. I wanted to let you know that you don't owe us a penny."

*Stunned silence*

"I don't even know how to begin to thank you. This is a true blessing. Thank you so much!"

It wasn't until after I hung up that I thought about what a true miracle this was. How many people would have done this very same thing? I don't know but I believe the chances are slim. They could have easily gone out and obtained an estimate for repairs that we would have gladly paid, keeping insurance out of it. They did not need to tell us about the transmission as that had nothing to do with the accident itself. When I relayed this phone call to Mr. Sister he was flabbergasted. But you know...anymore I am not surprised. I see it as Divine Providence at work through the "promises" of the spiritual program that I have adopted. One of the promises is "Fear of economic insecurity will leave us". When the accident 1st happened, instead of dwelling on it, I "let it go". I had to for my own peace of mind and sanity. This result is proof, for me anyways, that my spiritual program is working. 

We plan on thanking these people with a gift (to be determined)

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Happy 17th Birthday sweet daughter of mine. You have grown into a lovely young lady and you have made us proud. Enjoy your gift.

You know, I am truly impressed with how quickly she has picked up playing the ukulele. The chords are completely different from the guitar, along with fewer strings. I do believe Mr. Sister and I scored with one of the best gifts ever! The only gift that would have been better would have been a car of her own.

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Mr. Sister's Aunt Mary passed away yesterday. She was critically injured in a car accident 2 weeks ago. This woman, often misunderstood, was a saint. She was both an RN and physical therapist (retired). She worked tirelessly caring for her older siblings who are quite ill themselves. She was one of the strong supporters of my homeschooling efforts. She was a true example of her Catholic faith for her faith was in action every single day of her life. We are truly blessed to have had this woman in our lives. God speed, Aunt Mary.

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What's in a Name? A Flash Friday Offering

Polly wants a cracker…

where could Underdog be…

Polly put the kettle on

we’ll all have some tea…

Polly has a pocket

what’s it to you, dude…

Nirvana wrote song, y’know

so change that attitude…

Polly as a prefix

means many, more than one…

Anna’s not her middle name

yet, she smiles at your puns

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What can you say in 55 words?

The Parrot Dream

Photo Courtesy of Hideaway Farms Aviary

wasting away

imprisoned within

was he

plumage once

brilliant now dull

quite grey

how could she

have forgotten

glorious he?

morning’s light glints

off metal lock of

rusting cage

she takes note

memories rushing

guilt coursing

trembling she

attempts to make

amends awkwardly

placing wet offering

quenching parched,

aching thirst 

thinking he need

be grateful to she

this act of kindness

Instead he greedily

sucks dry, to his fill, 

and beyond

Horrified, she bears

witness to this

self imploding

this exploding,

bursting from within,

feathers flying

she was either

too late, or

not yet ready

to face fears

locked away

later realizing

what you feed

will grow beyond

all proportion

serenity found

by turning the key...

addiction set free

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The above free form poem is from a recently recalled dream I had when I was in my 20's (and in the throes of an eating disorder). I dreamt of a formerly beautiful parrot, locked within a cage. I had forgotten and neglected this bird for far too long. He was terribly emaciated, molting, no food or water to be found anywhere near. I gently placed a bowl of water within its cage. The bird eagerly lapped it up, but it was too much, too soon. It didn't know when to stop and ended up destroying itself. I was horrified. 

Fast forward 25 years. One morning last week I was at the kitchen sink. Something in the backyard caught my eye. It was a parrot! A large bird with green plumage and a crimson head. It looked just like the parrot that was in my dream. Fearing that the bird was lost I went outside to see if I could catch him, but he flew away. I haven't seen him since. 

Do the two things (one a dream/one a real occurrence) have anything to do with each other? I believe so. I feel that my God is telling me that the caged bird is now free...I have nothing to fear, not even surfacing memories. I am no longer on the path to self destruction but rather I am on the right path. I am exactly where I am meant to be as I continue to "trudge the road" towards my happy destiny.

Oh Christmas Tree...A Saturday Centus Offering

"Oh Christmas tree,"

"it doesn’t have to be this way!"

Sausage festering upon thy branch

when we’d rather have filet!

Could be worse…

I’m just a’guessing:

that pork could be slathered

w/rancid mustard dressing

Thanks but no thanks,

giving this a pass.

Feasting on fudge instead…

Chocolate won’t cause gas!

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This week's Centus includes a photo prompt, word prompt ("Oh Christmas tree"), AND a 50 word limit! Whew! Ms. Jenny certainly is a task master! And then, just for kicks, I decided to make it harder by using last week's prompt as well ("It doesn't have to be this way") due to my absence. I hope you enjoyed my little Christmas ditty that I was certainly fun to pen. Have a great weekend!

