ALONG THE MILKY WAY (with photos)

 
ALONG THE MILKY WAY

Flowers dancing
with shining stars,
twinkling along
the Milky Way,
fill my heart
with pleasure,
even glee,
as I float
with the clouds
way above
the hills and trees.



(c) barbara kausteklis 3-28-12

A second piece written for "Pick-Apart Poetry"
which this month welcomed spring with
some poetry of Wordsworth.

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/85245/85245/

Thanks always for your visits and comments.


~barb~

BEYOND THE BEYOND -- Blogophilia 5.5 (with photos)

As I'm always looking forward to and thankful for
the gift of each new day, I'm glad to share another
one along with this week's Blogophilia theme . . . .

Blogophilia week 5.5 - "A new day"

Bonus Points: (Hard, 2pts): incorporate a 60s dance move
(Easy, 1pt): mention a song title by The Eagles

Final date to post BLOG: March 31th, 2012 - Saturday, midnight Pacific Time
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: March 30th, 2012 - Friday, midnight Pacific Time

Please highlight or otherwise point out your bonus points attempts.

Guess correctly who submitted the topic... and a correct guess at who submitted the picture earns you additional points!!

Guess correctly the secret "word or phrase" earns a chance at more points. Including the secret word or phrase within your blog content earns an additional point.

****************




BEYOND THE BEYOND

Drifting off to sleep
and welcoming sweet dreams,
journeying toward midnight,
I hitch-hike upon moonbeams,
cocooned in a blanket
of twinkling stars
and carried upon
sweet angels' wings.

I'm a Midnight Flyer
as I dream through the night,
looking forward to the morning
and awaiting the Dawn's first light.
Tranquil harmonies serenade
as I lay down my head,
lifting my heart
and comforting me.

And beyond the horizon
of midnight I see,
my soul once more stirred,
a new fabric to weave
as morning breaks
and the new day begins
to a symphony of song
that the morning birds sing.
And I join in their song,
in their glorious melody,
welcoming a new day
that has risen with the sun.
And together we go forward
into the hope and promise
as the clouds of yesterday
have begun to drift away.
And I meet the day
right where it is,
beyond just what I can see,
and look forward to the future
and another brand new day.




(c) barbara kausteklis 3-28-12

Written for Blogophilia 5.5/"A New Day."

http://www.myspace.com/blogophilia/blog/545492956

GUESSES:

Theme submitted by: Sharonlee

Picture submitted by: Spirit Free





Phrases: Heavenly peace, Paradise dreaming, Blowing bubbles, mother and child, sleep in heavenly peace, I'm forever blowing bubbles, like a fish out of water, mini-me, Medusa and child, room with a view, window seat, serene siren, window to the world, M is for Mermaid, matching dreadlocks, "like mother, like child" "Earth, Sea and Sky", under the sea, swimming with sharks, under the sea, deep sleep

60's Dance Move used -- Hitch hike

Eagles' Song Title used -- "Midnight Flyer"

****************

Thanks always for your visits and comments
and for sharing another Blogophilia week with me.

~barb~

NATURE'S BLISS (with photos)

NATURE’S BLISS

My thoughts play

in the solitude

of the hills,

dancing to notes

heard in the breeze,

measured bliss

of every flower,

every cloud,

every leaf,

and enjoying

Nature’s sweet company.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-27-12

Written for CPC "Pick Apart Poetry Welcomes Spring."

this month featuring Wordsworth and a couple of

his well-known spring poems.

Co-Hosting with Cherie/Silver Lining. 

All are welcome to participate and share.

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/85245/85245/

Thanks always for your visits and comments.

Big Hugs.

~barb~

NATURE'S SOOTHING BALM -- "A Simple Sunday"

Artist: Darrell Shepherd

NATURE'S SOOTHING BALM

I've heard the voice of wisdom
as it rustled through the trees;
I've heard it in the ocean's waves
and whispered in the breeze.
And once more I hear it
in the rivers flowing
from high above,
Nature's soothing balm
washing over a land
so parched and dry ,
in dire need
of her soothing hand,
her waters passing
over the desert floor,
as life is restored,
renewed once more.

