catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Jan 31

Wintertime vs. Winter Time

by catnipoflife

Awakenings being catnip’s sister site often appears here through Scoop.it! Only a small portion of those posts are scooped. It is always hoped each of catnip’s visitors clicks the link for the entire post since bits of historical trivia allow time to embrace the past, empower the present, enrich the future for you and America. Yesterday as I was working on Awakenings I realized this post IS catnip. So, if you are followers or visitor of both sites, this one will lift you up twice for the entire post appears here!

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January 31: the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. With 1/12 of the year gone, 334 days remain until year’s end. Winter is in full swing with visions of hope for an early spring buzzing around in our heads. That implies already looking ahead wishing time away so we can pack up boots, heavy coats and jeans replacing them with flip flops, tee-shirts and shorts. 

Time can’t hold us down but moves us forward, keeps us on our toes and immerses us in memorable scenes of the past, present and future. It is our best friend, often our worse enemy. We have too much time on our hands, not enough time to do the things that need to be done or just barely get by as time flies without warning.

winter_time

eliseenchanted.deviantart.com

We cry out in the name of time, time, time!

Winters come, winters go. They will always be a part of the cycle of life beginning a season of dormancy awaiting rebirth. Mosaics on frozen ponds and lakes stretch outward in all directions, cracks and crevices revealing life thriving underneath. One tree hangs on to its leaves while others stand barren baring scarred limbs naked to the earth and sky. Gone are the plush and green replaced by shades of gray often covered in blankets of white.

Thus, we live the Winter with thoughts of “I can’t wait until Spring arrives?” When wintertime arrives, do we simply wish away the winter time?

Wintertime vs. Winter Time 

Winters of the past
Aged not forgotten
Images frozen still
Long ago begottensimple_dividerTime within winter
Slowed to a crawl
Breaths unlabored
After toils of Fallsimple_dividerWinters of the present
Snowy fields impart
Stormy times ahead
Yet stillness of heartsimple_dividerTime within winter
Spans hours inside
Hopes and desires
Lay calm firesidesimple_dividerWinters of the future
What truly lies ahead?
Without needless worry
Living the moments insteadsimple_dividerTime within winter
Ensues time well spent
Without a single moment
Wond’ring where time went simple_dividerWintertime, any time
Past, present, future
Build upon images
Visions that nurture

©Sharla Lee Shults

If-we-had-no-winter

Awakenings Inspiration PoetrybySharla Reflection

4 Comments »
Jan 21

Awakenings: Stuck in the Mud

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

This Day in History: January 20, 1863

With today being celebrated as Robert E. Lee Day along with Martin Luther King Day, it seems most fitting to include a little story about mud and an event of the American Civil War. This, in turn, leads to a personal childhood mud story.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What is history without a story from childhood? Each of us has a fond memory that perhaps either directly or indirectly connects our lives in some way to past historical events.

Mine is a story of mud. . .@awakenings

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings PoetrybySharla Scoop.it

4 Comments »
Jan 19

Find Serenity

by catnipoflife

Serenity Serenity.jpg photo

“I had found a kind of serenity, a new maturity… I didn’t feel better or stronger than anyone else but it seemed no longer important whether everyone loved me or not–more important now was for me to love them. Feeling that way turns your whole life around; living becomes the act of giving.”  ~Beverly Sills

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Find Serenity

Serenity_Sunset

Serenity has not one color
One place nor one time
It’s sunrise and sunset
Blue waters of storm or calm…

Serenity_Blue_Water

Cloudy and cloudless
Tina ripples upon a lake
Silence within when tossed about
Breaking waves amid a wake…

Serenity_Lake

Distant as the farthest mountain
Atop the highest peak
Closest as the sweetest kiss
Nearby a rocky creek…

Serenity_Rocks

Velvet touch of the crimson rose
Touchless like the thorny vine
Happily ending love story
Tingling goosebumps up the spine…

Serenity_Rose

Find serenity
Within your heart, mind and soul
Easily seen on the outside
It’s the inner beauty to behold

catniplogosm1©2014 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

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Inspiration PoetrybySharla Reflection

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Jan 17

Awakenings: A Salute to Our Troops

by catnipoflife

See on Scoop.it – Awakenings: America & Beyond

All too often our country’s military misses out on life’s most precious moments. A soldier (in the sense here meaning any member of our military forces) may be thousands of miles away when news arrives of the birth of a son or daughter. Perhaps, the news is the opposite end of the spectrum, the death of a parent, brother, sister, or even a child. Distance separates families leaving times for communication often few and far between, time passes slowly …months … years … without seeing loved ones. Whether a first hello or final goodbye, the moments can never be regained. And, their stories touch the Heart of America.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

There are five branches to our military each with their own terms of identifications and regulations. The poetry Soldiers of America is being used in its broadest sense to honor all troops.

