Last week I had a photoshoot along the jetties at Panama City Beach, FL. This was scheduled to accompany an article I was asked to write about the Catnip of Life, which will be published during the month of June (Stroll Grand Lagoon – Delivering Neighborhood Connections). The photo shoot was an absolute blast! There are always stories to tell and of course, there is a ‘doozy’ behind this photo.
There were quite a number of photo shoots going on the day we were at the jetties. Some photographers had their professional equipment set up in the sand, while others were shooting with their phones. Mandjo Brokaw had just finished a shot when I turned around and spotted a young man standing tall on top of the same rock as depicted below. Another young man was snapping pictures with his phone.
Without even thinking twice, I turned to Mandjo Brokaw and exclaimed, “I want a photo on top of that rock (pointing to the young man as he stood proudly upon the rock, which was about 6 ft above the sand)! In an instant, I approached the young man with the camera after he finished snapping pictures.
Yes! I introduced myself and asked a favor. “I want a picture on that rock but need assistance getting to the top.” He grabbed me by the hand and up we went! I was barefoot so had to be careful because the sand was slippery on the rocks. He was steady as could be and led me right to the top, stepped aside, and I raised my hands to the glory of our Heavenly Father! (The young man’s name is Colin and very handsome!)
My only regret is that I didn’t have more pictures taken while I was there, perhaps sitting, instead of only standing, and on one foot, instead of both feet! hahahahaha Tomorrow IS another day and the jetties are surely not going anywhere soon!
Observe. Listen. Embrace. Breathe. Savor. Life to Its Fullest!
This is a FB live I completed on Thursday, May 11,2023. Even though wishes are expressed for a Terrific Thursday, the message holds fast any day of the week: Marvelous Monday, Thrilling Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Terrific Thursday, Fabulous Friday, Super Saturday, and Splendid Sunday.
Step outside into the catnip of life! Need help in learning more about this catnip? Visit catnipoflife.infoClick the tab Books & Contact for the new release Catnip of Life! Grab your copy today! You can walk hand in hand with Mother Nature regardless of a bright sunny day or amidst grey clouds and stormy weather. Like the effects catnip has on the cat, reel with excitement or relax in tranquility!
Enjoy the simple things in life. . . learn to dance in the rain! Rain is fascinating. Rain is refreshing. Rain is rejuvenating. Rain is. . .
You finish the sentence as you see, feel, hear, even smell the rain. Speaking of the smell, while water is odorless, there is a distinct smell to rain, particularly after a dry spell. It is a pleasant, earthy smell that has a name – “petrichor.”
Did you know there is science behind rain? Yes, it is much more than simply water falling from the sky at which point you usually run so you don’t get wet!
As a kid, you probably loved to play in the rain. Run, jump, splash, even dance. Why should such joy be limited to days reminiscent of childhood? Afterall, you have an inner child that never grows old living and loving life to its fullest.
Rain dances to many rhythms from drizzle to sprinkle, steady flow to downpour. It makes its own music as tiny to big raindrops scatter or merge gracefully like a ballerina or eye-catching as a flash dance. What about that sweet, pungent smell? Is it truly the rain emitting an odor, the rain interacting with the air, or the reaction of rain striking the earth? There’s definitely a fresh, earthy smell well before first drops fall. Actually, with an approaching rainstorm’s climb in humidity, the odor rises up from its earthly embrace. That’s the moment you say, “It smells like rain!”
SMELL THE RAIN
Ah! Nothing like the aroma Of fresh-baked homemade bread Or that distinct powerful scent Warm cinnamon rolls spread!
Such succulent senses Can dull any pain But have you ever stopped To smell morning rain?
Peace abides in the meadow ’Til twilight in the countryside Where wet spicy fragrances Of newly-cut timbers abide
Subtle, soothing perfumes The colorful wildflowers yield But have you ever stopped To smell rain in a grassy field?