And with the flowing waters
of springtime and beyond,
my own heart is renewed,
also parched and dry,
as I once more fill my cup
at the river's edge
dipping into that water
so crystal clear and pure;
flowing from that place
where wisdom and hope reside,
passed down through generations,
which no barriers can restrain,
sweet wisdom flowing as day begins
and darkness gives way once more to light.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-25-12

Written for "A Simple Sunday Featuring
the Art of Darrell Shepherd."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/85081/cpc-sunday-share-host-artist-darrell-shepherd/

Thanks always for your visits and comments.

~barb~

WITHIN THE DAWN (Collab with photo)

 
WITHIN THE DAWN

Even when clouds are stormy and gray,
begin to enjoy life and do it today;
throw all your worries and troubles away;
for it is the dawning of a brand new day.

Let the light of love lead you there,
step forward and leave behind every care.
Toss aside any darkness you might find there;
for light and love can penetrate anywhere.

Go forward with love and never look back
as the dark of night gives way to the dawn;
let the light of love lead all the way,
and enjoy your life each and every day.

Throw all your worries and troubles away;
for it is the dawning of a brand new day.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-24-12

Thanks for sharing your lines with me:
Angel Love, Michelle K, Diane and Me, Barbara.

A Collab written for the CPC "Saturday Share."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/84932/saturday-share-20/

Lines used in addition to my own:

The dawning of a brand new day (Angel Love) REQUIRED
Even when clouds are stormy and gray (Michelle K)
Throw all your worries and troubles away (Angel Love)
Enjoying life in every way (Diane)
Let the light of love lead the way (Angel Love)
Worries you don’t have to dwell upon (Angel Love)
Just in all the beauty and live on (Diane)
Go forward with love and never look back (Angel Love)
A new day is full of hope and joy (Angel Love)

***************

Thanks always for your visits and precious comments.

Hoping this weekend has been a most excellent
and peaceful one for All.

~barb~

NO BETTER WAY (with photo)

NO BETTER WAY

What
better
way to start
my day than with
toast and jam and a tall cup of heaven
shared with fam'ly and friends and those who care?
No better way,
I would say,
than that
way.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-23-12

A Tetractys written for "Friday Fling/
Friday Fling Tetractyscally Toasts Toast."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/84766/friday-fling-toasts-toast/

The Tetractys Format:
According to ShadowPoetry.com

Tetractys, a poetic form invented by Ray Stebbing, consists of at least 5 lines of 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 syllables (total of 20). Tetractys can be written with more than one verse, but must follow suit with an inverted syllable count. Tetractys can also be reversed and written 10, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Double Tetractys: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 10, 4, 3, 2, 1

Triple Tetractys: 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 10, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 10

and so on.

“Euclid, the mathematician of classical times, considered the number series 1, 2, 3, 4 to have mystical significance because its sum is 10, so he dignified it with a name of its own – Tetractys. The tetractys could be Britain’s answer to the haiku. Its challenge is to express a complete thought, profound or comic, witty or wise, within the narrow compass of twenty syllables.” – Ray Stebbing

****************

Thanks always for your visits and comments
~barb~

SECOND CHANCES (with photo)

SECOND CHANCES

Each day as I awaken,
before my feet
even touch the floor,
I’m thankful for the day ahead
and another chance to ride
this crazy merry-go-round.

The first time around
I just didn’t notice,
or, rather,
didn’t really
take the time,
to see what was right
there in front of me,
daily gifts to see.

And then
something happened
that caused me
to stop in my tracks;
and I watched in awe
and amazement
how others handled
almost insurmountable pain
and circumstances
with such amazing grace.
No longer could I sit back
and watch my life go by,
taking each day for granted
when others had paid
such a huge and terrible price
for the second chances
they had at life.