See on awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Awakenings PoetrybySharla Scoop.it

2 Comments »
Jan 15

Moving Right Along…

by catnipoflife

January seems to be on the speed track with the month already at its halfway mark. Time is moving right along at a pace much faster that we probably all prefer. Yet, with the passing of time lies the anticipation of the natural elements of early spring. Glory in the springtime initiates countless visions: greening hills, warming sun, tulips, pansies and wildflowers popping!

But, WAIT!! Am I being somewhat premature? The presence of ol’ man winter is still felt, chilling to the bone. That is, of course, unless you are relaxing on the beaches of sunny California, along Florida’s Emerald Coast, in the Florida Keys or perhaps cruising the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Ah-h-h-h! Sandy beaches, lounging chairs, suntan oil, basking in warm sunbeams, diving into cool waters—pleasure within an oasis of calm & relaxation!

Okay! Okay! Okay! Back to reality. . .

Before even splashing our mental coloring books with the hues of springtime, we must endure winter’s final chill or last blanket of pure white. As Terri Guillemets once quoted, “The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.“

So, put your imagination to work with some enduring visions of Ol’ Man Winter leading to the new birth of spring. Visual images featured today come by way of Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity. Marilyn is an awesome blogger enlightening her visitors and followers with her unique, often humorous writing along with her own awesome photography. She is also a published author. Check out her book The 12-Foot Teepee: A Survivor’s Tale @amazon.

Visions of Ol’ Man Winter

Snowcovered-Foliage

January brings ice palaces and snow
With plants lying dormant underneath
February stirs the depths of winter
Echoing sounds of chattering teeth

First_Snow

Cold sun amid afternoon shadows
Heralds colder temps at night
Warm blankets, cozy fires
Beckon cuddling up oh-so tight

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Winter time glistens
Adding its own personal glow
Pulsating with magic in the air
Creating mosaics in the snow

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Attuned to the winter cold
Hibernation’s a natural affair
With shorter days, longer nights
Sleeping resembles that of a bear

Winter-Woods

Sentiments of the winter season
Affirm human nature’s lassitude
Reflections echo the past and present
Offering a melancholy mood

Old-Number2

Nature in its own pristine beauty
Soon flourishes after winter’s thaw
Prickly, bristly thorns and spiny things
Will emerge cloaked in springtime’s awe

catniplogosm1©2014 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJztsL4NNLc

Inspiration PoetrybySharla Reflection

6 Comments »
Jan 8

Inspiration: Solace in Winter

by catnipoflife
Photo Credit: Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity

Photo Credit: Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity

How do you greet Winter—

Bitter, drab and dreary
Frosty sights and sounds
Anything but cheery…

 A silent ghostly presence
Chilling to the bone
Outwardly uninviting
Wishing it ‘Be gone!’?

Br-r-r-r-r is the sound
Silvery is the sight
From dawn to dusk
Bitterness through the night

This hoary side to Winter
Is that all there is to see—
A shroud of dreariness
Heaviness of heart to be?

Solace in Winter
Restores warmth to the very soul
Lifting up heavy hearts
As magical moments unfold

catniplogosm1©2014 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

Yes, indeed, Winter brings chills to the bone but with it comes extraordinary beauty, grace and even a sense of magic. For those encountering snow, early, early morning reveals a new dusting of silvery white from Nature’s paintbrush swishing over, under, around and through everything in sight. Ice-glazed water glistens in the daylight as tiny birds peck away for a single droplet. The gracefulness of snowflakes whirl and twirl around and around floating effortlessly, landing softly one atop another. Person after person stroll in the midst, bundled up like Eskimos, giggling as the cold bites each nose and resemble the main characters within a magical snow globe scene.