With morning light A bracing essence drifts by As sunbeams peep From behind clouds in the sky
A bold rainbow arches O’er a weather vane But have you ever stopped To smell lashing rain?
A farm road embraces An afternoon shower As dusty mist bathes Each tree, every flower
Within a few moments Freshness of senses is bestowed But have you ever stopped To smell rain on a dusty road?
What is this rain smell Of which I so speak? Somewhat surprising And always unique
Breathe in the rain smells Part of Mother Nature’s domain Dance in the puddles Left behind by the pouring rain
When the forecast is rainfall Break away from daily routines Let the rhythms of falling rain Compose a song of tranquil scenes
Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with liquid silver drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. —Langston Hughes (American Poet, 1902–1967)
With the launch and availability to obtain a copy of the Catnip of Life comes time for feedback in the form of comments on social media and reviews. What I have been receiving has been a mixture of pluses and minuses, which is to be expected. Writing is an art and oftentimes the intent of the writer vs. that of the reader mismatches. Also, to be taken into consideration, are the multiple genres available for reading. Most people have a favorite author or genre.
Catnip of Life is poetry, a hard sell but an easy read. The second page of the book makes the theme of this book of poetic verses very clear: Your gateway to understanding Mother Nature’s footprints by Sharla Lee. The end of Catnip of Life is YOUR beginning as you hopefully walk in the footsteps of nature with a newly found perspective.
Bottom Line: Grab your copy of Catnip of Life! Understand it is a book of poetry devoted to bringing deeper consciousness and awareness of nature to the forefront and the impact Mother Nature has on human nature.
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Overall, my impression of Catnip of Life by Sharla Lee is that it is a beautifully written and well-formatted book of poetry that offers a thought-provoking and meditative experience for the reader. The focus on nature and the invitation to appreciate its beauty and connect with it is a refreshing reminder in our busy modern lives.
— Len Tien 2nd degree connection2ndSales Staff at Viettel Group
I am not a fan of poetry, but I was impressed by the beautiful graphics on the cover. After sampling the introduction pages and reading the review on OBC, I gained the impression that ‘Catnip of Life’ is very well-written with enormous attention to detail. This book of the day would be great for those who enjoy poetry, those who are just starting to explore this art form.
— Anna H. Education Consultant
One thing I like about poems is that they help us understand important themes in a simple and lovely manner. Although I am not keen on reading collection of poems, I might give this one a try.
— Selmug Voruma, Student at University Diego Portales
Review on Amazon from the United Kingdom
This has to be one of the most impressive books of poetry I have recently read. Sharla Lee’s motivational artistry imprints the soul. She observes with a calm keen eye and a quiet soul. Wisdom lifts the spirit—perceive with a listening call.
Be appreciated by your friends. Gift them a copy of this book: lyrics pulsing with such rhythm will become a blessing.
— Eliza E., United Kingdom
Review on Amazon from the US
Every poem in this collection reads exactly like a motivational poster hung eye-level across the toilet of your beachside AirB&B. Each of these delightfully repetitive verses (seriously, a person can only read the words “bird”, “tree”, and “Mother Nature” so many times). . .
— Bo
My Overall Takeaway: Thank you for taking the time to post a comment. If we were all lovers of the same genre of reading, where would be the diversity?
From the Catnip of Life:
Do you witness the splendor of a sunrise or face just another day?
SPLENDOR OF SUNRISE
It is morning. Just another day. Or is it? How do you see it? Rising early, sleeping late? It’s all in how you begin it.
I arise with the sun Etching depth into the hour Promising, eventual Wondrous, splendid power
The sunrise—
It’s gorgeous. It’s glorious. It amplifies. It deifies.
Poetry Vs. Fiction
There are four major genres of literature: poetry, drama, nonfiction, and fiction. While poetry might be the first mentioned, it is not necessarily first choice. Poetry relishes in moments of time and space, keen observation, and acute listening in order to make sense of the world around us. It is very emotive usually in small doses, small moments, of minutiae. Fiction, for example, focuses more so on people and represents more of a character study. It can also be very emotive but in much larger doses with character sketches, scenes, and beginnings/endings of stories.