And what they went through
forever changed my life.
The small things
taken for granted
became the big things to me.
Priorities shifted
in my life
as their second chances
became my second chance
to look around
and to really see
and appreciate each day
and what I have,
to focus
on what’s important
and to eliminate
what’s not.
And for that lesson
and for what it did
in my life,
I am forever
grateful.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-22-12

Written for "Thematic Attic/Second Chances."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/84867/cpc-thematic-attic-thursdaysecond-chance/

Thanks always for finding my pieces 
and for all visits and precious comments.

~barb~

NO KIDDING (with photos) -- Blogophilia 4.5

Blogophilia week 4.5 - "...and that's how it really happened"

Bonus Points:

(Hard, 2pts): Incorporate: 'two left feet'
(Easy, 1pt): mention an oxymoron

Final date to post BLOG: March 24th, 2012 - Saturday, midnight Pacific Time
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: March 23th, 2012 - Friday, midnight Pacific Time

Please highlight or otherwise point out your bonus points attempts.

Guess correctly who submitted the topic... and a correct guess at who submitted the picture earns you additional points!!

Guess correctly the secret "word or phrase" earns a chance at more points. Including the secret word or phrase within your blog content earns an additional point!!

****************





NO KIDDING . . . .

I tiptoed so very softly,
not wanting to disturb,
getting closer and closer,
careful not to say a word
but my two left feet
tripped over a rock
and the rest of me
went splat --
flat on my face,
right on the ground.
And what I was trying
so very hard to find
never was found
because of that sound.

So I tried again.

One foot in front of the other,
no two left feet this time,
I crept slowly
and silently
and held my breath
to see what I could see.
And what I saw
amazed me so --
I could hardly even believe.
Taking a snooze
on a branch
in the middle of the day
without a care in the world,
dreaming sweet dreams,
I know he was;
I swear I even saw him smile.

It was worth the wait,
that incredible sight,
the little furry fellow
was all tuckered out,
but clearly confused
about the time of day
and what being
a squirrel is all about.


This was the time to play,
not to sleep,
and I was so very glad
that I hadn't made a peep
and had a chance to see
this amazing sight.

I'm sure the wise night heron
who watched from
behind the scenes
can hardly contain himself
each time he sees me pass.



And the hummingbird
who saw it happen
still smiles down at me.
And I'm sure I heard her giggle
as she landed on
an adjacent branch.



And that's exactly how it happened
on that day not so long ago;
that's exactly how it happened
and I haven't changed a thing.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-21-12
(text and photos)

Written for Blogophilia 4.5/
"...and that's how it really happened."

http://www.myspace.com/blogophilia/blog/545463204

GUESSES:

TOPIC SUBMITTED BY: Little Did He Know

PICTURE SUBMITTED BY: Sharonlee






PHRASES: walking a fine line, tight-rope walking, balancing act, in the shadow of the sun, silhouette, deer in the headlights, The Shadow Knows, private eye, on the ropes, somewhere under the rainbow, wired, looking over your shoulder, aura, blind spots, walking the line, ring around a rosie, light at the end of the tunnel, electrifying, tunnel vision, Dark Shadows, blinded by the light, shadowy figures, poised and balanced, spring equinox, hotspot, hot wire, high wire, tight rope, sure-footed, high stepping, bulls-eye, Malcolm in the Middle, in the eye of the storm

OXYMORON MENTIONED: Clearly confused

*****************

Thanks always for your visits and comments
and for sharing another Blogophilia smile with me.

~barb~

BREAKING THROUGH THE SILENCE (with photos) - St. Patrick's Day 2012

BREAKING THROUGH THE SILENCE
St. Patrick's Day 2012

Melancholy moments
within frayed and broken strings,
a saddened heart drifting
and battered about by storms
preceding the Spring,
drifting away in muted silence,
overtaken by the tenor
of this very stormy day.

And I search within the gray
and in damp and darkness seek
some peace on this morning
when it seems so hard to find.
And finally a break in the clouds,
a small patch of blue in the distance
and a few rays of sunshine
piercing through the gray.
And that's all it took for me
on that morning recently
as wounded heartstrings
began to sing once more,
to the music of a new morning
emerging through the clouds.
And the strains of a celtic fiddle
break through the silence of the day,
and my own heart begins to sing
to those faraway sounds
as the notes embrace
and begin to comfort my soul.