Manifest Destiny: A Flash Friday 55 Post

Destiny made manifest

within darkest night

where dreams, hope, courage

often take flight

Battles with Evil-One

never ending fight

outcome doesn’t matter

victory’s in the plight

Listen carefully inward

‘neath those muffled layers

steel thyself in silence

answers within the prayer

Dreams are who we are

(w/dramatic flair)

destiny made manifest

in images I share

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The conversation went like this (paraphrasing):

G-Man: Are you participating this week?

5th Sister: Depends. You have a topic for me?

G: Yes I do.

5th: And?

G: Please explain the concept of Manifest Destiny

5th: Seriously?

Now I know this wasn't what he meant but I am not a History buff but rather lean towards Science and Language Arts. This is the best I could do within the time constraint given (received my topic last night). Hope it makes sense. 

Monday Musings: December 12, 2011

During Mass yesterday morning the visiting priest, a diehard Carolina Panther fan, was certain to offer up several prayers for a Sunday afternoon victory. On our way to the game I said to Munchie Boy that I didn’t think it mattered to God who wins or loses a game and that prayers for such are most likely pointless. (Although I've been known to mutter a "Oh, please, God, oh please, oh please" a time or two myself) My son then protested that he prays for the Panthers to win all the time. I told him I was just trying to make a point and that his prayers couldn't hurt!

Long story short…we lost the game to the Atlanta Falcons 23-31 (after being ahead 23-7 at the end of the 1st half). On our way back to our car, Munchie looks to me and says, “Mom...I don’t think God is a Panther’s fan!” 

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My dreams of battling Evil continue. However, they have recently taken an interesting turn. A recurring theme in my dreams is the ability to hover and glide a foot off the floor. In my most recent dream my hovering morphed into flying! It was such a pleasure to soar above the tree lines and rooftops. This new ability has made it so much easier to evade and to spy on that dastardly Evil.

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Dear Dryer Repair Man,

Thanks to you, we now have clean underwear. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to spend the entire weekend catching up on 2 ½ weeks worth of dirty laundry. Thanks to you, the dryer is working overtime and functioning like new. Thanks to you, we did not have to purchase a major appliance with our Christmas funds.

I think I love you!

A grateful 5^th

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Dear Santa,

We must have been awfully good this past year for you to take the time out of your busy schedule to visit us and our neighbors! What a treat!

Merrily yours,

The 5^th on your list!

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Dear Charlotte Children's Choir,

What a joy it has been to see Bethany mature and hone her talent through the 7 years she has been a member. It is with a sad and heavy heart that she must take this upcoming semester off. School has to be a priority right now. 

Your Holiday concert was a delight. I hope you don't mind me sharing with my blog friends the piece combining the choirs. Beautiful, just beautiful!

Already missing you,

Music lovin' 5th

And The Winner Is.....

Congratulations Sue! 

And thanks to all who entered this holiday giveaway.

I do believe these will look marvelous on you!

Trash: A Flash Friday 55 Post

fistfuls of hair from shower drain

chewed up wads of gum

take out box never claimed

loads of swept up crumbs

chicken bones, Christmas wrap

dried-up apple cores

moldy bread, mysterious crap

towels used for spills on floors

dryer lint, vacuum dust

shards of shattered glass

bits of pizza crusts

‘tis what’s in my trash

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If word count would have allowed, 

I would have prefaced this piece with the following:

“one’s trash, another’s treasure”

so said G to me

I, with great pleasure,

present my trash to thee:

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Today is the last day to enter my Holiday Giveaway. 

For details and to enter in the comments, 

please click HERE

Winner will be drawn at 4:00pm Eastern Time

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My friend Su, of This Stop Willoughby, 

is also having a contest featuring the wonderful world of Novica. 

Be sure to check her blog out as well by clicking the link above.

Wordless Wednesday: Fabric Portraiture

                                                            

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I've been working on a new form of art.

I'm considering doing these on commission.

The above are gifts to my family.

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Be sure to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

Click HERE

Holiday Giveaway Reminder

Click HERE for details

Contest ends Friday

Sunday 160: The End

This ending

isn’t end

rather

a beginning

Time to explore

new jungles

& lay claim to

branches

bearing bunches

of previously concealed

bananas

Feast well

Don’t throw poop

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Image Courtesy of Clkr.com 

Thank you, Monkey Man, for the time spent hosting this meme. I've enjoyed the challenge and will miss our Sunday get-togethers. I wish you well on your break and will welcome you back, with arms wide open, should you decide to return to blogging. Bye, bye Monkey.