With fiction, we always seem to begin with the end in mind. Our thoughts wander throughout the reading as to what will happen next and how will it end. Poetry is different. A book of poetry can be read from its beginning page to the end. OR poems can be randomly selected according to the mood of the moment with a single poem being read over and over again garnering new emotions with each new reading. With fiction, it is what it is.
Catnip of Life was submitted to OnlineBookClub.org for review. Catnip received a 4/4 review from a level 4 reviewer, which made it eligible for Book of the Day. At the time of the review, the highest level was a 4. Since that time, the 4/4 has become 5/5, which makes the two equivalent.
Thank you, Scott Hughes, for OnlineBookClub.org and all followers for your engagement and downloading of my book. Have a blessed day! Enjoy the catnip!
Remember, the intention of Catnip of Life is for you to experience through nature what cats experience through catnip – that intense excitement or effortless tranquility.
The book Catnip of Life was launched March 02, 2023 @ Amazon!
Your own dose of catnip is now available for purchase!
Kindle $.99 through the weekend.
Paperback $19.95 for those who prefer book in hand.
The intention of Catnip of Life is for you to experience through nature what cats experience through catnip – that intense excitement or effortless tranquility. Using poetry as a tool to spread happiness and positivity, I am already working on two sequels (smaller versions) titled A Touch of Catnip and Voices in Nature. These serve as daily quick reminders and refreshers as you continue to 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!
NOTE:I am publishing under my maiden name Sharla Lee. Most people misspell my last name, Shults, because they simply have a difficult time understanding Shults can be spelled without the “c” and/or the “z.”
Then, of course, there is the matter of pronunciation. We will stay away from some of those, for many could be deemed x-rated.LOL, My publisher said, “Let’s keep it simple. Hopefully, only a few people can possibly misspell or mispronounce Lee!”
Do you consider yourself a lover of poetry or have you always shrugged at the thought of having to read poetry? Unfortunately, poetry carries with it the possibility of misunderstanding or totally not understanding at all the intent of the poet. It is deep within a matter of perception. Poetry written with vision presents pictures/scenes with words. As you read The Essence of Poetry, create not only a vision in your mind but a feeling in your heart. Listen to the rhythm of the words in the same manner as you would a song.
Poetry is rhythmic A melody like song Striking the heartstrings As life moves along
Tones are soothing Loving sometimes Words are healing Calming the mind
Verses of visions Paint a picture Share a moment Incite a venture
Lyrics that sing Summon caressing Pulse with rhythm Become a blessing
With nature’s embrace Spirits unfold Laughter amid tears Capture the soul
Poetry is art. The canvas is the mind. Thoughts are the paintbrush. Catnip of Life
On one of my morning walks, I glanced upon the sidewalk and noticed a clump of bird feathers. The vision captured in my mind produced. . .The Last Flight. With today being the anniversary of 9/11/2001, timing seemed appropriate for sharing.
Think about your plans for the day. Is Mother Nature part of the mental picture? If you are in a area of sunshine, take a brisk walk. Observe. Listen. Breathe. No sunshine? No worries. Stand in your doorway or look out a window. Marvel at what you see for behind every cloud or within each raindrop is a degree of sunshine.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Life is too short to let a day go by without a smile and saying, “I love you!”. . . out loud! To yourself!! Love yourself so that love will be spread to others!