(c) barbara kausteklis 3-17-12
St. Patrick's Day 2012

Thanks always for your visits
and precious comments
and for finding my pieces here.

Big Hugs.

~barb~

INTO FOCUS (with photo) -- "Magic Monday"

INTO FOCUS

On a day not so very different
from today or any other day
(though now as I look back,
it was rather different, I'd say),
I woke up unexpectedly
to the silence of the fog.
And on this morning,
just a year ago or so,
I found something magical
in that haze as it hugged
the ocean's edge
and me.

All alone with the morning,
the gentle music of the waves
brushing against the shore
and my heart,
I heard a solitary seabird
whose shriek pierced
the silence as memories
of Long Island summers
and early-morning fog
flooded onto the canvas
of this California morning
as I walked along the beach.

I pondered many things
within the solitude
of that morning
a year or so ago
and thought it quite ironic
that so much came into focus
within the magic of the fog.
And as the sea cliffs tossed aside
their morning blanket of white,
I inhaled the peace
that was left behind
as the gentle waves
still caressed the sand
underneath my feet.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-19-12

Written for CPC "Magic Monday/
Is There Magic in Your Fog?"

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/82202/magic-fog-3-18-2/

Thanks always for your visits and comments.

~barb~

UPON THE VERGE OF SPRING (A Simple Sunday)

Photographer: Angel Love

UPON THE VERGE OF SPRING

Our hearts danced and sang
on the day you were born,
so tiny and precious,
a true miracle of birth.
And when the time came
for you to test those new wings,
we knew you could fly
and do so many wonderful things.
We all knew you were ready,
you and us as well
because you were
and so were we.

And we were glad
to step back
and watch you
spread those wings
as you took
your very first flight.
We watched
as you began to fly
and as you then
began to soar,
your confidence growing
with every passing day.

And on this day
on the verge of Spring
I witness a new life,
a new journey begins,
miracles each one
whether big or small
as I'm reminded by
the tiny bird that sings
that there's so much beauty
that I miss within the chaos
that life often becomes.

And I'm reminded
on this day just before
the arrival of Spring.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-18-12

Written for CPC "A Simple Sunday/
Baby Wren Singing Spring"
featuring the photography of Angel Love.

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/84636/84636/

Thanks so much for your visits and comments
and to Angel Love for sharing her precious
and darling photo with us.

~barb~

NO DOUBT AT ALL (a Collab with photos)

NO DOUBT AT ALL

BY BARBARA K

A CPC COLLAB

Open the windows
and feel the warmth;
let the sunshine in
and forget all the strife.
The breezes of springtime
feel so very good;
another long winter
we have withstood.

Bright yellow daffodils
have started appearing
for even they know
that springtime is nearing.
Budding trees in the park
are ready to flower
after a refreshing
and cleansing
early spring shower.
Even the robin builds
her nest to prepare,
twig by twig constructed
with the greatest of care.
And as Nature spreads
her colorful buffet,
there's simply no doubt,
no question at all,
that spring is in the air
leaving winter behind.



(c) barbara kausteklis 3-10-12

Thanks to the following Pals
for sharing their lines with me:
Angel Love, Diane, Bettie, Michelle K,
Mikey, Scotorum, and Me, Barbara K

REQUIRED LINE -- "Spring is in the air."
Thanks always for your visits
and precious comments.

Big Hugs and Happy Sunday.

~barb~

WITHIN THE LAND OF MIDNIGHT DREAMS -- Blogophilia 3.5

Blogophilia 3.5 Topic: "You are cordially invited"

Bonus Points:
(Hard, 2pts): Incorporate: 'Ice Water Castles'
(Easy, 1pt): Include the name of Lady Godiva's horse

Final date to post BLOG: March 17th, 2012 - Saturday, midnight Pacific Time
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: March 16th, 2012 - Friday, midnight Pacific Time

Please highlight or otherwise point out your bonus points attempts.

Guess correctly who submitted the topic... and a correct guess at who submitted the picture earns you additional points!!