16

marching band,

cruising streets,

sneaking smokes

‘neath stadium-seats

first-time love,

heart’s defeat,

death awoke,

brother sleeps

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Ms. Jenny is a sly one. Today's writing exercise was to use 16 words about being 16. I took artistic liberty and threw in a memory from when I was 19 as it was a significant event in our lives, and remains a tender spot to this day.  

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Don't forget to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

Click HERE.

The Fetish: A Flash Friday 55 post

I know a man

who knows it all…

particularly women’s feet

A gentle arch,

well turned heels

makes him whimper ‘n weep

Stiletto pumps,

flip flop flats,

nicely polished toes

Platform shoes

w/narrow widths

sends him into throes!

Here’s to he

that silly gent

image just for him

 festive foot

petite, adorned

w/glittery, silvery trim

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Be sure to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

Click HERE 

The 5th Sister's Holiday Giveaway!

Violet Clouds

Amethyst cluster earrings

Made by the artisan "Tui" of Thailand

Just because I’m in a generous mood and desire to share my love of this very unique website, I am offering this holiday giveaway. To be eligible is simple: no hoops to jump through, no having to follow special rules or perform special stunts. All you need to do is

1.  Be or become a follower of my blog AND

2.  Make a comment that you would like to enter this giveaway

3.  Not required although it would be nice if you ”liked” me on Facebook

That is all. 

Simple and easy.

Why make it complicated?

Winner will be drawn next Friday, December 9, when my “random generators” return home from school. 

Good luck!

Oh, and guys...you are eligible to enter too! Think about that special lady in your life be it wife, girlfriend, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mother or grandmother. 

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Disclaimer: I have received NO compensation for this giveaway or for the promotion of Novica.com, National Geographic, or any organization associated with them. I am offering this giveaway of my own free will. 

Dream Debate: An Alphabe-Thursday Post

I stood there, arguing with Evil, 

over whether my hair was thick or thin. 

(Photo courtesy of Google Images.The words are mine.
I wish I could have found a photo with Ninjas

as that is how Evil usually presents himself to me. )

That is what I dreamt last night. It was a silly debate unless, of course, one looks for the deeper meaning of the symbolism involved. So off to Google I went and pulled up interpretations from 3 different sites:


Site #1: "Hair come from our heads so in dreams it can symbolize thoughts or how you think with regards to the subject matter of the dream." Huh? The subject matter of my dream WAS hair and what I think about my hair. In essence, this site is saying that my dream means that I think I have thick hair. Well, duh! I do have thick hair. So this dream symbolism isn't really symbolism after all.


Site #2: "Hair represents sensitivity and the dreamer's thoughts." I have a little issue with this interpretation as well. So does thick hair mean heightened sensitivity? Does thin hair mean insensitivity? And why would I argue with Evil on how sensitive I am? This dreamer's thoughts are that I don't think this is the meaning of this dream at all. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive. 


Site #3: "If your hair was luxuriant and you were pleased with its appearance and/or condition it is a sign of good health, progress, and contentment; but if it was thin, falling out, or worrying you in any way, it forecasts difficulties ahead." Cue Twilight Zone music. Too "out there" and too "horoscope-y" for me. This makes me think, then, that the interpreter here has a bias against bald people, is a hair bigot, AND prejudiced against the follicly challenged. Any dream analysis that proclaims any one dream symbol can broadly forecast the future is, in my opinion, bunk. Don't get me wrong, I've had dreams that have come true (where to find a missing cat, Mr. Sister's travel to Australia long before he began working for an Australian company, the death of my brother). But you cannot overgeneralize. It just doesn't work that way, at least for me.


I believe dreams to be very personal things. There are, most definitely, archetypal symbols. An example would be dreaming about a house: the levels of a house correlate with the levels of consciousness from the very deep subconsciousness (basement) to a heightened state of spirituality/self awareness (attic/penthouse/top floor). But the dreamer must determine what the dreams mean for themselves. My silly dream above is actually a recurring theme (the good vs evil part...not the hair). I am usually in some sort of battle with Evil...either a physical fight, a scholarly debate, or simply a schoolyard taunting. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, and sometimes it's a draw. 


Normally, I associate these confrontations as a metaphor to where I am at in my spiritual journey. Although, sometimes, my dreams simply provide pure comic relief for what has become a serious endeavor for the the past year and a half. 


I am glad that I dream.


I am grateful that I can remember my dreams.


I am thankful to be able to use them as guideposts as I trudge my own unique path towards becoming the woman I am meant to be. 

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Please be sure to enter my Holiday Giveaway!
Click HERE