To all my friends and family – past, present & future – I am back where I belong, in the writing world! After three years since its completion, I have pulled to the forefront and removed the dust from the pages of Catnip of Life. The manuscript is complete, 200+ pages of poetry, times for reflection, musings on life and famous quotes that make a personal connection to each poem.
catnipoflife blog is ready to reawaken your senses to the world around you! Today, more than ever, we need to remain thankful for the beauty of this earth that brings abundant gratefulness for simply being alive. Whether you followed me in the past or are new to catnip, welcome to my world that offers insight to help you “keep a smile on your face, joy in your heart and optimism on your tongue” (Lou Vickery, former New York Yankees, Author & Radio Show Host)
It is time to take Catnip of Life manuscript off the shelf, remove the dust from its pages and share its presence with all who desire to examine life through a personal lens and ponder what is or has been missing or gone unnoticed. The essence of Catnip of Life is 200+ pages of poetry, time for personal reflection, musings on life, and quotes that make a connection of the verses to real life.
I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence?
—James Thomson (Scottish Poet, 1700–1748)
Note about catnip: Catnip targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain.
To inevitably understand the catnip of life requires opening your senses to the world around you: Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest! The sky, the hills, the sea, the birds, the blossoms—each takes you to its own unique world. Captivating moments are right before your eyes, music to your ears, within your very grasp, under your nose waiting to be enjoyed.
Catnip of Life exposes nature as a diamond in the rough with its power to heal, outwardly in addition to inwardly. The verses reveal openness to the world, how simple everyday observances make a difference in your life, furthermore allowing you to touch the lives of others. From reflections where happiness is found in the darkest of times to sunshine easing innermost fears to experiencing life being given a second chance, there exists lightheartedness, along with heaviness of heart.
Keys to the catnip of life: beauty, imagination, nature, reflection, wonder!
First up is Diamond in the Rough. You have the option to read or listen to the audio (see below).
Diamond in the Rough
Awaken to the raw power of nature When crashing waves, lightning cavort Embark on a journey of pure imagery Where the mind’s eye is the transport
Blend the defiant power of nature With wonderment amid fascination Draw on the earth’s primordial spirit Charisma amongst imagination
Succumb to nature’s wilder places Mysticism within self-awareness Become lost in nature’s miracles Healing, transforming consciousness
Evoke visions of pure impulses Those of unbridled natural power Peaceful before quite overwhelming Surpassing any meditative hour
Observe nature untouched, unpolished Like finding a diamond in the rough Leave with a better understanding Of yourself interestingly enough
Proclaim the exhilaration A freedom deep within your soul It’s observing life at its best Totally under mind’s control
Quote of the Moment:
The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear. —Daniel Defoe (Journalist, 1660–1731)
AUDIO is for your Listening Pleasure! Close your eyes and enter the visionary mind.
Don’t leave yet! Time for observation and reflection…
As you go through the days ahead, focus on observing life at its best.
Observations—
On a scale of 1 to 10, right now in the moment, leave a comment rating your catnip level in observing life at its best. With the mindset of observance in the next few days, elevate your awareness of the world around you. Remain alert to capture something new or become more deeply acquainted with something familiar. Then, return to this post, leave a smile and add comment upon something you feel you never truly noticed…until your observance through the lens of the catnip of life.
Raw, rare beauty…that’s the diamond in the rough! It exists within the yard clutter of overgrown grass, scrubby shrubs, deciduous trees being housed in the most conspicuous, often non-conspicuous places. Eruptive, wildly beautiful engagements mix with snapshots of ethereal beauty as Mother Nature balances auras of delight with intensity. From the opening gates of dawn until the final curtain of daylight, nature channels its power of enchantment bringing you to your knees or lifting your spirits skyward. At the closing of day through the midnight hour, from dusk ’til dawn, nocturnal creatures add to your world of imagination with fascination.
Awaken to the raw power of nature
When crashing waves, lightning cavort
Embark on a journey of pure imagery
Where the mind’s eye is the transport
Blend the defiant power of nature
With wonderment amid fascination
Draw on the earth’s primordial spirit
Charisma amongst imagination
Succumb to nature’s wilder places
Mysticism within self-awareness
Become lost in nature’s miracles
Of healing, transforming consciousness
The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.
—Daniel Defoe (Journalist, 1660–1731)
catnipoflife 