Guess correctly the secret "word or phrase" earns a chance at more points. Including the secret word or phrase within your blog content earns an additional point!!

****************

WITHIN THE LAND OF MIDNIGHT DREAMS

Mirrored majestic
mystical magic in flight,
crystal ice water castles
shining so bright
painted upon this velvety
and moonbeamed
canvas of night,
spiraled stairways
to the heavens above,
crystaline castles
ascending across the sky.
glistening visions
from the land
of midnight dreams;

And you are cordially invited
to come along with me.
Come just as you are;
and we'll travel among
galaxies so near
though seeming so far.
We'll travel together
to that place
where dreams are made,
iridescent wonder
imagination painted
across the nighttime sky.

We'll meet at
precisely midnight
when the time
is absolutely right,
finding our way
by moonbeams bright,
sprinkles of fairy dust
and sweet starlight.

And we'll get there
oh, so quickly,
majestic Aethenoth
taking the lead,
flying through the night,
this wondrous steed
in the same magical way
he sped through the lanes
of Coventry Town
so very long ago.

So we'll go there together
to that magical wonderland,
of crystalline ice water castles
and wintertime fantasies,
captivated by visions,
magical in the nightas our imaginations soar again,
transported to that special
place where mystical horses graze;
and butterflies dance
among rain-bowed gardens
and time is suspended
within the land of dreams.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-16-12

Written for Blogophilia 3.5/
"You Are Cordially Invited."

http://www.myspace.com/blogophilia/blog/545430866

GUESSES:

Topic: Sharonlee

Picture: Alba




PHRASES:

double-jointed, limber, belly flop, wide open, open wide, feathered, masked, peacock feathers, extreme sport, extreme exercise, taking it to the extreme, tatooed and feathered, contortionist, gripping, severe practice, hand-foot-and-mouth, touching toes, Big Bird, open wide, say "ah", light as a feather, stretched to the limit, cross-eyed, extremely fit, strutting like a peacock, yogi bird, gasping for air, fantastic gymnastics, evil eye, slip sliding away, feather in her cap, feather headdress, one-arm bandit, cross-eyed, severe practice, extreme exercise, extremely fit, in the eye of the beholder, shocked

LADY GODIVA'S HORSE: named Aethenoth according to such sources as Answers.com

Thanks always for your visits and comments
and for sharing another Blogophilia week with me.

Big Hugs.

~barb~

SILVER SCREEN MAGICAL (a "Wonderful Wednesday" Piece

SILVER-SCREEN MAGICAL

Silver screen magical
and how it used to be,
when black-and-white
was bigger than life
and so much more fun
than watching TV.
I loved the glamor,
the thrills and chills
of way back then
upon that silver screen,
so much bigger
than life itself
(or so to us it seemed).

We watched them
live and love and be
all that we dreamed
that we would be
when our big-screen
silver dreams came true
and we were swept
right off our feet.

And as I watch them
again and again,
(for they never
grow old),
I smile,
I laugh,
I cry
as when
I watched them
on that big silver screen
such a very long time ago.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-14-12

Written for CPC "Wonderful Wednesday/
A Journey Through the History of Film."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/84317/
journey-history-film-wonderful-wednesday-kristin/

Thanks always for your visits and precious comments.

Big Hugs.

~barb~

"WINDS OF CHANGE" (with photo)

WINDS OF CHANGE

I can feel the wind
as it blows
through my hair,
here and there
and everywhere,
as it kicks up the sand
and the leaves in the air;
puffy white clouds
so high in the sky
changing to ominous gray
and back to white again
in a springtime March wink.

Nothing is the same
from day to day
and so very often
(and most of the time)
I really like it that way.
Always something different
something new to try
to figure out,
not necessarily
much fun at first
but certainly guaranteed
to pique my curiosity,
to exercise my brain
and keep my interest high.

But I must say
it's not easy
and frustrations abound
as I try very hard
to navigate around,
to find my way
on these blustery
March days
through the maze
and the puzzle
of this adventure
known as life.