Of course, we know there is a flip side to the coin depicting this scene. Whipping winds, fast-falling stinging snow, blizzard warnings, subzero wind chills do not seem so inviting. Shoveling snow, scrapping windshields, steering away from snow banks, donning three to four layers of clothing are commonplace when treks outdoors must be made.

Regardless of the coin’s side, there is solace in Winter that touches the soul even in its coldest moments…

Where do you find solace in Winter?

Inspiration PoetrybySharla Reflection Video Clip

11 Comments »
Dec 28

Simplicity

by catnipoflife

[The links provided within today’s post provide additional insight into the world of simplicity as they connect to previous catnipoflife postings. For Eskimo Kisses, the link directs you to catnipoflife poetry within which you will need to scroll for the new poem.]

SimplicityHave you ever given much thought to the word, simplicity, other than relating it to the little things, those being easy to understand or do? There is simplicity of the world around us, simplicity of the moment, simplicity of thoughts, simplicity of actions, simplicity of trust, simplicity of values, simplicity of character, simplicity of respect, simplicity of generosity, which all fall within the complexity of love. None of these are hard to achieve. All reign within the realm of beauty, simple beauty, beauty of heart, mind, soul.

The mindset of beauty, its purity & clarity, forms the simplicity of elegance. To be elegant does not necessarily demand gaudiness for beauty is found in the humblest of things – beauty of a smile, beauty of wiping a single tear, beauty of an Eskimo kiss, beauty in the taste of a wild berry, beauty within the aroma of a freshly cut rose, beauty within the embers of a campfire (Read catnipoflife poetry below).

Then, there is the power of words, those which are penned for posterity.The most powerful expressions can be written in the simplest form yet be truly austere, most humbling, undemanding, fully generated from the heart.

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Around the Campfire

Nothing like the burning smell
Of a cozy open fire
As amber-glowing embers
Displace any chilling ire

A cup of rich piping hot cocoa
Eases bitterness of the cold
As vapor rises to the nostrils
On downward deep into the soul

All bundled up in sweats
Cross-legged on a woolen rug
Wisps of newly burnt ash
Land softly in my coffee mug

Smell of toasting marshmallows
Tempts all senses, typically taste
When golden brown in color
Ready to be eaten post haste

Simple aromas of nature
Sentimental thoughts do aspire
As wintry pine needles and cones
Sizzle, snap and pop in the fire

Old favorite campfire songs
Snuggling, ghost stories and such
Echo with smiles and laughter
Of memories loved so much

In the magical hour of midnight
No stronger time doth inspire
Than the gripping taste of hot cocoa
Around the blazing campfire

catniplogosm1©catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“One can enjoy a wood fire worthily only when he warms his thoughts by it as well as his hands and feet.”

—Odell Shepherd (American professor, poet & politician, 1884–1967)

Simplicity1

Inspiration PoetrybySharla Reflection Slideshow

12 Comments »
Dec 27

Angels in the Snow

by catnipoflife

“Angels in the Snow” is featured on catnip’s page catnipoflife poetry. Expressions on this page are in five categories: Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life and Savor life to its fullest! I do hope you enjoy reading and hopefully will find inspiration from words reflective of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

In case you have not visited catnipoflife poetry, “Angels in the Snow” is reposted here since it is befitting to the Winter season. After reading, hop on over for more of catnip’s poetry. Just click catnipoflife poetry.

Observe life at its best. . .

AngelsintheSnow
Angels in the Snow

Wintry days bring chills to the bone
Inviting the cozy fireplace
Sips on steaming cups of cocoa
Add warmth to eagerly embrace

Icy ponds and lakes form mosaics
Under the weight of sleds and skates
Hearts melt, hands clasp firmly together
Balancing two perfect soul mates

Day’s end sends heartbeats pounding
As we race for all our mighty worth—
Slipping, sliding, twisting, turning
Hurrying across the frozen earth

Snowflakes shine in the setting sun
Reflecting pure rawness of nature
Each one caught quickly disappears
Melting under the slightest pressure

A snowball fight puts us on our backs
Giggling and laughing all the while
Eyes meet along with a gentle kiss
Ending the battle with a smile