So I keep my eyes open
and look for the clues
that others have found
to help make things work
in a way that reduces
frustration and stress
as I try to make note
of what seems to work
(or not)
on this blustery March Day,
an adventure once more
as I continue to find my way.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-6-12

For CPC "Wonderful Wednesday
Meet and Greet/A Blustery Day."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/83514/
blustery-day-wednesday-meet-greet-elfwing-cpc/

Thanks always for all visits and comments.

Always such treasures.

~barb~

UPON THE BRINK (A "Magic Monday" Piece)

UPON THE BRINK

I stand again,
quite precariously,
upon the brink
of what's in store,
upon the edge
of the future
and what lies ahead
as time marches
on once more.

It has no intent
of slowing down,
time moving
oh so fast;
and in my dreams
of night and day,
just a tiny hint
of what might
come my way,
though I don't
really know when;
maybe tomorrow
or maybe someday.

Maybe magical moments,
maybe adventures bold;
I don't really have any idea
what the future holds;
But I'm glad to
have had the chance
to speed things up a bit,
for just last night
I got a jump start
as I set my clock ahead.
And as the hands
move 'round the clock,
I'm not too far behind,
for I know once more
I'm on my way
as I drift off to sleep
dreaming of
come what may.

But I know that
by jumping forward
in this way
I'm not getting
too far ahead,
as before I know it,
October will be here,
and I'll fall
once more
behind.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-12-12

Written for CPC "Magic Monday/
Changes in Springing Forward."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/82191/spring-magic-monday/

Thanks always for your visits and comments.

~barb~

AS THE SUN EMBRACES ME

Artist: Kismet/Evil Twin


AS THE SUN EMBRACES ME

Upon the verge of springtime,
the sun finds me where I am,
in the center of my being
and exactly where I stand.
And within this special moment
I feel the power surrounding me,
embracing my heart and soul,
wonder renewed and rekindled
as I awaken from the long sleep
that had overtaken me.

I feel my senses stirring,
the sun enveloping me,
reborn and renewed
as the chill of winter
dissipates once more
and the ice melts away
within Spring’s sweet embrace.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-11-12

Written for CPC "A Simple Sunday"
which featured the art of Kismet/Evil Twin.

Thanks always for your visits and comments.

~barb~

TREASURED STILL (A Toytime Triolet Duet)

A Toytime Triolet Duet





TREASURED STILL

Upon a shelf my toys still nest,
my favorite bears and paper planes.
I still think that they’re the best,
upon a shelf my toys still nest.
We play each day and hardly rest,
sweet paper dolls and trucks and cranes.
Upon a shelf my toys still nest,
my favorite bears and paper planes.

Childhood treasures cherished and loved,
no matter that they’re tattered and worn;
We still get together and have fun every day,
childhood treasures cherished and loved.
My favorite bears and paper planes,
playing dress-up even if clothes are torn;
childhood treasures cherished and loved
no matter that they’re tattered and worn.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-9-12

Written for CPC "Friday Fling/
The Friday Fling Plays Poetically With Our Favorite Toys

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/83458/friday-fling-plays-poetically-favorite-toys/

And also for BFF #173/"Toy Story."




https://sites.google.com/site/onestopblogworld/Downhome/Topic2/bff173toystory
and
http://www.facebook.com/groups/BFF4FUN/


According to ShadowPoetry.com,
the triolet format:

According to ShadowPoetry.com,

"A Triolet is a poetic form consisting of only 8 lines. Within a Triolet, the 1st, 4th, and 7th lines
repeat, and the 2nd and 8th lines do as well. The rhyme scheme is simple: ABaAabAB, capital
letters representing the repeated lines."

Thanks always for your visits and comments.

Big Hugs.

~barb~

HIGH FLYING (with photo)

HIGH FLYING

Flying up so high
at the end of a string,
I’m just a small kite,
but I can do
‘most anything
in the breezes
of spring.

I can soar
with the seagulls
when the wind is just right;
I can float with the clouds
so puffy and white;
I can dance
with the raindrops
if they happen to fall;
and I do tricks
and somersaults
when the wind’s
blowing really hard.

I love it up here
and would never
trade the view
that I have
as I’m flying
way up in the sky.
And most of all,
the very best thing,
I love making
the children smile
down there below,
even on a cloudy day
when the chilly
March winds blow

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-8-12

Written for "Thematic Attic Thursday/March Winds."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/83607/cpc-thematic-attic-thursdaymarch-winds/

Thanks always for your visits comments.

~barb~

THROUGH ROUGH SEAS AND CALM (Blogophilia 2.5)

Blogophilia 2.5 Topic: "...on the rocks"

Bonus Points:
(Hard, 2pts): incorporate the 80/20 principle
(Easy, 1pt): mention an Olympic sport which uses heavy metal

Final date to post BLOG: March 10th, 2012 - Saturday, midnight Pacific Time
Final date to post ALL GUESSES: March 9th, 2012 - Friday, midnight Pacific Time

Please highlight or otherwise point out your bonus points attempts.
Guess correctly who submitted the topic... and a correct guess at who submitted the picture earns you additional points!!

Guess correctly the secret "word or phrase" earns a chance at more points. Including the secret word or phrase within your blog content earns an additional point!!

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THROUGH ROUGH SEAS AND CALM

In so many directions
toward hither and yon,
my little ship sets sail
to places far and wide,
Through rough seas and calm,
And it doesn't matter much
that my ship's rather small,
for I'm glad to be sailing
upon these seas at all.

I know that I'll get there
one of these days,
to wherever I'm going,
to those places beyond
and destinations unknown,
setting sail every day
with the best of intentions
of getting it just right,
and making it safely
back to home port
each night.

But not everything
goes exactly the way
I want and know it should
Sometimes they go awry
and I'm left in the lurch
and not knowing quite
which way to turn.
But I must say though,
considering everything
that actually could go wrong,
the 80-20 principle
does seem to apply.
And I'm relieved that
though 80 percent of
the good things that occur
come from only 20 percent
of what could cause them;
Those odds still seem
quite good.

And at those times
when things might appear
to be so very wrong,
the rudder broken,
the compass askew,
rough waters ahead,
I look for that beacon
of light to guide my way.
And once again
our tiny ship sets sail
as we try to avoid avoid
whatever obstacles
that threaten our trip,
navigating choppy seas
and making sure not
to sail off course
and end up on the rocks.

And when things get
just a bit too much,
I imagine how
the Olympics must feel
as I imagine I'm competing
in the hammer throwas I heave the anchor
over the rail.

And I look forward
to calmer waters
as the storm subsides
and my little ship sails
toward the horizon ,
sails billowing in the wind,
my head resting on her bow
and my imagination
embracing the dream
once again.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-6-12

Written for Blogophilia 2.5/
". . . on the rocks."

http://www.myspace.com/blogophilia/blog/545397254

GUESSES
Topic submitted by: David II

Picture submitted by :David II




Phrases: Follow the leader, leading the pack, the thrill of the hunt, leader of the pack, on his trail, close behind, red riders, red rover-red rover, hound dog, leading the way, my favorite martian, little red riding hood, riders of the purple sage, shock and awe, fearless leader, nose to nose, following the scent, shoulder to shoulder, in hot pursuit, nosy, outfoxed, foxy, fox hunt, fox and hound, thrill of the chase, hounded, beagling, eager beagles, red coats, pack of dogs, neck-and-neck, closing in, hill and dale, wide-eyed, wide-eyed and bushy tailed, hunting season, catching up, tally ho, leading the field, following your nose, ain't nothing but a hound dog, uphill and down, in hot pursuit, riding the range

The Hammer Throw is an Olympic Sport using heavy metal.
"The hammer is a metal ball that is connected to a strong chain. The hammer thrower swings the hammer around him a few times and then lets go."
(From http://www.english-online.at/sports/athletics/track-and-field.htm)

And the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

The Pareto principle (also known as the 80–20 rule, the law of the vital few, and the principle of factor sparsity) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.
(From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle)
****************

Thanks always for your visits and comments

~barb~

IN THE SOUND OF THE WIND (or A BIT OF MARCH MADNESS) with photos

IN THE SOUND OF THE WIND
(or: A BIT OF MARCH MADNESS)

I hear my name
in the sound of the wind,
March breezes blowing
and spring ushered in,
sometimes marching,
occasionally dancing
to its own special song.
And when I look up at the sky
from down here below,
and see what I see
way up there so high,
I’m as puzzled as can be
as I try to figure out
what March is saying to me
in such unpredictable ways.