Lying on the snow-covered ground
We gaze upon the sky’s lustrous glow
Arms and legs reach upward and out
Making wondrous angels in the snow

CatnipLogoSm

©2012 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“An angel can illuminate the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision.”
 —St Thomas Aquinas (Italian Dominican Priest, 1224–1274)

PoetrybySharla

7 Comments »
Dec 27

Winter’s Berth

by catnipoflife

With winter comes days where chilling winds are felt right to the bone. In some areas, snow and ice  envelop the landscape leaving the only color in sight for miles being white. Unlike our furry friends, we don our heavy coats, boots, woolen socks, mittens and scarves to ward off the bite of the frigid air. Of course, we know the soft fur of our little friends keeps them warm without the need for all the extra ‘gear’ but that does not necessarily mean they do not feel the cold.

BUT… does the cold inevitably keep them indoors? See the slideshow ‘Come play with me!’ after the poem!

WhiteKitteninSnow

Winter’s Berth

A mound of silky white fur
Amid cushions of bottle green
Reflects hues of icy blue
Off crystal dewdrops barely seen

Teeny tiny silver moons
Draping from hairy stems
Tickle a pink little nose
Like frosty pearlized gems

Stretching and yawning
Rising above home turf
Tiny paws reach forth
Scratching in winter’s earth

Within a few steps
Visions begin to blur
Chilly winter winds
Softly lift the long fur

Delicate hints of sunlight
Peeping through bleak gray skies
Grant fleeting moments of warmth
Around wide-open eyes

Suddenly through the bitterness
A little hand reaches down
“Nosy Nettie, why are you here
Among plumage turned gray brown?”

With a special purr-r-r
Ever so thankful to be found
The snow white fur ball
Bids farewell to the cold, cold ground

©2012 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

The purr from cat to man says, ‘You bring me happiness; I am at peace with you.’
—Barbara L. Diamond (Writer, n.d.)

Touch of Catnip: Come play with me!

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Special Care After Play Time

After being outside, especially playing in the snow, little paw pads become very cold, often leading to numbness. Upon return to the indoors, cuddle time is first on the agenda. He or she will be happy to have a little bonding time with you. Once the furry little fellow (or gal) is cozy and warm in your lap next in the order of care is the purring pal’s paw massage. This stimulates the nerves making sure all feeling is restored to the toes. Speaking of toes, it is then time to inspect the space between each one, examining for possibility of debris or maybe a cut on the paw pad. Remember, there is a lot more to those cut little feet than just razor-sharp claws!

“Purr-r-r-r-r-r, purr-r-r-r-r-r, purr-r-r-r-r-r!” Gotta go. Someone’s calling…

Cats & Catnip Nature PoetrybySharla Slideshow

9 Comments »
Dec 23

A Bird’s Eye View

by catnipoflife

Have you ever thought what it would be like to view the earth as a bird? Ever dreamed you could fly (not in an airplane!) soaring about the treetops capable of touching the clouds (other than fog, of course)?

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Here are 30 incredibly fantastic views you could see if you were a bird…

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Ever wondered while you were that bird how you would manage getting food? Takes patience and a lot of perseverance…

A Bird’s Eye View

Wings expand with the gentle breeze
Soaring through the blue
Blade and bloom grace the meadowland
Nothing like a bird’s eye view

O’er rolling hills, down into valleys
Sleek, graceful, strong, light as a feather
Exploring recently harvested fields
Elegant in flight, no matter the weather

Seeking, searching, forward, backward
Circling what’s captured in sight
Watching for the right moment
To begin a natural fight

A chameleon crawls along the ground
Changing color, shifting from brown to green
Searching fervently for grasshoppers and worms
Camouflaged, barely visible, almost unseen

Swift, agile, virtually without a sound
Crawlapin sighted, playing hide ’n’ seek
A sharp dive, graceful swoop upward
Renders barely a snippet in the beak

Nature has a way of caring for her own
Ventures unconquered start anew
With a keen eye and unblemished spirit
Perseverance – from a bird’s eye view

Echoes©2004 Echoes
Sharla Lee Shults

If you were a bird, a different perspective…

Echoes Inspiration PoetrybySharla Slideshow

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