Sometimes I’m simply
left scratching my head
and thinking that surely
I should have stayed in bed
as on some days there’s
no logical explanation of why
things happen the way they do
and seem to go so very awry.

It’s madness, I say,
March Madness to be sure,
the comings and goings
from just who knows where,
sometimes so exotic
and other-worldly it seems
at other times just the opposite,
so calm and serene.

So for now I just take it
one step at a time
and day by day,
considering everything
that happens to come my way.

And as winter turns
once again into spring,
I’ll be looking for the rainbows
that come after the rain;
and I’ll be watching for butterflies
and puffy clouds in the sky;
and I’m sure that madness
that March seems to bring
will be be behind us soon
as we soar toward April
with the flowers of spring.





(c) barbara kausteklis 3-5-12

Written for "Magic Monday/
“Marching Into A Magical Madness.”

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/82186/marching-magical-madness/

Thanks so much for your precious comments
and for finding this piece and the others posted.

~barb~

ACROSS THE MILES . . . .

"Maryblue" by RC


ACROSS THE MILES

Lifting us up
when we fall
and picking us up
when we’re down,
always sharing a smile
and never a frown,
every so often
an angel comes my way.
And I can’t help but notice
when that happens to me,
my eyes open wide
so delighted in what I see.

And when it does
and this precious angel appears
at just the right time
and easing my fears,
I just have to say
how grateful I am
for this treasure
who has found me
across the miles
and turned tears
into smiles.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-4-12

Thanks so much, RC, for your beautiful art,
and Mary Margaret, for your beautiful friendship.

Written for CPC "A Simple Sunday"
featuring the art of RC.

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/82855/simple-sunday-suprise-artist-featured/

Thanks for your visits and comments 
as I'm so very blessed by each 
and every one of my friends.

Big Hugs.

~barb~

MAKING IT THROUGH (a Collab with Photo)

Celebrating 38 years of marriage this month,
this week's Collab theme was rather timely for me.




MAKING IT THROUGH

We'll make it through
this valley of tears;
we've been through
so much already
in all of these years.
We're going to make it,
no matter what it takes
for if we travel together,
we have absolutely no fears.

And with you by my side,
nothing can really go wrong
two hearts beating together
so much stronger than one
as dancing in a cobalt sky
until day slips into night,
we soar to new heights,
overcoming any obstacles
that get in our way
even when the clouds
are stormy and gray.

I know that together
life won't get us down;
we can make it through
any tears or heartbreaks,
conquering any troubling aches
for being together makes us
so much stronger than one.

(c) barbara kausteklis 3-3-12

Thanks so much for your lines:

Angel Love, ddpc50, Flossie, Michelle K,
Marcia, Mikey and Me, Barbara K

Written for the CPC "Saturday Share."

http://www.friendburst.com/blog/83098/saturday-share-17/

LINES SELECTED
(including my own and used pretty much in order):

We'll make it through this valley of tears (REQUIRED)

together we have no fears. (ddpc50)
When you're down and sad I wipe your tears (Flossie)
We’ve been through so much in all of these years (Angel Love)
We’re going to make it no matter what it takes (barbara k)
We can make it through any heartbreaks (Angel Love)
Conquering all the troubling aches (Michelle K)
Being together makes us so very strong (barbara k)
With you by my side nothing can go wrong (Angel Love)
Two hearts beating as one so strong (Marcia)
Dancing in a cobalt sky until day slips into night (Mikey)
We can soar to brand new heights (Angel Love)
We’ll overcome any obstacles that get in our way (barbara k)
Even when the clouds are stormy and gray (Michelle K)

Thanks always for your visits and precious comments.  


~barb~